CenterFest is Durham's largest cultural and community event, as well as North Carolina's longest running street art festival. CenterFest will take place Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, 2026. CenterFest takes place in the downtown Durham loop on Main and Chapel Hill Streets in the Five Points and CCB Plaza areas. Admission is free, with a $5 suggested donation at the gate. … [Read more...] about Durham’s CenterFest Sept. 19-20
Even more free and cheap stuff to do
Food distribution at Eubanks Park-and-Ride Lot in Chapel Hill July 8 and 22
The Town of Chapel Hill holds a regular food distribution, open to all community members, two times a month. You can find them on the Town's calendar. It takes place at the Eubanks Park-and-Ride Lot, 2000 Eubanks Road, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, at 9:30 a.m. Please bring one or two boxes or bags. Can you help out? Sign up here to … [Read more...] about Food distribution at Eubanks Park-and-Ride Lot in Chapel Hill July 8 and 22
Bluegrass Jam at The Barn(n) at Sonark Farms in Hillsborough
Sonark Farms, 5292 Sonark Lane, Hillsborough, North Carolina, is set on 63 scenic acres. It's a welcoming place to gather, celebrate and enjoy the countryside. At the heart of the property, The Bar(n) at Sonark Farms brings people together for live music, special events, weddings, and other events in a rustic, relaxed setting. The live music events are generally priced low, or even "pay what you … [Read more...] about Bluegrass Jam at The Barn(n) at Sonark Farms in Hillsborough
Poetry at the Plant at Fair Game Beverage Co., more
Fair Game Beverage Company, at 193 Lorax Lane, Pittsboro, North Carolina, is one of the businesses at The Plant. This Chatham County distillery and winery features North Carolina grown and produced wine and spirits. Fair Game regularly hosts events, and many of them are free. You can find them on their website calendar or Fair Game's Facebook page. Recurring Events Open Mic at Fair Game … [Read more...] about Poetry at the Plant at Fair Game Beverage Co., more
Chime In Open Mic at Lanza’s Cafe in Carrboro, and more…
Lanza's Cafe, at 601 W Main Street, Carrboro, NC, offers coffee and other hot and cold beverages, sandwiches, beer and more. The cafe also hosts a wide array of events, include game nights, live music, trivia and more. You can find the events on their Facebook page. Recurring Events Third Space Music Open Mic NightThe third Friday of every month (scheduled through September 18, 2026)7 to … [Read more...] about Chime In Open Mic at Lanza’s Cafe in Carrboro, and more…
Free summer movie program for kids at Marquee Wakefield 12
Marquee Cinemas Wakefield 12, 10600 Common Oaks Drive in Raleigh, North Carolina, is presenting free family movies this summer. The program runs on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from June 16 to August 5, 2026. On each day you'll get the choice of two movies, one at 9:30 a.m. and one at 9:45 a.m. There will be concession specials: A Junior drink and popcorn for $4.50, and a small drink and popcorn … [Read more...] about Free summer movie program for kids at Marquee Wakefield 12
Family Fest at Lakeside Retreats: Free event Sept. 12 with outdoor fun, entertainment, yoga, more
Lakeside Retreats, at 4251 Mial Plantation Road, Raleigh, North Carolina, is hosting Family Fest on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. This is a FREE event, but please register. Family Fest is a relaxed, family-focused community event featuring wellness experiences, creative activities, outdoor play, food, and entertainment. Some of the activities: There's also an … [Read more...] about Family Fest at Lakeside Retreats: Free event Sept. 12 with outdoor fun, entertainment, yoga, more
American Craft Council Open Studios at Liberty Arts July 18
American Craft Council's National Craft Open Studios Weekend is July 18 and 19, 2026. Craft studios across the country will be hosting events. Learn more about the weekend and find events here. Locally, Liberty Arts, at 918 Pearl Street, Durham, North Carolina, is participating on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 4 to 8 p.m. (Not on Sunday.) This is a FREE event. Learn about Liberty Arts' … [Read more...] about American Craft Council Open Studios at Liberty Arts July 18
Neighborhood Network: Online and personal safety workshop July 25
Advance Community Health is hosting Neighborhood Network at its location at 1011 Rock Quarry Road, Raleigh, North Carolina, in the 2nd floor lobby. This event is taking place July 25, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. It's free to attend, but please register. This event will teach about safety, including online safety and personal safety. More than 99% of cyberattacks rely on human interaction … [Read more...] about Neighborhood Network: Online and personal safety workshop July 25
CaryLive! Concert: The Suitcase Junket on July 25
CaryLive! is a free concert series at Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy Street, Cary, North Carolina. The concerts will take place at the Great Lawn Pavilion, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., and are free to attend. CaryLive! Schedule Follow each link below for information on the artist. … [Read more...] about CaryLive! Concert: The Suitcase Junket on July 25
