Looking for things to do in Raleigh, Durham, Cary and across the Triangle? Thursday, August 13, 2026, brings free concerts, museum activities, family events, community gatherings, food assistance, games and nightlife.
From NCMA After Hours and Live After 5 in downtown Raleigh to Dino Day in Cary and Durham Beer and Banjos, here are more than 25 events happening around the Triangle.
All-Day Deals and Activities
Circle K Fuel Day
Rewards members can save 40 cents per gallon at participating Circle K locations throughout the Triangle.
Time: All day
Cost: Discounted
Location: Participating Circle K locations
Stammtisch at Der Nachbar
Celebrate German community night with steins of select German beers available for pint prices.
Time: All day
Cost: Prices vary
Location: Der Nachbar Bottleshop & Taps, Durham
Free Car Washes for Teachers and School Staff
The RipTide Car Wash is offering complimentary car washes to teachers and school employees throughout August.
Time: All day
Cost: Free
Location: Participating RipTide Car Wash locations
Morning Events
Little Fentonians: Dino Day
Young dinosaur fans can enjoy a free morning of prehistoric-themed family fun at Fenton.
Time: 10 a.m.–noon
Cost: Free
Location: Fenton, Cary
Stroll Through History at Historic Oakwood Cemetery
Discover Raleigh history during a complimentary guided tour through Historic Oakwood Cemetery.
Time: 10–11 a.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Historic Oakwood Cemetery, Raleigh
Free Kids’ Movie: “The Wild Robot”
Triangle Cinemas at Six Forks presents a free morning screening of the animated family movie “The Wild Robot.”
Time: 10 a.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Triangle Cinemas at Six Forks, Raleigh
Afternoon Events
Wii Bowling Competition
Test your virtual bowling skills during a free competition at Sneaky Penguin Brewing Company.
Time: Noon–9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Sneaky Penguin Brewing Company, Raleigh
Meet, Greet and Race NASCAR Driver Ross Chastain
NASCAR fans can meet Ross Chastain and enjoy racing activities during this special appearance in Garner.
Time: 4–7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: RushHour Karting, Garner
Twilight on the Farm
Spend the evening enjoying the atmosphere and activities at Jordan Lake Farms in Apex.
Time: 4:30–8:30 p.m.
Cost: $18
Location: Jordan Lake Farms, Apex
Parktown Food Hub Open Distribution Day
Parktown Food Hub will hold a free community food distribution event in Durham.
Time: 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Parktown Food Hub, Durham
Early Evening Events
NCMA After Hours
Explore the North Carolina Museum of Art during an extended evening featuring art, activities and entertainment.
Time: 5:30–9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh
Taking Back Thursday with The Forryst Bruthers
Enjoy a free outdoor performance by The Forryst Bruthers at Boxyard RTP.
Time: 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Boxyard RTP
Durham Beer and Banjos
Head to Old Mill Farm for an evening combining cold drinks, live banjo music and a relaxed farm setting.
Time: 6–8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Old Mill Farm, Durham
Vinyl Nights
Enjoy a night of music played on vinyl at Gizmo Brew Works in Durham.
Time: 6–9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Gizmo Brew Works, Durham
Live Music at Blackbird Brewery
Blackbird Brewery hosts a free evening of live music in Wake Forest.
Time: 6–9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Blackbird Brewery, Wake Forest
NC Run Club
Connect with local runners during the NC Run Club gathering at Bottle Theory.
Time: 6–9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Bottle Theory, Apex
Dem2’s Motorcycle Gathering
Motorcycle enthusiasts can meet fellow riders during this community gathering at Bearded Bee Brewing Company.
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Bearded Bee Brewing Company, Wendell
Thursday Night Events
Live After 5: Harvey Street
Harvey Street performs during Raleigh’s free Live After 5 Summer Concert Series in Moore Square.
Time: 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Moore Square, Raleigh
Music Bingo
Listen for familiar songs and compete for prizes during Music Bingo at Fortnight Brewing.
Time: 7–9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Fortnight Brewing, Cary
PineCone Old-Time Music Jam
Musicians and listeners can gather for a free old-time music jam presented by PineCone.
Time: 7–9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Riparian Provision Company, Raleigh
Opinionation
Put your knowledge of popular opinions to the test during this interactive game at Gizmo Brew Works.
Time: 7–9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Gizmo Brew Works, Raleigh
Public Domain Movie Night
Enjoy a complimentary screening of a classic public-domain movie at bmc brewing in Pittsboro.
Time: 7–10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: bmc brewing, Pittsboro
Unisong: Guided Song Circle
Join a welcoming guided singing experience designed to build connection through music.
Time: 7:45–9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Current Wellness, Raleigh
Thursday Jazz
Enjoy free live jazz alongside Southern cocktails and craft beer in downtown Hillsborough.
Time: 8–10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Yonder: Southern Cocktails & Brew, Hillsborough
Air Hockey Tournament
Compete against other arcade fans during a free air hockey tournament in Durham.
Time: 8–10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Boxcar Bar + Arcade, Durham
Jazz: The Session
Bond Brothers Eastside hosts an evening session featuring live jazz in Cary.
Time: 8–11 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Bond Brothers Eastside, Cary
Skee-Ball Tournament
Roll for the highest score during Boxcar’s late-night Skee-Ball tournament in Raleigh.
Time: 9–11 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Boxcar Bar + Arcade, Raleigh
Karaoke Hosted by Empress
Take the stage or cheer on local singers during Thursday-night karaoke in Carrboro.
Time: 9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Speakeasy, Carrboro
Plan Your Thursday in the Triangle
Thursday offers plenty of affordable entertainment across the Triangle, including free live music, movies, museum activities, competitions and family-friendly programs. Event details can change, so confirm schedules, admission requirements and availability with each venue before heading out.
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Published by Bryan Tomlinson | BTDesigns.pro |
