Triangle on the Cheap

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

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Fest in the West — Western Cary’s Signature Festival — April 18

This post is sponsored by a community partner.

Fest in the West is a free festival in Western Cary on Saturday, April 18, 2026. It takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Mills Park, 501 Mills Park Drive, Cary, North Carolina. Get ready for an active day of learning and fun! Fest in the West is a family-friendly festival designed for parents who seek engaging activities for their children. This event aims to unite the community in the heart … [Read more...] about Fest in the West — Western Cary’s Signature Festival — April 18

Forest Fest in Wake Forest April 18

Head to Wake Forest for Forest Fest on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This free family event in Downtown Wake Forest focuses on celebrating the heart and history of Wake Forest. The event will feature entertainment, the Wake Forest Farmers Market, a tree seedling giveaway, educational opportunities, children's activities, vendors, food options and much more! The festival takes … [Read more...] about Forest Fest in Wake Forest April 18

Raleigh Twilight Market at Smoky Hollow: vendors, live DJs, more on Apr. 18

The MAKRS Society brings local makers, artists, small businesses and unique sellers to the public, through pop-up markets in Raleigh and Durham, and elsewhere in North Carolina. MAKRs Society is presenting Raleigh Twilight Market on the 3rd Saturday of each month, from March to December, 2026, at Smoky Hollow, 421 N Harrington Street, Raleigh, North Carolina. It does not take place in … [Read more...] about Raleigh Twilight Market at Smoky Hollow: vendors, live DJs, more on Apr. 18

Posted by Jody Mace Filed Under: Shopping Tagged With:

Every Day is Earth Day — Party at The Scrap Exchange and Lakewood April 18

Scrap Exchange and Lakewood Shopping Center, 2020 Chapel Hill Road, Durham, North Carolina, is presenting Every Day is Earth Day on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is a free event that includes: … [Read more...] about Every Day is Earth Day — Party at The Scrap Exchange and Lakewood April 18

Studio Maypop’s 2nd Annual Planter Sale and Community Plant Swap Apr. 11-12

Studio Maypop, 2001 Chapel Hill Road, Durham, North Carolina, is hosting its Second Annual planter sale and community plant swap on Saturday, April 11, and Sunday, April 12, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Free to attend. Bring your extra plants from your home, garden and yard to share. Seeds welcome as well. Invite your friends and neighbors, too! There will be tags to mark your … [Read more...] about Studio Maypop’s 2nd Annual Planter Sale and Community Plant Swap Apr. 11-12

Posted by Jody Mace Filed Under: Home and garden Tagged With:

Felton Grove FFA May Market on May 16

The inaugural Felton Grove FFA May Market takes place Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Felton Grove High School, 5100 Thriftwood Drive, Apex, North Carolina. It's sponsored by the Felton Grove FFA Alumni and Supporters. Come out and enjoy a fun-filled day supporting thestudents while shopping a variety of local vendors. The market will feature handmade goods, crafts, boutique … [Read more...] about Felton Grove FFA May Market on May 16

Posted by Jody Mace Filed Under: Kids · Shopping Tagged With:

Tarheel Antiques Festival April 10-11

The Tarheel Antiques Festival is a large antique event that takes place April 10 and 11, 2026, at Lloyds Farm, 226 North Lloyd's Dairy Road, Efland, North Carolina. The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Tickets are $5, with kids ages 12 and under admitted for free. You can also buy a weekend pass for $7. Get free simple antique appraisals with paid … [Read more...] about Tarheel Antiques Festival April 10-11

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Earth to Raleigh! Your Mother’s Calling — An Earth Day Festival

Earth to Raleigh! Your Mother's Calling is an Earth Day festival on Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 2 to 7 p.m., at Clouds Brewery and Taproom, 1233 Front Street, Raleigh. Join Climate Action NC and RUMAH fo rthis fun event. This is a free event. The festival features: … [Read more...] about Earth to Raleigh! Your Mother’s Calling — An Earth Day Festival

Beyond the Book Children’s Book & Art Festival April 11

Beyond the Book Children's Book & Art Festival is a free outdoor celebration of storytelling, creativity and community. It takes place Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Fletcher Park, 820 Clay Street, Raleigh, North Carolina. The festival is open to all. The festival typically includes: … [Read more...] about Beyond the Book Children’s Book & Art Festival April 11

JAWSFest in Chapel Hill Memorial Day Weekend: music, movies, mechanical shark, more…

JAWSFest, a Memorial Day Weekend celebration, is returning to the Midway in downtown Chapel Hill, NC in 2026. It includes a mechanical shark, art, live music, a dunk tank, raffle, and, of course, Jaws on the big screen. There's a lot going on at different businesses, and it's a little bit hard to pin down online exactly everything that's happening, but if you go there, you'll figure it out. We'll … [Read more...] about JAWSFest in Chapel Hill Memorial Day Weekend: music, movies, mechanical shark, more…

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