For Emancipation Day, the Pope House Museum, 511 S Wilmington Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, will be presenting Fighting for Freedom: Black Civil War Reenactors. This free event takes place on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. No registration is required. Travel back in time to see United States Colored Troops and allies as they tell stories of real-life Black soldiers … [Read more...] about Emancipation Day: Fighting for Freedom: Black Civil War Reenactors at Pope House Museum Jan. 3
Museums and attractions
Emancipation Day: Breakfast and Lecture at City of Raleigh Museum January 3
Emancipation Day, a long-standing North Carolina Tradition, is a commemoration of the Emancipation Proclamation. Traditionally this was celebrated on January 1st, and included a parade and program, followed by singing, poetry reading, and speeches by both black and white leaders. The City of Raleigh Museum, 220 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, is hosting an Emancipation Day … [Read more...] about Emancipation Day: Breakfast and Lecture at City of Raleigh Museum January 3
Free Cookies and Cider at Museum of Durham History every weekend through Dec. 21
Museum of Durham History, at 500 W. Main Street between Downtown Durham and Brightleaf Square, is free to visit. It's open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. It's open late for Durham Third Friday. Events at Museum of Durham History The museum will be offering FREE cookies and cider, every Friday through Sunday, through December 21, 2025. … [Read more...] about Free Cookies and Cider at Museum of Durham History every weekend through Dec. 21
Festive Family Fun Day at City of Raleigh Museum Dec. 13
City of Raleigh Museum's mission is to "Preserve Raleigh's Past for the Future." It debuted its first exhibit in 1993, and operated as a nonprofit until 2012, when the City of Raleigh assumed operational control. It's supported by the nonprofit Friends of the COR Museum. It's at 220 Fayetteville Street, in the 1874 Briggs Building in historic downtown Raleigh. Admission is free, although a … [Read more...] about Festive Family Fun Day at City of Raleigh Museum Dec. 13
North Carolina Zoo: just $5 from Dec 15 to 19
North Carolina Zoo is offering a special discount, Jingle in the Jungle, from December 15 to 19, 2025. Admission is just $5 per person. It's normally $20 at the gate for adults. Hours during these days are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the last entry at 3 p.m. The promotion is available only at the gate and can not be combined with any other offers or discounts. Park and enter at the North … [Read more...] about North Carolina Zoo: just $5 from Dec 15 to 19
Teen Science Café at Daily Planet Cafe Dec. 5
Once a month, N.C. Museum of Natural sciences holds a free event for teens, Teen Science Café. These events usually take place the first Friday of the month (with a couple of exceptions; see below) during the school year, from 6 to 7 p.m., at the Daily Planet Cafe, the coffee shop within the Nature Research Center, at 121 W Jones Street, Raleigh. Each cafe will includes a science … [Read more...] about Teen Science Café at Daily Planet Cafe Dec. 5
Museum of Life and Science free for Durham residents Dec. 2
Museum of Life and Science, 433 W Murray Avenue, Durham, is one of the most popular attractions in Durham. It features indoor and outdoor exhibits that encourage children to learn about the world around them. The exhibits explore a wide range of scientific fields -- physics, zoology, aerospace, weather, sound, and more -- all in a fun, hands-on way. The museum is on 84 acres, with plenty … [Read more...] about Museum of Life and Science free for Durham residents Dec. 2
30th Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration Nov. 22 (held at NC Museum of Art)
North Carolina Museum of History's popular American Indian Heritage Celebration returns on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Due to the renovations at the NC Museum of History, it will take place at North Carolina Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, North Carolina. This is a free event. This festival is an annual celebration of the rich diversity and … [Read more...] about 30th Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration Nov. 22 (held at NC Museum of Art)
Pauli Murray Birthday Celebration Nov. 22
Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice, at 906 Carroll Street, Durham, North Carolina, is devoted to the legacy and work of Pauli Murray. Set in Murray's childhood home, it opened in 2024. Learn about Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray, who was a civil rights activist, lawyer, educator, and more. Paul Murray Birthday Celebration The Pauli Murray Center is hosting a Pauli Murray Birthday … [Read more...] about Pauli Murray Birthday Celebration Nov. 22
Old Hillsborough Road Market Nov. 22
Bennett Place State Historic Site, at 4409 Bennett Memorial Road in Durham, is the site of a significant surrender of the south in the Civil War. It's always free to visit the visitor center and nature trails, but there's a small charge for tours. Several special events take place at Bennett Place State Historic Site. Here are a couple of the upcoming events (Visit Bennett Place's website or … [Read more...] about Old Hillsborough Road Market Nov. 22
