Looking for things to do in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Apex and Carrboro this Monday? The Triangle event guide for November 9, 2026, features free family activities, food deals, game nights, live comedy and open mic events.

Start the week with discounted ice skating in Cary, a free play program in Durham or a relaxed evening of reading and games. There’s also an option outside the Triangle: military appreciation admission at the North Carolina Zoo.

All times are Eastern. Event details below are based on the supplied listings. Confirm schedules, participation requirements and offers with each venue before heading out. Free event admission does not necessarily include food, drinks, rentals or other purchases.

Daytime Activities, Holiday Fun and Deals

National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day Deals

When: All day
Where: Various locations
Cost: Discounted offers

Celebrate National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day with participating restaurant deals. Check individual locations for available promotions, offer hours and any purchase or app requirements.

Cheapskate Day at Skate the Square at Fenton

When: Check the venue website for skating hours
Where: Fenton, Cary
Deal: $3 off

Add ice skating to your Monday plans with a $3 discount at Skate the Square. Confirm the offer details and session availability before visiting.

Free Santa Photos at Bass Pro Shops Santa’s Wonderland

When: Check your participating store’s schedule
Where: Bass Pro Shops, multiple locations
Cost: Free

Get an early start on holiday memories with free Santa photos and seasonal fun at Santa’s Wonderland. Check your store for photo times and reservation requirements.

World Market Golden Santa Scavenger Hunt

When: Check participating store details
Where: Participating World Market locations
Cost: Free

Search for a hidden Golden Santa for a chance to win a reward worth up to $100. Confirm participation, hunt times and reward rules with your store.

Military Appreciation Week at the North Carolina Zoo

When: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: North Carolina Zoo, Asheboro — outside the Triangle
Cost: Free admission for a military member plus one guest

For those planning a day trip, the zoo’s listed military appreciation offer includes admission for a military member and a guest. Confirm eligibility, required identification and admission details before traveling.

Total Tot Time in Durham

When: 10 a.m.–noon
Where: W.D. Hill Recreation Center, Durham
Cost: Free

Families with children ages 5 and younger can enjoy this free play program at W.D. Hill Recreation Center.

Afternoon and Evening Social Events

Coloring Vinyl Night at KōMANA Brewing Company

When: 2–9 p.m.
Where: KōMANA Brewing Company, Cary
Cost: Free

Add a creative stop to your Monday with Coloring Vinyl Night in Cary.

Mahjong Socials at Apex Senior Center

When: 6–8 p.m.
Where: Apex Senior Center
Cost: $5

Enjoy an evening of mahjong and conversation. Contact the center for registration details and any experience or participation requirements.

Silent Reading Club in Downtown Durham

When: 6–8 p.m.
Where: The Glass Jug Downtown Durham Taproom
Cost: Free

Bring a book and settle in for a quiet evening of reading at The Glass Jug.

Board Game Night at Bottle Theory

When: 6–9 p.m.
Where: Bottle Theory, Apex
Cost: Free

Make Monday game night with an evening of board games in Apex.

Smut Book Club at Raleigh Brewing

When: 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Where: Raleigh Brewing, Raleigh
Cost: Free

Join fellow readers for Smut Book Club. Check with the organizer for the selected book and participation details.

Open Mic Nights, Karaoke and Comedy

Open Mic Night at Steel String Brewery

When: 6–11 p.m.
Where: Steel String Brewery, Carrboro
Cost: Free

Catch local performers during an evening of open mic entertainment in Carrboro.

Early Karaoke at The Northside District

When: 6 p.m.
Where: The Northside District
Cost: Free

Start your evening with karaoke. Come ready to sing or cheer on the performers.

Cosmic Chuckles at Flying Saucer Raleigh

When: 7–9 p.m.
Where: Flying Saucer Raleigh
Cost: Free

Add some laughs to your Monday with Cosmic Chuckles, a weekly comedy show in Raleigh.

Open Mic Night at KōMANA Brewing Company

When: 7–10 p.m.
Where: KōMANA Brewing Company, Cary
Cost: Free

KōMANA’s Monday lineup continues with an evening open mic. Performers should check with the venue for sign-up details.

Carrboro Open Mic at Speakeasy

When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Speakeasy, Carrboro
Cost: Free

Spend part of your Monday evening enjoying local talent at Carrboro Open Mic.

Late-Night Games in Raleigh

Air Hockey Tournament at Boxcar Bar and Arcade

When: 8–10 p.m.
Where: Boxcar Bar and Arcade, Raleigh
Cost: Free

Close out Monday with an air hockey tournament at Boxcar. Check the venue’s tournament sign-up process and age requirements before going.

Plan Your Monday Around the Triangle

For a family outing, consider Total Tot Time or Santa photos. For a relaxed evening, try Silent Reading Club, mahjong or board games. If you’re looking for entertainment, explore the open mic nights, karaoke and free comedy on Monday’s lineup.

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