Fifty years ago, during the July Fourth weekend of 1976, Durham joined communities across the nation in celebrating America’s Bicentennial. At West Point on the Eno, residents gathered for a festival showcasing traditional North Carolina arts, music, crafts, and culture. To mark the 50th anniversary of this memorable event, the Museum of Durham History has partnered with organizers of the … [Read more...] about Bicentennial Folklife Festival 50th Anniversary Pop-Up July 17
Museums and attractions
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)
North Carolina State Capitol: free guided tours on Saturdays
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
Open Studio at Nasher Museum of Art on July 12, and much 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 Open Studio at Nasher Museum of Art on July 12, and much more!
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
Steam Shop Saturday at New Hope Valley Railway July 25
New Hope Valley Railway, 3900 Bonsal Road, New Hill, North Carolina, is presenting Steam Shop Saturday on July 25, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Ever wondered what it takes to run a steam locomotive? Come to Steam Shop Saturday and spend some time in the railyard with the Steam Crew. They’ll share fascinating stories, demonstrate their work, and answer all your questions about operating a steam … [Read more...] about Steam Shop Saturday at New Hope Valley Railway July 25
The Market at NCMA July 5
On the first Saturday of the month, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., North Carolina Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, North Carolina, hosts art markets, with Triangle Pop-Up. Please note that in July, 2026, the market takes place Sunday, July 5, instead of on July 4. The Market at NCMA is a chance to browse and shop for gifts from local artists and artisans while you also enjoy the museum … [Read more...] about The Market at NCMA July 5
Museums on Us: Free admission to Marbles Kids Museum first weekend of month for Bank of America customers and employees
The first full weekend of every month, Bank of America and Merrill customers get into many museums nationwide for free through Bank of America's Museums on Us Program. Your credit or debit card from Bank of America or Merrill is your ticket to visit participating museums the first full weekend of every month. You can follow the above link to find all the museums across the country that are … [Read more...] about Museums on Us: Free admission to Marbles Kids Museum first weekend of month for Bank of America customers and employees
Free open house at Duke Lemur Center Museum of Natural History June 27
The Duke Lemur Center Museum of Natural History, at 1013 Broad Street, Durham, North Carolina, houses a research collection that helps us to understand our evolutionary journey as primates. The collection includes 55 million year-old, lemur-like primate fossils from Wyoming; 37 to 28 million year-old anthropoid fossils from Egypt; 19 to 7 million year-old ape fossils from Egypt and India; 13 … [Read more...] about Free open house at Duke Lemur Center Museum of Natural History June 27
Knowing the West Community Day at NC Museum of Art June 27
North Carolina Museum of Art is hosting a community day featuring free admission to Knowing the West. Through art making, performances, and community activities with local artists, visitors can explore the myths and realities of the American West. Western wear encouraged! The event takes place Saturday,June 27, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m This is a free event and no tickets are … [Read more...] about Knowing the West Community Day at NC Museum of Art June 27
