Esmeralda's Cafe, 1515 North Pointe Drive, Durham, North Carolina, is hosting an Acoustic Open Mic Night the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. It's scheduled on these dates so far in 2026: Sign-ups start at 6:30 p.m., with the performances starting at 7 p.m. It's free to attend. Perform for a welcoming crowd. It can be anything: music, comedy, poetry, tap dancing, mind … [Read more...] about Acoustic Open Mic Nights at Esmeralda’s Cafe in Durham
Even more free and cheap stuff to do
Early Voting Starts Feb. 12 — what you need to know
Primary Election Day in North Carolina is March 3, 2026. Early voting takes place from February 12 to 28. During this primary election, voters will select candidates to run in the general election, for positions including U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, NC House of Representatives, NC judges, and more. (The specific races depend on your county and district.) On Election Day you may … [Read more...] about Early Voting Starts Feb. 12 — what you need to know
French Film Festival with The Center for French and Francophone Studies at Duke University — free screenings
The Center for French and Francophone Studies at Duke university is presenting its annual French Film Festival from January 29 to February 13, 2026. The screenings are free, open to the public, and take place at Rubenstein Arts Center, 2020 Campus Drive, Durham, North Carolina. The films will be introduced in English, subtitled in English and followed by a Q&A session in English. French … [Read more...] about French Film Festival with The Center for French and Francophone Studies at Duke University — free screenings
Palentine’s Day Barn Dance with live music at Sunrise Community Farm Center Feb. 13 — pay what you can!
Sunrise Community Farm Center, 6407 Millhouse Road, Chapel Hill, NC, is a community farm inclusive of all ages, abilities, backgrounds and interests. In addition to farm activities, Sunrise Community Farm Center also hosts special events throughout the year, including live music and dancing. Palentine's Day Barn Dance with The UnsustainablesFriday, February 13, 20266 to 9 p.m.Pay what you can … [Read more...] about Palentine’s Day Barn Dance with live music at Sunrise Community Farm Center Feb. 13 — pay what you can!
16th Annual ‘Cuegrass Festival April 18
16th Annual North Carolina 'Cuegrass Festival returns to Downtown Raleigh on Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The festival is free to attend, but raises funds for local children's causes, so donations are welcome. This festival celebrate two of the great things about North Carolina: Barbecue and Bluegrass. There will also be a vendor village on Fayetteville Street, near … [Read more...] about 16th Annual ‘Cuegrass Festival April 18
Huge list of animal webcams and live streams you won’t want to stop watching
Do you need a break from the stress of your daily life? There might be no better way to destress than to watch adorable, strange or exotic animals on a webcam. From jellyfish to bears to elephants, the webcams offer you a front-row seat to these animals activities. All are free to watch. Since they are live, and from various places around the globe, sometimes the animals will be asleep, and … [Read more...] about Huge list of animal webcams and live streams you won’t want to stop watching
Lunar New Year 2026 — how to celebrate the Year of the Horse in the Triangle
The Lunar New Year takes place February 17, 2026, and is celebrated for several weeks, starting in late January. Although commonly referred to as Chinese New Year, it's also celebrated in other Asian countries, especially Vietnam and Korea. 2026 is the Year of the Horse in most Asian countries! If you were born in 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, or 1942, after the Lunar New Year (late … [Read more...] about Lunar New Year 2026 — how to celebrate the Year of the Horse in the Triangle
City Soul Cafe Open Mic every Wednesday
City Soul Cafe Open Mic takes place every Wednesday, from January 7 to December 30, 2026, at 8 p.m., at Terminal 7 Bar & Lounge, 2109 Avent Ferry Road, Raleigh, North Carolina. Tickets are $10. This is Raleigh's longest-running poetry open mic, at 13 years. Poets, MCs and singers will all be sharing their talent. … [Read more...] about City Soul Cafe Open Mic every Wednesday
McDonald’s launches McNugget Caviar kits — here’s how to get one for free
McDonald's wants to be a part of your luxe Valentine's Day celebration, and if that's a surprising thing to read, imagine how surprising it was to write. The Golden Arches have teamed up in an unlikely partnership with Paramount Caviar — to offer an online-only, limited-edition McNugget Caviar kit. You can sign up to get your FREE McNugget Caviar kit by dropping in at McNuggetCaviar.com on … [Read more...] about McDonald’s launches McNugget Caviar kits — here’s how to get one for free
Celebrate American Heart Month with Raleigh Parks — free fitness, nutrition classes, more…
Raleigh Parks Health & Wellness Programs invites you to prioritize your heart health through several free programs and activities in February, 2026. Enjoy a variety of engaging activities, all designed to support your journey toward a healthier heart and lifestyle. These events are free. Registration is required. Learn about all the programs at raleighnc.gov/heartmonth. Follow the links to … [Read more...] about Celebrate American Heart Month with Raleigh Parks — free fitness, nutrition classes, more…
