The very popular North Carolina Pickle Festival is returning on April 25, 2026, with some events the night before. It takes place in nearby Mount Olive, North Carolina, the home of Mt. Olive Company. This is a free event, but some activities might have a cost. Mount Olive is just about an hour's drive, to the southeast, from Raleigh, and is a little closer for those along I-40 East, like … [Read more...] about 40th North Carolina Pickle Festival in nearby Mount Olive April 25
Food and drink
Free Community Dinner at RUMAH on Feb. 26
Raleigh United Mutual Aid Hub (RUMAH), at 415 Hillsborough Street, #101, Raleigh, North Carolina, is hosting a FREE community dinner on Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. This is a time to hang out, make some new friends and eat some free food! Raleigh United Mutual Aid is a volunteer-led, community-funded social center that serves by providing a place to gather, hosting countless … [Read more...] about Free Community Dinner at RUMAH on Feb. 26
Apex Restaurant Week Feb. 23 to March 1
Apex NC Restaurant Week will take place February 23 to March 1, 2026. During this time, participating restaurants are offering guests fixed price menus for either lunch or dinner. The 3-course dinner is $30 plus tax and tip, and the lunch specials are $15 plus tax and tip. Restaurants offering a special $15 lunch menu Restaurants offering a special 3-course $30 dinner Apex Restaurant … [Read more...] about Apex Restaurant Week Feb. 23 to March 1
Parktown Food Hub — Open Food Distribution Day Feb. 26
Parktown Food Hub is a community-based partnership aimed at reducing hunger and food insecurity in South Durham. Follow them on Facebook for announcements. Please check their website calendar and Facebook page before heading out, to make sure that there haven't been any changes. On their calendar you can find upcoming food distributions, events and volunteer opportunities. Donations are welcome … [Read more...] about Parktown Food Hub — Open Food Distribution Day Feb. 26
Free bowl of chili with purchase at Wendy’s Feb. 26 for National Chili Day
To celebrate National Chili Day, Wendy’s is offering a FREE small chili with any purchase of $5 or more on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at participating locations. Limit one per person. The one-day-only deal is only available for Wendy’s Rewards members via the restaurant’s app. Join Wendy’s Rewards here. A small chili is regularly $3.59. (Price might vary by location.) … [Read more...] about Free bowl of chili with purchase at Wendy’s Feb. 26 for National Chili Day
Vege-Palooza at Weaver Street Market Raleigh on Feb. 28
UPDATE: The event is sold out, according to the event link. Weaver Street Raleigh, at 404 West Hargett Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, is hosting Vege-Palooza on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event is free to attend. Looking to get more veggies into your diet? Join Vege-Palooza to find out more about vegetarian and vegan products, sample some great plant-based … [Read more...] about Vege-Palooza at Weaver Street Market Raleigh on Feb. 28
Free Farm Day at Mason Jar Lager Company March 7: Pet Highland cows and baby goats
The Mason Jar Lager Co., at 341 E. Broad Street, Fuquay-Varina, hosts frequent events, many of them free. They host live music every Saturday. You can find them on The Mason Jar's Facebook page. Upcoming Events Farm DaySaturday, March 7, 20264 to 7 p.m.Free Family-friendly petting zoo with highland cows and baby goats! There will be food trucks and cold drinks, plus live music … [Read more...] about Free Farm Day at Mason Jar Lager Company March 7: Pet Highland cows and baby goats
Magic the Gathering Meetups Every First and Third Wednesdays at Oaklyn Springs Brewery
Oaklyn Springs Brewery can be found at 2912 N Main Street, Fuquay-Varina. Oaklyn Springs Brewery grew from a home-brewing operation. Now they work to bring great beer to local neighbors in the Fuquay-Varina area. Oaklyn Springs Brewery hosts many events. You can find events listed on their website calendar or on the brewery's Facebook page. View our page for the Oaklyn Springs Taproom … [Read more...] about Magic the Gathering Meetups Every First and Third Wednesdays at Oaklyn Springs Brewery
9th Annual Darkness RISING Block Party — an arts & mental health event May 23
Darkness RISING: Live is an annual FREE music and mental health event in its 9th year. This block party celebrates wellness, the arts and community and features powerful performances, free resources and joy! The 2026 event is made possible by HealthLit4Wake. Darkness RISING takes place Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 1 to 5 p.m., at Moore Square, 201 S Blount Street, Raleigh, North … [Read more...] about 9th Annual Darkness RISING Block Party — an arts & mental health event May 23
Pi Day at The Durham: slices of pies for $3.14
Celebrate Pi Day at The Durham Hotel, 315 E Chapel Hill Street, Durham, North Carolina! On March 14, 2026, come to the Coffee Bar from 2 to 5 p.m. to enjoy pie on Pi(e) Day from acclaimed Durham baker, Phoebe Lawless. (While supplies last!) Slices of Phoebe’s pies available for $3.14 at the Coffee Bar. Pair your slice with lunch or an afternoon cup of Counter Culture Coffee. Phoebe will be … [Read more...] about Pi Day at The Durham: slices of pies for $3.14
