Presented by DoRaleigh.com

This Friday in the Triangle is packed with activities for families, foodies, art lovers, music fans, and night owls. Whether you’re planning a day out with the kids or a late-night music crawl, there’s something for everyone across Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, and beyond.

All Day Fun

Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week

Explore Raleigh’s vibrant food scene with special menus, chef creations, and restaurant deals. Whether you’re craving gourmet dining or local hidden gems, this weeklong culinary event is perfect for food lovers.

Morning & Family-Friendly Adventures

Park Tales: The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear 10:00 am – 10:45 am | FREE | Historic Yates Mill County Park Enjoy a delightful children’s storytime surrounded by nature. Mini Music and Movement 10:00 am – 11:30 am | FREE | Prairie Ridge Ecostation (NCMNS), Raleigh Songs, dance, and exploration for young kids and families. Free Kids’ Movies – Despicable Me 2 10:00 am | FREE | Triangle Cinemas @ Six Forks A perfect cool-down morning activity with free popcorn vibes. Tasting at Ten: Counter Culture Coffee 10:00 am | FREE | Counter Culture Coffee HQ, Durham Sample sustainably sourced coffee and learn from experts. Calvin Jones House Guided Tour 11:00 am & 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm | FREE | Wake Forest Historical Museum Explore Wake Forest’s rich history with guided tours.

Afternoon Highlights

Incredible Science 1:30 pm | FREE | NC Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh A live science experience perfect for curious minds. Summer Fridays at Wedgewood 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm | FREE | Wedgewood Cheese Bar, Carrboro Wine and cheese tastings to kick off your weekend in style. Meet the Budweiser Clydesdales 5:15 pm | FREE | Durham Bulls Athletic Park See these legendary horses before the big game. Bike Night 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm | FREE | Red Moose Brewing Company, Pittsboro A social for cycling enthusiasts with craft brews. “Christmas in July” Wine Tasting 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm | FREE | D’s Bottle Shop & Craft Beer College

Evening Art & Culture

Yates by Night: Dazzling Dragonflies 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm | FREE | Historic Yates Mill County Park Final Friday Cary Gallery of Artists Reception 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm | FREE Last Fridays Art Walk – Downtown Hillsborough 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | FREE Featuring open studios, live music, and interactive art. You Are Glowing! A Neon Fashion Night 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm | $17.85 | Artspace, Raleigh Neon fashion meets immersive art – an electrifying experience. Hops Vintage Night Market 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm | FREE | House of Hops, Raleigh Final Friday Cary Art Loop 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | FREE Chime In Open Mic 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm | FREE | Lanza’s Café, Carrboro

Live Music & Nightlife

One Tribe Final Friday Drum Circle & Fire Spinning 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm | FREE | Old Cary Library Site Free Live Music – Compass Rose Brewery (Raleigh) 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Summer Music on The Gregg Museum Lawn – Também 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Pitch It PowerPoint Night 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | FREE | Raleigh Brewing Live Music: Grace Lucia 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm | FREE | White Street Brewing, Wake Forest Treetops Acoustic Fest 7:00 pm | FREE | Southern Village, Chapel Hill Discover Dance: Break Dance Session 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm | FREE | Downtown Cary Park Comedy & Open Mics Stand-up Comedy Open Mic – 8:00 pm | Durty Bull Brewing, Durham A Good Time Comedy Showcase – 8:00 pm | Vault Craft Beer, Raleigh Beer Garden Comedy Showcase – 8:00 pm | Glass Jug Beer Lab, RTP Movie Night: Outdoor Screening 8:30 pm – 11:00 pm | FREE | Steel String Brewery, Mebane Karaoke Nights 9:00 pm | Flying Bull Beer Co., Durham & KōMANA Brewing, Cary

Wrap-Up

This Friday has over 40 free events across the Triangle! From kids’ activities and art walks to live music, open mics, comedy, and outdoor movies, you can fill your day without spending a dime (unless you’re glowing at Artspace!).

Follow DoRaleigh.com for daily event updates, guides, and insider tips on living your best Triangle life.