Things to Do in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and Beyond
Looking for free and low-cost things to do in the Triangle this weekend? From MLK Day celebrations and cultural festivals to live music, art walks, markets, yoga, comedy, and family-friendly programs, the Triangle Event Guide – Weekend Edition has you covered.
This curated list highlights the best events happening across Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill, Apex, Fuquay-Varina, Wake Forest, Pittsboro, Hillsborough, Zebulon, and Mebane—with plenty of FREE options.
📅 Friday, January 16, 2026
Park Tales: Little Owl’s Snow
🕙 10:00–10:45 AM | FREE
📍 Historic Yates Mill County Park
Make Your Own Vision Board
🕛 12:00–3:00 PM | FREE
📍 Rumors, Chapel Hill
Third Friday Durham – Artist Reception (Jordan Abdur-Ra’off)
🕕 6:00–8:00 PM | FREE
📍 Durham Visitor Info Center
Third Friday Art Opening – Anthony Garza Photography
🕕 6:00–8:00 PM | FREE
📍 Ment Beverage Co., Durham
Third Friday Durham – Art, Exhibits & Performances
🕕 6:00–9:00 PM | FREE
MLK Weekend in Apex: Black Authors Exhibit
🕡 6:30–8:30 PM | FREE
📍 Apex Senior Center
Bellydance Show & Open Dance Floor
🕡 6:30–8:30 PM | FREE
📍 Sophie’s Grill & Bar, Cary
Canes vs. Panthers Hockey Watch Party
🕡 6:30–10:00 PM | FREE
📍 Trophy on Maywood
Game Night
🕡 6:30 PM | FREE
📍 Raleigh Brewing, Raleigh
Open Mic, DJ Nights, Karaoke & Comedy
🕖–11:00 PM | FREE
📍 Carrboro, Durham, Cary & Raleigh
MLK Dreamfest: John Lewis – Good Trouble (Film Screening)
🕢 7:30 PM | FREE
📍 The Cary Theater
📅 Saturday, January 17, 2026
MLK Unity March & Breakfast Reception
🕗 8:00 AM | FREE
📍 Apex First Baptist Church
National Day of Racial Healing
🕣 8:30–10:00 AM | FREE
📍 First Chronicles Community Church, Durham
Triangle MLK Holiday Kickoff – 46th Annual Wreath Laying
🕘 9:00–9:30 AM | FREE
📍 Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Gardens, Raleigh
Durham Craft Market
🕘 9:00 AM–12:00 PM | FREE
📍 Durham Central Park
Plant Swap
🕚 11:00 AM–1:00 PM | FREE
📍 City of Raleigh Museum
New Capitol Tour: Greek & Roman Symbols
🕛 12:00 PM | FREE
📍 North Carolina State Capitol
North Carolina Vintage Bazaar
🕛 12:00–7:00 PM | $10
MLK Celebrations, Adoption Events, Chili Cook-Offs & Live Music
🕐 Afternoon–Evening | FREE
📍 Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, Pittsboro, Wake Forest & Wendell
📅 Sunday, January 18, 2026
National Popcorn Day – BYO Bucket
🍿 All Day | $5
📍 Cinemark (participating locations)
Tết Vietnamese New Year Festival
🕙 10:00 AM–6:30 PM | $0–10
📍 NC State Fairgrounds
MLK Worship Services & Interfaith Events
🕚 Morning–Afternoon | FREE
📍 Apex, Cary, Durham & Raleigh
Artspace Open Studio
🕜 1:30–3:30 PM | FREE
📍 Artspace, Raleigh
When Community Gathers: MLK Day Celebration
🕒 3:00–6:00 PM | FREE
📍 John P. “Top” Greene Park
MLK Commemoration
🕒 3:00 PM | FREE
11th Annual MLK Jr. Speech Reenactment
🕓 4:00–6:30 PM | FREE
📍 Millbrook United Methodist Church, Raleigh
Live Music, Open Mics & Community Dinners
🕓–9:00 PM | FREE
📍 Raleigh, Durham, Cary & Wake County
Make the Most of Your Weekend in the Triangle
Whether you’re honoring MLK Day, exploring local art, enjoying live music, or looking for free things to do this weekend, the Triangle is packed with meaningful and fun experiences.
👉 Bookmark DoRaleigh.com for daily event guides, weekend roundups, and local happenings across the Triangle.
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