The 3rd Annual Wilson Jazz Festival takes place Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 1 p.m. to around 10 p.m., in various locations in Wilson, North Carolina. The Main Stage performances at Vollis Whirligig Park are ticketed, and the other performances at multiple venues, plus a Second Line Parade, are free. The Second Line goes from Whirligig Park at 8:30 p.m. to Downtown Public House. Check … [Read more...] about Wilson Jazz Festival Sept. 20
Even more free and cheap stuff to do
Carolina Circus Festival — free event in Cary with performances, workshops and more Sept 13
Carolina Circus Festival is a FREE event that will take place in Cary on September 13, 2025, from 3 to 9:30 p.m. The festival is a full day of circus related workshops and shows. There will also be a full market of vendors and food. It takes place in Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy Street, Cary, North Carolina. The festival features: … [Read more...] about Carolina Circus Festival — free event in Cary with performances, workshops and more Sept 13
Sunflowers are blooming at Dix Park! Here’s what you need to know…
Nothing says "summer" like bright, beautiful sunflowers! Learn the details about the sunflowers at Dix Park, as well as several other places in (or near) the Triangle to experience sunflowers in 2025. Please make sure to know in advance which sunflower fields allow you to cut and purchase stems, and which are just for looking -- and photo ops! Also, in some cases professional photographers will … [Read more...] about Sunflowers are blooming at Dix Park! Here’s what you need to know…
The International Festival Sept. 20
The International Festival will take place September 20, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., at NC State Fairgrounds, 4285 Trinity Road, Raleigh, North Carolina. Enter through Gate 9. It's at the field close to Martin Building. Over 30 cultures will be represented in this celebration. Admission is free. The festival will feature: … [Read more...] about The International Festival Sept. 20
National Night Out in Carrboro Aug 5, including free food, dunk tank, more…
Carrboro Police Department invites the community to National Night Out at Carrboro Town Commons, 301 West Main Street, Carrboro, on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. This is a free event. Here is some of what's going on: … [Read more...] about National Night Out in Carrboro Aug 5, including free food, dunk tank, more…
Raleigh Tamale Festival Sept. 27
Tamale lovers, take note! The Raleigh Tamale Festival is Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Moore Square, 201 S Blount Street, Raleigh, North Carolina. This will be a day of community, celebration and tamales. It will feature performances, family activities, food trucks and vendors. Local competitors will compete in the tamale contest. … [Read more...] about Raleigh Tamale Festival Sept. 27
Mead Fest at Starrlight Mead: Free mini-Renaissance Festival Sept. 27
Starrlight Mead, at 130 Lorax Lane, Pittsboro, North Carolina, is hosting Mead Fest on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 12 to 5 p.m. This free annual event is like a mini-Renaissance Festival, with sword-fighting demos, mead-making, music, vendors, food and more. This is a family friendly event. Enjoy music by Thunder and Spice and An Gorta Mor Memorial Pipe Band, and sword fighting … [Read more...] about Mead Fest at Starrlight Mead: Free mini-Renaissance Festival Sept. 27
Performances at the Page — Celebration of Bluegrass Aug. 1
The Town of Cary is presenting a concert series, Performances at the Page. The concert series includes ticketed events in the galleries of Page-Walker Arts & History Center. but also FREE concerts on the lawn. The Page-Walker Arts & History Center is at 119 Ambassador Loop, Cary, NC. Blankets and lawn chairs are permitted, but no umbrellas or tents. A food truck will be on site, … [Read more...] about Performances at the Page — Celebration of Bluegrass Aug. 1
Wake Forest Unplugged: free games, activities, and music Sep 1
Wake Forest Unplugged is a free event that encourages people to leave their technology behind and connect with the community through games, activities and a free concert. It takes place Sunday, September 7, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m., near the Walker Garden at E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road, Wake Forest, NC. Enjoy sack and relay races, corn hole, and miniature golf. Food and dessert … [Read more...] about Wake Forest Unplugged: free games, activities, and music Sep 1
North Hills Kids: Cirque de Kids July 15 — circus-themed activities
UPDATE: North Hills announced on Facebook that the July 15th event is going to start at 10 a.m. instead of 9:30 a.m. because of weather. Once a month this summer, there will be free kids' activities at Midtown Park at North Hills, 4011 Cardinal at North Hills Street, Raleigh. North Hills Kids takes place the 3rd Tuesday of the month, from June to August, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 … [Read more...] about North Hills Kids: Cirque de Kids July 15 — circus-themed activities
