Triangle on the Cheap

Live well in the Triangle on a budget. Find fun, free things to do in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, NC

food festivals

Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival in Cary: Ticket giveaway (and a discount for everyone)

Sponsored by Drink Eat Relax Events

Cary’s favorite BBQ Festival is back and better than ever in its 17th year! Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival is a two-day event. It takes place at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary: Read on to learn about the festival, a 20% discount on tickets, and a chance to win tickets! Cary’s Favorite Festival is Back and Better than Ever. Get ready to enjoy all those pleasures that true Southerners live … [Read more...] about Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival in Cary: Ticket giveaway (and a discount for everyone)

Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo, presented by Shop Local Raleigh June 28

Shop Local Raleigh is presenting The Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo on Fayetteville Street in Downtown Raleigh. More than 40 food trucks will be at each of these events, making them some of the biggest food truck events in the Triangle. Raleigh Food Truck RodeoSaturday, June 28, 202512 to 6 p.m.Free (pay for food) Raleigh Food Truck RodeoSunday, August 24, 202512 to 6 p.m.Free (pay for … [Read more...] about Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo, presented by Shop Local Raleigh June 28

Raleigh’s International Food Festival June 7

Great news for the Triangle! Raleigh's International Food Festival is returning! It will take place Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., at City Plaza, 420 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh. This very popular festival will feature a wide variety of international food, international beer and wine, international performers and more. Over 50 countries will be represented and there will be … [Read more...] about Raleigh’s International Food Festival June 7

Raleigh Greek Festival May 30 to June 1

The Raleigh Greek Festival will take place May 30 to June 1, 2025, at NC State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, North Carolina. Hours of Raleigh Greek Festival: Admission is $5.50 and free for kids under age 13. A portion of all proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity and Team Rubicon. Enjoy: A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Habitat for Humanity and Team Rubicon. … [Read more...] about Raleigh Greek Festival May 30 to June 1

NC Jerk Fest at Durham Central Park August 9 — celebrate Jamaican independence

North Carolina Jerk Fest is a free, family-friendly celebration of Jamaican independence and culture. It takes place Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 2:30 to 8 p.m., at Durham Central Park, 501 Foster Street, Durham, North Carolina. The festival features: … [Read more...] about NC Jerk Fest at Durham Central Park August 9 — celebrate Jamaican independence

Taste of Soul in Durham May 24

The popular food festival Taste of Soul holds several food and merchant events throughout the year in Durham and Raleigh, NC. Taste of Soul NC is the ultimate cookout experience, with food, merchants, DJ, live performances, and kids' activities. Admission is free. You just pay for your food and drink. The next Taste of Soul NC event takes place on May 24, 2025, from 3 to 8 p.m., at … [Read more...] about Taste of Soul in Durham May 24

Taste of China: Chinese Food & Culture Festival in Cary Nov 1

Taste of China: Chinese Cuisine & Culture Festival is one of many fall festivals in the Triangle. It takes place Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Downtown Cary Park, 321 S Academy Street in Cary, between Dry Avenue and Waldo Street. Admission is free. Just pay for your food and drink. The festival includes: … [Read more...] about Taste of China: Chinese Food & Culture Festival in Cary Nov 1

Durham Greek Festival May 3-4

Durham Greek Festival returns on Saturday, May 3, and Sunday, May 4, 2025 St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church is presenting the very popular event at the church, at 8306 NC Hwy 751, Durham, NC. It's 1/2 mile south of I-40 Exit 274. The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free. Enjoy fabulous Greek food and scrumptious … [Read more...] about Durham Greek Festival May 3-4

Festa Italiana in Apex Sep 20

Festa Italiana will take place Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 11 pm. to 7 p.m., at Town of Apex Campus, 73 Hunter Street, Apex, North Carolina. Admission is free. Celebrate Italian culture with a fun day that includes: Interested Vendors: vendors@festanc.org Interested sponsors: sponsors@festanc.org Know before you go: … [Read more...] about Festa Italiana in Apex Sep 20

North Carolina Pickle Festival in nearby Mount Olive

The very popular North Carolina Pickle Festival is returning as an in-person and in-pickle event on April 26, 2025, with some events the night before. It takes place in nearby Mount Olive, North Carolina, the home of Mt. Olive Company. This is a free event. Mount Olive is just about an hour's drive, to the southeast, from Raleigh, and is a little closer for those along I-40 East, like … [Read more...] about North Carolina Pickle Festival in nearby Mount Olive

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