The very popular North Carolina Pickle Festival is returning on April 25, 2026, with some events the night before. It takes place in nearby Mount Olive, North Carolina, the home of Mt. Olive Company. This is a free event, but some activities might have a cost. Mount Olive is just about an hour's drive, to the southeast, from Raleigh, and is a little closer for those along I-40 East, like … [Read more...] about 40th North Carolina Pickle Festival in nearby Mount Olive April 25
Even more free and cheap stuff to do
Raulston Blooms — Garden Festival April 25, including 24th Annual Birdhouse Competition
The JC Raulston Arboretum, at 4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh, is hosting Raulston Blooms on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Raulston Blooms is a garden festival for people of all ages. It features garden and nature activities, plant sales, outdoor fun, and more. Tickets are only $5, or $10 per family. Admission is free for garden members and for college students. Proceeds benefit … [Read more...] about Raulston Blooms — Garden Festival April 25, including 24th Annual Birdhouse Competition
Rubber Duck Race (and more) at 3 Bluebirds Farm Apr. 25
3 Bluebirds Farm, at 1001 Horse Creek Road, Raleigh, North Carolina, is hosting a Rubber Duck Race Fundraiser on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free but activities have a cost. This fun day features: 3 Bluebirds farm is a nonprofit currently providing autism services through their summer and track-out camps for children with autism and social clubs for teens … [Read more...] about Rubber Duck Race (and more) at 3 Bluebirds Farm Apr. 25
Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge: Tour and Explore on Apr. 25
Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge, at 7236 NC Highway 87 N, in Pittsboro, is a non-profit organization that works to protect animals from factory farms. The Refuge is a sanctuary that cares for rescued chickens, turkeys, ducks, sheep, goats, pigs and cows who come from lives of abuse, neglect and abandonment. These animals find peace and protection on 16 acres of pasture and woods, where they are … [Read more...] about Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge: Tour and Explore on Apr. 25
Canine Field Day at Rock Quarry Park April 25
Show your dog a good time at Canine Field Day on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Rock Quarry Park, 701 Stadium Drive, Durham, North Carolina. This is a free event. Canine Field Day features: … [Read more...] about Canine Field Day at Rock Quarry Park April 25
26th Annual Mildred Council Community Dinner in Chapel Hill on April 26
The 26th Annual Mildred Council Community Dinner takes place April 26, 2026. Each year, Orange County, NC, honors the legacy of Mildred Council—affectionately known as “Mama Dip”—by sharing a meal and strengthening our community. Sponsored by Orange County, this gathering brings together neighbors, friends, and families for an evening of fellowship, reflection, and service. Who Was Mildred … [Read more...] about 26th Annual Mildred Council Community Dinner in Chapel Hill on April 26
The Sunday Set on the Roof at The Durham
The Sunday Set is a monthly event on the rooftop of The Durham, 315 E Chapel Hill Street, Durham, North Carolina. It takes place the last Sunday of the month, through July, 2026. Check thedurham.com/events for any exceptions. The Sunday Set features live DJ sets from 5 to 10 p.m., with rotating DJs. Also $2 oysters, build-your-own-spritz bar ($10), and snack boards ($18.) And of course, great … [Read more...] about The Sunday Set on the Roof at The Durham
Film and skywatching at West Point Environmental Education Pavilion April 24
Silver Screen & Starry Skies: Apollo 13 is a free event at West Point Environmental Education Pavilion, 5235 N Roxboro Road, Durham, North Carolina, on April 24, 2026, from 8 to 11 p.m. Although it's free, registration is required. Bring your blankets, chairs, and friends as we gather under the night sky to watch the film Apollo 13 (1995). This film dramatizes the true story of the 1970 … [Read more...] about Film and skywatching at West Point Environmental Education Pavilion April 24
Asian Night at East Chapel Hill High School Apr. 24 — vendors, performers, food trucks
The Asian student organizations at three high schools, Chapel Hill High School, Carrboro High School and East Chapel Hill High School, are joining together to present Asian Night. This event will take place at East Chapel Hill High School, 500 Weaver Dairy Road, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 5 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $10, with proceeds going toward the OneSky … [Read more...] about Asian Night at East Chapel Hill High School Apr. 24 — vendors, performers, food trucks
Morehead Planetarium & Science Center: $5 admission
Morehead Planetarium & Science Center, 250 E Franklin Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, might be best known for its planetarium shows, but it offers much more. Exhibits include: Discounted Fridays On every Friday in April, 2026, (except for the spring holiday, April 3) Morehead is offering $5 general admission tickets. (Not the planetarium shows.) Dates are April 10, 17 and 24, … [Read more...] about Morehead Planetarium & Science Center: $5 admission
