The Krispy Kreme Challenge was started by NC State students with a passion for running and for doughnuts. The race puts your stomach, not just your legs, to the test. As they say, it is a "unique challenge of both athletic and gastrointestinal skill." The Krispy Kreme Challenge requires participants to run 2.5 miles, starting at the Memorial Belltower on the NC State campus, at 2011 … [Read more...] about The 22nd Krispy Kreme Challenge Feb 7 — run 5 miles, eat a dozen doughnuts, and help UNC Children’s Hospital
Even more free and cheap stuff to do
Chili Cookoff at Durham’s Mystic Farm and Distillery Feb. 7, and more…
Mystic Farm & Distillery is set on a 22-acre farm at 1413 Stallings Road, Durham, NC, just minutes from Downtown Durham and North Raleigh. It's a home-grown operation: they grow their own wheat and corn to distill and barrel in their 3000 square foot distillery. They've got bee hives on the farm producing honey. You can find Mystic's upcoming events by following their Facebook page … [Read more...] about Chili Cookoff at Durham’s Mystic Farm and Distillery Feb. 7, and more…
Romantic Valentine’s Dinner at…Waffle House (reservations required)
Does your Valentine like it scattered, smothered and covered? For the 18th year, select Waffle House restaurants are pulling out all the stops and setting the stage for a romantic Valentine’s evening — complete with Valentine-themed decorations, candles, and a specially curated jukebox playlist. This special event takes place February 14, 2026, only. Waffle House’s annual Valentine’s dinner is a … [Read more...] about Romantic Valentine’s Dinner at…Waffle House (reservations required)
6th Annual Magical Hill Festival and Fairy House Contest April 25
The 6th Annual Magical Hill Festival will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Chapel Hill Community Center Park, 120 E. Estes Drive, Chapel Hill. This event will also be an Earth Day celebration. Compete in a Fairy Garden contest, for prizes. Pre-registration is required for the Fairy Garden Contest. This free event is a magical day of art, adventure and nature. … [Read more...] about 6th Annual Magical Hill Festival and Fairy House Contest April 25
QDOBA Offers Free Chips & Queso for Every Full Moon in 2026
For every monthly full moon in 2026, QDOBA is offering a FREE order of Chips & Queso with the purchase of a full-size entrée at participating locations. The freebie is a medium (4-oz.) order. To redeem the offer you need to be a QDOBA Rewards member. Join here. Choose from the restaurant’s Signature 3-Cheese Queso or (for those who like their cheese spicier) Diablo Queso. An order of … [Read more...] about QDOBA Offers Free Chips & Queso for Every Full Moon in 2026
Not Rocket Science Trivia — multiple trivia nights throughout Triangle
Not Rocket Science Trivia presents trivia nights at 300+ locations throughout the country, including several in the Triangle. We're listing their weekly events below, but for the most current information make sure to double check notrocketsciencetrivia.com. Also, keep reading for a huge list of trivia events in the Triangle. Mondays Fizzwerks618 Ramseur Street, Durham, NCTrivia: 7 … [Read more...] about Not Rocket Science Trivia — multiple trivia nights throughout Triangle
Full Frame Winter Road show at The Cary Theater — get free tickets
Full Frame Documentary Film Festival is presenting three films at its Winter Road Show at Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham Street, Cary, North Carolina. The screenings are free and open to the public, but attendees are asked to reserve a free ticket through The Cary Theater website. The films are Oscar-shortlisted documentaries that were standout titles in the 2025 Full Frame Documentary … [Read more...] about Full Frame Winter Road show at The Cary Theater — get free tickets
Astronomy on Tap at Durty Bull Brewing Feb. 4
Astronomy on Tap is a series of short, accessible talks about astronomy, over beer. Astronomy on Tap's Triangle chapter holds its talks at Durty Bull Brewing Company, 206 Broadway Street, Durham, North Carolina. The events take place 7 to 9 p.m. and are free to attend. You might want to also follow Astronomy on Tap Triangle on Facebook so that you'll know about future events. All ages are … [Read more...] about Astronomy on Tap at Durty Bull Brewing Feb. 4
Canceled: Groundhog Day Celebration in Garner
UPDATE: This event has been canceled, due to the inclement weather. Snerd, in Garner, is the Triangle's only official Groundhog Day groundhog. The pressure's on, Snerd! On Monday, February 2, 2026, Snerd will preside at a Groundhog Day celebration from 10 a.m to 12:15 p.m., at Garner Recreation Center, 207 W Main Street, Garner, North Carolina. The highlight will be when Snerd delivers her … [Read more...] about Canceled: Groundhog Day Celebration in Garner
Smithfield Ham & Yam Festival May 2
The Smithfield Ham & Yam Festival takes place Saturday, May 2, 2026, in Historic Downtown Smithfield. Smithfield is in Johnston County, about a 34 minute drive southeast of Raleigh. Check back soon for the schedule. The festival features a full day of art, music, kids' activities, food and more. A popular feature of the festival is the "What's That Yam Thing?" in which children turn … [Read more...] about Smithfield Ham & Yam Festival May 2
