Looking for something to do across Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, and beyond? Today’s Triangle Event Guide is packed with free activities, holiday giveaways, family fun, and evening entertainment for every interest and budget. Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving or looking to unwind, here’s everything happening today.
🎅 All-Day Events & Holiday Specials
Free Santa Photos & More at Bass Pro Shops Santa’s Wonderland
All Day | FREE | Multiple Locations
Kick off the holiday season with free Santa photos, festive displays, and kid-friendly activities at Bass Pro’s beloved Santa’s Wonderland.
Blades and Badges Day at Skate Fenton
All Day | Discounted | Fenton, Cary
First responders and military personnel receive $3 off admission. Check Fenton’s schedule for skate times.
Sheetz: Free Coffee with Any Purchase (Thanksgiving Week)
All Day | FREE | Sheetz, Multiple Locations
Fuel up with a free coffee at any Sheetz location when you make a purchase—available all week long.
🌿 Morning & Midday Events
Sculpture in the Garden
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. | FREE (Suggested $5 Donation) | North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill
Enjoy a peaceful walk surrounded by nature and outdoor art installations.
Free Food Giveaway with Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | FREE | Saint Augustine’s University Athletic Complex, Raleigh
Families can pick up fresh food and pantry staples—no ID required.
Tequila Tuesday at bmc brewing
11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. | Discounted | Pittsboro
Sip on Tuesday tequila specials and enjoy the relaxed taproom atmosphere.
Bull City Kids Closet: Free Winter Clothing Shopping
12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. | FREE | Durham Armory
Parents and guardians can shop for free winter clothes for children—jackets, warm layers, and cold-weather essentials.
Window on Animal Health
1:30 p.m. | FREE | Nature Research Center, Raleigh
Discover how experts monitor and protect wildlife health in this educational session.
Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway – Urban Ministries of Wake County
2:00 p.m. | FREE | Urban Ministries, Raleigh
Families can receive a free turkey ahead of Thanksgiving—while supplies last.
🍽 Early Evening Community Events
Free Community Meal – Elizabeth Street UMC
6:00 p.m. | FREE | Durham
Everyone is welcome to enjoy a warm, home-cooked dinner with the community.
North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival
6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. | $16.74–$30.64 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre
Marvel at the illuminated lantern sculptures at one of the Triangle’s most iconic holiday attractions.
Adult Coloring Night – Hi-Wire Brewing
6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. | FREE | Durham
Unwind with coloring pages, craft beer, and chill vibes at Golden Belt.
Bond Brothers Run Club
6:00 p.m. | FREE | Cary
Join local runners of all levels for a social run leaving from the taproom.
Board Game Night – Bearded Bee Brewing
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. | FREE | Wendell
Bring your favorite game or pick from the brewery’s selection—great for groups and families.
Beer & Banjos Raleigh
6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. | FREE | Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard
Live Americana music + pizza + great beer? Perfect Tuesday night.
🎵 Evening Entertainment Around the Triangle
Music Bingo – Gizmo Brew Works
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. | FREE | Durham
A fun twist on traditional bingo—win prizes while jamming to your favorite tunes.
Beer & Banjos Carrboro
7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. | FREE | Speakeasy, Carrboro
More live folk and bluegrass vibes, this time in Carrboro.
Video Game Night at Moon Dog Meadery
7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. | FREE | Durham
Play retro and modern games while enjoying mead and local brews.
Tricycle Trivia
7:00 p.m. | FREE | Crank Arm Brewing, Durham
Test your trivia skills at one of the area’s most popular weeknight events.
Karaoke Night at Boxcar
8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. | FREE | Durham
Hit the stage—or cheer on your friends—at Boxcar Bar + Arcade.
Open Mic With a Live Band
9:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. | FREE | Slim’s Downtown, Raleigh
Close out your night with live music and local talent at this long-running open mic.
Plan Your Triangle Tuesday With DoRaleigh.com
Whether you’re looking for food assistance, free family fun, live entertainment, or Thanksgiving week specials, the Triangle is buzzing with activities today. Bookmark DoRaleigh.com for daily guides to events across Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, and beyond.
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