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
Museums and attractions
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
Emancipation Day: Breakfast and Lecture at City of Raleigh Museum January 3
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
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
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
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
Nasher Museum of Art’s 20th Anniversary Celebration Oct. 18: performances, workshops, more
Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University is celebrating its 20th anniversary on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 12 to 7 p.m. The museum is at 2001 Campus Drive, Durham, North Carolina. The celebration is open to the public and free to attend. Guests can enjoy art-making stations, interactive learning experiences, hands-on activities, and special performances throughout the day. A variety of … [Read more...] about Nasher Museum of Art’s 20th Anniversary Celebration Oct. 18: performances, workshops, more
Living History in the Park at Moore Square Oct. 10
The City of Raleigh Museum, with support from Moore Square and The Friends of the City of Raleigh Museum, are presenting an immersive living history experience at Moore Square, 201 S Blount Street, Raleigh, North Carolina. Fall Into History takes place Friday, October 10, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. It's free to attend, and no registration is required. (Please note that this is a change of … [Read more...] about Living History in the Park at Moore Square Oct. 10
End Paper: Art Book Market at North Carolina Museum of Art Sept. 20-21, including free workshops, tours, film, more…
End Paper: NCMA Art Book Fair is a celebration of book arts and print communities. On September 20 and 21, 2025, North Carolina Museum of Art presents over 70 vendors and exhibitors who feature original art books, prints, comics, zines, and more for sale. The event is free to attend and takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. As well as the art book fair there will be both ticketed and … [Read more...] about End Paper: Art Book Market at North Carolina Museum of Art Sept. 20-21, including free workshops, tours, film, more…
