Looking for things to do in Raleigh, Durham, Cary and across the Triangle this weekend? The July 24–25 lineup includes free concerts, outdoor dancing, night markets, family activities, school-supply giveaways, history tours, farmers’ markets and community celebrations.

Friday night highlights include Dancing at Dix, the Hillsborough Street Makers & Music Series, Twilight on White and live music throughout the region. Saturday brings the Raleigh Market, Durham Disability Pride Parade, free health screenings, back-to-school events and a juggling record attempt at Pullen Park.

All-Weekend Events and Deals

Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week

Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week continues Friday and Saturday, giving diners an opportunity to explore participating restaurants and special menus throughout the city’s center.

MyLowe’s Money Days

Shoppers who spend $200 may receive up to $30 in MyLowe’s Money during the promotional period. Review the program’s terms and qualifying purchase requirements before shopping.

Friday, July 24, 2026

National Tequila Day Deals

Time: All day
Location: Various locations

Restaurants and bars around the Triangle will celebrate National Tequila Day with drink specials and other promotions.

Park Tales: “One Frog Song”

Time: 10–10:45 a.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Historic Yates Mill County Park

Families can begin the day with a nature-themed story program at one of Wake County’s most scenic historic parks.

Tasting at Ten

Time: 10 a.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Counter Culture Coffee Headquarters and Training Center, Durham

Learn more about coffee while tasting selections at Counter Culture Coffee’s recurring educational event.

Scented Storytime

Time: 10:30–11:30 a.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Southwest Regional Library, Durham

This sensory storytime program offers an engaging library experience for children and families.

Mill History Tour

Time: 11:30 a.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Historic Yates Mill County Park

Explore the history of Yates Mill and learn more about the landmark’s importance to the region.

Bring Your Own Backpack

Time: 4–6 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Miller-Motte College, Raleigh

Families can bring their backpacks and receive free school supplies while quantities last.

Free Wine Tasting

Time: 4:30–6:30 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Bottle Theory, Apex

Sample featured wines during a free early-evening tasting in Apex.

Free Sake Tasting

Time: 5:30–7 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Taylor’s Wine Shop

Discover different varieties of sake during this complimentary tasting.

Dancing at Dix

Time: 6–8 p.m.
Admission: Free; registration required
Location: Gipson Play Plaza at Dorothea Dix Park, Raleigh

Try square dancing during an outdoor community event at Dix Park. Advance registration is required.

Afternoon in the Garden

Time: 6–8 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Apex Nature Park

Enjoy an early evening outdoors surrounded by the natural beauty of Apex Nature Park.

Vinyl Night

Time: 6–9 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Sneaky Penguin Brewing Company, Raleigh

Music fans can unwind with an evening dedicated to records and classic sounds.

Twilight on White Summer Night Market

Time: 6–9 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: White Street, Wake Forest

Shop from vendors and enjoy an evening in downtown Wake Forest during this summer night market.

Retro Video Game Night

Time: 6 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: The Daily Beer Bar, Durham

Play throwback video games and connect with other gaming fans.

Live Music at Gizmo Brew Works

Time: 6–9 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Gizmo Brew Works, Raleigh

Start the weekend with free live music and local beverages.

Chime In Open Mic

Time: 6–9 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Lanza’s Cafe, Carrboro

Poets, storytellers and songwriters are invited to share their work during this community open mic.

Front Porch Friday at Haven Farm

Time: 6–10 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Haven Farm, Knightdale

Spend Friday evening at the farm with community entertainment and a relaxed outdoor atmosphere.

Live at American Tobacco Campus: Jake Richter

Time: 6:30–9 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: American Tobacco Campus, Durham

Jake Richter performs during the free Live at ATC music series.

Hillsborough Street Makers & Music Series

Time: 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Compiègne Park, Raleigh

Browse local makers and enjoy live entertainment during this free Hillsborough Street gathering.

Raleigh International Folk Dancers

Time: 6:30–10 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Glen Eden Pilot Park, Raleigh

Experience international folk dancing during an inclusive community dance event.

Artist Notes Concert

Time: 7–9:30 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: The Corner at NC State Centennial Campus

The performer is to be announced for this free Friday-night concert.

Live Music: 2Digh4

Time: 7–10 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: The Mason Jar Lager Company, Fuquay-Varina

Enjoy a free performance by 2Digh4 at The Mason Jar Lager Company.

Single Mingle at Downtown Cary Park

Time: 7–10 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Downtown Cary Park

Triangle singles can meet new people in the lively setting of Downtown Cary Park.

