The popular food festival Taste of Soul holds several food and merchant events throughout the year in Durham and Raleigh, NC. Taste of Soul NC is the ultimate cookout experience, with food, merchants, DJ, live performances, and bounce houses Admission is free. You just pay for your food and drink. The next Taste of Soul NC event takes place on May 23, 2026, from 3 to 8 p.m., at Durham … [Read more...] about Taste of Soul in Durham May 23
Even more free and cheap stuff to do
LIVE @ Lake Raleigh outdoor concert series: Palmyra on May 21
NC State's very popular free, family-friendly, outdoor concert series, LIVE @ Lake Raleigh, is returning in April and May of 2026. It takes place at Lake Raleigh, Main Campus Drive & Campus Shores Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina. Gates will open at 5 p.m., and food trucks will be on site at that time. The concerts start at 6 p.m. LIVE @ Lake Raleigh Schedule Thursday, April 9, … [Read more...] about LIVE @ Lake Raleigh outdoor concert series: Palmyra on May 21
Tribute to Rock at Compass Rose Brewery: Live performances, karaoke, on-site tattoo artist, and more!
Compass Rose Brewery, 3201 Northside Drive in Raleigh, hosts frequent events, many of which are free. Find them all on their Facebook page or on their website calendar. Upcoming Events Tribute to Rock!Saturday, May 23, 202612 p.m.Free There will be live music from 12 to 9 p.m., karaoke following the music, a tattoo artist on site, drink specials, and more! Sun's Out Tongues Out … [Read more...] about Tribute to Rock at Compass Rose Brewery: Live performances, karaoke, on-site tattoo artist, and more!
Freight Train Blues Concert Series in Carrboro
Music Maker Foundation's Freight Train Blues Concert Series is returning in 2026. This series features roots musicians steeped in the diverse traditions of the Carolina Piedmont. The concert series is in honor of Piedmont blues legend, Elizabeth ‘Libba’ Cotten, born in 1893 in Carrboro, NC. (Read more about her below.) It will take place on Friday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., from May 15 … [Read more...] about Freight Train Blues Concert Series in Carrboro
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 … [Read more...] about Free and cheap things to do in Raleigh, NC and the rest of the Triangle this weekend
Raleigh Spring Train Show May 23-24
Neuse River Valley Model Railroad Club is presenting the 9th Annual Raleigh Spring Train Show on May 23 and 24, 2026, at the Jim Graham Building at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds, 4285 Trinity Road, Raleigh, North Carolina. Admission is $10 and that covers both days. Children 12 and under are admitted free with an adult. This is one of the largest train shows in the Southeast. There … [Read more...] about Raleigh Spring Train Show May 23-24
Day by Day List of Outdoor Concert Series in the Triangle — Updated for 2026
There's nothing better on a warm evening than listening to music outdoors. We are updating a list of outdoor concert series for 2026 in the Triangle. You'll find live music in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill, Pittsboro, Carrboro, Hillsborough, Wake Forest, and more. Maybe "summer" stretches a little bit into spring and autumn too. Most of these concert series are family friendly. At many you … [Read more...] about Day by Day List of Outdoor Concert Series in the Triangle — Updated for 2026
The Raleigh Uke Jam May 21 — experienced and beginner ukulele players welcome!
The Raleigh Uke Jam is a music gathering open to all, both beginning and experienced ukulele players. The group meets on the first and third Thursday of every month, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Estill House at the Church of the Nativity, 8849 Ray Road, in North Raleigh. They have compiled songbooks of both classic and popular ukulele songs, but feel free to bring along copies of songs that … [Read more...] about The Raleigh Uke Jam May 21 — experienced and beginner ukulele players welcome!
Free comedy at Flying Saucer Raleigh
Flying Saucer, 328 W Morgan Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, offers over 300 beers, including 81 draughts and over 200 in bottles. They're always changing. Flying Saucer also offers food, including sandwiches, sandwiches, soup, pizza, snacks and more. In addition, Flying Saucer offers entertainment. Find their schedule on their Facebook page or website. Here are a couple of recurring … [Read more...] about Free comedy at Flying Saucer Raleigh
Black Farmers’ Market: May 24 in Raleigh
The Black Farmers' Market gives the public a chance to support Black farmers in the Triangle, and to enjoy the wonderful products that they offer the community. The market alternates between Raleigh and Durham. Please note that the Raleigh markets are in a new location in 2026. Please visit The Black Farmers' Market on Facebook to see updates. Want to learn why there is a Black Farmers' … [Read more...] about Black Farmers’ Market: May 24 in Raleigh
