Looking for things to do in the Triangle this weekend? Saturday, November 14, and Sunday, November 15, bring holiday markets, tree lightings, art studio tours, family activities, live music, and community gatherings across Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill, and nearby towns.

This Triangle weekend event guide includes plenty of free events, along with a few affordable ticketed outings. Start your holiday shopping, explore local art, or plan a family day around museums, games, and seasonal celebrations.

Planning note: Listings are based on the supplied event schedule. Confirm details with organizers before heading out, especially reservations, individual performance times, giveaway requirements, and weather changes. Free admission does not necessarily include purchases, food, drinks, or activities. All times are Eastern.

Weekend Highlights

● Holiday celebrations: Lighting of the Tree at Lafayette Village and Sparkle Night at Parkside Town Commons on Saturday.

● Local shopping: Mistletoe Market, Durham Craft Market, the Market at Raleigh Iron Works, and Sunday’s Handmade Hanukkah Market.

● Art adventures: Durham Pottery Tour and the Orange County Artists Guild Open Studio Tour run both days.

● Family fun: Retro Video Game Expo all weekend, Saturday’s Fall Family Fun Day, and Sunday’s Touch-a-Truck.

● A Durham evening outing: Liberty Arts Iron Pour at Durham Central Park on Saturday.

● Community connections: Food assistance, a free meal, a repair café, and free markets are also on the schedule.

Happening Both Days

Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops

When: All day Saturday and Sunday
Where: Bass Pro Shops, multiple locations
Cost: Free

Enjoy free Santa photos and holiday activities at participating stores. Check your location’s photo reservation process and activity schedule.

World Market Golden Santa Scavenger Hunt

When: Saturday and Sunday; check participating store schedules
Where: Participating World Market locations
Cost: Free to participate

Search for a hidden Golden Santa for a chance to receive a reward worth up to $100. Check store rules and availability.

Sculpture in the Garden

When: Saturday and Sunday; confirm exhibition hours
Where: North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill
Cost: Free; $5 suggested donation

Make outdoor art part of your weekend with a visit to Sculpture in the Garden. The supplied listing contains an apparent closing-time typo, so check the garden’s hours before visiting.

Retro Video Game Expo

When: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: Triangle Town Center, Raleigh
Cost: Free admission

Add a gaming stop to your weekend at this two-day expo.

Durham Pottery Tour

When: Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday, noon–5 p.m.
Where: Multiple locations in Durham
Cost: Free admission

Explore pottery at participating locations around Durham. Check the tour’s studio list to plan your route.

Orange County Artists Guild 32nd Annual Open Studio Tour

When: Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday, noon–5 p.m.
Where: Various locations in Orange County
Cost: Free admission

Build an art-filled afternoon around participating studios. Consult the tour map before setting out.

Visit Brajboro Cow Sanctuary

When: 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: Brajboro Cow Sanctuary, Chapel Hill
Cost: Listed at $0–$25

Plan a sanctuary visit and confirm booking requirements and pricing before arrival.

The Little Engine That Could

When: Saturday, four start times between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.; Sunday, two start times between 12:45 and 3 p.m.
Where: Vault Theatre, Durham
Cost: $8

Catch a performance of this children’s story. The listed windows include multiple performances; confirm your specific showtime when booking.

Saturday, November 14: Markets, Art, and Holiday Celebrations

Holiday Shopping and Local Markets

Mistletoe Market Holiday Fair
9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | Wakefield High School, Raleigh | $6 admission
Browse a holiday fair as seasonal shopping gets underway.

Durham Craft Market
9 a.m.–noon | Durham Central Park | Free admission

Quail Hollow Neighborhoods Art Walk & Sale
10 a.m.–2 p.m. | Quail Hollow Neighborhood | Free admission

Wake Forest Guild of Artists Fall Studio Tour
10 a.m.–3 p.m. | Various locations in Wake Forest | Free admission

Synergy Creative Market
11 a.m.–3 p.m. | Synergy Fitness For Her, Durham | Free admission

Apex Underground Market
11 a.m.–3 p.m. | Sweetwater Apex | Free admission

The Market at Raleigh Iron Works
11 a.m.–4 p.m. | Raleigh Iron Works | Free admission

Family Activities, Museums, and History

Lowe’s DIY-U Kids’ Workshop: Holiday Engine
10 a.m.–1 p.m. | Participating Lowe’s stores | Free
Check registration and availability at your preferred store.

