The Triangle Event Guide – Friday January 9th Edition

Your go-to guide for free and low-cost things to do across Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, and beyond.

Looking for free events in the Triangle, family-friendly activities, art walks, live music, trivia, comedy, and unique nightlife experiences? The Triangle Event Guide for Friday, January 9, 2026 rounds up the best happenings across Wake, Durham, Orange, and Johnston counties. From community food giveaways and museum programs to art walks and open mic nights, there’s something for everyone tonight.

🌟 Featured Triangle Events (Friday)

🥫 Free Food & Community

Free Food Giveaway with Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC 10:00 am – 12:00 pm | FREE Hopkins Chapel Baptist Church, Zebulon A community food distribution supporting families across Eastern North Carolina.

🖼️ Museums, Art & Culture

Reflections: Virtual Tour 2:00 pm | FREE Nasher Museum of Art, Durham 2nd Friday ArtWalk in Chapel Hill & Carrboro 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | FREE Chapel Hill & Carrboro Galleries, studios, pop-ups, and live performances throughout both downtowns. CoLab: Paint, Paint, Pass — Uncomfortable Together 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm | FREE CoLab, Raleigh

🧪 Science & Learning

Teen Science Café at Daily Planet 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm | FREE Nature Research Center Hosted by the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.

🎶 Music, Trivia & Nightlife

Acoustic Open Mic Night 6:30 pm – 10:00 pm | FREE Esmeralda’s Cafe, Durham Pitch It! PowerPoint Night 6:30 pm | FREE Raleigh Brewing, Raleigh Bounce & Brews DJ Night 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | FREE Gizmo Brew Works, Durham Karaoke Bingo Night 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm | FREE KōMANA Brewing Company, Cary Hoppy Hour Cinema Movie Series 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm | FREE The Glass Jug Downtown Durham Taproom Video Game Night 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm | FREE Moon Dog Meadery and Bottle Shop, Durham

😂 Comedy & Games

Comedy Open Mic 7:00 pm | FREE The Common Market, Durham Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm | FREE Durty Bull Brewing Company, Durham

🎤 Karaoke & Social Fun

Karaoke with Harryoke 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm | FREE Bombshell Beer Company Karaoke with Mega Mike 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm | FREE Crank Arm Brewing Company, Raleigh

🌸 Special Events

Plant Bingo 6:30 pm | $5.00 Oaklyn Springs Brewery North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm | $16.74–$30.64 Koka Booth Amphitheatre

🔎 Plan Your Weekend with DoRaleigh

Whether you’re searching for free things to do in Raleigh, Durham nightlife, Triangle art walks, or family-friendly events, DoRaleigh has you covered.

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The Triangle Event Guide Wednesday January 7th Edition

Looking for things to do across Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Wake Forest, Apex, and Knightdale? The Triangle Event Guide for Wednesday, January 7, 2026, rounds up the best free and low-cost events happening across the region—from board game nights and open mics to live jazz, fitness meetups, and festivals.

Whether you’re planning a laid-back evening with friends or looking to discover something new, there’s plenty happening across the Triangle tonight.

🎲 Games, Social & Community Events

Board Game Night

12:00 pm – 10:00 pm | FREE

Gizmo Brew Works – Durham

Board Game Night

4:00 pm – 10:00 pm | FREE

PourWorks Beer and Wine Shop – Raleigh

Clue and Brew: Scavenger Hunt

6:30 pm | FREE

Oak City Brewing Company – Knightdale

Weekly Skee Ball Tournament

8:00 pm – 10:30 pm | FREE

Boxcar Bar + Arcade – Durham

Beer Pong Tournament

8:30 pm – 11:00 pm | FREE

Boxcar Bar and Arcade – Raleigh

📚 Arts, Music & Creative Nights

Book Club at Bird’s Nest

5:00 pm – 10:00 pm | FREE

Blackbird Brewery – Wake Forest

Live Jazz in the Study

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | FREE

Peck & Plume – Cary

City Soul Cafe Open Mic

8:00 pm – 11:00 pm | $10

Terminal 8 Bar & Lounge – Raleigh

Open Mic Week

8:00 pm | FREE

Abbey Road Cary – Cary

🧘‍♀️ Fitness & Movement

Free Acro Yoga at Method Road Park (Indoors)

