Head to Wake Forest for Forest Fest on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This free family event in Downtown Wake Forest focuses on celebrating the heart and history of Wake Forest. The event will feature entertainment, the Wake Forest Farmers Market, a tree seedling giveaway, educational opportunities, children's activities, vendors, food options and much more! The festival takes … [Read more...] about Forest Fest in Wake Forest April 18
Even more free and cheap stuff to do
Free nutrition and cooking program for youth in Durham on March 25
Durham Parks & Recreation is presenting a one-time interactive nutrition educational program for youth on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m., at W.D. Hill Recreation Center, 1308 Fayetteville Street, Durham, North Carolina. This is a FREE program for kids ages 8 to 12. Registration is required and space is limited. Participants will learn the basics of MyPlate and balanced meals … [Read more...] about Free nutrition and cooking program for youth in Durham on March 25
An Evening with NC Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton Green at the Gregg Museum, Feb. 19, and more
NC State's Gregg Museum of Art & Design, at 1903 Hillsborough Street in Raleigh, is open to the public and free to visit. Free parking is available adjacent to the building. Currently open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Sundays and Mondays. Read on to learn about Gregg Museum's current exhibits and upcoming events. Or jump right to the events! Current and … [Read more...] about An Evening with NC Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton Green at the Gregg Museum, Feb. 19, and more
Artist Reception at Block Gallery for Relevant Material: Contemporary Quilting Feb. 19
Block Gallery, on the first and second floors of the Raleigh Municipal Building at 222 W. Hargett Street, Raleigh, offers five to six exhibitions each year. The exhibitions feature work by artists who live or work in Chatham Durham, Johnston, Orange, or Wake County. Block Gallery is free to visit. It's open from Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Relevant Material: Contemporary … [Read more...] about Artist Reception at Block Gallery for Relevant Material: Contemporary Quilting Feb. 19
25th Annual Children’s Day Festival of Cary: International music, dance, crafts, food April 18
On Saturday, April 18, 2026, Children's Day Festival of Cary will take place from 1 to 7 p.m. at Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy Street, Cary, North Carolina. Admission is free. It is a mini version of the nation-wide celebrations that have been taking place in Turkey for the past 89 years as a national holiday, a children’s version of the international festival, and an event where children … [Read more...] about 25th Annual Children’s Day Festival of Cary: International music, dance, crafts, food April 18
55th Annual Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival in Durham May 16
The 56th Annual Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival will take place Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 1 to 7 p.m., at Rock Quarry Park, 701 Stadium Drive, Durham. This festival is a celebration of African and African American history, culture, arts and traditions. This is a FREE event for all ages. The event typically includes: Please bring your own lawn chair or blanket. Main Stage … [Read more...] about 55th Annual Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival in Durham May 16
8th Annual Chicken Festival in Siler City May 2
Siler City and Siler City Parks and Recreation Department present the 8th Annual Spring Chicken Festival on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in Downtown Siler City. Admission is free. The Spring Chicken Festival will take place on three blocks of Chatham Street, between Beaver Street and Third Street. The festival typically features: … [Read more...] about 8th Annual Chicken Festival in Siler City May 2
Sold out! Engineering Day at John Deere in Cary Feb. 21
UPDATE: This event has filled up. The Forge Initiative is holding its 9th Engineering Day on February 21, 2026, from 1 to 4 p.m., at John Deere, 2000 John Deere Run, Cary, North Carolina. This is a FREE, all-ages, hands-on STEAM event that brings students, families, and educators together to explore engineering in a fun and interactive way. Attendees can experience robotics, 3D printing, AI, … [Read more...] about Sold out! Engineering Day at John Deere in Cary Feb. 21
Wake Forest Comic-Con March 21 (free event)
Wake Forest Comic-Con takes place Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Flaherty Park Community Center, 1226 N White Street, Wake Forest, North Carolina. The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department is partnering with Play4Life Comics to present this event. Admission is FREE. The event features a dynamic showcase of: Wake Forest Comic-Con is family … [Read more...] about Wake Forest Comic-Con March 21 (free event)
Got to be NC Festival May 15-17
Got to be NC Festival will offer three great days of down-home celebration North Carolina-style from May 15 to 17, 2026. Got to be NC Festival takes place at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, and is free to attend. Carnival rides and games, food and drinks, and some activities have a cost associated with them. It takes place at North Carolina State … [Read more...] about Got to be NC Festival May 15-17
