Block Gallery, on the first and second floors of the Raleigh Municipal Building at 222 W. Hargett Street, Raleigh, offers five to six exhibitions each year. The exhibitions feature work by artists who live or work in Chatham Durham, Johnston, Orange, or Wake County. Block Gallery is free to visit. It's open from Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Relevant Material: Contemporary … [Read more...] about Artist Reception at Block Gallery for Relevant Material: Contemporary Quilting Feb. 19
Even more free and cheap stuff to do
25th Annual Children’s Day Festival of Cary: International music, dance, crafts, food April 18
On Saturday, April 18, 2026, Children's Day Festival of Cary will take place from 1 to 7 p.m. at Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy Street, Cary, North Carolina. Admission is free. It is a mini version of the nation-wide celebrations that have been taking place in Turkey for the past 89 years as a national holiday, a children’s version of the international festival, and an event where children … [Read more...] about 25th Annual Children’s Day Festival of Cary: International music, dance, crafts, food April 18
55th Annual Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival in Durham May 16
The 56th Annual Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival will take place Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 1 to 7 p.m., at Rock Quarry Park, 701 Stadium Drive, Durham. This festival is a celebration of African and African American history, culture, arts and traditions. This is a FREE event for all ages. The event typically includes: Please bring your own lawn chair or blanket. Main Stage … [Read more...] about 55th Annual Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival in Durham May 16
8th Annual Chicken Festival in Siler City May 2
Siler City and Siler City Parks and Recreation Department present the 8th Annual Spring Chicken Festival on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in Downtown Siler City. Admission is free. The Spring Chicken Festival will take place on three blocks of Chatham Street, between Beaver Street and Third Street. The festival typically features: … [Read more...] about 8th Annual Chicken Festival in Siler City May 2
Sold out! Engineering Day at John Deere in Cary Feb. 21
UPDATE: This event has filled up. The Forge Initiative is holding its 9th Engineering Day on February 21, 2026, from 1 to 4 p.m., at John Deere, 2000 John Deere Run, Cary, North Carolina. This is a FREE, all-ages, hands-on STEAM event that brings students, families, and educators together to explore engineering in a fun and interactive way. Attendees can experience robotics, 3D printing, AI, … [Read more...] about Sold out! Engineering Day at John Deere in Cary Feb. 21
Got to be NC Festival May 15-17
Got to be NC Festival will offer three great days of down-home celebration North Carolina-style from May 15 to 17, 2026. Got to be NC Festival takes place at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, and is free to attend. Carnival rides and games, food and drinks, and some activities have a cost associated with them. It takes place at North Carolina State … [Read more...] about Got to be NC Festival May 15-17
Live Jazz in the Study at Peck & Plume Feb. 18
Peck & Plume at The Mayton, 301 S Academy Street, Cary, North Carolina, offers breakfast, lunch dinner, and brunch in Downtown Cary. Reservations are strongly encouraged. You can find their upcoming events here. Live Jazz in the StudyWednesday, February 18, 2026Wednesday, March 4, 2026Wednesday, March 11, 2026Free Follow the above link to learn about the musical artists and the wine … [Read more...] about Live Jazz in the Study at Peck & Plume Feb. 18
ParTee at Capital Marketplace: Free mini golf, arcade passes and pizza on March 14 — tickets required
For one morning only, ParTee Shack North Raleigh, 6321 Triangle Plantation Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina, is offering a chance to play for free. PartTee at Capital Marketplace takes place Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event is FREE, but tickets are required. It's limited to 200 people. Walk-ins will not be admitted. You'll need to RSVP on Eventbrite and show your … [Read more...] about ParTee at Capital Marketplace: Free mini golf, arcade passes and pizza on March 14 — tickets required
Pop-Up Raleigh art and vintage markets at Trophy on Maywood — 2026 schedule announced
Pop-Up Raleigh brings artisans and vintage vendors together, creating an opportunity for shoppers to find that unique gift and support local businesses at the same time. At each of these markets you'll find some of your favorite vendors. Shop for local art, vintage clothing and accessories, and more. Follow Pop-Up Raleigh on Facebook or check their website for updates. Pop-Up Raleigh will … [Read more...] about Pop-Up Raleigh art and vintage markets at Trophy on Maywood — 2026 schedule announced
Durham Mardi Gras Feb. 17 — live music, parade, jam sessions and dancing
Durham celebrates Mardi Gras in a big way. The main event is always on Fat Tuesday, which is February 17, 2026. It is FREE and open to the public. The places you can expect updates are the Bulltown Stutters' Facebook page and Durham Mardi Gras' Facebook page. Durham Mardi Gras The main event will take place on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. All these events are free to attend. Here's what … [Read more...] about Durham Mardi Gras Feb. 17 — live music, parade, jam sessions and dancing
