The North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival is returning to Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary, in 2025, for the 10th time! The popular holiday event features dazzling displays made from thousands of handcrafted, illuminated lanterns showcasing various themes. There are many interactive elements. In addition, enjoy stage performances several times each night. The … [Read more...] about 10th Annual North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival
Even more free and cheap stuff to do
Fest in the West — Western Cary’s Signature Festival — April 18
Fest in the West is a free festival in Western Cary on Saturday, April 18, 2026. It takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Mills Park, 501 Mills Park Drive, Cary, North Carolina. Get ready for an active day of learning and fun! Fest in the West is a family-friendly festival designed for parents who seek engaging activities for their children. This event aims to unite the community in the heart … [Read more...] about Fest in the West — Western Cary’s Signature Festival — April 18
Downtown Cary Park: Drop-in Puzzling & Puzzle Swap, and more…
Downtown Cary Park is the central gathering spot for the Town of Cary. It officially opened in November, 2023, and has hosted performances, festivals, fitness classes, movies and much more. The address of Downtown Cary Park is at 327 S. Academy Street. It's bounded by E. Park Street to the north, Walnut Street to the south, S. Walker Street to the east, and S. Academy Street to the west. Cary … [Read more...] about Downtown Cary Park: Drop-in Puzzling & Puzzle Swap, and more…
Mardi Gras Festival at The Plant in Pittsboro Feb. 13-14
The Plant, at 192 Lorax Lane, Pittsboro, North Carolina, is hosting a weekend long Mardi Gras Festival, from February 28 to March 2, 2025. The celebration includes a costume parade, king cakes, live music, vendor markets and more. Read on for the details. Friday, February 13, 2026 Saturday, February 14, 2026 12 to 6 p.m. Look for updates on the Facebook event. … [Read more...] about Mardi Gras Festival at The Plant in Pittsboro Feb. 13-14
Comedy Hypnosis Charity Event at Bombshell Beer Company, Jan. 24: $10 tickets, proceeds go to Holly Springs Food Cupboard
Bombshell Beer Company, at 120 Quantum Street, Holly Springs, is a 100% women-owned microbrewery. They package our beer in kegs and cans which can be found in restaurants and bars throughout the Greater Triangle, Triad, and Sandhills of NC. The Tap Room features up to 12 beers on tap, wine, and soft drinks, and there's an outdoor Beer Garden. Bombshell hosts food trucks, live music, trivia, … [Read more...] about Comedy Hypnosis Charity Event at Bombshell Beer Company, Jan. 24: $10 tickets, proceeds go to Holly Springs Food Cupboard
Thinking with Philosophy: free program with UNC Philosophy Department at Chapel Hill Public Library
Thinking Philosophy is a free series offered by the Philosophy Department at UNC-Chapel Hill in partnership with Chapel Hill Public Library. It takes place on Wednesdays from February 4 to April 15, 2026, at 2:15 p.m., at Chapel Hill Public Library, Meeting Room B, 100 Library Drive, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. It does not take place March 4 and 18, 2026. You can find this series on Chapel … [Read more...] about Thinking with Philosophy: free program with UNC Philosophy Department at Chapel Hill Public Library
National Girls & Women in Sports Day Clinic with Duke Athletics Feb. 7
Duke Athletics is hosting a National Girls and Women in Sports Day Clinic on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., in Cameron Indoor Stadium, 115 Whitford Drive, Durham, North Carolina. This is a FREE event that's open to kids (both boys and girls) from 1st to 8th grade. Registration is not required, but is strongly encouraged. Each participating women's varsity sport will … [Read more...] about National Girls & Women in Sports Day Clinic with Duke Athletics Feb. 7
Buy a Costco membership and receive a $20-$40 digital Costco shop card
If you purchase a Groupon from this website, Triangle on the Cheap will earn a small commission.
Costco is offering a special deal through Groupon. Please note that this deal is only valid for new members and those who memberships (Primary and Household) expired at least 18 months ago. It's not available for renewal of an existing Costco membership. If you're not sure if you currently have a membership, or when yours might have expired, you should login to Costo first and figure it out, … [Read more...] about Buy a Costco membership and receive a $20-$40 digital Costco shop card
Nuv Yug India Fest March 21
The Nuv Yug India Fest takes place Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Jim Graham Building at the State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, North Carolina from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. It's free to attend. Parking is also free. The festival features approximately 120 unique dance and music performances throughout the day. Enjoy: … [Read more...] about Nuv Yug India Fest March 21
Acoustic Open Mic Nights at Esmeralda’s Cafe in Durham
Esmeralda's Cafe, 1515 North Pointe Drive, Durham, North Carolina, is hosting an Acoustic Open Mic Night the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. It's scheduled on these dates so far in 2026: Sign-ups start at 6:30 p.m., with the performances starting at 7 p.m. It's free to attend. Perform for a welcoming crowd. It can be anything: music, comedy, poetry, tap dancing, mind … [Read more...] about Acoustic Open Mic Nights at Esmeralda’s Cafe in Durham
