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
Even more free and cheap stuff to do
Live Jazz in the Study at Peck & Plume Feb. 18
Peck & Plume at The Mayton, 301 S Academy Street, Cary, North Carolina, offers breakfast, lunch dinner, and brunch in Downtown Cary. Reservations are strongly encouraged. You can find their upcoming events here. Live Jazz in the StudyWednesday, February 18, 2026Wednesday, March 4, 2026Wednesday, March 11, 2026Free Follow the above link to learn about the musical artists and the wine … [Read more...] about Live Jazz in the Study at Peck & Plume Feb. 18
Wine Down Wednesday at La Vita Dolce: live music and wine specials returning April 1
La Vita Dolce at Southern Village, 610 Market St in Chapel Hill, will once again host Wine Down Wednesday every Wednesday from April 1 to October 21, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m., with the music starting at 6 p.m. This is the 9th year for Wine Down Wednesday and it's a favorite tradition in Chapel Hill. Mingle, sip, and enjoy great weather and live music at this open social. This is a … [Read more...] about Wine Down Wednesday at La Vita Dolce: live music and wine specials returning April 1
Artsplosure in Raleigh May 16-17 — art market, performances, kids’ activities and more…
Artsplosure--the Raleigh Arts Festival will be back again on May 16 and 17, 2026, bringing art, music, kids' activities, interactive installations, and entertainment to Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh. Check back soon for confirmation of the exact hours, but if they're the same as last year they will be: The festival features the work of more than 175 juried fine artists and … [Read more...] about Artsplosure in Raleigh May 16-17 — art market, performances, kids’ activities and more…
ParTee at Capital Marketplace: Free mini golf, arcade passes and pizza on March 14 — tickets required
For one morning only, ParTee Shack North Raleigh, 6321 Triangle Plantation Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina, is offering a chance to play for free. PartTee at Capital Marketplace takes place Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event is FREE, but tickets are required. It's limited to 200 people. Walk-ins will not be admitted. You'll need to RSVP on Eventbrite and show your … [Read more...] about ParTee at Capital Marketplace: Free mini golf, arcade passes and pizza on March 14 — tickets required
Arts on the Block in Raleigh April 18
Arts on the Block is a new block party for all ages, hosted by Artspace, celebrating the power of community and visual art. The festival takes place Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 12 to 5 p.m., at Historic City Market, 306 Parham Street, Raleigh, North Carolina. This is a FREE event. Historic City Market and Davie Street will come alive with local DJs, hands-on artist-led demonstrations, art … [Read more...] about Arts on the Block in Raleigh April 18
Pop-Up Raleigh art and vintage markets at Trophy on Maywood — 2026 schedule announced
Pop-Up Raleigh brings artisans and vintage vendors together, creating an opportunity for shoppers to find that unique gift and support local businesses at the same time. At each of these markets you'll find some of your favorite vendors. Shop for local art, vintage clothing and accessories, and more. Follow Pop-Up Raleigh on Facebook or check their website for updates. Pop-Up Raleigh will … [Read more...] about Pop-Up Raleigh art and vintage markets at Trophy on Maywood — 2026 schedule announced
Fest in the West — Western Cary’s Signature Festival — April 18
Fest in the West is a free festival in Western Cary on Saturday, April 18, 2026. It takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Mills Park, 501 Mills Park Drive, Cary, North Carolina. Get ready for an active day of learning and fun! Fest in the West is a family-friendly festival designed for parents who seek engaging activities for their children. This event aims to unite the community in the heart … [Read more...] about Fest in the West — Western Cary’s Signature Festival — April 18
Durham Mardi Gras Feb. 17 — live music, parade, jam sessions and dancing
Durham celebrates Mardi Gras in a big way. The main event is always on Fat Tuesday, which is February 17, 2026. It is FREE and open to the public. The places you can expect updates are the Bulltown Stutters' Facebook page and Durham Mardi Gras' Facebook page. Durham Mardi Gras The main event will take place on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. All these events are free to attend. Here's what … [Read more...] about Durham Mardi Gras Feb. 17 — live music, parade, jam sessions and dancing
Free Fat Tuesday Pancake Dinner at Elizabeth Street UMC in Durham Feb. 17
Elizabeth Street United Methodist Church, at 1209 N Elizabeth Street, Durham, North Carolina, is hosting a free Fat Tuesday Pancake Dinner on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 6 p.m. All are welcome. Fat Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent, the period of time preceding Easter. … [Read more...] about Free Fat Tuesday Pancake Dinner at Elizabeth Street UMC in Durham Feb. 17
