The Triangle events calendar features free and cheap things to do every day in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and elsewhere in the Triangle. Think there's nothing to do? Look at this list to get some ideas. You'll find concerts, festivals, fitness events, and much more.
Click each title to see more information about the event or deal. You can also view the whole month (click "By Month") or see a specific date (click By Day).
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Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Triangle on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and it's also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
You might also be interested in one of these more specific calendars:
- Free things to do this week in the Triangle
- Free and cheap kids' events in the Triangle
- Live music around the Triangle
- Free museum days
- Triangle brewery calendar
Saturday, May 16, 2026
| Event | Time | Price | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durham Craft Market | 9:00 am to 12:00 pm | FREE | Durham Central Park |
| Lowe's DIY-U Kids' Workshop: Garden Basket | 10:00 am to 1:00 pm | FREE | Lowe’s (multiple stores) |
| Millbrook United Methodist Church Food Pantry | 10:00 am to 12:00 pm | FREE | Millbrook United Methodist Church, Raleigh |
| Family Saturday Series: Charles and Jackson Pettee -- Catch the Bluegrass Bug | 11:00 am | $5.00 | The Carolina Theatre, Durham |
| Durham Really Really Free Market | 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm | FREE | Orchard Park, Durham |
| Visit Cow Sanctuary | 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm | $0-25.00 | Brajboro Cow Sanctuary, Chapel Hill |
| Irish Music Jam | 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm | FREE | Moon Dog Meadery and Bottle Shop, Durham |
| Raleigh Twilight Market | 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm | FREE | Smoky Hollow, Raleigh |
| Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic | 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | The Beerded Lady Bottle Shop, Garner |
| Karaoke Night | 7:00 pm | FREE | Old North State Food Hall, Selma |
Sunday, May 17, 2026
| Event | Time | Price | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durham Community Day at Museum of Life + Science: free admission for Durham County residents | 10:00 am to 5:00 pm | FREE | Museum of Life+Science, Durham |
| Hillsborough Really Really Free Market | 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm | FREE | Gold Park, Hillsborough |
| Visit Cow Sanctuary | 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm | $0-25.00 | Brajboro Cow Sanctuary, Chapel Hill |
| Artspace Open Studio | 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm | FREE | Artspace, Raleigh |
| Live Music: Jenkins & the Rabbit | 2:00 pm | FREE | The Fall Line, Zebulon |
| Open Mic Night | 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm | FREE | Gizmo Brew Works, Raleigh |
| Bluegrass Open Jam | 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm | FREE | Bond Brothers Eastside, Cary |
| Cary Town Band Concert: Summer Sizzle | 5:00 pm | FREE | Downtown Cary Park |
| Sunday Open Mic at Moon Dog Meadery | 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Moon Dog Meadery and Bottle Shop, Durham |
Monday, May 18, 2026
| Event | Time | Price | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Tot Time: free play program for kids up to age 5 | 10:00 am to 12:00 pm | FREE | W.D. Hill Recreation Center, Durham |
| Early Karaoke | 6:00 pm | FREE | The Northside District |
| Cosmic Chuckles: Weekly Comedy Show | 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Flying Saucer Raleigh |
| Board Game Night at Moon Dog Meadery | 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm | FREE | Moon Dog Meadery and Bottle Shop, Durham |
| Carrboro Open Mic | 7:30 pm | FREE | Speakeasy, Carrboro |
| Air Hockey Tournament | 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Boxcar Bar and Arcade, Raleigh |
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
| Event | Time | Price | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tequila Tuesday | 11:00 am to 8:00 pm | Discounted | bmc brewing, Pittsboro |
| Bond Brothers Run Club | 6:00 pm | FREE | Bond Brothers Beer Company |
| Craft and Draft | 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm | FREE | Crank Arm Brewing Company, Raleigh |
| Beer & Banjos in Raleigh | 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard, Raleigh |
| Music Bingo | 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Gizmo Brew Works, Durham |
| Beer & Banjos Carrboro | 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm | FREE | Speakeasy, Carrboro |
| Video Game Night at Moon Dog Meadery | 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm | FREE | Moon Dog Meadery and Bottle Shop, Durham |
| Karaoke Night | 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm | FREE | Boxcar Bar + Arcade, Durham |
| Open Mic with a Live Band | 9:00 pm to 11:59 pm | FREE | Slims, Raleigh |
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
| Event | Time | Price | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Tot Time: free play program for kids up to age 5 | 10:00 am to 12:00 pm | FREE | W.D. Hill Recreation Center, Durham |
| Board Game Night | 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Gizmo Brew Works, Durham |
| Magic the Gathering Group Meet Up | 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Oaklyn Springs Brewery, Fuquay-Varina |
| Bring Your Own Craft Night | 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm | FREE | Raleigh Brewing, Raleigh |
| Ballroom Dancing Social with Pullen Dance | 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm | $5.00 | Pullen Community Center |
| Wednesday Local Artist Sessions | 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Speakeasy, Carrboro |
| Weekly Skee Ball Tournament | 8:00 pm to 10:30 pm | FREE | Boxcar Bar + Arcade, Durham |
| City Soul Cafe Open Mic | 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm | $10.00 | Terminal 8 Bar & Lounge, Raleigh |
| Karaoke at Moon Dog Meadery | 8:00 pm to 11:45 pm | FREE | Moon Dog Meadery and Bottle Shop, Durham |
| Open Mic Week | 8:00 pm | FREE | Abbey Road Cary |
| Beer Pong Tournament | 8:30 pm to 11:00 pm | FREE | Boxcar Bar and Arcade, Raleigh |
