North Carolina has a rich agricultural heritage, and a visit to a State or County Fair is a great way to experience that heritage. The fairs are back in full force for 2026. You'll have a lot to choose from. You can find livestock competitions, local or regional food and drink, live music, rides, and, of course, lots and lots of fried food. The fairs are primarily held in the fall, with the … [Read more...] about County and State Fairs in North Carolina — updated for 2026
Even more free and cheap stuff to do
Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting Celebration and Holiday Market at Moore Square Nov. 20
The Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting will take place on Friday, November 20, 2026, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., at Moore Square, 201 S Blount Street, Raleigh, North Carolina. There will be entertainment, a large vendors market, food and more. Typically there are also free pictures with Santa! Check back soon for details. … [Read more...] about Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting Celebration and Holiday Market at Moore Square Nov. 20
Tipsy Spelling Bee: Halloween Edition at Killjoy Oct. 22
Tipsy Spelling Bee: Halloween Edition is happening Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 6 p.m., at Killjoy, 116 N West Street, Raleigh, North Carolina. This is a Halloween-themed, interactive spelling competition that combines a game show atmosphere with cocktails, music, audience challenges, and prizes. Guests can compete, cheer on their friends, or simply enjoy a fun Halloween-themed night out. … [Read more...] about Tipsy Spelling Bee: Halloween Edition at Killjoy Oct. 22
Dave’s Hot Chicken gives away free sliders Oct. 13
Dave’s Hot Chicken is giving away a FREE Chicken Slider on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. No purchase required. The free slider is available only on Dave's Hot Chicken app, in-store, at participating restaurants. Dave's Hot Chicken has declared October 13, 2026, to be Dave's Day. They say that on Dave's Day everyone's a Dave. Here’s how to redeem the offer: Dave's Hot Chicken in the … [Read more...] about Dave’s Hot Chicken gives away free sliders Oct. 13
Beginner Square Dance Lession with Capital Squares in Raleigh October 13
The square dancing group, Capital Squares, hosts low priced square dance parties and classes at St. James United Methodist Church, 3808 St. James Church Road, Raleigh, North Carolina. Learn more and register. No experience required. Upcoming Events Beginner Square Dance Lesson in RaleighTuesday, October 13, 20267 to 9 p.m.$10 for adults; $5 for students (high school or college); Free for … [Read more...] about Beginner Square Dance Lession with Capital Squares in Raleigh October 13
BEERthoven with The Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle and Guest Artists Oct. 13
The Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle is an orchestral ensemble of 40+ musicians from all parts of North Carolina. They are known for their varied concert series, including BEERthoven. Read on to learn about the BEERthoven program and the schedule for 2026/2027. BEERthoven COT musicians and guest artists leave the concert stage to give you a front row seat for BEERthoven. These donation-only … [Read more...] about BEERthoven with The Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle and Guest Artists Oct. 13
Fool’s Faire 2026 Renaissance Festival at Steel String Pluck Farm, Nov. 14
Steel String Brewery Pluck Farm is located at 6901 NC-54 West, Mebane, North Carolina. Enjoy the natural setting of the native plant gardens, seasonal blooms, and a 22-hole disc golf course. Events for both the Pluck Farm and Carrboro locations can be found on Steel String's Facebook page. Find events for the Carrboro location here. Read on for events at Steel String Pluck Farm. Upcoming … [Read more...] about Fool’s Faire 2026 Renaissance Festival at Steel String Pluck Farm, Nov. 14
Pay What You Can at Raleigh City Farm on Wednesdays
Raleigh City Farm is a nonprofit urban farm founded in 2011 on a formerly vacant one-acre lot in Downtown Raleigh, at 800 N. Blount Street. Their mission is to grow the next generation of farmers by connecting the community to sustainable agriculture. Raleigh City Farm offers workshops, tours, special events and more. You can find the upcoming events on the event page on the website. "Pay What … [Read more...] about Pay What You Can at Raleigh City Farm on Wednesdays
Live Music with Alli J on Rooftop of Durham Hotel Oct. 14
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. Live Music: Ally JWednesday, October 14, 20267:30 to 9 p.m.Free $6 glasses of Rosé & Bubbles. $14 dinner special. … [Read more...] about Live Music with Alli J on Rooftop of Durham Hotel Oct. 14
Annual Halloween Party at Bearded Bee Brewing on Oct. 30, and more…
Bearded Bee Brewing, at 20 E Campen Street, Wendell, North Carolina, hosts frequent events at its Downtown Wendell location. You can find all the events on their website, plus updates on their Facebook page. Here are a few of them. Upcoming Events Free Live Music: Last updated 10/11/2026. View their full live music schedule on their website calendar. Dem2 Motorcycle GatheringThursday, … [Read more...] about Annual Halloween Party at Bearded Bee Brewing on Oct. 30, and more…
