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
Friday, December 20, 2024
| Event | Time | Price | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Santa photos and more at Bass Pro Shops Santa's Wonderland | All Day | FREE | Bass Pro Shops, multiple locations |
| First Responders: Save 10% Every Friday | All Day | Discounted | Old North State Food Hall, Selma |
| The RINK: Outdoor skating at Red Hat Amphitheater (click for times) | All Day | $6.00-15.00 | Red Hat Amphitheater |
| Tasting at Ten: Free tasting at Counter Culture Coffee each week | 10:00 am | FREE | Counter Culture Coffee Headquarters and Training Center, Durham |
| Friday Co-Working Social | 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm | FREE | The Glass Jug Downtown Durham Taproom |
| Free Ice Skating at Downtown Cary Park | 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Downtown Cary Park |
| Christmas at Oak View --reservations required | 2:00 pm | FREE | Historic Oak View County Park |
| Santa's Workshop in Smithfield -- free pictures with Santa | 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm | FREE | Historic Downtown Smithfield |
| Last Minute Gift Market | 4:00 pm | FREE | bmc brewing, Pittsboro |
| Kiwanis Holiday Train at Herman Park in Goldsboro | 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm | $1.00 | Herman Park, Goldsboro |
| Hill Ridge Farms' Festival of Lights (hayride, train ride, Christmas lights, farm activities) | 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | $19.95 | Hill Ridge Farms, Youngsville |
| Contentnea Fire Department's Christmas Light Display | 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Contentnea Fire Department, Wilson |
| Photos with Santa at Downtown Cary Park | 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Downtown Cary Park |
| Cary Night Market | 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | |
| Christmas Plugged -- Synchronized Light Show | 5:00 pm to 11:59 pm | FREE | Rose of Sharon Baptist Church, Durham |
| Bike Night | 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm | FREE | Red Moose Brewing Company, Pittsboro |
| Santa at Contentnea Fire Department's Christmas Light Display | 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm | $5.00 | Contentnea Fire Department, Wilson |
| DJ Night | 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm | FREE | Gizmo Brew Works, Durham |
| Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell | 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell |
| Piper Lights in Wake Forest | 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Piper Lights, Wake Forest |
| Illuminate Art Walk Sip 'n' Stroll Tour (registration required) | 5:30 pm | FREE | Downtown Raleigh |
| Third Friday Durham -- art receptions, exhibits and performances | 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Durham City Center |
| Christmas Lights on the Farm | 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | $12.00 | Big Daddy’s Farms, Middlesex |
| Lights on the Neuse -- take hayride to see Christmas lights | 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | $11.00 | Boyette Family Farms, Clayton |
| North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival (price varies) | 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | $11.00-26.00 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre |
| Christmas in the Groves (free admission -- pay for activities) | 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Christmas in the Groves, Hillsborough |
| Weekly dance with Raleigh International Folk Dancers | 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm | $3.00 | Glen Eden Pilot Park, Raleigh |
| Free Live Music | 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Compass Rose Brewery, Raleigh |
| Karaoke | 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Raleigh Brewing, Arboretum, Cary |
| Live Music | 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Growler Grlz, Durham |
| Live Music: Kerry Long | 7:00 pm | FREE | Oaklyn Springs Taproom, Fuquay-Varina |
| Open Mic Comedy | 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm | FREE | Durty Bull Brewing Company, Durham |
| Karaoke Bingo | 9:00 pm to 11:30 pm | FREE | KōMANA Brewing Company, Cary |
Saturday, December 21, 2024
| Event | Time | Price | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Santa photos and more at Bass Pro Shops Santa's Wonderland | All Day | FREE | Bass Pro Shops, multiple locations |
