The Town of Smithfield's annual Independence Day Celebration will take place on Friday, July 3, 2026, from 4 to 10 p.m., at Neuse River Amphitheater, 150 S Front Street, Smithfield, North Carolina. This is a free event. Festivities include: Public parking is available in the county parking lots located on Johnston Street and 2nd Street and at the public library at 301 E Market … [Read more...] about Smithfield’s Independence Day Celebration July 3
Even more free and cheap stuff to do
Knightdale’s Independence Day Festival: Fourth on First Avenue
Celebrate the 4th of July at Knightdale's Fourth on First Celebration on Saturday, July 4, 2026, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Knightdale Station Park, 810 N. First Avenue, Knightdale, North Carolina. Look for updates on the Facebook event. 4th of July Festivities … [Read more...] about Knightdale’s Independence Day Festival: Fourth on First Avenue
Wendell 4th of July Fireworks July 2
The Town of Wendell is hosting its 4th of July fireworks celebration on Thursday, July 2, 2026, from 6 to 10 p.m., at Wendell Park, 601 West Third Street, Wendell. This free event features a bigger fireworks show for America 260, a concert from The Main Event Band, golf cart and bike parade, crowd performers. food trucks and more. Wendell Park will be closed beginning at 9 PM July 1, and all … [Read more...] about Wendell 4th of July Fireworks July 2
Dress like a cow for free entrée on Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-fil-A July 14
Chick-fil-A is bringing back Cow Appreciation Day on July 14, 2026, for the first time since 2019. Visit a participating Chick-fil-A restaurant, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. dressed like a cow, and get a free entrée. No purchase required. Cow-themed attire required. If you don't have a cow costume handy, here's a cow mask to download! Just click here, print it out and cut out the eyes. Hold it up to … [Read more...] about Dress like a cow for free entrée on Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-fil-A July 14
Tray Wellington Band at The Ridge May 29 — pay what you can
The Tray Wellington Band is performing at The Ridge, 2011 Ridge Road, Raleigh, North Carolina, on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 6 p.m. The Courtyard will open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are "pay what you can," but you do need to reserve them, regardless of the payment. The suggested donation is $25, but all are welcome regardless of ticket donation. A ticket is required, even with no donation amount. … [Read more...] about Tray Wellington Band at The Ridge May 29 — pay what you can
Beach Music Series at MOSAIC in Pittsboro: The Extraordinaires May 29
Beach Music Series 2026 These free concerts start at 7 p.m., except when otherwise indicated. The event lawn opens one hour before the concert start time. These events are free, but ticketed. Get tickets here. This event is brought to you by Title Sponsor, Brightspeed. … [Read more...] about Beach Music Series at MOSAIC in Pittsboro: The Extraordinaires May 29
One Tribe Final Friday drum circle with fire spinning by Caroleena & Friends in Cary
During Cary's Final Friday Art Loop, make sure to visit the site of the old library, 310 S Academy Street, for One Tribe Final Friday Drum Circle with Fire Spinning by Caroleena and Friends on Friday, May 29, 2026. The drum circle will be taking place from 7 to 8:30 p.m., with a fire performance by Caroleena and friends at 8 p.m. It generally takes place the last Friday of the month. Bring … [Read more...] about One Tribe Final Friday drum circle with fire spinning by Caroleena & Friends in Cary
Tasting at Ten: Free weekly tastings at Counter Culture Coffee in Durham
Counter Culture Coffee is a coffee roaster committed to sustainably sourced coffee. The company's headquarters in Durham also serves as a training facility for regional staff, and they offer classes in brewing latte art, palate development and more, for coffee professionals and hobbyists. Learn about these classes here. In addition they also host FREE coffee education events for the whole … [Read more...] about Tasting at Ten: Free weekly tastings at Counter Culture Coffee in Durham
Final Friday Cary Art Loop
The final Friday of every month, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., downtown Cary showcases its artists and musicians during Final Friday Cary Art Loop. Visit art galleries and enjoy live performances. Scroll down for an interactive map of all the participating venues, but make sure to check the Cary Art Loop Facebook page or website to make sure there is activity at each. Cary Final Friday Map … [Read more...] about Final Friday Cary Art Loop
Hillsborough Last Fridays Art Walk May 29, including Makers Market, Live on the Lawn, much more…
The last Friday of every month, rain or shine, Downtown Hillsborough showcases its art scene with the Last Fridays Art Walk from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Explore art galleries, artist studios, fine jewelers, boutique shops and award winning restaurants. There will also be entertainment, which might be live music, circus performers, spoken word poetry and more. Art receptions and events take place … [Read more...] about Hillsborough Last Fridays Art Walk May 29, including Makers Market, Live on the Lawn, much more…
