The Players Retreat, at 105 Oberlin Road, Raleigh, North Carolina, is celebrating its 75th anniversary by turning back the clock. On Thursday, February 26, 2026, starting at 11:30 a.m., it's rolling back prices to 1951, when the bar and restaurant began. Hot dogs are 25 cents and Budweiser drafts are 35 cents. While supplies last! Come early and grab a hot dog and a beer, and celebrate with … [Read more...] about The Players Retreat Celebrating 75th Birthday with 25¢ hot dogs and 35¢ beers
Even more free and cheap stuff to do
40th North Carolina Pickle Festival in nearby Mount Olive April 25
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
Free Community Dinner at RUMAH on Feb. 26
Raleigh United Mutual Aid Hub (RUMAH), at 415 Hillsborough Street, #101, Raleigh, North Carolina, is hosting a FREE community dinner on Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. This is a time to hang out, make some new friends and eat some free food! Raleigh United Mutual Aid is a volunteer-led, community-funded social center that serves by providing a place to gather, hosting countless … [Read more...] about Free Community Dinner at RUMAH on Feb. 26
Free bowl of chili with purchase at Wendy’s Feb. 26 for National Chili Day
To celebrate National Chili Day, Wendy’s is offering a FREE small chili with any purchase of $5 or more on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at participating locations. Limit one per person. The one-day-only deal is only available for Wendy’s Rewards members via the restaurant’s app. Join Wendy’s Rewards here. A small chili is regularly $3.59. (Price might vary by location.) … [Read more...] about Free bowl of chili with purchase at Wendy’s Feb. 26 for National Chili Day
Apex Restaurant Week Feb. 23 to March 1
Apex NC Restaurant Week will take place February 23 to March 1, 2026. During this time, participating restaurants are offering guests fixed price menus for either lunch or dinner. The 3-course dinner is $30 plus tax and tip, and the lunch specials are $15 plus tax and tip. Restaurants offering a special $15 lunch menu Restaurants offering a special 3-course $30 dinner Apex Restaurant … [Read more...] about Apex Restaurant Week Feb. 23 to March 1
Wake Forest Black History Month: Ailey Young House Historic Marker Unveiling Feb. 27
UPDATE: The plans have changed due to the rain expected on February 26. The event will take place 1 p.m. inside the Spring Street Christian Church, 309 E. Spring St. The tours have been canceled. Town of Wake Forest is concluding its Black History Month Celebration on Friday, February 27, 2026, with a historic marker unveiling at 1 p.m. The marker will be placed near the Ailey Young House which … [Read more...] about Wake Forest Black History Month: Ailey Young House Historic Marker Unveiling Feb. 27
Vege-Palooza at Weaver Street Market Raleigh on Feb. 28
UPDATE: The event is sold out, according to the event link. Weaver Street Raleigh, at 404 West Hargett Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, is hosting Vege-Palooza on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event is free to attend. Looking to get more veggies into your diet? Join Vege-Palooza to find out more about vegetarian and vegan products, sample some great plant-based … [Read more...] about Vege-Palooza at Weaver Street Market Raleigh on Feb. 28
9th Annual Darkness RISING Block Party — an arts & mental health event May 23
Darkness RISING: Live is an annual FREE music and mental health event in its 9th year. This block party celebrates wellness, the arts and community and features powerful performances, free resources and joy! The 2026 event is made possible by HealthLit4Wake. Darkness RISING takes place Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 1 to 5 p.m., at Moore Square, 201 S Blount Street, Raleigh, North … [Read more...] about 9th Annual Darkness RISING Block Party — an arts & mental health event May 23
Friday the 13th Kids Fun Fest in Durham on March 13
Durham Parks and Recreation is hosting Friday the 13th Kids Fun Fest on Friday, March 13, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m., at I.R. Holmes Recreation Center at Campus Hills, 2000 S Alston Avenue, Durham, North Carolina. The Friday the 13th Kids Fun Fest is for kids ages 12 and under. It will be just the right balance of thrills and fun -- nothing too scary! The event is free, but registration is … [Read more...] about Friday the 13th Kids Fun Fest in Durham on March 13
Dr. M.T. Pope House Presents: Evelyn’s Book Club, starting Feb. 25
Dr. M.T. Pope House Presents: Evelyn's Book Club. This program honors Evelyn Pope by reading books. This event takes place at Pope House Museum, 511 S Wilmington Street, Raleigh, North Carolina. Please keep reading for the dates and the books. It's free to participate, but please register here. Ages 18+. Evelyn, a college librarian born in 1908 and died in 1995, loved a variety of books from … [Read more...] about Dr. M.T. Pope House Presents: Evelyn’s Book Club, starting Feb. 25
