The North Carolina State Capitol, at One East Edenton Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, is open for visits. Free guided and self-guided tours are available. Visitors are welcome to take a self-guided tour any time between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturdays. For a limited time, through August 2, 2026, there will also be Sunday hours, from 1 to 5 … [Read more...] about North Carolina State Capitol: free guided tours on Saturdays
Museums and attractions
31st Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration Nov. 21 (held at NC Museum of Art)
North Carolina Museum of History's popular American Indian Heritage Celebration returns on Saturday, November 21, 2026, 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 contributions of … [Read more...] about 31st Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration Nov. 21 (held at NC Museum of Art)
Museum of Life and Science free for Durham residents August 27
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 August 27
JC Raulston Arboretum’s 50th Anniversary Bash on Aug. 15
Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of JC Raulston Arboretum, 4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh, North Carolina, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring the whole family to enjoy hands-on activities, explore the gardens and celebrate this milestone. Search the garden during the "50" scavenger hunt, play Plant Bingo, enjoy lawn games, listen to storytime and stop by the Education Yurt for … [Read more...] about JC Raulston Arboretum’s 50th Anniversary Bash on Aug. 15
Family Fun Day at City of Raleigh Museum Aug. 15
City of Raleigh Museum's mission is to "Preserve Raleigh's Past for the Future." It's supported by the nonprofit Friends of the COR Museum. The museum is at 220 Fayetteville Street, in the 1874 Briggs Building in historic downtown Raleigh. Admission is free, although a $5 donation is suggested and can be placed in the donation box in the gift shop. Hours: Learn about more free museums to … [Read more...] about Family Fun Day at City of Raleigh Museum Aug. 15
Museum Movie Night at NC Museum of Natural Sciences Aug. 14: Galaxy Quest
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, at 11 West Jones Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, is hosting Museum Movie Night on Friday, August 14, 2026, from 5:30 to 10 p.m. The featured movie is Galaxy Quest. Tickets are $5 for general admission and $3 for museum members. Space is limited. Purchase tickets. The event features live music, science stations, food and drink for sale, and the … [Read more...] about Museum Movie Night at NC Museum of Natural Sciences Aug. 14: Galaxy Quest
2nd Friday ArtWalk: Extended Ackland Art Museum Hours
Ackland Art Museum, on the University of North Carolina campus at 101 S Columbia Street, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, opens for extended hours, 5 to 9 p.m., on the 2nd Friday of every month. Stroll through the galleries featuring highlights from a collection of over 21,000 works of art, browse the Museum Store, and sketch in the galleries using art supplies from the lobby’s art … [Read more...] about 2nd Friday ArtWalk: Extended Ackland Art Museum Hours
NCMA After Hours at North Carolina Museum of Art Aug. 13
NCMA After Hours is a monthly event at North Carolina Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, North Carolina. It is FREE to attend. No registration is required. NCMA After Hours is designed for adults, but all ages are welcome. Enjoy an evening of art, music, and creative energy. Explore the galleries after dark, experience live music or a DJ set, and take part in hands-on art activities … [Read more...] about NCMA After Hours at North Carolina Museum of Art Aug. 13
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)
Bilingual Storytime at Nasher Museum of Art, and more!
Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, 2001 Campus Drive, Durham, is free for everyone every day that it's open. Reservations are not required. You might be interested in our list of museums in the Triangle with free admission (all the time or certain days.) Upcoming Events at Nasher Museum of Art Find a full list of events at Nasher Museum of Art at nasher.duke.edu/events/. … [Read more...] about Bilingual Storytime at Nasher Museum of Art, and more!
