Looking for things to do in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and across the Triangle on Wednesday, October 28, 2026? The day’s lineup includes free Halloween events, children’s activities, live music, craft nights and opportunities to get outside.

Families can choose from several trunk-or-treat events, pumpkin patch storytime and sensory-friendly activities. Evening options include jazz in Chapel Hill, dancing in Cary, trivia in Raleigh and games in Durham.

Here’s your Triangle event guide for October 28, with times, locations and listed admission prices.

Free Halloween Events and Fall Activities

Get into the Halloween spirit with these seasonal events around Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill.

• Storytime in the Pumpkin Patch: 10:30 a.m. at Highland United Methodist Church in Raleigh. Free.
• Trunk or Treat with Lowe’s Grove American Legion Post 416: 5–7 p.m. at Lowe’s Grove American Legion Post 416 in Durham. Free.
• Trunk or Treat and Hot Dog Dinner: 5:30–8 p.m. at Highland United Methodist Church in Raleigh. Free.
• Trunk or Treat: Begins at 5:30 p.m. at Binkley Baptist Church in Chapel Hill. Free.
• Trunk or Treat at Holton Center: 6–8 p.m. at Holton Career and Resource Center in Durham. Free.
• Five Points Fall Festival: 6–8 p.m. at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Raleigh. Free.

Highland United Methodist Church has two separate activities listed: morning storytime in the pumpkin patch and an evening trunk-or-treat with a hot dog dinner.

Family Activities and Sensory-Friendly Play

Families looking for free kids’ activities in the Triangle have options throughout the day, including play programs in Durham, market activities in Carrboro and an evening at Marbles Kids Museum.

• Fall Into Play with New Friends — Sensory Play and Meet and Greet: 9:30–11:30 a.m. at W.G. Pearson Center in Durham. Free.
• Total Tot Time: 10 a.m.–noon at W.D. Hill Recreation Center in Durham. This free play program is for children up to age 5.
• Market Bunch Kids’ Activities: 3–6 p.m. at Carrboro Farmers’ Market. Free.
• Sensory Friendly Playtime and Movie: 5–7:30 p.m. at Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh. Free.

Check with organizers about registration, age requirements and available space before attending.

Community Resources and Small Business Networking

The morning calendar includes a small business networking event in Holly Springs and a food distribution event in Chapel Hill.

• Holly Springs Small Business Network: 9–10:30 a.m. at Bombshell Beer Company in Holly Springs. Free.
• Chapel Hill Food Distribution Event: Begins at 9:30 a.m. at Eubanks Road Park and Ride Lot in Chapel Hill. Free.

Contact the food distribution organizer for participation details and information about availability.

Art, Books and Craft Nights

Explore an outdoor sculpture exhibition, join a book club or bring a project to a local craft gathering.

• Sculpture in the Garden: Opens at 9 a.m. at North Carolina Botanical Garden in Chapel Hill. Admission is free, with a $5 suggested donation. Confirm the closing time before visiting.
• Dr. M.T. Pope House Presents: Evelyn’s Book Club: 6:30–8 p.m. at Pope House in Raleigh. Free.
• Bring Your Own Craft Night: 6:30–8:30 p.m. at Raleigh Brewing in Raleigh. Free.
• Stitch N’ Bitch Craft Night: 7–10 p.m. at Steel String Brewery in Carrboro. Free.

Schedule note: The supplied Sculpture in the Garden listing shows a 5 a.m. end time. Confirm the garden’s closing time before visiting.

Live Music, Comedy and Open Mic Events

Wednesday’s entertainment calendar stretches from a lunchtime event on NC State’s Centennial Campus to evening performances in Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough and Raleigh.

• Centennial SoundBites: Noon–1 p.m. at 321 Coffee on NC State’s Centennial Campus in Raleigh. Free.
• Improv at Fair Game: 6–7:30 p.m. at Fair Game Beverage Co. in Pittsboro. Free.
• Bluegrass Jam: Starts at 7 p.m. at Sonark Farms in Hillsborough. Admission is pay what you can. Confirm the end time with the venue.
• Wednesday Singer/Songwriter Sessions: 7–10 p.m. at Speakeasy in Carrboro. Free.
• UNC Jazz Band with Jean Caze: Begins at 7:30 p.m. at Hill Hall at UNC Chapel Hill. Free.
• Live Music: Tan & Sober Unplugged: 8–10 p.m. at Yonder: Southern Cocktails & Brew in Hillsborough. Free.
• City Soul Cafe Open Mic: 8–11 p.m. at Terminal 8 Bar & Lounge in Raleigh. Admission is $10.
• Open Mic Night: Begins at 8 p.m. at Abbey Road Cary. Free.

Schedule note: The supplied Bluegrass Jam listing shows an 11 a.m. end time following a 7 p.m. start. Confirm the performance’s ending time with the venue.

Outdoor Activities and Dance Events

Head to Pullen Park for acro yoga or the Raleigh Drum Circle and Hoop Jam, join a Durham group ride, or choose an evening of ballroom or salsa dancing.

• Free Acro Yoga at Pullen Park: 5:30–8:30 p.m. at Pullen Park in Raleigh. Free.
• Crank Arm Durham Wednesday Night Ride: Begins at 6:30 p.m. at Crank Arm Brewing in Durham. Free.
• Raleigh Drum Circle and Hoop Jam: 7–8:30 p.m. at Pullen Park in Raleigh. Free.
• Ballroom Dancing Social with Pullen Dance: 7–9 p.m. at Pullen Community Center in Raleigh. Admission is $5.
• Salsa Night: Dance Lessons and Social: 7:30–11:30 p.m. at KōMANA Brewing Company in Cary. Admission is $10.

Check organizer updates for weather-related changes, equipment needs and participation requirements.

Trivia, Bingo and Game Nights

Looking for a casual Wednesday activity? Triangle venues have board games, chess, bingo, trivia and tournaments on the calendar.

• Board Game Night: Noon–10 p.m. at Gizmo Brew Works in Durham. Free.
• Durham Chess Club: 6–8:30 p.m. at Durham Food Hall. Open to all ages and skill levels. Free.
• Music Bingo: 7–9:30 p.m. at Growler Grlz in Durham. Free.
• DSSOLVR Durham Bingo Night: Begins at 7 p.m. at DSSOLVR Durham. Free.
• Trivia Night: Begins at 7 p.m. at Raleigh Beer Garden. Free.
• Weekly Skee Ball Tournament: 8–10 p.m. at Boxcar Bar + Arcade in Durham. Free.
• Beer Pong Tournament: 8:30–11 p.m. at Boxcar Bar and Arcade in Raleigh. Free.

For events at bars, breweries and arcades, confirm age policies and tournament entry requirements directly with the venue.

Food Deal: KFC’s 13 Days of Scary Good Deals

KFC: 13 Days of Scary Good Deals is listed as an all-day promotion at participating KFC locations on October 28.

Pricing is listed as discounted. Check the participating restaurant or current offer details for the specific deal, availability and redemption requirements.

Plan Your Wednesday Around the Triangle

With free fall festivals, family programs, live performances and social activities, October 28 offers plenty of ways to explore the Triangle on a budget.

Event schedules, admission details and availability can change. Confirm the latest information with organizers before heading out, especially when registration or advance arrangements may be required. Free admission may not include food, drinks, supplies or other purchases.

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