Please note that on January 11, the Capitol won't be open because of the inauguration. The North Carolina State Capitol, at One East Edenton Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, is open for visits. It will be open for free guided and self-guided tours. Visitors are welcome to take a self-guided tour any time between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on … [Read more...] about North Carolina State Capitol: free guided tours on Saturdays
Even more free and cheap stuff to do
Free: Oktoberfest at Bull McCabes in Durham Sep 6
Celebrate Oktoberfest at Bull McCabes, 427 West Main Street in Durham, on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event is free and family friendly. It will feature dance-offs and stein-hoisting competitions. … [Read more...] about Free: Oktoberfest at Bull McCabes in Durham Sep 6
25% off tickets to Hush Little Horror Circus Show at Motorco
Purple Marble Circus is presenting Hush Little Horror Circus Show at Motorco, 723 Rigsbee Avenue, Durham, North Carolina, on Sunday, October 12, 2025. Doors at 6 p.m. and show at 7 p.m. Age 18+ only. See your favorite lullabies like Jack and Jill, Little Bo Peep, Mary Had a Little Lamb, and many more transformed into twisted tales. Attendees will be dazzled by seasoned talent from The … [Read more...] about 25% off tickets to Hush Little Horror Circus Show at Motorco
Homeschool History Day at Mordecai Historic Park Sep. 5
Mordecai Historic Park, 1 Mimosa Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, is hosting Homeschool History Day on Friday, September 5, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Explore historic trades and life skills, including demonstrations by a blacksmith, leatherworker, and woodworker. Make historic crafts, play townball, take a special kids' tour of the Mordecai house. This is a free event. Registration … [Read more...] about Homeschool History Day at Mordecai Historic Park Sep. 5
Native Plant Swap at White Deer Nature Center Sept. 7
The Town of Garner is hosting a Native Plant Swap on Sunday, September 7, 2025, from 1 to 4 p.m., at White Deer Park Center, 2400 State Road 2710, Garner, North Carolina. It's free to attend. Bring rooted plants, seedlings or cuttings to trade. All plants must be native to the southeastern US or North Carolina. Please attach a label on each plant prior to arrival. Limit of 20 plants per … [Read more...] about Native Plant Swap at White Deer Nature Center Sept. 7
1st Anniversary Celebration at Pauli Murray Center Sept. 6
Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice, at 906 Carroll Street, Durham, North Carolina, is devoted to the legacy and work of Pauli Murray. Set in Murray's childhood home, it opened in 2024. Learn about Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray, who was a civil rights activist, lawyer, educator, and more. 1st Anniversary Celebration On Saturday, September 6, 2025, celebrate the first anniversary … [Read more...] about 1st Anniversary Celebration at Pauli Murray Center Sept. 6
Free event from WUNC at Marbles — Navigate Your K-12 Options: Traditional, Charter & Private Schools
WUNC is hosting a free event: Navigating Your K-12 Options on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 1 to 3 p.m., at Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E Hargett Street, Raleigh, North Carolina. Space is limited and registration is required. WUNC News invites you to a community conversation exploring the key differences between traditional public schools, magnet programs, private schools, and charter … [Read more...] about Free event from WUNC at Marbles — Navigate Your K-12 Options: Traditional, Charter & Private Schools
Fourth graders and their families get free access to all national parks — registration open now
Every Kid Outdoors is a program that allows all fourth graders and their families free access, all year, to all national parks, lands and waters. The goal of the Every Kid in a Park program is to inspire fourth graders to visit our federal lands and waters. By targeting fourth graders every year, the program works to give every child in the United States a chance to explore their federal lands … [Read more...] about Fourth graders and their families get free access to all national parks — registration open now
Art Swarm in Cary Sep. 3-7 — Plein Air Painting, Open Studios, more…
Art Swarm, presented by Fine Arts League of Cary, is a five day celebration of art in Downtown Cary, North Carolina. The event features plein-air painting, open studios, hands-on workshops and community art projects. Art Swarm includes art workshops, which have fees and require registration, but also many free events and activities. Art Swarm events take place in many venues in Cary. You can … [Read more...] about Art Swarm in Cary Sep. 3-7 — Plein Air Painting, Open Studios, more…
Mosaic Market, with live music: Brown Mountain Lightning Bugs on Sept. 3
Mosaic holds the Mosaic Market once a month at The Works Yard, 367 Freedom Parkway, Pittsboro, North Carolina. The market features artisan crafts, fresh produce and a vibrant community atmosphere, including live music. It takes place the first Wednesday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m. The markets are currently scheduled through October 1, 2025. Look for updates at … [Read more...] about Mosaic Market, with live music: Brown Mountain Lightning Bugs on Sept. 3
