Slim's Downtown Raleigh, at 227 S Wilmington Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, has a rich history spanning 25 years. It's considered to be a hidden gem dive bar, with affordable drinks and lots of good times. Slim's frequently hosts live music, often with no cover. You can see upcoming events on their website calendar or Facebook page. Upcoming Event Live Music in 2026: Malort Mardi … [Read more...] about Slim’s Malört Mardi Gras Feb. 17, and more
Even more free and cheap stuff to do
30+ Valentine’s Day Gifts Under $10, $15 and $20
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As you're planning Valentine's Day, there are many ways to show your love for that special someone. We've put together a list of truly 50+ cheap dates in the Triangle. If you're shopping online, here are some frugal Valentine's gifts in any price range. We've arranged them by price -- under $10, $15 and $20. Of course, sales ends and prices change! But they were in the right price range at the … [Read more...] about 30+ Valentine’s Day Gifts Under $10, $15 and $20
Mardi Gras Celebrations in the Triangle
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No matter how you like to celebrate Mardi Gras, there's a party for you in the Triangle. Learn about a couple of the major events and then keep reading for a day by day list of Mardi Gras events that are free or cheap to attend in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and beyond. Drinks are on you though! Fat Tuesday is on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, but events take place on other dates as well. We … [Read more...] about Mardi Gras Celebrations in the Triangle
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
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
