Looking for the best Triangle events for First Friday, August 1, 2025? Whether you’re in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, or beyond, we’ve got you covered with free events, live music, comedy, art shows, markets, and family-friendly fun. Bookmark this Triangle Event Guide to plan your perfect Friday!

All-Day Experiences

Uproar Festival of Public Art (Orange County) Explore interactive public art installations across Orange County. This all-day event is free and perfect for art lovers. Keywords: public art Orange County, free art events Triangle CatVideoFest (Multiple Locations) Enjoy curated cat videos across two Triangle theaters. Times and pricing vary. Keywords: CatVideoFest Triangle, family-friendly events Raleigh Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week Indulge in multi-course meals at special prices throughout downtown Raleigh. Keywords: Raleigh dining deals, Raleigh Restaurant Week 2025 Corpse Flower Viewing at Plant Delights Nursery 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. | Free Experience the rare, unforgettable bloom (and smell) of the corpse flower. Keywords: corpse flower Raleigh, rare plants NC

Morning & Afternoon Highlights

Free Baseball Clinic for Kids – All American Women’s Baseball Classic 9:00–10:45 a.m. | Durham Bulls Athletic Park | Free Kids learn baseball skills with pro women athletes. Keywords: youth baseball clinic Durham, kids sports events Raleigh Tasting at Ten: Free Coffee Tasting 10:00 a.m. | Counter Culture Coffee HQ, Durham | Free Sample high-quality coffees and learn from experts. Keywords: coffee tasting Durham, free coffee events Triangle Calvin Jones House Guided Tours 11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.–2:45 p.m. | Wake Forest Historical Museum | Free Explore local history at this beautifully preserved home. Keywords: Wake Forest tours, local history Triangle Incredible Science Show 1:30 p.m. | NC Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh | Free Science demonstrations perfect for families. Keywords: free science show Raleigh, STEM events NC Raleigh Shop & Rock 2:00–9:00 p.m. | City Plaza, Raleigh | Free Outdoor shopping, food, and live music. Keywords: Raleigh shopping event, free Raleigh music Sensory-Friendly Hour at Artspace 4:00–5:00 p.m. | Raleigh | Free Quiet, inclusive First Friday experience for all ages. Keywords: sensory-friendly events Raleigh, Artspace Raleigh Crowder By Night: Fascinating Frogs 5:00–6:00 p.m. | Crowder County Park, Apex | Free Discover native frogs in their natural habitat. Keywords: Apex nature events, family outdoor Triangle

Evening First Friday Fun

First Friday Market & Movie Night – Inside Out 2 5:00–9:00 p.m. | Moore Square, Raleigh | Free Shop local, enjoy food trucks, and watch Pixar’s latest. Keywords: family movie night Raleigh, Moore Square events First Friday at Sweetwater Apex 5:00–9:00 p.m. | Apex | Free Live music, local vendors, and a relaxed vibe. Keywords: Apex First Friday, free music Apex Summer Fridays at Wedgewood 5:00–8:00 p.m. | Carrboro | Free Free wine and cheese tastings. Keywords: wine tasting Carrboro, Triangle free tastings First Friday in Downtown Fuquay-Varina 5:00–9:00 p.m. | Free Food trucks, live entertainment, and shopping. Keywords: Fuquay-Varina events, Triangle First Friday Bands, Bites, and Boats – Corey Stuart 6:00–8:00 p.m. | Fred G. Bond Metro Park | Free Lakeside music and food trucks. Keywords: Cary live music, Bond Park events Opening Party – Uproar Festival of Public Art 6:00–9:00 p.m. | Eno River Brewing, Hillsborough | Free Celebrate the start of this unique art festival. Keywords: Hillsborough art events, Triangle art festival Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival 6:00–10:00 p.m. | Koka Booth Amphitheatre (prices vary) Sample barbecue, bourbon, and beer from top vendors. Keywords: BBQ festival Cary, bourbon event NC PLAYlist Concert Series – Bia Ferreira 6:00 p.m. | Durham Central Park | Free Outdoor concert featuring Brazilian music. Keywords: Durham concerts, outdoor music Triangle First Friday Gallery Walk – Downtown Raleigh 6:00–9:00 p.m. | Various locations | Free Visit local galleries and see special exhibits. Keywords: Raleigh art walk, Raleigh First Friday Cemetery Tours at Historic Oakwood 6:30–7:30 p.m. | Suggested donation $10 Learn about Raleigh’s history and architecture. Keywords: Oakwood Cemetery tour, Raleigh history tour Evening Music & Comedy Free Live Music – Compass Rose Brewery (7:00–9:00 p.m.) Stand-Up Comedy Showcase – Vault Craft Beer (8:00 p.m.) Karaoke Nights – Multiple breweries (9:00 p.m. and later) Keywords: Raleigh live music, Triangle comedy events, karaoke Raleigh

Why First Friday in the Triangle Is Worth Exploring

Free & family-friendly: Many events are free and great for all ages. Local culture & art: Explore galleries, music, and public art installations. Food & drink specials: From wine tastings to restaurant week dining. Unique experiences: Corpse flowers, frog tours, and sensory-friendly art hours.

Stay in the Loop

For all Triangle events, follow DoRaleigh.com and never miss what’s happening around the region.