| The RINK: Outdoor skating at Red Hat Amphitheater (click for times) | All Day | $6.00-15.00 | Red Hat Amphitheater |
| Durham Craft Market | 9:00 am to 12:00 pm | FREE | Durham Central Park |
| The Raleigh Market | 9:00 am to 5:00 pm | FREE | Raleigh Market (at N.C. State Fairgrounds) |
| Santa's Reindeer Roundup Express at New Hope Valley Railway | 9:30 am to 4:00 pm | $16.00 | New Hope Valley Railway |
| Santa's Workshop in Smithfield -- free pictures with Santa | 10:00 am to 12:00 pm | FREE | Johnston County Courthouse, Smithfield |
| Pet-a-Cow at Brajboro Cow Sanctuary in Chapel Hill | 10:00 am to 2:00 pm | $0-25.00 | Brajboro Cow Sanctuary, Chapel Hill |
| Open Farm Visit to Sunrise Community Farm | 10:00 am to 5:00 pm | $8.00 | Sunrise Community Farm Center, Chapel Hill |
| The Boulder Garden Grand Opening -- The Garden Solstice | 10:00 am to 11:59 pm | FREE | The Boulder Garden, Durham |
| Christmas at Oak View --reserve spots now | 10:00 am | FREE | Historic Oak View County Park |
| Historic Raleigh Trolley Tours (1-hour long; 4 start times) | 11:00 am to 3:00 pm | $6.00-10.00 | Mordecai Historic Park, Raleigh |
| Fenton Makers Market | 11:00 am to 4:00 pm | FREE | Fenton, Cary |
| Free Guided Tour of North Carolina State Capitol | 11:00 am | FREE | North Carolina State Capitol, Raleigh |
| Durham Really Really Free Market | 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm | FREE | Orchard Park, Durham |
| College Game Day Watch Party | 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm | FREE | Red Moose Brewing Company, Pittsboro |
| Boxcar Christmas Party | 12:00 pm to 11:59 pm | FREE | Boxcar Bar and Arcade, Raleigh |
| Free Ice Skating at Downtown Cary Park | 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Downtown Cary Park |
| Christmas at Oak View --reservations required | 2:00 pm | FREE | Historic Oak View County Park |
| Raleigh City of Oaks Walking Tour (pay what you want) | 2:00 pm | FREE | Raleigh Convention Center |
| Free Guided Tour of North Carolina State Capitol | 2:00 pm | FREE | North Carolina State Capitol, Raleigh |
| Meet Santa at the Jug | 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm | FREE | The Glass Jug Beer Lab, RTP |
| Maker's and Vintage Market | 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm | FREE | Durty Bull Brewing Company, Durham |
| Solstice Celebration Lantern Walk and Market ($5-$10 donation suggested) | 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm | $0-10.00 | Eno River Farmers Market, Hillsborough |
| Kiwanis Holiday Train at Herman Park in Goldsboro | 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm | $1.00 | Herman Park, Goldsboro |
| Hill Ridge Farms' Festival of Lights (hayride, train ride, Christmas lights, farm activities) | 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | $19.95 | Hill Ridge Farms, Youngsville |
| Contentnea Fire Department's Christmas Light Display | 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Contentnea Fire Department, Wilson |
| Christmas Plugged -- Synchronized Light Show | 5:00 pm to 11:59 pm | FREE | Rose of Sharon Baptist Church, Durham |
| Santa at Contentnea Fire Department's Christmas Light Display | 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm | $5.00 | Contentnea Fire Department, Wilson |
| Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell | 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell |
| Piper Lights in Wake Forest | 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Piper Lights, Wake Forest |
| Illuminate Art Walk Sip 'n' Stroll Tour (registration required) | 5:30 pm | FREE | Downtown Raleigh |
| Christmas Lights on the Farm | 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | $12.00 | Big Daddy’s Farms, Middlesex |
| Karaoke Night with Top Shelf Trivia | 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Compass Rose Brewery, Raleigh |
| Lights on the Neuse -- take hayride to see Christmas lights | 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | $11.00 | Boyette Family Farms, Clayton |
| North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival (price varies) | 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | $11.00-26.00 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre |
| Christmas in the Groves (free admission -- pay for activities) | 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Christmas in the Groves, Hillsborough |
