Free fries, funky tunes, and fringe-y fun await!

Ahhh, Friday, our favorite “F” word. And this week in the Triangle, July 11 is jam-packed with freebies, festivals, fries, and feel-good vibes. Whether you’re craving live music, sipping sake, want to meet fellow coffee nerds, or just need a reason to leave the house (besides free Slurpees), we’ve got your game plan. Let’s break it down, Triangle-style:

FREEBIES + FRY-DAY DELIGHTS

National French Fry Day – It’s the most glorious day of the year! Score free fries and other deals at participating spots across the Triangle. 🍦 Freddy’s Frozen Custard – Free cone or cup with a kid’s meal? Don’t mind if we do. 🥤 Free Slurpee Day at 7-Eleven, Speedway & Stripes – Classic. Cold. Iconic. No excuses. 🌱 Summer Open Nursery & Garden Days 9am–5pm @ Plant Delights Nursery (FREE!) A perfect outing for the green thumbs or flower-curious.

MORNING MOOD BOOSTERS

Tasting at Ten 10am @ Counter Culture Coffee HQ, Durham (FREE) Coffee tasting like a pro, no pressure. Your caffeine journey starts here. Free Kids’ Movie: How to Shred 10am @ Triangle Cinemas Six Forks (FREE) Keep the kids entertained and out of your kitchen. Calvin Jones House Tours 11am & 2pm @ Wake Forest Historical Museum (FREE) History buffs, meet your Friday afternoon date.

FRIDAY DEALS + DISCOUNTS

First Responders Save 10% All day @ Old North State Food Hall, Selma A tasty “thank you” for our community heroes. Treasures of the Earth Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show Noon–6pm @ NC State Fairgrounds ($0–$8) Sparkle, shimmer, and shop till you’re rock-solid happy.

EVENING EVENTS: MUSIC, MOVIES & MEAD

Bike Night 5:30–8pm @ Red Moose Brewing Co., Pittsboro (FREE) Roll up for brews, bikes, and a buzzing crowd. Bands, Bites & Boats: Eg Peters 6–8pm @ Fred G. Bond Metro Park (FREE) Bring a picnic blanket and vibe by the water. Friday Night on White: The Punch Band 6–9pm @ White Street, Wake Forest (FREE) One of Wake Forest’s fave traditions: music, food trucks, and dancing in the street. Downtown Cary Park Movie Night: Shrek 6–10pm (FREE) “Better out than in, I always say.” Shrek and summer nights = perfect combo. PLAYlist at Durham Central Park: Sam Fribush Organ Trio 6pm (FREE) Jazz meets Friday funk under the stars. Raleigh Fringe Festival 6–11pm @ Theatre Raleigh ($0–$19.36) Wild, weird, and wonderfully creative. You’ll never forget it. Free Tastings (yes, more!) 🍷 Wine @ Local 919, Raleigh (6pm) 🍶 Sake @ The Williams House, Cary (6–8pm)

LATE-NIGHT LINEUP: KARAOKE, COMEDY & MOVIES

Live Music Galore! Carson Hill @ Southern Peak, Apex (6:30–9pm) Janis & The Crew @ Oaklyn Springs, Fuquay (7pm) Eg Peters, Sam Fribush, and more around the Triangle! Outdoor Movies Mufasa @ 321 Coffee, Downtown Raleigh (7pm) Movie Night @ Steel String Brewery, Mebane (8:30pm) Open Mic Madness Chime In (poetry/storytelling) @ Lanza’s Café, Carrboro (6:30pm) Stand-up @ Durty Bull Brewing, Durham (8pm) Comedy Mic @ The Common Market, Durham (7pm) Karaoke Nights Flying Bull Beer Co., Durham (9pm) KōMANA Brewing, Cary (9pm) – Karaoke + Bingo = Chaos & Joy

Pro Tip

You don’t have to spend big to live large. Almost everything listed is FREE – just bring good vibes and a friend (or three).

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Now grab your sunscreen, charge your phone, and let’s make this Friday in the Triangle one for the books!