July starts off with a bang, but even after the fireworks end, there’s plenty to do and celebrate in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and the rest of the Triangle.
Read on for a list of some of the top events in the Triangle in July.
We focus on the “free and cheap” so many of these events will be easy on your wallet.
July Highlights in the Triangle
4th of July Fireworks and Celebrations
Fireworks and 4th of July celebrations in the Triangle
Date: Many on July 4, but some are on other dates
Time: Times vary
Place: Many places
Cost: Most are free
Features: Big list of fireworks, parades, street festivals and more. The list includes an interactive map.
Visit a Sunflower Field
Visit a sunflower field
Date: Various
Time: Various
Place: Many places in the Triangle will have sunflower fields. In early July, Dix Park is front and center!
Cost: Many are free.
Features: Throughout the summer, sunflowers bloom throughout the Triangle. At some field you can cut a few stems. There is generally a cost to visit these fields and cut stems. But some fields, like the famous one at Dorothea Dix Park, is free to enjoy — but it’s for photos, not cutting!
First Friday at Eno Arts Mill in Hillsborough
First Friday at Eno Arts Mill
Date: Friday, July 5, 2024
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.
Place: Eno Mill, 437 Dimmocks Mill Road, Hillsborough, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Open artist studios, live music, art activity, kids’ activities, food truck, local beer.
First Friday Raleigh
First Friday Raleigh
Date: Friday, July 5, 2024
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.
Place: Downtown Raleigh
Cost: Free
Features: The first Friday of every month, Downtown Raleigh showcases its art, music and food during its First Friday Gallery Walk. It’s a free self-guided tour and a chance to visit art galleries, studios, alternative art venues and more. Many venues host special events and performances.
Triangle Bonsai Expo Expo
Triangle Bonsai Society Expo
Date: Saturday, July 6, and Sunday, July 7, 2024
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Place: Sarah P. Duke Gardens, 420 Anderson Street, Durham, NC
Cost: Free. Parking is $2/hour.
Features: Enjoy more than 50 bonsai created in multiple styles. Learn basic bonsai skills at demonstrations, ask questions and vote for your favorite. At the Doris Duke Center.
Retro Family Days at Carolina Theatre in Durham
Retro Family Days
Date: Saturdays from July 6 to July 27, 2024
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Place: Carolina Theatre, 309 West Morgan Street, Durham, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Watch a fun, retro family flick. No reservations, but stop by the box office 30 minutes before the show for your ticket.
Festival Cultural Del Día Del Niño
Festival Cultural Del Día Del Niño
Date: Sunday, July 7, 2024
Time: 3 to 7 p.m.
Place: Raleigh Rose Garden, 301 Pogue Street, Raleigh, NC
Cost: Free
Features: This Children’s Day Cultural Festival celebrates cultures and traditions through folkloric dances, music, art, crafts, workshops and more.
Summer Fest at State Farmers Market
Summer Fest
Date: Thursday, July 11, 2024
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Place: State Farmers Market, 1201 Agriculture Street, Raleigh, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Celebrate the summer bounty with free tomato slices, free peach samples, free watermelon slices, live cooking demos, kids’ crafts and a selfie booth.
Community Work/Play Days with Paperhand Puppet Intervention
Work/Play Days
Date: Every Saturday through July 20, 2024
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Place: 6079 Saxapahaw-Swepsonville Road, Saxapahaw, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Drop in and help Paperhand Puppet Intervention create the giant puppets that will be in their 2024 show, “Earth & Sky — A Great Gathering for All Beings.” You’ll learn a lot, have fun, and be part of a great North Carolina tradition.
Summer Open Nursery and Garden Days at Plant Delights Nursery and Juniper Level Botanic Garden
Summer Open Nursery and Garden Days at Plant Delights Nursery and Juniper Level Botanic Garden
Dates: July 12 to 14, and July 19 to 21, 2024
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Place: 9241 Sauls Rd, Raleigh, NC
Cost: Free
Features: A chance to visit the 28 acres of more than 30,000 kinds of plants, including native perennials, exotic plants, rare delights, and an array of unusual trees and shrubs that you won’t see anywhere else in the world.
Raleigh Brewing Bubble Party
Raleigh Brewing Bubble Party
Date: Saturday, July 13, 2024
Time: 12 to 8 p.m.
Place: Raleigh Brewing, 3709 Neil Street, Raleigh, NC
Cost: Free, but tie-dye kits are available for purchase
Features: Bubble machines, live music, bubble drinks, tie-dye stations, more.
Raleigh’s Summer Festival
Raleigh’s Summer Festival
Date: Saturday, July 13, 2024
Time: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Place: City Plaza, 443 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Food truck rodeo, contests, games, prizes, music and dance
Geek and Grub Market: Super Hero Edition
Geek and Grub Market: Super Hero Edition
Date: Saturday, July 13, 2024
Time: 6 to 10 p.m.
Place: Fletcher Park, 820 Clay Street, Raleigh, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Shop from geek-themed artisans, eat great food and compete in super hero competitions. Fun for both kids and adults.
Outdoor Concerts
Outdoor Concerts
Date: Various dates
Time: Various times
Place: Various places
Cost: Mostly free
Features: June is prime season for outdoor concerts. They are happening everywhere, and most are free. Just follow the above link for a round-up of many concert series, as well as a day-by-day list of outdoor concerts.
Hillsborough Street $5 Food Walk
Hillsborough Street $5 Food Walk
Date: Every Wednesday from June 5 to August 14, 2024
Time: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Place: Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC
Cost: Free to participate
Features: Participating merchants will offer $5 small plates and drinks. Ther ewill also be live music at some venues from 6 to 8 p.m.
Summer Movie Programs
Weekday Summer Movie Programs
Date: Various weekdays
Time: Usually in the morning
Place: Several theaters
Cost: Price ranges from free to $3
Features: Seven movie theaters and chains offer a summer family matinee program with low-priced tickets. It’s a great way to cool off during these hot days.
Outdoor Movies
Outdoor Movies
Date: Various
Time: Various
Place: Parks, grounds of hotels, shopping centers, farms, more.
Cost: Most are free
Features: As the sun goes down, enjoy outdoor movies throughout the Triangle! Follow the above link for a day by day list.
