Durham Beer Garden, 812 N Mangum Street, Durham, North Carolina, is hosting its 3rd Annual Oktoberfest on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 1 to 10 p.m. It's free to attend. Enjoy a full day of German beer, food, live music, competitions and Oktoberfest fun, including pretzel necklace making. German-Style Beers: They'll be pouring a variety of traditional styles, including Märzen, … [Read more...] about Oktoberfest at Durham Beer Garden on Sept. 19
Entertainment
Smithfield Oktoberfest October 10
Head to Downtown Historic Smithfield, North Carolina, for Oktoberfest on Saturday, 10, 2026, from 12 to 4 p.m. This is a rescheduled date. This is a free event. The event features: … [Read more...] about Smithfield Oktoberfest October 10
Free: River Park Concert in Hillsborough Oct. 24
River Park Concert Series is a free, volunteer-driven outdoor music event presented by Triangle Music Alliance. It takes place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Downtown River Park, 144 E. Margaret Lane, Hillsborough, North Carolina. The headliner is The Brothers Comatose. The other artists performing at the event are Tan and Sober Gentlemen, Jack the Radio, and The Ghost … [Read more...] about Free: River Park Concert in Hillsborough Oct. 24
Packapalooza: Free festival at NC State August 22
Packapalooza is a huge, free, family-friendly block party and street festival welcoming the Wolfpack back to campus. It takes place on Hillsborough Street in Raleigh, from Brooks Avenue to the roundabout near the Memorial Belltower, on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. The whole community is invited to this free street festival. The festival includes music, games, vendors and much … [Read more...] about Packapalooza: Free festival at NC State August 22
Coming up at The Longleaf Hotel: Free Yoga Under the Stars, Comedy, Live Music, more…
In the northern part of Downtown Raleigh, 300 N Dawson Street, you'll find a preservation success story. A 1960s TraveLodge has been saved and modernized. Now the Longleaf Hotel, it exudes retro charm with many uncovered mid-century details. If you're looking for a place to stay in Raleigh, the rooms are modern and cozy, and compare favorably, price-wise, with other rooms in Downtown … [Read more...] about Coming up at The Longleaf Hotel: Free Yoga Under the Stars, Comedy, Live Music, more…
One Tribe Drum Circle at Dix Park Sept. 4
Dix Park will be hosting drum circles, led by One Tribe, at the Stone Houses Visitor Center, 830 Umstead Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina, on the first Friday of the month from June to November, 2026, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. There's no cost, but please register. However! One Tribe says that even if the event shows as "sold out," come anyway! Seating is provided. If you have drums or other hand … [Read more...] about One Tribe Drum Circle at Dix Park Sept. 4
Carolina Circus Festival — free event in Cary with performances, workshops and more Sept 12
Carolina Circus Festival is a FREE event that will take place in Cary on September 12, 2026, from 3 to 10 p.m. The festival is a full day of circus related workshops and shows. There will also be a full market of vendors and food. It takes place in Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy Street, Cary, North Carolina. Festival Features Arts Market Booths Food Trucks Hosted by the … [Read more...] about Carolina Circus Festival — free event in Cary with performances, workshops and more Sept 12
Dance Gumbo: Free outdoor dance fitness at NCMA Museum Park
North Carolina Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, North Carolina, is hosting Dance Gumbo, dance fitness classes led by instructor Jordan Farrell. These are FREE (or pay what you wish) classes that take place at the Ellipse in the Museum Park. You'll find a link for each class here. Be sure to register. Each class blends pop, Zumba, Latin, hip-hop, and more into an energetic, … [Read more...] about Dance Gumbo: Free outdoor dance fitness at NCMA Museum Park
Rhythm & Reels: Free concert and movie series in Apex
Rhythm & Reels is a FREE outdoor concert and movie series that takes place from June 6 to August 22, 2026, at Nature Park Amphitheatre, 2600 Evans Road, Apex, North Carolina. On select Saturday evenings, enjoy a night of music or movies under the stars. Concerts begin at 6 p.m. Movies begin at dusk. Learn about each musical artist and movie here. Concerts Movies … [Read more...] about Rhythm & Reels: Free concert and movie series in Apex
CaryLive! Concert: Delta Rae on Aug. 22
CaryLive! is a free concert series at Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy Street, Cary, North Carolina. The concerts will take place at the Great Lawn Pavilion, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., and are free to attend. CaryLive! Schedule Follow each link below for information on the artist. … [Read more...] about CaryLive! Concert: Delta Rae on Aug. 22
