Looking for the best free and affordable events across Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and the greater Triangle? From Santa photos and farmers markets to trivia, craft nights, and nighttime festivals, this Wednesday is packed with activities for families, creatives, students, and nightlife lovers alike. Explore the full list below and make your midweek count!
FREE & FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENTS
🎅 Free Santa Photos at Bass Pro Shops – Santa’s Wonderland
⏰ All Day | 💲 FREE
📍 Bass Pro Shops – multiple Triangle locations
Kick off the holiday season with complimentary Santa photos, festive displays, and hands-on fun at Santa’s Wonderland. Always popular—arrive early for the shortest wait times.
🌿 Sculpture in the Garden
⏰ 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. | 💲 FREE ($5 suggested donation)
📍 North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill
Stroll through nature trails lined with regional artist sculptures in this peaceful, inspiring annual showcase.
🧸 Total Tot Time: Free Indoor Play
⏰ 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | 💲 FREE
📍 W.D. Hill Recreation Center, Durham
A fun, safe space for little ones age 5 and under to explore toys, games, and active play.
🎲 Board Game Day at Gizmo Brew Works
⏰ 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. | 💲 FREE
📍 Gizmo Brew Works, Durham
Open tables, huge game library, and great vibes. Perfect for casual gamers and hardcore strategists.
🐾 Window on Animal Health
⏰ 1:30 p.m. | 💲 FREE
📍 Nature Research Center – NC Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh
A behind-the-scenes peek at veterinary care, animal well-being, and scientific conservation projects.
🌽 Market Bunch Kids’ Activities
⏰ 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. | 💲 FREE
📍 Carrboro Farmers’ Market
Hands-on crafts, seasonal activities, and market fun for little ones.
🎲 Board Game Night at PourWorks
⏰ 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. | 💲 FREE
📍 PourWorks Beer & Wine Shop, Raleigh
🧘 Free Acro Yoga at Method Road Park (Indoors)
⏰ 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. | 💲 FREE
📍 Pullen Park, Raleigh
Join a friendly, all-levels acro yoga session—no experience needed.
ARTS, CRAFTS & CREATIVE EVENTS
✂️ Collage Night at Peel Gallery
⏰ 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. | 💲 $10
📍 Peel, Carrboro
All supplies provided—drop in to create expressive collage pieces with a welcoming art community.
🧵 Bring Your Own Craft Night
⏰ 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. | 💲 FREE
📍 Raleigh Brewing, Raleigh
Bring knitting, sketching, stitching, or any project you’re working on.
🪘 Raleigh Drum Circle & Hoop Jam
⏰ 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. | 💲 FREE
📍 Method Road Park, Raleigh
Movement therapy meets community rhythm—great for beginners and longtime drummers.
🧶 Stitch N’ Bitch Craft Night
⏰ 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. | 💲 FREE
📍 Steel String Brewery, Carrboro
SEASONAL & HOLIDAY EVENTS
🎄 Tree Lighting at William Peace University
⏰ 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. | 💲 FREE
📍 William Peace University, Raleigh
Celebrate with free hot chocolate, cookies, and photos during this annual campus lighting tradition.
🏮 North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival
⏰ 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. | 💲 $16.74–$30.64
📍 Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary
Walk through glowing lantern sculptures, illuminated tunnels, and cultural performances.
NIGHTLIFE • TRIVIA • MUSIC • GAMES
📚 Friends Trivia Night
⏰ 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. | 💲 FREE
📍 Southern Peak Brewery, Apex
🚴 The Wednesday Night Ride & Potluck
⏰ 6:30 p.m. | 💲 FREE
📍 Crank Arm Brewing Company, Raleigh
A Raleigh cycling tradition—bring a dish to share post-ride.
🎤 Open Mic at Fair Game Beverage Co.
⏰ 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. | 💲 FREE
📍 Pittsboro
🎤 Open Mic Week at Abbey Road
⏰ 8:00 p.m. | 💲 FREE
📍 Abbey Road, Cary
🎤 Karaoke Night at The Backyard Bar
⏰ 8:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. | 💲 FREE
📍 Apex
🎤 Karaoke at Moon Dog Meadery
⏰ 8:00 p.m. to 11:45 p.m. | 💲 FREE
📍 Durham
🏆 Weekly Skee-Ball Tournament
⏰ 8:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. | 💲 FREE
📍 Boxcar Bar + Arcade, Durham
🏓 Beer Pong Tournament
⏰ 8:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. | 💲 FREE
📍 Boxcar Bar + Arcade, Raleigh
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