LGBT Center of Raleigh, 128 E Cabarrus Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, is hosting an NC Courage watch party, as they take on Racing Louisville game on May 23, 2026, from 4 to 6 p.m. This is a free event, but donations are welcome. A representative from NC Courage will be on site giving away swag, and their mascot Roary will also make an appearance! The North Carolina Courage competes int he … [Read more...] about NC Courage Watch Party at LGBT Center of Raleigh — free swag and a visit from Roary
Even more free and cheap stuff to do
City of Raleigh Museum Plant Swap on May 23
City of Raleigh Museum, 220 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, is hosting a Plant Swap on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring your favorite house and garden plants or homegrown vegetables to trade with fellow plant enthusiasts. Please bring only healthy, pest-free plants to ensure everyone’s enjoyment. This event is free and open to the public! … [Read more...] about City of Raleigh Museum Plant Swap on May 23
9th Annual Darkness RISING Block Party — an arts & mental health event May 23
Darkness RISING: Live is an annual FREE music and mental health event in its 9th year. This block party celebrates wellness, the arts and community and features powerful performances, free resources and joy! The 2026 event is made possible by HealthLit4Wake. Darkness RISING takes place Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 1 to 5 p.m., at Moore Square, 201 S Blount Street, Raleigh, North … [Read more...] about 9th Annual Darkness RISING Block Party — an arts & mental health event May 23
Orange – Chatham African American Cultural Festival May 23
Chapel Hill - Carrboro Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is presenting the Orange - Chatham African American Cultural Festival. This event will take place Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Lincoln Center, 750 S. Merritt Mill Road, Chapel Hill, NC. This is a free, family-centered event that highlights and celebrates African American art, culture and … [Read more...] about Orange – Chatham African American Cultural Festival May 23
Ace Hardware giving away one million flags for Memorial Day
Ace Hardware is giving away 1 million American flags for Memorial Day on Saturday, May 23, 2026. These are 8"x12" stick flags, suitable for placing on a grave, field, or garden as a tribute to a fallen serviceman or servicewomen. Before there was Memorial Day, there was Decoration Day. This observance started after the end of the Civil War. Communities would place flags, as well as flowers and … [Read more...] about Ace Hardware giving away one million flags for Memorial Day
Live music at Sunrise Community Farm Center — pay what you can!
Sunrise Community Farm Center, 6407 Millhouse Road, Chapel Hill, NC, is a community farm inclusive of all ages, abilities, backgrounds and interests. In addition to farm activities, Sunrise Community Farm Center also hosts special events throughout the year, including live music and dancing. The music events below are "pay what you can." This ensures that the events are accessible to everyone, … [Read more...] about Live music at Sunrise Community Farm Center — pay what you can!
Krispy Kreme: 3 free doughnuts for grads on May 21
Class of 2026, Krispy Kreme is celebrating you! On Thursday, May 21, 2026, graduating high school and college seniors can receive a FREE Original Glazed three-pack at Krispy Kreme! No purchase is necessary. Participating locations only. Just show up in Class of 2026 gear or graduation regalia – cap, gown, tee, medals, or all of the above – and you’re good to go. The offer is valid in-shop and … [Read more...] about Krispy Kreme: 3 free doughnuts for grads on May 21
Free Planet Fitness membership for teens all summer
Teens, ages 14-19, can work out for free all summer at Planet Fitness, from June 1 to August 31, 2026. Registration opened on May 18. Teens will have access to: Pre-RegisterGet a head start on your summer fitness program by pre-registering. Download the PF AppCreate an account using the same e-mail you used to register and explore all the FREE PF App has to offer before your digital club … [Read more...] about Free Planet Fitness membership for teens all summer
Crossroads Plaza Weekly May Music Series
Crossroads Plaza, at 213 Crossroads Blvd, Cary, North Carolina, is presenting Crossroads Plaza Weekly May Music Series. This is a free concert series taking place on Thursdays in May, 2026, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The concerts will be held on The Patio near Subway. Check the link above for announcements about the artists. … [Read more...] about Crossroads Plaza Weekly May Music Series
LIVE @ Lake Raleigh outdoor concert series: Palmyra on May 21
NC State's very popular free, family-friendly, outdoor concert series, LIVE @ Lake Raleigh, is returning in April and May of 2026. It takes place at Lake Raleigh, Main Campus Drive & Campus Shores Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina. Gates will open at 5 p.m., and food trucks will be on site at that time. The concerts start at 6 p.m. LIVE @ Lake Raleigh Schedule Thursday, April 9, … [Read more...] about LIVE @ Lake Raleigh outdoor concert series: Palmyra on May 21
