The first Friday of every month, Downtown Raleigh showcases its art, music and food at First Friday Raleigh. It's a free self-guided tour and a chance to visit art galleries, studios, alternative art venues and more. Each venue sets its own hours, but in general, the walk is from 6 to 9 p.m. Read on for what's going on during Raleigh's First Friday Gallery Walk, but make sure to check out … [Read more...] about First Friday Raleigh January 2
Even more free and cheap stuff to do
Taste of Soul in Durham May 23
The popular food festival Taste of Soul holds several food and merchant events throughout the year in Durham and Raleigh, NC. Taste of Soul NC is the ultimate cookout experience, with food, merchants, DJ, live performances, and bounce houses Admission is free. You just pay for your food and drink. The next Taste of Soul NC event takes place on May 23, 2026, from 3 to 8 p.m., at Durham … [Read more...] about Taste of Soul in Durham May 23
NC Sugar Rush Dessert Market in Raleigh May 24
NC Sugar Rush is taking place Sunday, May 24, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., at City Plaza, 443 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC. 20+ vendors will be there, selling all kind of treats to satisfy your sweet tooth. There will also be a DJ and live performances. It's free to attend. You pay for your food and drink. … [Read more...] about NC Sugar Rush Dessert Market in Raleigh May 24
Restaurants open for dine-in, takeout, and delivery on New Year’s Day 2026 — some with lucky New Year’s menus
Interested in not cooking on New Year's Day 2026? Check out this growing list of restaurants in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and the rest of the Triangle that are open on January 1st, 2026. Most listed will be available for take-out as well, and, in some cases, delivery. Most (if not all) will also be open on New Year's Eve. Some will serve a special New Year's Eve or Day meal, and some … [Read more...] about Restaurants open for dine-in, takeout, and delivery on New Year’s Day 2026 — some with lucky New Year’s menus
Clyde Cooper’s BBQ: New Year’s Day Buffet
Clyde Cooper's BBQ, at 327 S Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC, has been serving Carolina-style barbecue in Downtown Raleigh since 1938. It will be moving to a new location in Raleigh soon. As a farewell celebration, Clyde Cooper's Barbeque is is holding an New Year's Day Buffet on January 1, 2026, from 12 to 4 p.m. If you buy your ticket the day of the event it's $28.95 for adults and $14.95 … [Read more...] about Clyde Cooper’s BBQ: New Year’s Day Buffet
40th Kwanzaa Fest in Durham Jan 1
The African American Dance Ensemble is hosting the 40th Kwanzaa Fest on Thursday, January 1, 2026, from 12 to 5:30 p.m., at Durham Armory, 212 Foster Street, Durham, North Carolina. The doors open at 12 p.m. and performances will start at 2 p.m. This is a free event. Enjoy performances, a marketplace, art, a drum circle, dance, music, poetry, food and more. In memory of Baba Chuck Davis, … [Read more...] about 40th Kwanzaa Fest in Durham Jan 1
Capital Quilters Guild’s Annual Quilt Show March 13-14
Capital Quilters Guild's Annual Quilt Show takes place March 13 and 14, 2026, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, at Kerr Scott Building at the NC State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, North Carolina. Admission is $10 per day. Admission is free for ages 10 and under. View approximately 200 beautiful judged quilts. You can participate in the Charity Silent Auction and vote for your … [Read more...] about Capital Quilters Guild’s Annual Quilt Show March 13-14
WRAL’s First Night Raleigh — all the details!
WRAL's First Night Raleigh returns for New Year's Eve 2025, offering a fun, jam-packed way to welcome 2026. Head to Downtown Raleigh on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, for an exciting, low-cost New Year's Eve celebration. The festivities include the Children's Celebration, which starts at 2 p.m., outdoor musical performances at City Plaza in the afternoon, an early New Year's Eve countdown and … [Read more...] about WRAL’s First Night Raleigh — all the details!
Free and cheap New Year’s Eve Parties in the Triangle
Looking for fireworks near you for New Year's Eve? Or a festive champagne toast? We've got you covered! There are many wonderful, but pricy, events to ring in the New Year, but we are focusing on more affordable options. New Year's Eve is going to be a lot of fun in the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and surrounding areas this year. Say goodbye to 2025 and hello to 2026 with one of these … [Read more...] about Free and cheap New Year’s Eve Parties in the Triangle
NYE Bash at The Baxter: Stranger Things Finale and Dance Party
The Baxter, the arcade bar at 108 N Graham Street, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, is hosting New Year's Eve party on December 31, 2025. This event was announced on Facebook. Admission is free. The event is open to ages 18+ with ID. The event will include free popcorn (and maybe pizza!) The schedule: … [Read more...] about NYE Bash at The Baxter: Stranger Things Finale and Dance Party
