Kick off the first Saturday of 2026 with one of the most event-packed weekends across the Triangle. From First Friday art walks and gallery openings to outdoor nature hikes, live music, comedy, karaoke, and family-friendly festivals, there’s something happening in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Garner all day and night.

Whether you’re planning a daytime outing or looking for something fun after dark, this Triangle Saturday Event Guide has you covered.

🌿 Morning & Daytime Events

First Friday Bird Walk

8:00 am – 10:00 am | FREE

Lake Benson Park

Start your morning with a peaceful guided bird walk and explore local wildlife.

Hike with a Naturalist

9:00 am – 10:30 am | FREE

Historic Yates Mill County Park

Learn about native plants and ecosystems on this educational outdoor hike.

Little WORLD Charity Holiday Model Train Show

10:00 am – 12:30 pm & 1:30 pm – 5:00 pm | FREE

Durham County Main Library

A favorite family event featuring detailed model trains and holiday displays.

🎨 First Friday Art & Culture (Afternoon & Evening)

Sensory-Friendly Hour at Artspace’s First Friday

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm | FREE

Artspace

A welcoming, low-sensory environment for all ages to enjoy art.

Illuminate Art Walk in Downtown Raleigh

4:45 pm | FREE

Downtown Raleigh

A guided walking tour highlighting public art and creative spaces.

First Friday Gallery Walk in Raleigh

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | FREE

Various locations across Raleigh

Explore galleries, studios, and pop-ups citywide.

Artspace First Friday: Live Painting, Music & Art-Making

6:00 pm – 10:00 pm | FREE

Artspace

One of Raleigh’s most popular monthly art events.

First Friday at CoLab: Ephemeral

6:00 pm – 11:00 pm | FREE

CoLab

Experimental exhibitions, immersive art, and creative energy.

🏮 Festivals & Special Experiences

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

6:00 pm – 10:00 pm | $16.74–$30.64

Koka Booth Amphitheatre

A breathtaking nighttime experience featuring illuminated lanterns, performances, and food.

🎶 Live Music, Games & Nightlife

Live Music: Thomas Rucker

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | FREE

Compass Rose Brewery

Bounce & Brews DJ Night

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | FREE

Gizmo Brew Works

Hoppy Hour Cinema Movie Series

7:00 pm – 10:00 pm | FREE

The Glass Jug Downtown Durham Taproom

Video Game Night

7:00 pm – 11:00 pm | FREE

Moon Dog Meadery and Bottle Shop

First Friday Alcohol-Free Dance Party

7:30 pm – 9:30 pm | $10

Current Wellness

Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic

8:00 pm – 11:00 pm | FREE

Durty Bull Brewing Company

Karaoke with Mega Mike

8:00 pm – 11:00 pm | FREE

Crank Arm Brewing Company

Karaoke Bingo Night

9:00 pm | FREE

KōMANA Brewing Company

🎉 Make the Most of Your Triangle Saturday

From outdoor adventures and family-friendly activities to art, music, festivals, and nightlife, this Saturday is stacked with reasons to get out and explore the Triangle. Bookmark this guide and share it with friends so you don’t miss a thing.

👉 Check back on DoRaleigh.com for more daily and weekend Triangle event guides.