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 May 1
Even more free and cheap stuff to do
CaryLive! Concert: Fancy Gap on May 30
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 Learn about each artist by clicking on their picture here. … [Read more...] about CaryLive! Concert: Fancy Gap on May 30
Bright Horizons Speaker Series — learn about children’s emotional development at a free event Apr. 29
Join Bright Horizons on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Bottle Theory, 3675 Green Level Road W, Apex, North Carolina, for its next Speaker Series event. This is a free event, but please RSVP here, or through the QR code on the above flyer. This exciting evening is designed for both parents and children to enjoy in a relaxed, family-friendly brewery! This month, the speaker … [Read more...] about Bright Horizons Speaker Series — learn about children’s emotional development at a free event Apr. 29
Garner Independence Day Celebration will include the NC Symphony, fireworks, and more
Garner is holding its Independence Day celebration on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Lake Benson Park, 921 Buffaloe Road, Garner, North Carolina, from 5 to 10 p.m. This is a free event. The headlining performance will be by the North Carolina Symphony. Enjoy delicious food while the kids play in the Kids Zone, featuring games and crafts. After the concert there will be a fireworks … [Read more...] about Garner Independence Day Celebration will include the NC Symphony, fireworks, and more
Free Planet Fitness membership for teens all summer
Teens, ages 14-19, can work out for free all summer at Planet Fitness, from June 1 to August 31, 2026. Registration opens on May 18. Teens will have access to: Pre-RegisterGet a head start on your summer fitness program by pre-registering. Download the PF AppCreate an account using the same e-mail you used to register and explore all the FREE PF App has to offer before your digital club … [Read more...] about Free Planet Fitness membership for teens all summer
Fuquay-Varina Independence Day Celebration includes live music, food trucks, fireworks July 1
The Town of Fuquay-Varina has announced that it will be hosting its Independence Day Celebration on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. It will take place at South Park, 900 S. Main Street, Fuquay-Varina. Gates will open at 6 p.m. The splash pad will be open from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Live music will start at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks show at sundown, or around 9:15 p.m. Look for weather related … [Read more...] about Fuquay-Varina Independence Day Celebration includes live music, food trucks, fireworks July 1
Art Club at Zeitgeist Gallery & Bar Apr. 29
Anticapitalist Crafts is hosting a monthly art club at Zeitgeist Gallery & Bar, 725 N Mangum Street, Durham, North Carolina. It's scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. on these dates: This is a chance to create, explore new mediums, and gather with other artists. Each month supplies will be provided to enable participants to try out new methods of playing with texture, color, assemblage, and … [Read more...] about Art Club at Zeitgeist Gallery & Bar Apr. 29
Pay What You Want Block Party (with pottery painting) at Trophy Brewing & Taproom Apr. 29
Cozy Panda is hosting a Block Party on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Trophy Brewing & Taproom, 656 Maywood Avenue, Raleigh, North Carolina. The event features pottery painting. And it's "pay what you want!" You can pay for your piece, pay it forward to support another guest, or paint for free. In addition, the party features: … [Read more...] about Pay What You Want Block Party (with pottery painting) at Trophy Brewing & Taproom Apr. 29
International Day of Dance Festival at Downtown Cary Park April 29 — performances and free workshops
The 2nd Annual International Day of Dance Festival, organized by Graceful Expressions, takes place on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 8:15 p.m., at Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy Street, Cary, North Carolina. This is a free event and suitable for all ages. This is not a drop-off event. Parents or guardians must stay with their children. Celebrate the universal language of dance … [Read more...] about International Day of Dance Festival at Downtown Cary Park April 29 — performances and free workshops
Weekly Live Music, Trivia, and Music Bingo at Fortnight Brewing in Cary
Fortnight Brewing Company, at 1006 SW Maynard Rd, Cary, brings the taste of English beers to North Carolina. Some of the partners are from England, and, together with the North Carolina natives who also share ownership, they offer English Ale, Porter, and ESB use only English-grown ingredients and yeast. They also offer a Blonde Ale, Coffee Amber, and an IPA that is a fusion of English and … [Read more...] about Weekly Live Music, Trivia, and Music Bingo at Fortnight Brewing in Cary
