There’s a lot to celebrate in the Triangle! Plan ahead with this guide to summer festivals. We’re adding more festivals to this list all the time, so keep checking back.
We focus on free and cheap events here on Triangle on the Cheap, and all of these events fall into that category. Make sure to click each link for details like location, time, and any cost.
We are highlighting a few of the festivals that take place in summer of 2026 in the Triangle, but keep reading for a much more extensive list.
You can also jump right to the part of the list you’re interested in:
June Festivals
International Food Festival
Raleigh’s International Food Festival
Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Place: City Plaza, 420 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC
Cost: Free admission (pay for food)
Features: International music and dance performances, food and drink.
Beaver Queen Pageant
Beaver Queen Pageant
Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026
Time: 4 to 7 p.m.
Place: Duke Park Meadow, 1608 Acadia Street, Durham, NC
Cost: Free admission
Features: This festival is a special mix of folly, pageantry, humor and competition. Vote for your favorite contestant by bribing a judge. $5 per bribe. This event benefits Keep Durham Beautiful.
Juneteenth Celebrations
Juneteenth Celebrations
Date: Various dates
Time: Various times
Place: Various places
Cost: Most are free
Features: Learn about all the Juneteenth celebrations throughout the Triangle. Juneteenth marks the date that the Emancipation Proclamation was finally read to enslaved African-American people in Texas.
Pride Month Celebrations
Pride Month Celebrations
Date: Various dates in June
Time: Various times
Place: Various places
Cost: Most are free
Features: All throughout June, enjoy festivals, parades and more to celebrate Pride Month.
July Festivals
Triangle 4th of July Fireworks and Celebrations
4th of July Fireworks and Celebrations
Date: Various dates
Time: Various times
Place: Various places
Cost: Most are free
Features: Huge list of 4th of July fireworks, parades and celebrations in the Triangle.
August Festivals
S’Morrisville
S’Morrisville
Date: Monday, August 10, 2026
Time: 5 to 7 p.m.
Place: Morrisville Community Park, 1520 Morrisville Parkway, Morrisville, NC
Cost: Free
Features: S’mores and family fun
Kirby Derby
Kirby Derby
Date: Check back soon
Time: Check back soon
Place: Richardson Drive and Tate Drive, in Dix Park, Raleigh, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Parade, pinebox car competition, costumes, and the soapbox derby race.
CaribMask Caribbean Parade and Festival
CaribMask Caribbean Parade and Festival
Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Place: City Plaza, 400 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC
Cost: Free
Features: The parade kicks off the festivities, and the festival includes live entertainment, vendors and more.
Cary’s Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival
Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival
Date: August 22 and 23, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Place: Cary Town Hall Campus, 316 N Academy Street, Cary, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Over 250 artists, live music, children’s activities and food and drink vendors.
African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County
African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County
Date: September 5 and 6, 2026
Time: Check back soon for the confirmed schedule
Place: Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC
Cost: Free
Features: This festival is a Labor Day tradition in Raleigh. It’s a celebration of African American culture through art, music, dance, food and community.
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.
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