Raleigh Fire Museum Open House
10 a.m.–2 p.m. | Raleigh Fire Museum | Free
Visit during the museum’s second-Saturday opening.

Open Farm at Sunrise Community Farm Center
10 a.m.–5 p.m. | Sunrise Community Farm Center, Chapel Hill | $8

Fall Family Fun Day
11 a.m.–2 p.m. | City of Raleigh Museum | Free

JCPenney Kids Zone
11 a.m.–noon | Participating JCPenney locations | Free
Stop by for children’s crafts; check participation and supply availability.

Historic Raleigh Trolley Tours
Four departures within the 11 a.m.–3 p.m. listing window | Mordecai Historic Park, Raleigh | $6–$10
Tours last approximately one hour. Confirm departure times and ticket availability.

Free Guided Tours of the N.C. State Capitol
Departures at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. | North Carolina State Capitol, Raleigh | Free

“The Comeback of Blue-Throated Macaws” Talk
1–2 p.m. | Nature Research Center, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh | Free

Hymns for Salted Bones: A Re-membering of Hayti Walking Tour
2–3:30 p.m. | 1201 Fayetteville Street, Durham | Free
Registration is required, and space is limited.

Community Resources and Gatherings

Millbrook United Methodist Church Food Pantry
10 a.m.–noon | Millbrook United Methodist Church, Raleigh | Free

Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway
11 a.m. | Mount Moriah Community Church, Raleigh | Free
Hosted by the Wake County Sheriff’s Office and Mt. Moriah Community Church. Confirm distribution requirements and availability.

Second Saturday Plant Swap
12:30–3:30 p.m. | Durham Beer Garden | Free

Repair Café in Hillsborough
1–5 p.m. | Whitted Building, Hillsborough | Free

Afternoon Festivals and Holiday Lights

Mountains to Sea Showcase: Beer, Wine, and Cider Tasting
Noon–6 p.m. | The Glass Jug Beer Lab, RTP | Listed as free
Check tasting details and age requirements with the venue.

Fool’s Faire 2026 Renaissance Festival
Noon–7 p.m. | Steel String Brewery, Pluck Farm, Mebane | Free admission

Oaklyn Springs 4-Year Anniversary Party
Starts at noon | Oaklyn Springs Taproom, Fuquay-Varina | Free admission

Carolina Gayniacs Hurricanes Hockey Watch Party
1–3 p.m. | The Glass Jug Downtown Durham Taproom | Free admission

The Irish Session
2–5 p.m. | Bond Brothers Eastside, Cary | Free

Lighting of the Tree at Lafayette Village
3–6 p.m. | Lafayette Village, Raleigh | Free admission
Bring a little holiday sparkle to your Saturday afternoon.

Sparkle Night at Parkside Town Commons
4–7 p.m. | Parkside Town Commons, Cary | Free admission
The listing includes train rides, Santa, snow, and more.

Liberty Arts Iron Pour
4–9 p.m. | Durham Central Park | Free admission
Make the iron pour part of an evening in downtown Durham.

