Support local artists and get a jump start on your holiday shopping at the Fall Arts Fair at Fred Fletcher Park, 820 Clay Street, Raleigh, Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It's free to attend. The Fall Arts Fair showcases the work of 65 local artists who work in different genres, including: In addition, this day of family fun will include live music, food trucks, … [Read more...] about Fall Arts Fair at Fred Fletcher Park Nov. 8
Even more free and cheap stuff to do
Visions of Sugarplums 51st Annual Holiday Art & Gift Show Nov 6-8
The 51st Annual Visions of Sugarplums Holiday Art & Gift Show will take place November 6 to 8, 2025, at Quail Hollow Swim Club, 800 Orleans Place, Raleigh. Admission and parking are free. Visions of Sugarplums is one of Raleigh's longest running and most popular holiday markets. It started in 1974 by a group of moms who were talented craftswomen. This holiday art and gift show is … [Read more...] about Visions of Sugarplums 51st Annual Holiday Art & Gift Show Nov 6-8
Thanksgiving: History & Legacy Tours at Bennett Place Saturdays in November
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 Thanksgiving: History & Legacy Tours at Bennett Place Saturdays in November
Durham Craft Market at Durham Central Park
On Saturday mornings, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., head to Durham Central Park, 501 Foster Street, for Durham Craft Market. Make sure to check the Facebook page to see if there have been any changes. This outdoor market features local crafts. All artisans live and craft no more than 30 miles from Durham city limits. It's free to attend. Durham Craft Market is also presenting a … [Read more...] about Durham Craft Market at Durham Central Park
Cake-Cutting for 250th Marine Corps Birthday Celebration at Fortnight Brewing in Cary, Nov. 9
Fortnight Brewing Company, at 1006 SW Maynard Rd, Cary, brings the taste of English beers to North Carolina. Some of the partners are from England, and, together with the North Carolina natives who also share ownership, they offer English Ale, Porter, and ESB use only English-grown ingredients and yeast. They also offer a Blonde Ale, Coffee Amber, and an IPA that is a fusion of English and … [Read more...] about Cake-Cutting for 250th Marine Corps Birthday Celebration at Fortnight Brewing in Cary, Nov. 9
Downtown Cary Park: Outdoor movie — Big Hero 6 on Nov. 7
Downtown Cary Park is the new central gathering spot for the Town of Cary. It officially opened in November, 2023, and has already been the site for festivals, holiday events, and performances. It's a draw during the holiday season, with festive light displays and a free ice skating rink. The park will be home to varied programming, including art exhibitions, performances, concerts, … [Read more...] about Downtown Cary Park: Outdoor movie — Big Hero 6 on Nov. 7
Holiday Harmonies — A Carolina Harmony Chorus Holiday Show Dec. 16
Carolina Harmony Chorus, an ensemble that sings in barbershop a cappella style, is presenting a free holiday concert at St. Giles Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 5101 Oak Park Road, Raleigh, North Carolina. The free performance is on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. RSVP here. They'll be bringing together the best of barbershop harmony, contemporary a cappella flair, and … [Read more...] about Holiday Harmonies — A Carolina Harmony Chorus Holiday Show Dec. 16
Bell Durham Holiday Concerts — free to attend
Bell Durham is a community handbell ensemble in Durham, North Carolina. The group will be presenting several holiday concerts in 2025. The holiday concert, Dreamscapes: The 15-member advanced community ensemble will present a wide variety of music on 6 octaves of handbell and handchimes. Selections will include dreamy favorites such as "Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy" (The Nutcracker) and "For … [Read more...] about Bell Durham Holiday Concerts — free to attend
Santa on the Roof of The Durham Hotel — free event Dec. 6
On Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., families are invited to the rooftop of The Durham Hotel, 315 E Chapel Hill Street, Durham, North Carolina, to meet Santa. Santa on the Roof is a FREE event. Bring your own camera. Stop by the Coffee Bar to pick up a hot cocoa and pastry and then head to the rooftop to take a picture with Santa, overlooking the city! Santa comes from … [Read more...] about Santa on the Roof of The Durham Hotel — free event Dec. 6
Cary Community Choir’s Annual Performance of Handel’s Messiah Dec 7
Cary Community Choir's Annual Presentation of G.F. Handel's Messiah will take place on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at 7:30 p.m., at Westwood Baptist Church, 200 Westhigh Street, Cary. The performance is free, but reservations must be made in advance. There's no cost to reserve your ticket, but donations are appreciated. Reserve tickets here. This concert is extremely popular and will sell out. … [Read more...] about Cary Community Choir’s Annual Performance of Handel’s Messiah Dec 7
