JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University, at 4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh, aims to introduce, display, and promote plants that diversify the American landscape, as well as educate visitors and provide a living laboratory for research. The Arboretum is free to visit. Its hours are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Arboretum hosts many … [Read more...] about Winter Storytime at Raulston Arboretum, and more…
Even more free and cheap stuff to do
100 screen-free activities for cooped-up kids
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Looking for ways to keep kids busy at home without relying on screens? We have ideas! To start with here are some fun, educational websites for kids. But, eventually, it might be in everyone's best interest for kids to take part in some non-screen activities, and that's where this list comes in. None of these activities require hard-to-find instructions, or any unusual material. Most … [Read more...] about 100 screen-free activities for cooped-up kids
Lunar New Year Lantern Lab in Morrisville Feb. 11
Morrisville Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources is presenting a Lunar New Year Lantern Lab on February 11, 2026, at 7 p.m., at Cedar Fork Community Center, 1050 Town Hall Drive, Morrisville, North Carolina. The cost is $10 for Morrisville residents and $14 for non-residents. Spots are limited, so register soon. Registration opens January 7, 2026. Celebrate Lunar New Year with … [Read more...] about Lunar New Year Lantern Lab in Morrisville Feb. 11
My Dog is my Valentine Pawty at Saving Grace Supply Co Feb. 7
Saving Grace Supply Co., 4016 Durham Road, Raleigh, NC, is hosting My Dog is my Valentine Pawty on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stop by to enjoy: Shop for the special someone and the special pet pal(s) in your life to prepare for Valentine’s Day while showing some love to shelter dogs in need, as all our proceeds benefit Saving Grace NC pups within the adoption program to … [Read more...] about My Dog is my Valentine Pawty at Saving Grace Supply Co Feb. 7
Pay Your Age Birthday Discount at Build-a-Workshop
If your child has a birthday coming up, treat them to the Birthday Treat Bear at Build-a-Bear Workshop. With the Pay Your Age discount, your child can take home this cuddly bear for the price of their new age. The regular price of this bear is $14, so the deal is for children turning 1-13, with, obviously, the best deal being for the youngest children! Visit buildabear.com/birthday for all the … [Read more...] about Pay Your Age Birthday Discount at Build-a-Workshop
Cat Show: It’s TICA Time Garden Pawty on April 11-12
Cat lovers won't want to miss the TICA Time Cat Show on April 11 and 12, 2026, at Dorton Arena at the NC State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, North Carolina. Admission: Bring a cat food donation for a $1 discount. There will be vendors with lots of kitty toys and other items, and there will also be cats from local shelters available for adoption. At the cat show, you … [Read more...] about Cat Show: It’s TICA Time Garden Pawty on April 11-12
Rainbow Market, cabaret night and more, at Speakeasy
Speakeasy, at 100 E Main Street, Carrboro, North Carolina, is a spot for drinks and local music. You can find their events on their website calendar and on Facebook. Upcoming Events Other Trevor Presents Hypnotic Focus: a night of cerebral dance and flowFriday, January 30, 20269 p.m.FreeAges 18+ North Carolina native Other Trevor returns from a 16-year journey through the heart of the San … [Read more...] about Rainbow Market, cabaret night and more, at Speakeasy
Join the Buddhist Monks’ Walk for Peace from Dix Park to the Capitol Jan. 24
A group of Buddhist Monks started an approximately 120-day journey on October 26, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas, that will take them 2,300 miles to Washington, DC. UPDATE: Walk for Peace has announced their plans for Day 91, January 24, 2026. This is their planned itinerary. Please know that the times are approximate and can be affected by weather and other factors. They will be walking from Apex … [Read more...] about Join the Buddhist Monks’ Walk for Peace from Dix Park to the Capitol Jan. 24
Downtown Raleigh Home Show canceled due to weather
UPDATE: This event has been canceled due to the weather. Downtown Raleigh Home Show will be at Raleigh Convention Center from January 23 to 25, 2026. Save 50% on tickets with promo code CHEAP. Three days only to shop, compare & save on kitchens, baths, flooring & more! Hundreds of local experts under one roof & ready to consult with you on all of the home improvement … [Read more...] about Downtown Raleigh Home Show canceled due to weather
Puppy Bowl Watch Party at Eno River Brewing in Hillsborough Feb. 8
Eno River Brewing, 329 Eno Mountain Road, Hillsborough, North Carolina, is hosting a Puppy Bowl Watch Party on Sunday, February 8, 2026, from 1 to 5 p.m. Join Hope Animal Rescue at the free event. You can expect: This event is extra special this year because two Hope alum pups that are in the Puppy Bowl will be at the event! Both of them will be at the party ready to give their pawtographs. … [Read more...] about Puppy Bowl Watch Party at Eno River Brewing in Hillsborough Feb. 8
