JAWSFest, a Memorial Day Weekend celebration, is returning to the Midway in downtown Chapel Hill, NC in 2026. It includes a mechanical shark, art, live music, a dunk tank, raffle, and, of course, Jaws on the big screen. There's a lot going on at different businesses, and it's a little bit hard to pin down online exactly everything that's happening, but if you go there, you'll figure it out. We'll … [Read more...] about JAWSFest in Chapel Hill Memorial Day Weekend: music, movies, mechanical shark, more…
Even more free and cheap stuff to do
Museum of Life and Science free for Durham residents May 17
Museum of Life and Science, 433 W Murray Avenue, Durham, is one of the most popular attractions in Durham. It features indoor and outdoor exhibits that encourage children to learn about the world around them. The exhibits explore a wide range of scientific fields -- physics, zoology, aerospace, weather, sound, and more -- all in a fun, hands-on way. Read on to learn all about the museum, or … [Read more...] about Museum of Life and Science free for Durham residents May 17
Memorial Day Party at The Williams House Craft Taproom in Cary on May 23, and more!
The Williams House Craft Taproom, 210 East Chatham Street, Cary, North Carolina, serves up both coffee and beer, as well as cider and hard seltzer. They are hosting many events, which you can find on their website. Upcoming Events Memorial Day PartySaturday, May 23, 20266 to 11 p.m.Free to attend There will be patriotic drink specials, a food truck from 6 to 10 p.m., and live music from … [Read more...] about Memorial Day Party at The Williams House Craft Taproom in Cary on May 23, and more!
City of Raleigh Museum Plant Swap on May 23
City of Raleigh Museum, 220 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, is hosting a Plant Swap on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring your favorite house and garden plants or homegrown vegetables to trade with fellow plant enthusiasts. Please bring only healthy, pest-free plants to ensure everyone’s enjoyment. This event is free and open to the public! … [Read more...] about City of Raleigh Museum Plant Swap on May 23
Free Community Meal at Elizabeth Street UMC May 26, celebrating Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month
Elizabeth Street United Methodist Church, at 1209 N Elizabeth Street, Durham, North Carolina, hosts frequent free community events, including monthly food distributions and community meals. They list their events on their Facebook page. Free Community Meals Elizabeth Street UMC usually hosts a free community meal the last Tuesday of every month except for December. The meals take place at 6 … [Read more...] about Free Community Meal at Elizabeth Street UMC May 26, celebrating Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month
Free laundry event with Uplift Laundry Truck May 30
Uplift Laundry Truck provides free mobile laundry services and supplies to those in need, and people without homes, in the Triangle. The organization's goal is to provide free laundry services to North Carolina's 1.4 million low-income residents. "Laundry insecurity," where people can not afford to wash clothes or bedding regularly, leads to health problems, as well as school absenteeism and … [Read more...] about Free laundry event with Uplift Laundry Truck May 30
Best Memorial Day Sales: Kate Spade, Le Creuset, Dell, more…
Leading up to Memorial Day Weekend, many brands hold some of their biggest sales of the year. We've scoured the internet to find the best deals from dozens of brands and retailers, in a wide range categories. Whether you're looking for outdoor gear for the weekend, a new bed, a grill for those burgers, new toys for the kids, or the perfect pair of shoes, please read on for some great deals on top … [Read more...] about Best Memorial Day Sales: Kate Spade, Le Creuset, Dell, more…
Brier Creek Spring Food Truck Festival May 17
Love food trucks? Then make sure to go to the Brier Creek Spring Food Truck Festival on Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m., at 8010 Arco Corporate Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina. It's free to attend and family friendly. The annual event features 50+ food trucks, plus games, local art vendors, face painting, a bounce house, and live music from Sleeping Booty. Please bring a lawn … [Read more...] about Brier Creek Spring Food Truck Festival May 17
Goats and Greens Farmers’ Market on May 17: Shop for produce and meet goats!
Hummingbird Market and Haven of Knightdale present Goats and Greens Farmers' Market at Haven Farm, 8521 Buffaloe Road, Knightdale, North Carolina, on Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 12 to 3 p.m. It's free to attend. Shop for local produce and support NC based farms and makers! The Goats and Greens Farmer's Market is a monthly market hosted by Haven of Knightdale, featuring 20 local makers … [Read more...] about Goats and Greens Farmers’ Market on May 17: Shop for produce and meet goats!
Chatham Artists Guild Spring Festival May 17
Chatham Artists Guild is holding their Spring Festival on Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at The Plant, 220 Lorax Lane, Pittsboro, North Carolina. Explore original artwork from professional guild artists. There will also be live music throughout the day and local food and drinks from businesses at The Plant. Exhibiting artists include: … [Read more...] about Chatham Artists Guild Spring Festival May 17










