In the northern part of Downtown Raleigh, 300 N Dawson Street, you'll find a preservation success story. A 1960s TraveLodge has been saved and modernized. Now the Longleaf Hotel, it exudes retro charm with many uncovered mid-century details. If you're looking for a place to stay in Raleigh, the rooms are modern and cozy, and compare favorably, price-wise, with other rooms in Downtown … [Read more...] about Free comedy show at The Longleaf Hotel Oct. 23, and more…
Even more free and cheap stuff to do
Edward’s Battle Haunted House — free walk-through attraction raises money for kids with cancer
Edward's Battle Haunted House is the project of a Raleigh teen who has battled cancer. Every year since he received his cancer diagnosis he has created a haunted attraction for Halloween. It's free to enjoy, but donations are accepted for Make a Wish. Edward's Battle Haunted House is at 9401 S. Mere Court, Raleigh, North Carolina. It will be take place from 7 to 9 p.m. on these dates in … [Read more...] about Edward’s Battle Haunted House — free walk-through attraction raises money for kids with cancer
The Witch’s Haunted Barn at Firefly Farm in Hillsborough
Firefly Farm, at 4911 Hunt Road, Hillsborough, is bringing back its popular fall and Halloween attraction, The Witch's Haunted Barn, in 2026. This is a low-priced, family-friendly activity. It's not meant to be a very scary experience, but, instead, a whimsical look at Halloween, so it should be suitable for all kids of all ages (although, you know your child best.) There are no jump scares and … [Read more...] about The Witch’s Haunted Barn at Firefly Farm in Hillsborough
Clayton Harvest Festival October 22-25
The Clayton Harvest Festival will take place from October 22-25, 2026, at Horne Square, Town Square and other locations in Downtown Clayton. The four-day festival includes a midway full of carnival rides; car, motorcycle, and tractor shows; Latin American Festival; and other community-focused events, vendors, food, music, and fun. Admission is free. Pay for rides, food and drink. Check … [Read more...] about Clayton Harvest Festival October 22-25
Weaver Street Market Carrboro Halloween Stories Under the Stars (costume contest, treats, more) Oct. 23
Weaver Street Market Carrboro's annual Halloween event, Music and tories Under the Stars, takes place Friday, October 23, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This free, family-friendly event takes place on the Weaver Street Market lawn, 101 East Weaver Street, Carrboro, North Carolina. Bring a blanket or low chair and settle in for an evening of music, stories and Halloween fun, co-sponsored by … [Read more...] about Weaver Street Market Carrboro Halloween Stories Under the Stars (costume contest, treats, more) Oct. 23
Corn Grinding Tour at Historic Yates County Park Oct. 24-25, and more…
Historic Yates Mill County Park, at 6420 Lake Wheeler Road in Raleigh, is a 174-acre wildlife refuge and an environmental research center. The centerpiece is the Historic Yates Mill, which is the last operable water-powered gristmill in Wake County. The mill is on the National Register of Historic Places and was restored to working order in 2005. Admission to the park is free. Tours of the … [Read more...] about Corn Grinding Tour at Historic Yates County Park Oct. 24-25, and more…
Free and cheap things to do in Raleigh, NC and the rest of the Triangle this weekend
Are you looking for things to do in Raleigh, NC this weekend? Or Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, Wake Forest, or other places in the Triangle? This list includes fun things to do in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill this weekend, plus surrounding areas, from Friday to Sunday. (Or Monday if it's a holiday weekend.)This list is updated every single week! You'll find a ton of things to do this weekend … [Read more...] about Free and cheap things to do in Raleigh, NC and the rest of the Triangle this weekend
Light the Square at Fenton Nov 21
Fenton, at 21 Fenton Main Street, Cary, North Carolina, is presenting Light the Square on Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 3 to 7 p.m. This is a free event, but some of the activities have a fee. The event includes: … [Read more...] about Light the Square at Fenton Nov 21
King Lear Was Never Here — all-woman performance in Carrboro Nov. 21
Muse Gallery, 201 E Main Street, Carrboro, North Carolina, is hosting two performances of King Lear Was Never Here on November 21, 2026, at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. This is a rescheduled date. Tickets are a sliding scale, with a suggested donation of $20. Experience “King Lear” like you’ve never seen it… featuring only his daughters. This 45 minute play has King Lear played by a hulking tech … [Read more...] about King Lear Was Never Here — all-woman performance in Carrboro Nov. 21
Museum of Life and Science free for Durham residents Oct. 20
Museum of Life and Science, 433 W Murray Avenue, Durham, is one of the most popular attractions in Durham. It features indoor and outdoor exhibits that encourage children to learn about the world around them. The exhibits explore a wide range of scientific fields -- physics, zoology, aerospace, weather, sound, and more -- all in a fun, hands-on way. Read on to learn all about the museum, or … [Read more...] about Museum of Life and Science free for Durham residents Oct. 20
