The Durham Hotel, 315 East Chapel Hill Street in Durham, hosts events on its rooftop that are free for all, even if you're not staying at hotel. The hotel also features a coffee bar inside. You can see the upcoming events on their event page and Facebook page. Upcoming Events in 2025 Storytime on the Roof with Durham County LibraryDates below10:30 to 11 a.m.Free Enjoy a morning of … [Read more...] about The Get Down: Halloween Edition on the Durham Hotel Rooftop Oct. 31, and more…
Even more free and cheap stuff to do
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 Oct. 31 — dance parties, hayrides, art, more…
The last Friday of every month, from February to November, 2025, rain or shine, Downtown Hillsborough showcases its art scene with the Last Fridays Art Walk from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Starting in March, Hillsborough Arts Council will present special programming each month. Explore art galleries, artist studios, fine jewelers, boutique shops and award winning restaurants. There will also be live … [Read more...] about Hillsborough Last Fridays Art Walk Oct. 31 — dance parties, hayrides, art, more…
The Carrboro Really Really Free Market Oct. 4
The Carrboro Really Really Free Market is just what it sounds like. A market where people bring what they want to give, and take what they find useful. Nothing is bought, sold or bartered for. You might find toys, books, clothing, DVDs, cupcakes.... It takes the first Saturday of the month at Carrboro Town Commons, 301 West Main Street, Carrboro, North Carolina, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Visit … [Read more...] about The Carrboro Really Really Free Market Oct. 4
Durham Art Walk Holiday Market Nov 22-23
Shop for holiday gifts and art for yourself at Durham Art Walk Holiday Market on Saturday, November 22, and Sunday, November 23, 2025. The event features tons of artists, as well as live music and some special features. Art lovers can shop local artists, enjoy live music, and dine at great restaurants, all within Durham's city center. There will be both indoor and outdoor … [Read more...] about Durham Art Walk Holiday Market Nov 22-23
Paws with Claus: Photos of your dog with Santa at Downtown Cary Park Dec. 14
Bring your dog to Paws with Claus for a FREE picture with Santa at Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy Street, Cary, North Carolina. The event takes place on Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 2 to 5 p.m., at Downtown Cary Park's Bark Bar. Enjoy a festive setting while your dogs meet Santa. In addition to complimentary photos with Santa, you can choose to have a holiday photo session with … [Read more...] about Paws with Claus: Photos of your dog with Santa at Downtown Cary Park Dec. 14
Free immersive performance: A Peter Rabbit Christmas at Downtown Cary Park
Applause! Cary Youth Theatre and Seed Art Share are presenting A Peter Rabbit Christmas at Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy Street, Cary, North Carolina. This production is an immersive experience for the whole family. it starts on Frantz Square Lawn at the park. Join Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle and all of the animals in Mr. McGregor’s garden patch as they search for Peter Rabbit in this … [Read more...] about Free immersive performance: A Peter Rabbit Christmas at Downtown Cary Park
Geek & Grub Market: Viking Edition Nov. 15
Geek and Grub Market is a celebration of all things geek! Play giant games, eat great food, and purchase geeky items from an array of local geek-themed artisans. This themed monthly market, which is presented by the folks at Triangle Game Night, is free to attend. Each market features 30+ geeky vendors, giant games, food trucks, and fun competitions. The events are free to attend. Geek … [Read more...] about Geek & Grub Market: Viking Edition Nov. 15
Handmade Hanukkah Market at Temple Beth Or in Raleigh Dec 7
Temple Beth Or, 5315 Creedmoor Rd., Raleigh, is hosting Handmade Hanukkah Market on Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It's free to attend. Jewish artisans will be displaying and selling their work, ranging in style from textiles and photography to jewelry, pottery and much more. Work will be available in a wide range of prices. Shop local, support your community and find … [Read more...] about Handmade Hanukkah Market at Temple Beth Or in Raleigh Dec 7
“Pay what you can” screening of film, Afloat, at the Varsity Theater in Chapel Hill Nov. 21
Afloat, a short film by NCSU alum Tae Park and Core One Studios Production, is being screened on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are "pay what you can." Owen, in his 20s, returns to his hometown in Wilmington after failing to build a life in New York. Working as a busboy, he wrestles with shame, fear and unresolved trauma. When he discovers an experimental pill that claims to … [Read more...] about “Pay what you can” screening of film, Afloat, at the Varsity Theater in Chapel Hill Nov. 21
