Free events, family fun, music, markets, and more

Looking for something fun to do this weekend in the Triangle? Whether you’re in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, or the surrounding areas, Saturday, August 2, 2025, is packed with free events, family-friendly activities, live music, and unique local experiences. Here’s your ultimate guide to making the most of your Saturday in the Triangle.

All-Day Highlights

Museums on Us – Free admission to Marbles Kids Museum for Bank of America customers and employees. Perfect for a family outing! (Raleigh | Free) Tiff’s Treats Giveaway – Free Tiffwich for rewards members or BOGO for everyone. Because you deserve a cookie sandwich today! (Raleigh | Free) Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week – Dine your way through special menus and deals at downtown restaurants. Uproar Festival of Public Art – Explore public art installations throughout Orange County. (Free) CatVideoFest – Cat lovers rejoice! See viral feline favorites on the big screen at multiple Triangle locations. (Various times & prices)

Morning & Family-Friendly Fun

Cars and Coffee Morrisville – Show off your ride or check out cool cars at Imperial Center, Durham. (8:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Free) Visit Cow Sanctuary – Meet and learn about rescued cows at Brajboro Cow Sanctuary, Chapel Hill. (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM | $0–25) Durham Craft Market – Browse local makers and artists at Durham Central Park. (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Free) Free Yoga at Fenton – Start your morning with a stretch session in Cary. (9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Free) Home Depot Kids’ Workshop: Space Odyssey – Build and create with your kids. (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Free | Multiple locations) Wendell Baptist Community Day – Clothing giveaway, small engine repair, free lunch, and a kids’ block party. (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Free) Corpse Flower Viewing – Experience the rare and famously stinky bloom at Plant Delights Nursery. (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Free)

Markets & Midday Adventures

The Raleigh Market – Shop unique finds at the NC State Fairgrounds. (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Free) Saturday Slowdown Market & Open Farm Day – Free ice cream scoops included! (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Free) Zebulon Back2School Bash & Raleigh Dream Center Bash – Free school supplies, rides, and family activities. (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Free) Lowe’s Kids’ Soccer Ball Giveaway – One-day-only promotion. (10:00 AM | Free | Multiple stores) Open Farm Visit at Sunrise Community Farm – Get close to nature in Chapel Hill. (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | $8)

Culture & Art

Grace Hartigan: The Gift of Attention – Free dance performances choreographed by Tracey Durbin. (11:00 AM & 1:00 PM | Free | NCMA Raleigh) Historic Raleigh Trolley Tours – Learn Raleigh’s history with guided trolley rides. (11:00 AM – 3:00 PM | $6–10) The Market at NCMA – Local makers meet art enthusiasts. (11:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Free) Free Capitol Tours & Calvin Jones House Guided Tours – Dive into North Carolina history. (11:00 AM & 2:00 PM | Free) Teens Sketch the Galleries – A creative afternoon for teen artists. (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Free | NCMA) August Art Show – Explore the intersection of changing and unchanging art. (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Free)

Afternoon & Evening Entertainment

Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival – A Triangle favorite for foodies and drink enthusiasts. (12:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Price varies) Mead Day – Celebrate honey wine at Ment Beverage Co. (12:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Free) Sunflower Festival at Huckleberry Trail Farm – Enjoy summer blooms. (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | $4) Trading Card Day – Swap and shop cards. (2:00 PM | Free | Fuquay-Varina) Carrboro Really Really Free Market – Take or leave items with your community. (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Free) Irish Music Jam – Live traditional Irish tunes. (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Free) Raleigh Brewing Summer Music Series – Chill out with craft beer and live tunes. (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Free)

Evening Music, Movies & Nightlife

Live Music Everywhere – From Gizmo Brew Works and Saxapahaw to Fortnight Brewing and Bombshell Beer Company, enjoy free music and DJs across the Triangle. Family Movie Nights: Transformers One – Outdoor movie at Joyner Park, Wake Forest. (7:30 PM | Free) Comedy Shows – Free laughs at The Beerded Lady, Sacred Grounds Coffeehouse, and The ArtsCenter. (7:00 PM – 9:00 PM) Boots & Brewz Country Night – Dance the night away in Zebulon. (8:00 PM – Midnight | Free) Late-Night DJ – Wrap up your night at Raleigh Beer Garden. (10:00 PM | Free)

Plan Your Saturday

Whether you’re exploring free family events, diving into arts and culture, or enjoying live music and food, the Triangle is alive with options this Saturday.

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