Saturday Live Music, Comedy, and Theater

● Live Music at Gizmo Brew Works, Raleigh: 5–8 p.m. | Free

● Live Music Saturdays at Gizmo Brew Works, Durham: 5–8 p.m. | Free

● Stone Age Romeos at The Mason Jar Lager Company, Fuquay-Varina: Starts at 6 p.m. | Free

● Live Music at Fortnight Brewing, Wake Forest: 6–9 p.m. | Free

Editor: Bryan Tomlinson

● Saturday Live Music at Southern Peak Brewery, Apex: 6:30–9 p.m. | Free

● Live Music Saturdays at Bombshell Beer Company, Holly Springs: 7–10 p.m. | Free

● A Stand-Up Comedy Game Show at The Beerded Lady Bottle Shop, Garner: 7–9 p.m. | Free

● Karaoke at Crank Arm Brewing, Durham: 7–10 p.m. | Free

● The Minutes, by Bulldog Ensemble Theater, at Chapel Hill Public Library: 7:30 p.m. | Free

● Sacred Grounds Coffeehouse Concert, Durham: 7:30 p.m. | Free

Sunday, November 15: Markets, Family Fun, and Music

Sunday Markets and Family Outings

Handmade Hanukkah Market
11 a.m.–3 p.m. | Temple Beth Or, Raleigh | Free admission

Big Trucks, Bright Future: Touch-a-Truck
Noon–4 p.m. | Chapel Hill High School | Free

Chestnut Carnival
Noon–6 p.m. | The Plant, Pittsboro | Free admission

Hillsborough Really Really Free Market
Noon–2 p.m. | Gold Park, Hillsborough | Free

Black Farmers’ Market in Durham
1–4 p.m. | Durham Technical Community College, main campus | Free admission
Support local growers and vendors during a Sunday market visit.

Raleigh’s Jewish History Trolley Tour
Three departures within the 1–4 p.m. listing window | Mordecai Historic Park, Raleigh | $15
Check departure times and reserve your preferred tour.

Free Universoul Circus Tickets for Military Guests

When: Listed performances at noon, 3 p.m., and 6:30 p.m.
Where: Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek, Raleigh
Offer: Free tickets for veterans and active-duty military, while supplies last

Confirm eligibility, identification requirements, ticket redemption instructions, and remaining availability before traveling. This is a limited military offer, and tickets are not guaranteed.

Wellness, Games, and Community Activities

Sunday Morning Yoga
10–11 a.m. | Compass Rose Brewery, Raleigh | Free

MUM’s Kitchen: Free Meal, Bingo, and More
12:30–2 p.m. | Millbrook United Methodist Church, Raleigh | Free

Kanikapila Ukulele Meetup
1–3 p.m. | KōMANA Brewing Company, Cary | Free

Open Play American Mahjong
1–3:30 p.m. | Hops & Flower, Durham | Free

Panthers Watch Party
1–4 p.m. | Tap Yard, Raleigh | Free admission

Free Air Hockey Tournament
Starts at 1 p.m. | Super Rad Retro Lounge Arcade Bar, Raleigh | Free

Paws and Pints Group Dog Walk
2–4 p.m. | Crank Arm Brewing, Durham | Free

Sunday Music and Open Mics

Morgan Street Sessions
Noon–4 p.m. | Morgan Street Food Hall & Market, Raleigh | Free admission

The Sound of Giving: Musical Variety Show Fundraiser
2–4 p.m. | The Woman’s Club of Raleigh | Free admission; donations collected

Open Mic at Oaklyn Springs Brewery
2–5 p.m. | Fuquay-Varina | Free

Open Mic Hosted by Adam Lee Decker
3–6 p.m. | Blackbird Brewery, Wake Forest | Free

Open Mic Night at Gizmo Brew Works
3–6 p.m. | Raleigh | Free

Bluegrass Open Jam
4–7 p.m. | Bond Brothers Eastside, Cary | Free

Musical Icons for Cello and Piano
7 p.m. | Binkley Baptist Church, Chapel Hill | Free concert

Plan Your Triangle Weekend

For a holiday-focused Saturday, browse a local market before heading to Lafayette Village or Parkside Town Commons. Art lovers can build a route around the Durham Pottery Tour or Orange County studio tour, while families can choose from museum activities, children’s theater, retro games, and Sunday’s Touch-a-Truck.

Check registration requirements and travel time before combining events in different towns. For food distributions and limited ticket offers, contact organizers about availability and participation details.

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Editor’s note: Opening dates, event details and development plans may change. Check with individual businesses, venues and organizations for the latest information.