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

Pawpaw Palooza at The Plant Aug. 30

The Plant and Fullsteam Brewery are presenting the second Pawpaw Palooza at The Plant, 220 Lorax Lane, Pittsboro, North Carolina, on Sunday, August 30, 2026, from 12 to 6 p.m. It's free to attend. Celebrate North America’s largest native fruit at Pawpaw Palooza. Sample creative uses of this regional treasure while enjoying local food, drinks, shopping, and live music. Festival … [Read more...] about Pawpaw Palooza at The Plant Aug. 30

Cary’s Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival August 22-23

The Town of Cary's Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival is back for 2026! It will take place August 22 and 23, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The setting is Cary Town Hall Campus in Downtown Cary, 316 N. Academy Street, Cary. This is a free festival. The 50th Annual Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival features: Jump for more information on: Artist Gallery Over 250 artists are … [Read more...] about Cary’s Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival August 22-23

Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo Aug. 23

Shop Local Raleigh is presenting The Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo on Fayetteville Street in Downtown Raleigh. Many food trucks will be at each of these events, making them some of the biggest food truck events in the Triangle. Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo Dates in 2026 Raleigh Food Truck RodeoSunday, June 21, 202612 to 6 p.m.Free (pay for food) Raleigh Food Truck RodeoSunday, August 23, 202612 to 6 … [Read more...] about Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo Aug. 23

Oktoberfest at Durham Beer Garden on Sept. 19

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

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

Cultivating Wellness — Family Health Festival Aug. 22

Bulltánica, a Center for Well-Being, at 105 W Knox Street, Durham, North Carolina, is hosting Cultivating Wellness -- Family Health Festival on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 1 to 5 p.m. This is a free event. This is a family festival for nourishment, movement, rest, creativity, belonging, time in nature and community connections. Enjoy: … [Read more...] about Cultivating Wellness — Family Health Festival Aug. 22

Vege-Palooza at Weaver Street Market Raleigh on Aug. 22

Weaver Street Raleigh, at 404 West Hargett Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, is hosting Vege-Palooza on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event is free to attend. Looking to get more veggies into your diet? Join Vege-Palooza to find out more! Culinary Demonstrations Samplings Kid’s Activities Meet … [Read more...] about Vege-Palooza at Weaver Street Market Raleigh on Aug. 22

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