New Hope Valley Railway's annual Thomas & his Friends in the Garden will be held on Saturday, September 12, and Sunday, September 13, 2026. Visitors to the historic railway museum at 3900 Bonsal Road, New Hill, North Carolina, love the elaborate G scale garden railroad, with its 10 operating tracks. The 1,000 feet of track represent 5 miles of actual sized track. During this special, … [Read more...] about Thomas in the Garden at New Hope Valley Railway Sept. 12-13
Museums and attractions
Second Sunday Open Studios 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 Second Sunday Open Studios at Nasher Museum of Art, and more!
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)
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
The Market at NCMA Sept. 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 Sept. 5
Free Friday Tours at Mordecai Historic Park Aug. 28
Mordecai Historic Park, at 1 Mimosa Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, 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 $8 for adults, $5 for youth. Kids 6 and under are free. Upcoming … [Read more...] about Free Friday Tours at Mordecai Historic Park Aug. 28
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)
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
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
Titanic Exhibition to Honor Roxboro Postal Hero — Oscar Scott Woody Day on Aug. 13
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If you're up for a road trip to Charlotte, you'll have the chance to learn about and honor one of the heroes on the Titanic who was from Roxboro, North Carolina, right outside the Triangle. And if you live in Person County, NC, or you work for the USPS, you get a special discount the rest of the run of Titanic: The Exhibition in Charlotte. Read on for the details. Often lost amid the tragedy of … [Read more...] about Titanic Exhibition to Honor Roxboro Postal Hero — Oscar Scott Woody Day on Aug. 13
