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 events and activities. Some are free and some have a cost associated with them. The cost for many events is low, $5, and free for Arboretum members. You can see all of the events on the calendar.
Upcoming Events
Please make sure to follow the links for more information, and to register if required.
The Midweek Program
Wednesdays
3 to 4 p.m.
Online
Free (register at above link)
Find topic of each week here.
Garden Zillow: Creating and Finding Comfortable Homes & Habitats for Your Garden Flora
Saturday, February 14, 2026
10 to 11:30 a.m.
Free for garden members; $5 for non-members
Gardening is so much more than just digging a hole and sticking a plant in the ground. Sadly, that’s all most people manage, which is why most commercial plants selections are so limited, since they must be abuse-proof. At Juniper Level Botanic Garden, we currently grow over 27,000 different plant taxa, which would not be possible without understanding plant habitats and plant adaptability. We’ll explore the complexities of garden microclimates, soils, and habitats, where with a bit of work, the array of plants you can grow expands a thousand-fold.
Winter Storytime
Friday, February 27, 2026
10 to 11 a.m.
$5 per child
Suggested for ages 3 to 5
The program begins at the Bobby G. Wilder Visitor Center where we will get ready for a fun time outside together. Then, we will take a stroll to see all that is happening in the garden during the winter season, read a couple stories among the plants, and stop by the Education Yurt for a nature-inspired craft to take home!
Please come dressed for the weather, as this program will be primarily outdoors. In the case of severe cold or wet weather, the program may be rescheduled if it can’t be moved indoors. Caregivers stay with children during the program and are encouraged to participate.
Budding Explorers: Winter Birds of the Garden
Saturday, February 28, 2026
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
$8 per child
Ages 8 to 10
Youth participants, accompanied by an adult, will step into the role of junior ornithologists as they practice identifying common winter birds by sight and sound. Through creative activities and a guided bird walk in the garden, we will explore bird calls, color patterns, and the tools scientists use to observe birds in the wild.
You’ll also get an introduction to ecoEXPLORE, an incentive-based community science program developed by The North Carolina Arboretum. By making real-world observations and completing fun challenges, youth participants can earn badges and prizes throughout the year.
There is no need to have an ecoEXPLORE account prior to this program in order to participate. Program begins at the Visitor Center. Come dressed for the weather as this program will be held partly outdoors. In the event of inclement weather, activities will be moved inside.
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.
More Events
Check out our list of free and cheap events in Raleigh and the rest of the Triangle this weekend, or our full event calendar in the Triangle, or just look at few upcoming events here:
