Triangle Event Guide: First Friday Edition (April 3, 2026)

Looking for the best things to do in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and the Triangle this First Friday? DoRaleigh got you covered. From free events and live music to food deals, art walks, and family-friendly activities, this curated guide highlights everything happening across the Triangle on Friday, April 3, 2026.

Whether you’re planning a daytime outing or a full night downtown, this First Friday event guide is your go-to resource for exploring the Triangle.

All-Day Events & Deals

Subway BOGO Deal πŸ•’ All Day πŸ’² Buy One Get One Free Footlong πŸ“ Various locations

North Carolina Science Festival (April Events) πŸ•’ All Day πŸ’² FREE πŸ“ Various locations across NC

Literary Peeps Show Dioramas + Voting πŸ•’ During library hours πŸ’² FREE πŸ“ Orange County Public Library, Hillsborough

Snooze Eatery Gas Price Promo πŸ•’ All Day πŸ’² Discounted (deduct avg. gas price from bill) πŸ“ Participating locations

Morning & Midday Events

First Friday Bird Walk πŸ•— 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM πŸ’² FREE πŸ“ White Deer Park, Garner

Tasting at Ten (Coffee Tasting) πŸ•™ 10:00 AM πŸ’² FREE πŸ“ Counter Culture Coffee HQ, Durham

Village District Easter Egg Hunt (Prizes + Gift Cards!) πŸ•š 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM πŸ’² FREE πŸ“ Village District, Raleigh

Free Easter Bunny Photos πŸ•š 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM πŸ’² FREE πŸ“ Bass Pro Shops (multiple locations)

First Friday Highlights (Arts, Music & Community)

Artspace First Friday (Live Art + Exhibits) πŸ•“ 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM πŸ’² FREE πŸ“ Artspace, Raleigh

Bands, Bites & Boats Concert Series (Brian & Cheyenne) πŸ•” 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM πŸ’² FREE πŸ“ Fred G. Bond Metro Park, Cary

First Friday Celebration (Music, Vendors, Food Trucks) πŸ•  5:30 PM – 8:30 PM πŸ’² FREE πŸ“ Oak City Brewing, Knightdale

Pop-Up Music at North Hills πŸ•• 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM πŸ’² FREE πŸ“ The Commons at North Hills, Raleigh

FREE First Friday Guided Walking Tours (Registration Required) πŸ•• 6:00 PM & 7:15 PM πŸ’² FREE πŸ“ The Davie, Raleigh

First Friday Gallery Walk (Downtown Raleigh) πŸ•• 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM πŸ’² FREE πŸ“ Various locations

Live Music at Gizmo Brew Works (Raleigh) πŸ•• 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM πŸ’² FREE

Nightlife, Entertainment & Late Night Fun

First Friday Under the Stars (Skywatching) πŸ•– 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM πŸ’² FREE πŸ“ Three Bears Acres, Creedmoor

Latin Night with DJ Ones πŸ•– 7:00 PM πŸ’² FREE πŸ“ Mason Jar Lager Co., Fuquay-Varina

Bounce & Brews DJ Night πŸ•– 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM πŸ’² FREE πŸ“ Gizmo Brew Works, Durham

Video Game Night πŸ•– 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM πŸ’² FREE πŸ“ Moon Dog Meadery, Durham

Karaoke Bingo Nights πŸ•– 7:00 PM – 11:55 PM πŸ’² FREE πŸ“ KōMANA Brewing, Cary

RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 Watch Party πŸ•— 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM πŸ’² FREE πŸ“ The Beerded Lady Bottle Shop, Garner

Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic πŸ•— 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM πŸ’² FREE πŸ“ Durty Bull Brewing, Durham

Karaoke with Mega Mike πŸ•— 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM πŸ’² FREE πŸ“ Crank Arm Brewing, Raleigh

πŸ“ Why First Friday in the Triangle is a Must

First Friday in the Triangle is one of the best recurring monthly experiences, blending art, culture, music, food, and community vibes across Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and beyond. With so many free events and pop-ups, it’s the perfect way to explore local businesses, connect with creatives, and experience the heartbeat of the city.

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