Live Music: Josh Branch

Time: 7–10 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Oaklyn Springs Brewery, Fuquay-Varina

Josh Branch provides the soundtrack for a relaxed Friday evening at the brewery.

“Pirates! A Boy at Sea”

Time: 7 p.m.
Admission: Pay what you can
Location: The River Church, Durham

Catch an accessible, family-friendly stage production with pay-what-you-can admission.

Bynum Front Porch Friday Night Music Series

Time: 7–8:30 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Bynum Front Porch, Pittsboro

The community music series continues with a free outdoor performance in Pittsboro.

Bounce and Brews DJ Night

Time: 7–9 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Gizmo Brew Works, Durham

A DJ provides high-energy Friday-night music at Gizmo Brew Works’ Durham location.

Video Game Night at Moon Dog Meadery

Time: 7–11 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Moon Dog Meadery and Bottle Shop, Durham

Spend the evening playing video games and meeting other local gamers.

Karaoke Bingo Night

Time: 7–11:55 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: KōMANA Brewing Company, Cary

This event combines karaoke favorites with the excitement of bingo.

Movie Night at Raleigh Brewing

Time: 7 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Raleigh Brewing, Raleigh

Settle in for a free Friday movie screening at the brewery.

Live Music Fridays

Time: 7 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Growler Grlz, Durham

Enjoy free live music and a wide beverage selection in Durham.

Moth Night

Time: 8–10 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Apex Nature Park

Discover the moths and other nighttime insects that become active after sunset.

Friday Live Music at Yonder

Time: 8–11 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Yonder: Southern Cocktails & Brew, Hillsborough

Enjoy a free evening performance in downtown Hillsborough.

Karaoke Under the Stars

Time: 8–11 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: The Glass Jug Beer Lab, RTP

Sing your favorites outdoors during a free night of karaoke.

Live Music: Beaux Mondes

Time: 8 p.m.
Admission: $10
Location: Sonark Farms, Hillsborough

Beaux Mondes performs during an evening concert at Sonark Farms.

Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic

Time: 8–11 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Durty Bull Brewing Company, Durham

Local comedians test new material during this free open-mic show.

Karaoke with Mega Mike

Time: 8–11 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Crank Arm Brewing Company, Raleigh

Take the microphone or cheer on the performers during a free karaoke night.

Movie Night at Pluck Farm

Time: 8:30 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Steel String Brewery at Pluck Farm, Mebane

Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy an outdoor movie at the farm.

Live Music: Cleophus James

Time: 9 p.m.
Admission: $5
Location: Slim’s, Raleigh

Cleophus James performs at one of downtown Raleigh’s longtime live-music venues.

Pub Karaoke

Time: 10–11:59 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: West 94th Street Pub, Durham

Close out Friday night by singing karaoke favorites in Durham.

Saturday, July 25, 2026

Triple Bucks Day at Durham Farmers’ Market

Time: 8 a.m.–noon
Admission: Free
Location: Durham Farmers’ Market

Eligible shoppers can stretch their food benefits while purchasing fresh, locally produced food.

Durham Craft Market

Time: 8 a.m.–noon
Admission: Free
Location: Durham Central Park

Shop directly from Triangle artists and makers at this Saturday market.

The Raleigh Market

Time: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: N.C. State Fairgrounds, Raleigh

Browse antiques, vintage goods, collectibles, crafts and other finds from a large selection of vendors.

Make Paper in Nature

Time: 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Bailey and Sarah Williamson Preserve

Triangle Land Conservancy hosts a hands-on papermaking activity inspired by nature.

Online and Personal Safety Workshop

Time: 10 a.m.–noon
Admission: Free
Location: Advance Community Health, Raleigh

The Neighborhood Network workshop will share practical guidance about online and personal safety.

MrBeast Swarm Jet Workshop

Time: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Admission: $14.95
Location: Participating Lowe’s stores

Young builders can take part in a MrBeast-themed Swarm Jet workshop at participating locations.

Steam Shop Saturday

Time: 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Admission: $13.20–$16.45
Location: New Hope Valley Railway

Railroad fans can get a closer look at steam equipment and railway operations.

Free Health Screenings

Time: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Participating Walmart pharmacies

Select Walmart pharmacies will offer complimentary health screenings.

Chatham Mills Pollinator Paradise Garden Tour

Time: 10 a.m.
Admission: Free; registration required
Location: Chatham Mills, Pittsboro

Tour the Pollinator Paradise Garden and learn about plants that support bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

Black History Walking Tour

Time: 10–11 a.m.
Admission: $6–$10
Location: Pope House, Raleigh

Explore Raleigh’s Black history and important local stories during this guided walking tour.