5:30 pm – 8:30 pm | FREE

Pullen Park – Raleigh

Raleigh Drum Circle and Hoop Jam

7:00 pm – 8:30 pm | FREE

Method Road Park – Raleigh

🎤 Karaoke & Nightlife

Karaoke Night at The Backyard Bar

8:00 pm – 10:30 pm | FREE

The Backyard Bar – Apex

Karaoke at Moon Dog Meadery

8:00 pm – 11:45 pm | FREE

Moon Dog Meadery and Bottle Shop – Durham

Featured Event

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

6:00 pm – 10:00 pm | $16.74–$30.64

Koka Booth Amphitheatre – Cary

One of the Triangle’s most popular seasonal attractions, the Chinese Lantern Festival features illuminated displays, performances, and food vendors—perfect for a midweek night out.

Why Check the Triangle Event Guide?

The Triangle offers something happening every night of the week. From free community gatherings to major festivals, this guide helps you:

Discover free and low-cost local events Support local venues and artists Explore different towns across the Triangle Plan your week without scrolling endlessly

Check back daily on DoRaleigh.com for the latest Triangle and Downtown Raleigh event guides.

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The Triangle Event Guide: Saturday Edition (January 2, 2026)

Kick off the first Saturday of 2026 with one of the most event-packed weekends across the Triangle. From First Friday art walks and gallery openings to outdoor nature hikes, live music, comedy, karaoke, and family-friendly festivals, there’s something happening in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Garner all day and night.

Whether you’re planning a daytime outing or looking for something fun after dark, this Triangle Saturday Event Guide has you covered.

🌿 Morning & Daytime Events

First Friday Bird Walk

8:00 am – 10:00 am | FREE

Lake Benson Park

Start your morning with a peaceful guided bird walk and explore local wildlife.

Hike with a Naturalist

9:00 am – 10:30 am | FREE

Historic Yates Mill County Park

Learn about native plants and ecosystems on this educational outdoor hike.

Little WORLD Charity Holiday Model Train Show

10:00 am – 12:30 pm & 1:30 pm – 5:00 pm | FREE

Durham County Main Library

A favorite family event featuring detailed model trains and holiday displays.

🎨 First Friday Art & Culture (Afternoon & Evening)

Sensory-Friendly Hour at Artspace’s First Friday

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm | FREE

Artspace

A welcoming, low-sensory environment for all ages to enjoy art.

Illuminate Art Walk in Downtown Raleigh

4:45 pm | FREE

Downtown Raleigh

A guided walking tour highlighting public art and creative spaces.

First Friday Gallery Walk in Raleigh

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | FREE

Various locations across Raleigh

Explore galleries, studios, and pop-ups citywide.

Artspace First Friday: Live Painting, Music & Art-Making

6:00 pm – 10:00 pm | FREE

Artspace

One of Raleigh’s most popular monthly art events.

First Friday at CoLab: Ephemeral

6:00 pm – 11:00 pm | FREE

CoLab

Experimental exhibitions, immersive art, and creative energy.

🏮 Festivals & Special Experiences

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

6:00 pm – 10:00 pm | $16.74–$30.64

Koka Booth Amphitheatre

A breathtaking nighttime experience featuring illuminated lanterns, performances, and food.

🎶 Live Music, Games & Nightlife

Live Music: Thomas Rucker

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | FREE

Compass Rose Brewery

Bounce & Brews DJ Night

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | FREE

Gizmo Brew Works

Hoppy Hour Cinema Movie Series

7:00 pm – 10:00 pm | FREE

The Glass Jug Downtown Durham Taproom

Video Game Night

7:00 pm – 11:00 pm | FREE

Moon Dog Meadery and Bottle Shop

First Friday Alcohol-Free Dance Party

7:30 pm – 9:30 pm | $10

Current Wellness

Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic

8:00 pm – 11:00 pm | FREE

Durty Bull Brewing Company

Karaoke with Mega Mike

8:00 pm – 11:00 pm | FREE

Crank Arm Brewing Company

Karaoke Bingo Night

9:00 pm | FREE

KōMANA Brewing Company

🎉 Make the Most of Your Triangle Saturday

From outdoor adventures and family-friendly activities to art, music, festivals, and nightlife, this Saturday is stacked with reasons to get out and explore the Triangle. Bookmark this guide and share it with friends so you don’t miss a thing.

