North Carolina has a rich agricultural heritage, and a visit to a State or County Fair is a great way to experience that heritage. The fairs are back in full force for 2025. You'll have a lot to choose from. You can find livestock competitions, local or regional food and drink, live music, rides, and, of course, lots and lots of fried food. The fairs are primarily held in the fall, with the … [Read more...] about County and State Fairs in North Carolina — updated for 2024
Even more free and cheap stuff to do
Watermelon Festival at Spring Haven Farm July 4-6: includes all-you-can-eat watermelon
Celebrate the 4th of July Weekend at Spring Haven Farm, 5306 Homer Ruffin RoadChapel Hill, North Carolina. The farm will be hosting its Watermelon Festival on July 4, 5, and 6, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. The cost is $14.95 for each person age 4 and older. Purchase tickets here. Enjoy all the farm activities, as well as all the watermelon you can eat! There will also be watermelon … [Read more...] about Watermelon Festival at Spring Haven Farm July 4-6: includes all-you-can-eat watermelon
Help Paperhand Puppet Intervention build giant puppets for their summer show! Community work days every Saturday
UPDATE: The Community Work Days have ended for 2025. Paperhand Puppet Intervention is gearing up for their summer show, The Gift, which will premiere on August 8, 2025, and will be presented every weekend through September 28 at Forest Theatre in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The puppet troupe is acclaimed and loved not just for their annual summer show, but for their participation in parades … [Read more...] about Help Paperhand Puppet Intervention build giant puppets for their summer show! Community work days every Saturday
The Market at NCMA July 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. The Market at NCMA is a chance to browse and shop for gifts from local artists and artisans while you also enjoy the museum park and the galleries. There is always live music at Market at NCMA. On March 1, The Poetry Fox … [Read more...] about The Market at NCMA July 5
The “Get Down at the Plant” in Pittsboro on July 5
The Plant, at 220 Lorax Lane, Pittsboro, is home to Chatham Beverage District, which includes a brewery, cideries, a distillery and more. You can find a list of the businesses here. Many of these businesses host events, and there are also some special events that take place in common areas or at several venues. Here are some upcoming events. Find more events at The Plant here. Upcoming … [Read more...] about The “Get Down at the Plant” in Pittsboro on July 5
Cars and Coffee Morrisville July 5
Cars and Coffee Morrisville is a free event that takes place the first Saturday of the month, year round, at the Imperial Center, 5425 Page Road, Durham. This is one of the Southeast's largest monthly car events. The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Admission is free, but a $5 donation to the month's charity is appreciated. There's a theme every month, but all makes and models … [Read more...] about Cars and Coffee Morrisville July 5
Family Fun Day at Archer Lodge Community Center, including bike parade, fireworks and more July 5
The Town of Archer Lodge, in Johnston County, is hosting their Family Fun Day on Saturday, July 5, 2025, from 3 to 10 p.m. It will take place at Archer Lodge Community Center, 14009 Buffalo Road, Clayton. … [Read more...] about Family Fun Day at Archer Lodge Community Center, including bike parade, fireworks and more July 5
Saturday Slowdown at RambleRill Farm in Hillsborough July 5 — FREE beef sliders and more
RambleRill Farm, at 913 Arthur Minnis Road, Hillsborough, is hosting a monthly event, Saturday Slowdown, at RambleRill Farm. Several farms join RambleRill Farm to sell their products, as well as local artisans. It takes place the first Saturday of the month, from May to December 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Follow RambleRill Farm on Facebook for updates about each month's event. The … [Read more...] about Saturday Slowdown at RambleRill Farm in Hillsborough July 5 — FREE beef sliders and more
Roxboro Fireworks July 5
The City of Roxboro, NC, in Person County, is hosting two 4th of July celebrations, a parade and a fireworks show. Independence Day Parade On Friday, July 4, 2025, at 10 a.m., there will be a 4th of July parade on Main Street. Bring your flags, wear your stars and stripes, and line the streets for one of Roxboro’s favorite holiday traditions. Fireworks City of Roxboro's fireworks show … [Read more...] about Roxboro Fireworks July 5
Kids can make a toucan mobile at The Home Depot July 5
Lowe's Kids' Workshops and The Home Depot Kids' Workshops are both fun, in-person workshops that give kids a chance to build a simple (usually seasonal) toy or accessory. The workshops, which are free, teach kids basic building skills, as well as safety. The Home Depot Kids' Workshops The Home Depot's Kids' Workshops take place the first Saturday of the month, from 9 a.m. … [Read more...] about Kids can make a toucan mobile at The Home Depot July 5