Millbrook United Methodist Church Food Pantry

Time: 10 a.m.–noon
Admission: Free
Location: Millbrook United Methodist Church, Raleigh

Community members who need grocery assistance can visit the church’s food pantry.

Mill Open House

Time: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Historic Yates Mill County Park

Tour the historic mill and learn about its role in Wake County history.

Open Farm at Sunrise Community Farm Center

Time: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Admission: $8
Location: Sunrise Community Farm Center, Chapel Hill

Visit the farm for an educational and family-friendly outdoor experience.

Free Laundry Event

Time: 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: The Wash House on Trawick Road, Raleigh

The Uplift Laundry Truck will help community members wash their clothes at no cost.

2B’s Brains & Brothers Back-to-School Party

Time: 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Walmart Supercenter on New Bern Avenue, Raleigh

The event includes free school supplies, haircuts, food and other resources for students and families.

Retro Family Series: “The Rugrats Movie”

Time: 11 a.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Carolina Theatre, Durham

Families can revisit the animated Nickelodeon adventure on the big screen.

Historic Raleigh Trolley Tours

Time: 11 a.m.–3 p.m.; four departure times
Admission: $6–$10
Location: Mordecai Historic Park, Raleigh

See Raleigh landmarks and hear local stories during a one-hour guided trolley tour.

Free Tours of the North Carolina State Capitol

Tour times: 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: North Carolina State Capitol, Raleigh

Explore the historic Capitol building during one of three guided Saturday tours.

Coastal Cowgirl Vendor Market

Time: Noon–3 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Crooked Hammock Brewery, Raleigh

Browse a themed selection of local vendors during this afternoon market.

Pickle Days Field Day Finale

Time: Noon–5 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Bull City Burger and Brewery, Durham

Celebrate the end of Pickle Days with an afternoon of field-day fun.

Hops for Hope Back-to-School Bash

Time: Noon–7 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Blackbird Brewery, Wake Forest

This family-focused back-to-school event features activities for children and the community.

Christmas in July

Time: Noon–8 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Bottle Theory, Apex

Celebrate the holidays early during a festive Christmas in July event.

Carolina Brewing Company’s 31st Anniversary Party

Time: Noon–9 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Carolina Brewing Company, Holly Springs

Help the brewery celebrate 31 years with a daylong anniversary gathering.

Bearded Bee’s Sixth Anniversary Block Party

Time: Noon–11:30 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Bearded Bee Brewing Company, Wendell

Bearded Bee marks six years with an extended community block party.

The People’s Free Market

Time: 1–3 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Phillip R. Wright Community Park, Clayton

Exchange useful items and community resources without spending money.

World Series of Arm Wrestling

Time: 1 p.m.
Spectator admission: Free
Location: Sports & Social, Cary

Watch competitors test their strength during an arm-wrestling tournament at Fenton.

Saturday Comedy Improv Jam Meetup

Time: 1–3 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Moon Dog Meadery and Bottle Shop, Durham

Improvisers and newcomers can join a casual afternoon comedy jam.

Juggling Record-Breaking Attempt

Time: 2–4 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Pullen Park, Raleigh

Juggling enthusiasts will gather at Pullen Park for a community record-breaking attempt.

Raleigh Brewing Book Fair

Time: 2 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Raleigh Brewing, Raleigh

Browse books and connect with fellow readers at this brewery book fair.

“Pirates! A Boy at Sea”

Time: 2 p.m.
Admission: Pay what you can
Location: The River Church, Durham

The production returns for a Saturday afternoon performance with flexible admission.

Cary Really Really Free Market

Time: 2–4 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Walnut Street Park, Cary

Give away items you no longer need or take home something useful—no buying, selling or swapping required.

Durham Disability Pride Parade

Time: 3–6 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Duke Memorial United Methodist Church, Durham

Celebrate disability pride, visibility and community during this inclusive Durham gathering.

Live Music: Steve Vee

Time: 3 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Raleigh Brewing, Raleigh

Steve Vee performs a free Saturday afternoon set.

Live Music: Outdoor Couch

Time: 3 p.m.
Admission: $5
Location: Slim’s, Raleigh

Catch Outdoor Couch during an afternoon performance in downtown Raleigh.

Plan Your Triangle Weekend

This weekend offers something for nearly every interest, from free outdoor concerts and markets to history tours, family movies, community resources and late-night karaoke.

Event schedules, admission policies and availability may change. Registration may also be required for select activities. Confirm the latest details with the organizer or venue before leaving home.

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Published by Bryan Tomlinson | BTDesigns.pro |