👉 Check back on DoRaleigh.com for more daily and weekend Triangle event guides.

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The Triangle Entertainment Guide Monday September 8th Edition

Looking for fun things to do this Monday across Raleigh, Durham, Cary, RTP, and Carrboro? From live music and comedy to game nights and wings, the Triangle has you covered. Here’s your guide to tonight’s entertainment.

Durham Beer Garden: 75¢ Wings (Dine-In Only)

⏰ 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | 💵 $0.75 | 📍 Durham Beer Garden

Start your evening with unbeatable wing specials at Durham Beer Garden. At just 75 cents per wing, this Monday deal is perfect for friends, sports fans, and food lovers.

Open Mic Night – Steel String Brewery, Carrboro

⏰ 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. | FREE | 📍 Steel String Brewery, Carrboro

Show off your talent or cheer on local performers at Steel String Brewery’s Open Mic Night. A community favorite in Carrboro with craft beer and live creativity.

Raleigh Brewing’s Smut Book Club

⏰ 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | FREE | 📍 Raleigh Brewing, Raleigh

Book lovers unite! The Smut Book Club at Raleigh Brewing brings literature, laughter, and local brews together in a casual community setting.

Disc Golf Putting League – The Glass Jug Beer Lab (RTP)

⏰ 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | 💵 $6.00 | 📍 The Glass Jug Beer Lab, RTP

Compete in a fun and friendly disc golf putting league while enjoying local craft beer at The Glass Jug. Perfect for casual players and disc golf fans alike.

Holy Trinity Concert Series: Kurt Tseng, NC Symphony Violist

⏰ 7:00 p.m. | FREE | 📍 Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Raleigh

Experience the artistry of NC Symphony violist Kurt Tseng in this free community concert at Holy Trinity. A beautiful evening of classical music in Raleigh.

Cosmic Chuckles: Weekly Comedy Show – Flying Saucer Raleigh

⏰ 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | FREE | 📍 Flying Saucer Raleigh

Get your laughs in at Cosmic Chuckles, Raleigh’s free weekly comedy show featuring local comedians in a laid-back beer hall atmosphere.

Adult Coloring Night – KōMANA Brewing Company, Cary

⏰ 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | FREE | 📍 KōMANA Brewing Company, Cary

Unwind with creative vibes at Adult Coloring Night. Sip craft beer while bringing your coloring pages to life.

Board Game Night at Moon Dog Meadery – Durham

⏰ 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. | FREE | 📍 Moon Dog Meadery and Bottle Shop, Durham

Gather your friends for a fun evening of strategy, laughter, and mead at Moon Dog’s Monday Board Game Night.

Game Night – Crank Arm Brewing Company, Raleigh

⏰ 7:00 p.m. | FREE | 📍 Crank Arm Brewing Company, Raleigh

Head to Crank Arm Brewing for Game Night, where community and cold brews collide. Perfect for starting your week with good vibes.

Carrboro Open Mic at Speakeasy

⏰ 8:00 p.m. – 11:59 p.m. | FREE | 📍 Speakeasy, Carrboro

End your Monday with live music at Speakeasy’s Open Mic Night. Enjoy a mix of emerging voices and seasoned performers in a cozy Carrboro venue.

Wrap-Up

The Triangle comes alive on Mondays with music, comedy, game nights, and unbeatable food specials. Whether you’re in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Carrboro, or RTP, there’s something waiting for you tonight.

Follow DoRaleigh.com for your daily Triangle Entertainment Guide!

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Triangle Events Guide Thursday June 26th Edition

Your Ultimate Day-to-Night Itinerary in Raleigh, Durham, and Beyond

Summer in the Triangle is in full swing, and Thursday, June 26, 2025, is packed with free (and nearly free) fun for all ages. Whether you’re looking to beat the heat with sweet treats, catch some live tunes, entertain the kids, or dive into local culture, this Thursday offers something for everyone.

