Your all-day, all-fun lineup across Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, and beyond!
From Starbucks Red Cup Day and Santa’s Wonderland, to free live music, history tours, science demos, and board-game nights, today is packed with free, family-friendly, and community-focused events across the Triangle.
Use this guide to plan your Thursday from morning coffee to late-night karaoke.
⭐ All-Day Events
🎄 Starbucks Red Cup Day (FREE Limited-Edition Reusable Cup)
All Day | FREE w/ eligible beverage purchase
Locations: Starbucks — multiple Triangle locations
The holiday fan-favorite is back! Order an eligible seasonal beverage and receive a FREE limited-edition Red Cup while supplies last.
🎅 Free Santa Photos & More at Bass Pro Shops – Santa’s Wonderland
All Day | FREE
Locations: Bass Pro Shops, multiple locations
Enjoy free Santa photos, crafts, games, and magical holiday displays perfect for families.
🍩 Krispy Kreme: Buy a Dozen, Get a Dozen FREE
6:00 a.m. | FREE
Locations: Krispy Kreme — multiple Triangle locations
A classic BOGO deal: buy any dozen doughnuts and get a dozen Original Glazed FREE.
☕ Veteran’s Coffee & Connection
8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. | FREE
Location: Fainting Goat Brewing Company, Fuquay-Varina
A warm, welcoming space for veterans to connect, chat, and build community over morning coffee.
🌿 Sculpture in the Garden (Free with $5 Suggested Donation)
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | FREE
Location: North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill
Walk through an outdoor exhibition of handcrafted sculptures in a natural garden setting.
🦅 Military Appreciation Week at the North Carolina Zoo
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | FREE
Location: North Carolina Zoo
Free admission for military service members + one guest during Military Appreciation Week.
Morning & Midday Events
⚰️ Stroll Through History: Historic Oakwood Cemetery Tours
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | FREE
Location: Historic Oakwood Cemetery, Raleigh
Take a guided walk through one of Raleigh’s most historic sites with stories of the people who shaped the city.
🚂 Triangle’s Train: Free Rides for Military Service Members
10:30 a.m. | FREE
Location: New Hope Valley Railway
All military service members receive a complimentary scenic ride on the historic railway.
🔬 Incredible Science!
1:30 p.m. | FREE
Location: NC Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh
A fun, family-friendly science demo featuring hands-on activities and surprising experiments.
🥕 Parktown Food Hub – Open Distribution Day
4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. | FREE
Location: Parktown Food Hub, Durham
Free groceries and fresh produce distribution for the community.
Evening Events – Free Live Music & Community Fun
🎸 Live Music: Eric Giffen
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | FREE
Location: Der Nachbar Bottleshop & Taps, Durham
🎤 Live Music: Grace Lucia Lee
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | FREE
Location: Blackbird Brewery, Wake Forest
🎶 Live Music: Meredith Davis
6:00 p.m. | FREE
Location: Bearded Bee Brewing Company, Wendell
🎙️ Open Mic (Music & Poetry)
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | FREE
Location: The Common Market, Durham
🎲 Game Night
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | FREE
Location: The Beerded Lady Bottle Shop, Garner
📀 Vinyl Nights
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | FREE
Location: Gizmo Brew Works, Durham
🎵 Music Bingo
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | FREE
Location: Fortnight Brewing, Cary
🎮 Level Up and Sip
7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | FREE
Location: Crank Arm Brewing, Durham
🎲 Board Game Night at Moon Dog Meadery
7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. | FREE
Location: Moon Dog Meadery & Bottle Shop, Durham
🏒 Air Hockey Tournament
8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | FREE
Location: Boxcar Bar + Arcade, Durham
🎷 Jazz Jam Open Mic
8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. | FREE
Location: Bond Brothers Eastside, Cary
🎤 Thursday Karaoke
9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. | FREE
Location: Tap Yard, Raleigh
🎳 Skee Ball Tournament
9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. | FREE
Location: Boxcar Bar & Arcade, Raleigh
Why This Guide Matters
The Triangle comes alive on Thursdays—free family fun, live music, community events, local brewery happenings, holiday promotions, and special military appreciation moments. Whether you’re looking to explore Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, Wake Forest, Wendell, or Fuquay-Varina, there’s something for everyone today.
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