Looking for the best free events, live music, holiday fun, and nightlife across the Triangle today? This Triangle Event Guide for Thursday, November 20, 2025 brings together the top things to do in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, Sanford, and beyond. From Santa photos to beer-and-banjo jams, there’s something for everyone.
🎅 Holiday & Family Events
Free Santa Photos at Bass Pro Shops — Santa’s Wonderland
📅 All Day
📍 Bass Pro Shops (Multiple Locations)
💵 FREE
Celebrate the holiday season with free professional Santa photos, crafts, festive décor, and holiday activities. One of the Triangle’s most popular family attractions every year.
Village District Holiday Open House
⏰ 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
📍 Village District, Raleigh
💵 FREE
Kick off the season with Santa visits, hot cocoa, live music, store specials, and beautifully decorated streets in one of Raleigh’s most beloved shopping districts.
🌿 Arts, Culture & Community
Sculpture in the Garden
⏰ 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
📍 North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill
💵 FREE (Suggested $5 Donation)
Explore dozens of stunning outdoor sculptures integrated into the natural landscapes of the botanical garden. A perfect daytime outing for art and nature lovers.
Free Food Giveaway with Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC
⏰ 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
📍 CCCC — Center for Workforce Innovation, Sanford
A community-centered opportunity to pick up free groceries and household staples. Open to all; no ID or pre-registration required.
Get Free Tech Help with a Raleigh Digital Ambassador
⏰ 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
📍 Marsh Creek Community Center, Raleigh
Receive one-on-one help with smartphones, tablets, laptops, apps, and online tools in this hands-on digital literacy session.
Jazz Vespers: A Service of Thanksgiving
⏰ 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
📍 Duke University Chapel
A moving blend of jazz music and spiritual reflection in one of the Triangle’s most iconic spaces.
🍺 Drink Specials, Tastings & Social Events
Bricks & Brews
⏰ 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
📍 Gizmo Brew Works, Raleigh
FREE
Enjoy drinks, LEGO builds, community, and creative fun. A great casual hangout after work.
Free Wine Tasting on the Rooftop
⏰ 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
📍 10th & Terrace at Residence Inn Raleigh Downtown
Sip complimentary wine with rooftop skyline views — a perfect pre-dinner stop.
Beer and Banjos Durham
⏰ 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
📍 Old Mill Farm, Durham
Live folk, bluegrass, and Americana paired with local brews in a cozy farm setting.
Level Up and Sip
⏰ 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
📍 Crank Arm Brewing, Durham
Retro gaming, good beer, and social vibes. Play classic games and compete with friends.
Free Comedy Show
⏰ 7:30 p.m.
📍 Sneaky Penguin Brewing Company, Raleigh
Enjoy local stand-up talent and craft beer in a relaxed taproom atmosphere.
🎵 Live Music Across the Triangle
Live Music: Story Charlemagne
⏰ 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
📍 Blackbird Brewery, Wake Forest
FREE
Live Music at Bearded Bee Brewing Company
⏰ 6:00 p.m.
📍 Wendell
FREE
Irish Music at The Plant
⏰ 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
📍 Fair Game Beverage Co., Pittsboro
Traditional Irish tunes in a community-driven outdoor setting.
Jazz Jam Open Mic
⏰ 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
📍 Bond Brothers Eastside, Cary
A vibrant open jam session featuring local jazz musicians — all skill levels welcome.
🎮 Games, Community Fun & Nightlife
Game Night
⏰ 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
📍 The Beerded Lady Bottle Shop, Garner
Board games, brews, and chill vibes.
Vinyl Nights
⏰ 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
📍 Gizmo Brew Works, Durham
Bring your favorite records or enjoy curated vinyl playlists all night.
Board Game Night at Moon Dog Meadery
⏰ 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
📍 Durham
Play everything from classics to indie tabletop games with the Triangle gaming community.
Free Square Dance Fun Nights
⏰ 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
📍 First United Methodist Church, Cary
A welcoming intro for beginners — no partner required.
Air Hockey Tournament
⏰ 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
📍 Boxcar Bar + Arcade, Durham
Skee-Ball Tournament
⏰ 9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
📍 Boxcar Bar + Arcade, Raleigh
Thursday Karaoke at Tap Yard
⏰ 9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
📍 Raleigh
Late-night karaoke under the stars at one of Raleigh’s favorite outdoor bars.
🌟 Ticketed Attraction
North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival
⏰ 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
📍 Koka Booth Amphitheatre
💵 $16.74–$30.64
A dazzling display of large-scale illuminated sculptures, cultural performances, food, and gorgeous waterfront views.
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