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
Museums and attractions
Marbles Kids Museum Noon Year’s Eve Party
Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E Hargett Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, is hosting Noon Year's Eve on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Celebrate the New Year' with crafts, games, music and a special bubble wrap pop. Count down together as the ball drops at noon in Curiosity Square. Noon Year's Eve is included with museum admission: … [Read more...] about Marbles Kids Museum Noon Year’s Eve Party
Free open house at Duke Lemur Center Museum of Natural History Dec. 20
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 Dec. 20
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
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
Wake Forest Historical Museum: Free guided tours of Calvin Jones House
The Wake Forest Historical Museum, at 414 N Main Street, Wake Forest, North Carolina, is free to visit. More opening hours have been added. Visit: Tour the historic Calvin Jones House, explore the exhibits in the new museum building, and stroll through the beautiful gardens. The Calvin Jones House was the first administrative building of Wake Forest College and was saved from demolition by … [Read more...] about Wake Forest Historical Museum: Free guided tours of Calvin Jones House
Military Appreciation Week at North Carolina Zoo — free admission for military Nov 8-14
The North Carolina Zoo, at 4401 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro, is thanking those who have served in the U.S. Military with Military Appreciation Week. From Saturday, November 8, to Friday, November 14, 2025, military members and their spouses get free admission. In addition, the military member or spouse can bring three guests for free. (Total of four free admissions, including the ID … [Read more...] about Military Appreciation Week at North Carolina Zoo — free admission for military Nov 8-14
Haunted Trails and Houses in Raleigh and the Triangle — updated for 2025
Plan Spooky Season with this list of haunted trails near Raleigh, NC, and the rest of the Triangle! All of the attractions listed below are within driving distance of parts of the Triangle -- some closer than others, of course. We've listed the basic info for each attraction, but make sure to follow the links to get the latest info, and to buy tickets in advance if required. Some or most of … [Read more...] about Haunted Trails and Houses in Raleigh and the Triangle — updated for 2025