| Live Music: JT Parrothead | 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Fortnight Brewing, Wake Forest |
| Annual Tacky Christmas Sweater Party | 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm | FREE | Southern Peak Brewery |
| Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic | 6:00 pm | FREE | The Beerded Lady Bottle Shop, Garner |
| Country Christmas Concert with 2Digh4 Band | 6:00 pm | FREE | The Mason Jar Lager Company, Fuquay-Varina |
| Live Music | 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Growler Grlz, Durham |
| Karaoke Night | 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Raleigh Brewing, Raleigh |
| Live Music: Joe's Cousin | 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Oaklyn Springs Brewery, Fuquay-Varina |
| Karaoke Night | 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm | FREE | Durty Bull Brewing Company, Durham |
Sunday, December 22, 2024
| Event | Time | Price | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Santa photos and more at Bass Pro Shops Santa's Wonderland | All Day | FREE | Bass Pro Shops, multiple locations |
| The RINK: Outdoor skating at Red Hat Amphitheater (click for times) | All Day | $6.00-15.00 | Red Hat Amphitheater |
| The Raleigh Market | 9:00 am to 5:00 pm | FREE | Raleigh Market (at N.C. State Fairgrounds) |
| Sunday Yoga | 11:00 am to 12:00 pm | FREE | Compass Rose Brewery, Raleigh |
| Dungeons & Flagons -- Expanded | 11:00 am to 4:00 pm | FREE | The Beerded Lady Bottle Shop, Garner |
| NC Air Hockey Tournament | 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm | $0-5.00 | Durty Bull Brewing Company, Durham |
| Last Minute Holiday Market | 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm | FREE | Boxcar Bar + Arcade, Durham |
| Free Ice Skating at Downtown Cary Park | 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Downtown Cary Park |
| Chanukah Festival with Jewish for Good | 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm | FREE | Levin JCC, Durham |
| Singer Songwriter Open Mic | 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm | FREE | bmc brewing, Pittsboro |
| Christmas at Oak View --reservations required | 2:00 pm | FREE | Historic Oak View County Park |
| Durham City of Medicine Walking Tour (pay what you want) | 2:00 pm | FREE | Major the Bull |
| Open-Mic Night | 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm | FREE | Gizmo Brew Works, Raleigh |
| Open Mic | 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm | FREE | Compass Rose Brewery, Raleigh |
| Live Music: Michael Jones Duo | 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm | FREE | Blackbird Brewery, Wake Forest |
| Bluegrass Open Jam | 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm | FREE | Bond Brothers Eastside, Cary |
| Free TubaChristmas concert | 4:00 pm | FREE | St. Andrew The Apostle Catholic Church |
| Hill Ridge Farms' Festival of Lights (hayride, train ride, Christmas lights, farm activities) | 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | $19.95 | Hill Ridge Farms, Youngsville |
| Contentnea Fire Department's Christmas Light Display | 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Contentnea Fire Department, Wilson |
| Christmas Plugged -- Synchronized Light Show | 5:00 pm to 11:59 pm | FREE | Rose of Sharon Baptist Church, Durham |
| Music Bingo at D's Bottle Shop | 5:00 pm | FREE | D’s Bottle Shop and Craft Beer College |
| Santa at Contentnea Fire Department's Christmas Light Display | 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm | $5.00 | Contentnea Fire Department, Wilson |
| Piper Lights in Wake Forest | 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Piper Lights, Wake Forest |
| Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell | 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell |
| Christmas Lights on the Farm | 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm | $12.00 | Big Daddy’s Farms, Middlesex |
| North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival (price varies) | 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | $11.00-26.00 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre |
| Lights on the Neuse -- take hayride to see Christmas lights | 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | $11.00 | Boyette Family Farms, Clayton |
Monday, December 23, 2024
| Event | Time | Price | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Santa photos and more at Bass Pro Shops Santa's Wonderland | All Day | FREE | Bass Pro Shops, multiple locations |
