North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences' Astronomy Days will take place January 31 and February 1, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. These are rescheduled dates, due to the winter weather on the scheduled dates. The theme of Astronomy Days this years is Passport to the Moon. The two days will be packed with lunar-focused programming. The festival takes place at North Carolina Museum … [Read more...] about Astronomy Days at North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences rescheduled to Jan. 31 and Feb. 1
Museums and attractions
25th Annual African American Cultural Celebration — held at North Carolina Museum of Art on Jan. 31
North Carolina Museum of History's 25th Annual African American Cultural Celebration will take place at North Carolina Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, North Carolina, since the NC Museum of History is closed for renovation. The festival takes place Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This is a free event. This festival is the kickoff to Black History Month … [Read more...] about 25th Annual African American Cultural Celebration — held at North Carolina Museum of Art on Jan. 31
Free Drawing in the Galleries Event at Ackland Art Museum, Jan. 24, and more
Ackland Art Museum, on the University of North Carolina campus, at 101 South Columbia Street, is always free to visit. The Ackland's permanent collection features more than 19,000 works of art, including Asian art, North Carolina pottery, collections of European masterworks, and more. Visiting Ackland Art Museum Hours Ackland Art Museum is free to visit. Hours are Wednesday to Saturday … [Read more...] about Free Drawing in the Galleries Event at Ackland Art Museum, Jan. 24, and more
Free Friday at Mordecai Historic Park Jan. 23
Mordecai Historic Park, at 1 Mimosa Street, Raleigh, includes the Mordecai House, which is the oldest house in Raleigh in its original location. It was built in 1785. It became a public park in 1972. The park also includes: The park encompasses 3.2 acres in the heart of downtown Raleigh. Tours cost $7 for adults, $3 for seniors, $4 for youth. Kids 6 and under are free. Upcoming … [Read more...] about Free Friday at Mordecai Historic Park Jan. 23
Free Events at Museum of Durham History: History Talks, Family Fun Day
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 Fireside Chat: The Early History of Research Triangle ParkThursday, February 5, 20266 p.m.Free Go behind the scenes of one … [Read more...] about Free Events at Museum of Durham History: History Talks, Family Fun Day
City of Raleigh Museum Plant Swap Jan. 17
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 City of Raleigh Museum Plant Swap Jan. 17
Teen Science Cafe at the Museum of Life and Science Jan. 15
The Museum of Science, 433 W Murray Avenue, Durham, North Carolina, is presenting Teen Science Cafe. Teen Science Cafe is a free event designed just for teens. Connect with a STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) professional, hear about their exciting career, enjoy some free snacks, and dive into a fun, hands-on activity. Bring your curiosity, your questions, and your friends for a … [Read more...] about Teen Science Cafe at the Museum of Life and Science Jan. 15
Museum of Life and Science free for Durham residents Jan. 11 and 28
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. Read on to learn all about the museum, or … [Read more...] about Museum of Life and Science free for Durham residents Jan. 11 and 28
Teen Science Café at Daily Planet Cafe Jan. 9
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 Jan. 9
Emancipation Day: Fighting for Freedom: Black Civil War Reenactors at Pope House Museum Jan. 3
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
