Triangle on the Cheap

Live well in the Triangle on a budget. Find fun, free things to do in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, NC

Festival

Get ready! Pullen Park’s Holiday Express tickets go on sale Oct 14

Holiday Express, the popular holiday train in Pullen Park, is back in December, 2025. Tickets will go on sale the morning of October 14, 2025, at 9 a.m. This year the tickets are being sold on Ticketmaster. For your best chance at getting tickets, go to the Ticketmaster page 10 minutes before 9 a.m., and make sure you're signed in to your Ticketmaster account and that you have a valid form of … [Read more...] about Get ready! Pullen Park’s Holiday Express tickets go on sale Oct 14

North Carolina State Fair Oct. 16 to 26 — everything you need to know, including how to save money

Mark your calendar! The North Carolina State Fair will take place October 16 to 26, 2025. Read on to learn how to save money and to learn about some of special features of the Fair. The N.C. State Fair takes place at the N. C. State Fairgrounds, 4285 Trinity Road, Raleigh, North Carolina. Prices and Discounts at N.C. State Fair You can save money by buying tickets in advance, online … [Read more...] about North Carolina State Fair Oct. 16 to 26 — everything you need to know, including how to save money

Scandinavian Christmas Fair Dec. 6

The annual Scandinavian Christmas Fair takes place Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Kerr Scott Building at the NC State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh. Admission is $10 for adults and free for children 12 and under. The Scandinavian Christmas Fair is a celebration of the rich traditions of the Nordic countries: Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and … [Read more...] about Scandinavian Christmas Fair Dec. 6

Raleigh’s International Wine & Beer Festival October 18

The folks who bring you Raleigh's International Food Festival are presenting Raleigh's International Wine & Beer Festival on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 12 to 8 p.m. at City Plaza, 443 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, North Carolina. A wide variety of international wine and beer suppliers are coming to Raleigh for this event. The festival is free to attend. Wine, beer and food will be … [Read more...] about Raleigh’s International Wine & Beer Festival October 18

NatureFest at North Carolina Botanical Garden Oct 18

North Carolina Botanical Garden, 100 Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, is hosting NatureFest on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 1 to 4 p.m. Explore the wonders of nature through a variety of engaging outdoor activity stations. This event is designed for families with children up to age 10. This FREE event is a family-friendly celebration of native plants and animals. Cool … [Read more...] about NatureFest at North Carolina Botanical Garden Oct 18

Posted by Jody Mace Filed Under: Festival · Kids · Outdoors

Harvest Festival at Duke Gardens Oct. 19

Sarah P. Duke Gardens, at 420 Anderson Street, Durham, North Carolina, is presenting its Harvest Festival on Sunday, October 19, 2025, from 1 to 4 p.m. This is a free, drop-in event, and no registration is required. Parking fees apply. Suggested parking location is in the H lot near the 2000 Lewis Street entrance. This festival takes place outdoors, at Charlotte Brody Discovery Garden (D3 … [Read more...] about Harvest Festival at Duke Gardens Oct. 19

Free fall festival at Parkside Town Commons, with pumpkin patch, trackless train, more…

Parkside Town Commons is hosting a free Pumpkin Patch Festival on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Parkside Town Commons is at  7129 O'Kelly Chapel Road, Cary. The festival takes place near Five Guys. The festival festures: Rain date is Sunday, October 19, 2025. … [Read more...] about Free fall festival at Parkside Town Commons, with pumpkin patch, trackless train, more…

Taste of Greece in Durham Oct 11-12

A Taste of Greece takes place October 11 and 12, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 7 p .m. both days, at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, 8306 NC Hwy 751, Durham, North Carolina. Admission is free. Purchase fabulous, authentic Greek food and scrumptious desserts to enjoy in the festive dining tent, or to take home. The Taverna will feature Greek wines and beer. Vendors will offer: An … [Read more...] about Taste of Greece in Durham Oct 11-12

Member of the Living on the Cheap Network

Triangle on the Cheap is a member of Living on the Cheap, a network of websites published by frugalistas, journalists and consumer advocates. Find practical advice on saving money on groceries, travel and shopping, plus tips from our experts on how to live the good life for less at Living on the Cheap.