Looking for fun, free, and local things to do this Thursday? Whether you’re in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, or surrounding areas, the Triangle is buzzing with exciting events on Thursday, August 7, 2025 — from art festivals and live music to karaoke, kids’ activities, and food giveaways.

All-Day Highlights

Uproar Festival of Public Art – Orange County

🕐 All Day | 💵 FREE | 📍 Various locations

Explore large-scale, interactive public art installations across Orange County. Perfect for art lovers and families alike.

CatVideoFest – Triangle Locations

🕐 Various showtimes | 💵 Varies by location

A global hit featuring the best, funniest, and most adorable cat videos curated into one film. Check Triangle theaters for times.

🎨 Morning & Midday Events

Plein Air Drawing & Painting at Historic Oakwood Cemetery – Raleigh

🕘 9:00 AM–11:00 AM | 💵 FREE

A serene way to start your day. Bring your sketchbook or paints and create in a peaceful, historic setting.

Free Food Giveaway – Zebulon

🕘 9:00 AM–11:00 AM | 💵 FREE | 📍 Hopkins Chapel Baptist Church

Hosted by the Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC. No registration needed.

Free Kids’ Movie: Over the Hedge – Raleigh

🕙 10:00 AM | 💵 FREE | 📍 Triangle Cinemas @ Six Forks

Perfect summer outing for families with young children.

Bilingual Storytime – Durham

🕥 10:30 AM–11:00 AM | 💵 FREE | 📍 Nasher Museum of Art

An engaging, educational storytime in English and Spanish for little learners.

Watermelon Day at the State Farmers Market – Raleigh

🕚 11:00 AM–1:00 PM | 💵 FREE

Celebrate summer with free watermelon slices, giveaways, and fun family activities!

Incredible Science – Raleigh

🕜 1:30 PM | 💵 FREE | 📍 NC Museum of Natural Sciences

A hands-on program perfect for curious kids and science enthusiasts.

Afternoon to Early Evening

National IPA Day – Raleigh

🕒 3:00 PM | 💵 Discounts | 📍 Lonerider Brewing Company

Celebrate with craft brews and IPA specials all afternoon.

An Evening with Sculptor Patrick Dougherty – Raleigh

🕠 5:30 PM–7:00 PM | 💵 FREE | 📍 NC Museum of Art

Meet the artist behind internationally celebrated stickwork sculptures.

Live Music on the Westin Rooftop – Durham

🕠 5:30 PM–7:30 PM | 💵 FREE

Enjoy sweeping views and live tunes at this chic rooftop venue.

🎶 Evening Fun Across the Triangle

Jazz in the Square – Raleigh

🕕 6:00 PM–8:00 PM | 💵 FREE | 📍 Moore Square

Featuring Moon Unit with members of Instant Alter – perfect for downtown vibes.

Live Music Lineup:

Just Us – Blackbird Brewery, Wake Forest (6–9 PM) Chris Lewis – Bearded Bee Brewing, Wendell (6 PM) Thursday Night Live – Southern Village, Chapel Hill (7–9 PM)

Open Mic & Vinyl Nights:

Open Mic (music & poetry) – Common Market, Durham (6–8 PM) Vinyl Night – Gizmo Brew Works, Durham (6–9 PM)

Game Nights & Trivia:

Game Night – Beerded Lady Bottle Shop, Garner (6–9 PM) Triangle Trivia Tournament – Raleigh Brewing (7–10 PM) Board Game Night – Moon Dog Meadery, Durham (7–11 PM)

Karaoke & Music Bingo:

Ruckus Open Mic – Ruckus Pizza, Morrisville (7 PM) Karaoke with JV Jams – Red Moose Brewing, Pittsboro (7 PM) Music Bingo – Fortnight Brewing, Cary (7–9 PM) Music Bingo – Steel String Brewery, Carrboro (7 PM)

Late-Night Entertainment:

Air Hockey Tournament – Boxcar Bar + Arcade, Durham (8–10 PM) Free Comedy Show – Clouds Brewing, Raleigh (8–10 PM) Jazz Jam Open Mic – Bond Brothers Eastside, Cary (8–11 PM) Thursday Karaoke – Tap Yard, Raleigh (9–11 PM)

Stay Updated with Triangle Events

To find even more Raleigh, Durham, and Triangle-area events, visit 👉 DoRaleigh.com – your go-to guide for free public events, local government meetings, family-friendly outings, festivals, and more.