Customers who visit any of Rita’s Ice's 600+ locations nationwide on Friday, March 20, 2026, will receive a FREE 6-ounce Italian Ice in the flavor of their choice. Rita's expects to serve approximately one million cups of Italian Ice during its annual "First Day of Spring" celebration. This is a 30+ year tradition. In the Triangle you'll find Rita's at 921 N Harrison Avenue, Cary, North … [Read more...] about Free Italian Ice at Rita’s Ice for first day of spring — March 20
Even more free and cheap stuff to do
Third Friday Durham Art Walk Mar. 20
Third Friday Durham is a recurring event during which the Durham art venues host free receptions. It takes place the 3rd Friday of the month. This is a great time to check out the new and continuing exhibits. It's also a good time to check out shops and to try out a new restaurant. Most gallery receptions take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. but visit the 3rd Friday Durham Facebook page, where … [Read more...] about Third Friday Durham Art Walk Mar. 20
Free skywatching at Little River Regional Park March 20
Morehead Planetarium + Science Center frequently facilitates skywatching sessions, during which guests can look through telescopes at the night sky and learn about what they're seeing. Sometimes Morehead Planetarium is joined by other groups, who also help with the event. In general these are free events. Upcoming Skywatching Events Skywatching at Little River Regional ParkFriday, March … [Read more...] about Free skywatching at Little River Regional Park March 20
Free Marbles Kids Museum Membership for Wake County Foster Families
Marbles Kids Museum, at 201 E Hargett Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, has announced that foster families licensed through Wake County can receive a membership to Marbles that provides free museum admission for foster parents and all children in the household. The membership provides year-round access to Marbles’ hands-on exhibits, early museum entry, member-only events and exclusive discounts to … [Read more...] about Free Marbles Kids Museum Membership for Wake County Foster Families
Free Cone Day at Dairy Queen March 19
Dairy Queen is celebrating the day before the first day of spring with its annual Free Cone Day! On Thursday, March 19, 2026, DQ is giving every customer a FREE small vanilla cone at participating locations. Mall locations generally do not participate. No purchase required. Plus, DQ Rewards members earn 2x points for purchases on March 19. The free cone is available all day, while supplies … [Read more...] about Free Cone Day at Dairy Queen March 19
The Raleigh Uke Jam Apr. 16 — experienced and beginner ukulele players welcome!
The Raleigh Uke Jam is a music gathering open to all, both beginning and experienced ukulele players. The group meets on the first and third Thursday of every month, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Estill House at the Church of the Nativity, 8849 Ray Road, in North Raleigh. Please note that there will be no jam on April 2, 2026. They have compiled songbooks of both classic and popular ukulele … [Read more...] about The Raleigh Uke Jam Apr. 16 — experienced and beginner ukulele players welcome!
Drive-thru food pantry at Hillside Church in Chapel Hill Mar. 21
Hillside Church, 201 Culbreth Road, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, announced on Facebook that it's holding a food pantry event on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. This is a drive-thru pantry. You must be in line by noon to be served, but consider arriving around 11:30 a.m. to avoid long wait times. Please prepare your trunk to receive at least two bags of groceries. ID is NEVER … [Read more...] about Drive-thru food pantry at Hillside Church in Chapel Hill Mar. 21
FREE Pet Food Giveaway at Chatham Sheriff’s Animal Resources Center March 18
Chatham Sheriff's Animal Resources is hosting a FREE pet food giveaway at 725 Renaissance Drive, Pittsboro, North Carolina, on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, from 4 to 6, or while supplies last. This event was announced on Facebook. There will be cat and dog food (mostly dry food), along with other items like cat litter, dog gates and additional giveaways from Chewy. All items are "while supplies … [Read more...] about FREE Pet Food Giveaway at Chatham Sheriff’s Animal Resources Center March 18
Free Sensory Friendly Playtime and Movie at Marbles Kids Museum March 18
Marbles Kids Museum, 201 Hargett Street, Raleigh, periodically holds Sensory Friendly Playtime for kids with special needs and their families. Admission is FREE for these events. It's an opportunity for kids to experience Marbles in a calmer, quieter environment. The museum will also be showing a "Lights Up, Sounds Down" movie. Tickets for the movie are not needed. Registered participants may … [Read more...] about Free Sensory Friendly Playtime and Movie at Marbles Kids Museum March 18
Free performances of Mary Poppins — tickets are free, but required
The Durham North Carolina Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is presenting Marry Poppins from March 13 to 21, 2026. It's free to attend, but tickets are required. The performances take place at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1050 MLK Jr. Blvd, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, at these dates and times: The tickets are sold out, but there will be a standby … [Read more...] about Free performances of Mary Poppins — tickets are free, but required
