Triangle on the Cheap

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

outdoor concerts

Fermentation Fest at The Plant in Pittsboro on March 15

Fermentation Fest is a celebrate of beer, cider, kombucha, sourdough, pickles and more. It takes place Sunday, March 15, 2026, from 12 to 6 p.m., at The Plant, 220 Lorax Lane, Pittsboro, North Carolina. It's free to attend. This festival brings together local producers, educational demonstrations, and hands-on tastings. Guests can explore the science and craft behind fermentation while … [Read more...] about Fermentation Fest at The Plant in Pittsboro on March 15

BEERthoven with The Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle and Guest Artists Mar. 10

The Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle is an orchestral ensemble of 40+ musicians from all parts of North Carolina. They are known for their varied concert series, including BEERthoven and Pops on the Green. Read on for info on the 2025/2026 season of BEERrthoven. BEERthoven COT musicians and guest artists leave the concert stage to give you a front row seat for BEERthoven. These … [Read more...] about BEERthoven with The Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle and Guest Artists Mar. 10

Posted by Jody Mace Filed Under: Music Tagged With:

Brewgaloo — local beer fest — April 24 and 25 (Save $10)

Brewgaloo NC Craft Beer Festival takes place on Fayetteville Street in Downtown Raleigh on Friday, April 24, and Saturday, April 25, 2026. It features live music, food, and, of course, a wide selection of beer to try! Friday Night Kick-Off Party On Friday night, there's a tasting event from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. There's no admission price to enter the festival, but a tasting ticket is $45 online … [Read more...] about Brewgaloo — local beer fest — April 24 and 25 (Save $10)

Wheels on Academy, including Touch-a-Truck, in Cary May 16

Wheels on Academy takes place on North Academy Street, in Cary, North Carolina, on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Check out the cars of yesteryear, as well as some of today's modern hot rods and exotic cars. Wheels on Academy also features: It's free to attend and free to register your car! Interested in showing your car at Wheels? To be considered for awards, … [Read more...] about Wheels on Academy, including Touch-a-Truck, in Cary May 16

Unleashed’s Spring Fling with doggie Easter Egg Hunt, music, vendors, more, on April 26

Unleashed's Annual Spring Fling is a fun, free event for families, including the canine family members. Parking is also free. It takes place Sunday, April 26, 2026 from 12 to 6 p.m., at Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary, North Carolina. Admission and parking are free. Many rescue groups will be there, along with lots of vendors. This event raises money for animals in … [Read more...] about Unleashed’s Spring Fling with doggie Easter Egg Hunt, music, vendors, more, on April 26

40th North Carolina Pickle Festival in nearby Mount Olive April 25

The very popular North Carolina Pickle Festival is returning on April 25, 2026, 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, but some activities might have a cost. 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 40th North Carolina Pickle Festival in nearby Mount Olive April 25

8th Annual Chicken Festival in Siler City May 2

Siler City and Siler City Parks and Recreation Department present the 8th Annual Spring Chicken Festival on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in Downtown Siler City. Admission is free. The Spring Chicken Festival will take place on three blocks of Chatham Street, between Beaver Street and Third Street. The festival typically features: … [Read more...] about 8th Annual Chicken Festival in Siler City May 2

PeakFest at new location in Apex in 2026

PeakFest returns to Apex on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Please note that this year it's at Town Hall, 73 Hunter Street, Apex, North Carolina. New parking spaces recently added in the downtown Saunders Lot and Moore Street lot are a short walk away from Town Hall. The festival takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free to attend. … [Read more...] about PeakFest at new location in Apex in 2026

Smithfield Ham & Yam Festival May 2

The Smithfield Ham & Yam Festival takes place Saturday, May 2, 2026, in Historic Downtown Smithfield. Smithfield is in Johnston County, about a 34 minute drive southeast of Raleigh. Check back soon for the schedule. The festival features a full day of art, music, kids' activities, food and more. A popular feature of the festival is the "What's That Yam Thing?" in which children turn … [Read more...] about Smithfield Ham & Yam Festival May 2

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