Free, nutritious meals are available to children up to age 18 this summer, through August, 2026. These programs, most of which are funded by the USDA, are available to all kids. There is no income requirement for the meals. The federal program is intended to fill the nutrition gap that can occur when school is not in session. We're listing a few different ways to find the free meal sites. Make … [Read more...] about How to Find Free Summer Meals for Kids in 2026
Kids
Visit Raleigh Fire Museum 2nd Saturday of month (for free)
Raleigh Fire Museum, 105 Keeter Center Drive in Raleigh, is open just one day a month to the public, although tours can be scheduled other times. If you'd like to just walk in, though, come by the second Saturday of the month, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. It's free to visit. See photos and artifacts that tell the story of the history of firefighting. This is a small museum but it has hundreds of … [Read more...] about Visit Raleigh Fire Museum 2nd Saturday of month (for free)
Soccer Square Fan Fest — World Cup Watch Party and Festival at Moore Square June 11-14
Soccer Square Fan Fest is a four-day World Cup watch party and community fan festival at Moore Square, 201 S Blount Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, celebrating the opening weekend of the 2026 World Cup. The event will feature live match screenings on a large outdoor screen, food trucks, a beer garden, lawn games, and interactive soccer-themed activities every day. On select days, come meet … [Read more...] about Soccer Square Fan Fest — World Cup Watch Party and Festival at Moore Square June 11-14
Oops! All Clowns! Shakespeare! At Carrboro Town Commons August 1
Oops! All Clowns! Shakespeare is a 20-minute family-friendly musical romp through your favorite Shakespeare plays. All the actors are dressed as clowns! It takes place Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Carrboro Town Commons, 301 W Main Street, Carrboro, North Carolina, during the Carrboro Really Really Free Market. Performances will be at 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. The show is FREE and is presented to … [Read more...] about Oops! All Clowns! Shakespeare! At Carrboro Town Commons August 1
Kids can make a mini toy box at Lowe’s on June 13 (registration required)
Lowe's Kids' Workshops and The Home Depot Kids' Workshops are both fun, in-person workshops that give kids a chance to build a simple (usually seasonal) toy or accessory. The workshops, which are free, teach kids basic building skills, as well as safety. The Home Depot Kids' Workshops The Home Depot's Kids' Workshops take place the first Saturday of the month, from 9 a.m. to … [Read more...] about Kids can make a mini toy box at Lowe’s on June 13 (registration required)
Triangle Community Band Festival at Durham Central Park June 13
The Annual Triangle Community Band Festival will take place on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 6 p.m., at Durham Central Park, 501 Foster Street, Durham, North Carolina. This is a FREE event! Enjoy performances by several area community bands: The finale includes all five bands performing together! Multiple food trucks will be on site. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. The concert will … [Read more...] about Triangle Community Band Festival at Durham Central Park June 13
Triangle 4th of July fireworks and celebrations 2026 — Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and many more
Wondering where to watch fireworks and celebrate the 4th of July in Raleigh and throughout the Triangle? Here are the answers! The biggest and best 4th of July fireworks and celebrations in the Triangle will be back in 2026! There are many fireworks shows taking place across the Triangle, including Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Wake Forest and more. There are also other festivals, celebrations and … [Read more...] about Triangle 4th of July fireworks and celebrations 2026 — Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and many more
Summer Kickoff at the LocoShop in Durham June 10 — Crafts, Wool E. Bull, BOGO scoops, more…
LocoShop, 600 Foster Street, Durham, North Carolina, is hosting a Summer Kickoff Party on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, from 2 to 5 p.m. Free event! Welcome summer with: … [Read more...] about Summer Kickoff at the LocoShop in Durham June 10 — Crafts, Wool E. Bull, BOGO scoops, more…
Raleigh Drum Circle at Pullen Park on Wednesdays (outdoors)
Each week everyone is invited to participate in the Raleigh Drum Circle and Raleigh Hoop Jam. This is an all ages event and no experience is required. Free to participate. If you have drums, shakers, etc., please bring them, but there might be a few available to borrow. The event is held every Wednesday, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Pullen Park, 520 Ashe Avenue, Raleigh, North Carolina. Learn … [Read more...] about Raleigh Drum Circle at Pullen Park on Wednesdays (outdoors)
Summer Music Series at Waverly Place
Waverly Place, 302 Colonades Way, Cary, North Carolina, is presenting Summer Music Series every Wednesday from June 3 to 24, 2026. The concerts feature fun, high-energy bands. Then, Waverly Place will present Sunset Music Series every Wednesday in September, 2026. The concerts take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and are free to attend. You can find all the concerts listed on Waverly Place's event … [Read more...] about Summer Music Series at Waverly Place