| Discount Monday at Fenton Skate the Square -- get $3 off (check for times) | All Day | $15.00 | Fenton, Cary |
| The RINK: Outdoor skating at Red Hat Amphitheater (click for times) | All Day | $6.00-15.00 | Red Hat Amphitheater |
| Military Monday: Save 10% Every Monday | 7:00 am to 9:00 pm | Discounted | Old North State Food Hall, Selma |
| Free Ice Skating at Downtown Cary Park | 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Downtown Cary Park |
| Sip & Spin Mondays | 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Hi-Wire Brewing at Golden Belt, Durham |
| Contentnea Fire Department's Christmas Light Display | 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Contentnea Fire Department, Wilson |
| Christmas Plugged -- Synchronized Light Show | 5:00 pm to 11:59 pm | FREE | Rose of Sharon Baptist Church, Durham |
| Santa at Contentnea Fire Department's Christmas Light Display | 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm | $5.00 | Contentnea Fire Department, Wilson |
| Piper Lights in Wake Forest | 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Piper Lights, Wake Forest |
| Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell | 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell |
| Christmas Lights on the Farm | 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm | $12.00 | Big Daddy’s Farms, Middlesex |
| Euchre | 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm | FREE | bmc brewing, Pittsboro |
| Lights on the Neuse -- take hayride to see Christmas lights | 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm | $11.00 | Boyette Family Farms, Clayton |
| North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival (price varies) | 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | $11.00-26.00 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre |
| Mondays Are For the Dogs | 6:30 pm | FREE | Crank Arm Brewing Company, Raleigh |
| PineCone Bluegrass Jam | 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Transfer Co. Food Hall, Raleigh |
| Karaoke on the roof at Raleigh Beer Garden | 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm | FREE | Raleigh Beer Garden |
Tuesday, December 24, 2024
| Event | Time | Price | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Santa photos and more at Bass Pro Shops Santa's Wonderland | All Day | FREE | Bass Pro Shops, multiple locations |
| Movie tickets at Alamo Drafthouse: $7 | All Day | Discounted | Alamo Drafthouse Cinema |
| Topgolf: Half-price bays on Tuesdays | All Day | $15.00-30.00 | Topgolf Durham |
| The RINK: Outdoor skating at Red Hat Amphitheater (click for times) | All Day | $6.00-15.00 | Red Hat Amphitheater |
| Free Yoga at Frontier RTP | 12:00 pm | FREE | The Frontier, RTP |
| Family Game Night | 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Oaklyn Springs Brewery, Fuquay-Varina |
| Lights on the Neuse -- take hayride to see Christmas lights | 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm | $11.00 | Boyette Family Farms, Clayton |
| Christmas Plugged -- Synchronized Light Show | 5:00 pm to 11:59 pm | FREE | Rose of Sharon Baptist Church, Durham |
| Piper Lights in Wake Forest | 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Piper Lights, Wake Forest |
| Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell | 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell |
| Durham Chess Enthusiasts | 5:30 pm | FREE | Der Nachbar Bottleshop & Taps, Durham |
| Acoustic Jam Tuesdays | 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm | FREE | bmc brewing, Pittsboro |
| Taco Tuesday Bike Ride | 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Raleigh Brewing, Raleigh |
| North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival (price varies) | 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | $11.00-26.00 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre |
| Adult Coloring Night | 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Hi-Wire Brewing at Golden Belt, Durham |
| Bond Brothers Run Club | 6:00 pm | FREE | Bond Brothers Beer Company |
| Beer & Banjos in Raleigh | 6:30 pm | FREE | Transfer Co. Food Hall, Raleigh |
| Bingo Night | 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Compass Rose Brewery, Raleigh |
| King Trivia Tuesdays | 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Boxcar Bar + Arcade, Durham |
| Ruckus Open Mic with Brian Jones | 7:00 pm | FREE | Ruckus Pizza — Mission Valley Raleigh |