Here’s your curated guide to make the most of your day around the Triangle:

🎬 10:00 AM

Free Kids’ Movie: How to Train Your Dragon 2

📍 Triangle Cinemas @ Six Forks | FREE

A great way to start the day with the little ones. Doors open early, and seats fill fast—come enjoy this animated favorite on the big screen for free.

🏛️ 12:00 – 12:45 PM

Lunch Box Lecture

📍 City of Raleigh Museum | FREE

Step inside for a bite of local history. These 45-minute midday talks offer insight into Raleigh’s past, perfect for locals, history buffs, or anyone working downtown.

🥕 4:30 – 5:30 PM

Parktown Food Hub Open Distribution

📍 Parkwood United Methodist Church | FREE

A community-led initiative to provide fresh, healthy food to those who need it—no questions asked. Volunteers always welcome.

🌇 5:00 – 7:00 PM

Live Music on the Rooftop

📍 Westin Raleigh-Durham | FREE

Sip a cocktail and enjoy panoramic views with smooth sounds from local musicians. A relaxed vibe and killer sunset views await.

An Evening in the Garden

📍 Apex Nature Park Pollinator Garden | FREE

Celebrate the pollinators! Guided tours, plant tips, and nature activities await in one of the Triangle’s most peaceful spaces.

🎥 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Juneteenth Film Screening

📍 Nasher Museum of Art, Durham | FREE

Continue the Juneteenth spirit with a powerful film screening focused on Black history and resilience, followed by a thoughtful discussion.

Mug Swap at The Morning Times

📍 The Morning Times, Raleigh | FREE

Bring a mug, take a mug! This low-key community swap is perfect for coffee lovers and ceramic collectors.

🎶 6:00 – 9:00 PM

Midtown Beach Music Series

📍 Midtown Park, Raleigh | $6.15

Kick off your shoes and dance to Carolina beach music. A lively outdoor concert with food trucks and drinks on-site.

Vinyl Night

📍 Gizmo Brew Works, Durham | FREE

Spin your favorite records or vibe out to classics chosen by other music lovers—beer in hand, of course.

Game Night

📍 The Beerded Lady Bottle Shop, Garner | FREE

Board games, brews, and friendly competition make this the perfect spot for a laid-back night.

Live Music: Michael Hodgdon

📍 Blackbird Brewery, Wake Forest | FREE

Live Music: Kevin Flinn

📍 Bearded Bee Brewing Company, Wendell | FREE

🎤 7:00 – 10:00 PM

Music Bingo

📍 Fortnight Brewing, Cary | FREE

Test your music knowledge and win prizes—bingo style. A crowd favorite with beer specials to match.

Summer Jazz Jam with Butler Knowles

📍 Missy Lane’s Assembly Room, Durham | FREE

Enjoy an evening of live improvisational jazz in a cozy, speakeasy-style venue.

Level Up & Sip Game Night

📍 Crank Arm Brewing, Durham | FREE

Craft beer and classic video games? Count us in.

Ruckus Open Mic with Brian Jones

📍 Ruckus Pizza — Park West, Morrisville | FREE

Show off your talent or just enjoy the community vibes at this laid-back open mic night.

😂 7:30 PM

Tyler Wilson at Goodnights Comedy Club

📍 Goodnights Comedy Club, Raleigh | $10–$25

Catch comedian Tyler Wilson as he brings high-energy laughs to one of the Triangle’s best comedy spots. A few $10 tickets still available—grab them while you can!

🕹️ 8:00 – 11:00 PM

Air Hockey Tournament

📍 Boxcar Bar + Arcade, Durham | FREE

Compete for arcade bragging rights! Bonus: vintage games and craft beer on tap.

Jazz Jam Open Mic

📍 Bond Brothers Eastside, Cary | FREE

Bring your instrument or just enjoy the talent—this Cary brewery turns into a jazz lover’s haven.

🎤 9:00 – 11:00 PM

Thursday Karaoke

📍 Tap Yard, Raleigh | FREE

End the night with a mic in your hand and your favorite tune in your heart. It’s karaoke night at Tap Yard, and the vibes are always high.

Stay Connected

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