Triangle Weekend Event Guide (March 13–15, 2026): St. Patrick’s Festivities, Pi Day Deals, Markets, Music & More

If you’re looking for things to do in the Triangle this weekend, there’s no shortage of events across Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Apex, Chapel Hill, and surrounding communities. From Friday the 13th celebrations and art walks to Pi Day specials and St. Patrick’s Day festivals, the weekend of March 13–15, 2026 is packed with family activities, live music, markets, food events, cultural festivals, and outdoor adventures.

Whether you want to explore local markets, attend a parade, enjoy live entertainment, or discover a new community event, this Triangle Weekend Event Guide from DoRaleigh highlights some of the best things happening across the region.

Friday, March 13, 2026 – Friday the 13th Fun, Art Walks & Live Music

Kick off the weekend with everything from family-friendly festivals and art walks to live music, comedy, and movie nights.

Featured Events

Krispy Kreme Friday the 13th Deal Buy a dozen donuts and get another dozen for 13¢ at Krispy Kreme locations across the Triangle.

Carolina FiberFest ⏰ 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM 📍 Jim Graham Building, NC State Fairgrounds 🎟️ $7 A must-visit event for fiber artists and craft lovers featuring vendors, demonstrations, and workshops.

Capital Quilters Guild Annual Quilt Show ⏰ 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM 📍 Kerr-Scott Building, NC State Fairgrounds 🎟️ $10 View beautiful handmade quilts and meet members of the Capital Quilters Guild.

Tasting at Ten – Free Coffee Tasting ⏰ 10:00 AM 📍 Counter Culture Coffee HQ, Durham 🎟️ FREE Coffee lovers can sample unique brews at this popular Durham coffee tasting.

Afternoon Highlights

Historic Yates Mill History Tours – 1:00 PM & 2:30 PM Moore Square Walking Tour – 2:00 PM Nasher Museum Virtual Tour – 2:00 PM

Evening Events

Friday the 13th Kids Fun Fest ⏰ 5:00 – 7:00 PM 📍 I.R. Holmes Sr. Recreation Center, Durham

2nd Friday ArtWalk ⏰ 6:00 – 9:00 PM 📍 Chapel Hill & Carrboro Movie Night: The Dark Knight ⏰ 6:00 PM 📍 Downtown Cary Park

Live Music, Comedy & Nightlife

Acoustic Open Mic – Esmeralda’s Cafe (Durham)
Karaoke – Crank Arm Brewing (Raleigh)
Comedy Open Mic – The Common Market (Durham)
Drag Race Watch Party – Garner Live Irish Music – Hibernian Downtown Raleigh

Saturday, March 14, 2026 – Pi Day, St. Patrick’s Celebrations & Markets

Saturday brings some of the biggest events of the weekend, including Pi Day specials, the Raleigh St. Patrick’s Day Parade, food truck rodeos, cultural festivals, and community markets.

Major Events

Raleigh St. Patrick’s Day Parade

⏰ 10:00 AM

📍 Hillsborough Street & McDowell Street, Raleigh

🎟️ FREE

One of the most anticipated annual events in Raleigh featuring Irish dancers, music, and festive floats celebrating Irish heritage.

Pi Day Deals Across the Triangle

Celebrate 3.14 (Pi Day) with special deals on pizza, pies, and desserts throughout the region.

TACAS Lunar New Year Festival

⏰ 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

📍 NC State Fairgrounds

🎟️ $10–13

A vibrant cultural celebration featuring performances, food vendors, and cultural exhibits.

FamFest 2026: African American Family History Celebration

⏰ 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

📍 Life Enrichment Center, Raleigh

🎟️ FREE

Celebrate history, culture, and community through family-focused programming and educational activities.

Markets & Community Events

Durham Craft Market – Durham Central Park
Downtown Cary Free Market – Cary
Apex Underground Market – Apex
Throwdown Food Truck Rodeo – Triangle Town Center
Women’s Day Expo – McKimmon Center at NC State

Festivals & Cultural Events

Apex Holi Festival Morrisville Holi Festival Celebrate Smithfield International Culture Fair Rise & Rhythm Women’s History Month Celebration in Carrboro

St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations

Across the Triangle, breweries, bars, and venues are hosting St. Patrick’s Day block parties, bar crawls, and live music events, including:

Hibernian Downtown Raleigh Block Party Deep River Brewing Shamrocks & Hops Doherty’s Irish Pub Celebrations in Cary, Apex, and Pittsboro Paddy on the Green Festival at Lafayette Village Raleigh St. Patrick’s Bar Crawl

Sunday, March 15, 2026 – Markets, Music & Community Events

Sunday offers a more relaxed vibe with craft markets, open studios, yoga events, and live music throughout the Triangle.

Featured Sunday Events

RTP Underground Market

⏰ 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

📍 Hub RTP

🎟️ FREE

Shop local vendors, artisans, and makers at this popular Research Triangle Park market.

Bazaar Craft & Art Market

⏰ 12:00 – 5:00 PM

📍 Carrboro Town Commons

🎟️ FREE

Browse handmade goods, art, and crafts from local creators.

Fermentation Fest

⏰ 12:00 – 6:00 PM

📍 The Plant, Pittsboro

🎟️ FREE

Celebrate fermented foods and drinks with tastings, vendors, and live entertainment.

Family & Outdoor Activities

Visit Brajboro Cow Sanctuary – Chapel Hill Women’s History Trolley Tour – Raleigh Artspace Open Studio – Raleigh Free Yoga at Dix Park – Raleigh Historic Yates Mill Open House

Live Music & Open Mic Events

Irish Jazz – Wake Forest
Bluegrass Jam – Cary
Open Mic Nights – Raleigh, Durham, Fuquay-Varina
Sunday Set Music Series – Durham Hotel

Plan Your Weekend in the Triangle

From festivals and markets to live music, cultural celebrations, and family-friendly activities, the Triangle region is full of exciting events this weekend.

Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day early, enjoying Pi Day deals, exploring local markets, or discovering a new live music venue, there’s something for everyone across Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Apex, Chapel Hill, and beyond.

Stay connected with DoRaleigh.com for the latest local news, events, and guides to everything happening in the Triangle.

Triangle Entertainment Guide Weekend Edition (Nov 8–9, 2025)

Presented by DoRaleigh.com — Your Source for Free, Fun & Local Triangle Events

The Triangle lights up this weekend with art fairs, food festivals, live music, holiday markets, and veterans celebrations across Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill, and beyond. Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy craft fair, a foodie adventure, or a day of family fun, our Triangle Entertainment Guide: Weekend Edition has you covered.

🐔 Saturday, November 8 – Weekend Kickoff

🍗 National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day Deals

📍 All Day | Discounted | Various locations

Celebrate the most delicious day of the year with specials and deals across the Triangle.

🎅 Bass Pro Shops Santa’s Wonderland

📍 All Day | FREE | Multiple locations

Free Santa photos, crafts, and holiday cheer for the whole family.

🚶🏾‍♀️ African American Walking Tour – Raleigh’s Third Ward

📍 All Day | $5–10 | Pope House Museum, Raleigh

Explore Raleigh’s rich Black history and heritage through guided tours with three start times.

🛍️ Belk’s Charity Sale

📍 All Day | $5 entry | Multiple locations

Buy a $5 ticket, apply it to your purchase, and enjoy an additional 25% off while supporting local charities.

🥞 Free Original Grand Slam Breakfast (Rewards Members)

📍 All Day | FREE | Denny’s, participating locations

🎨 Durham Craft Market

📍 8 a.m.–12 p.m. | FREE | Durham Central Park

Shop local crafts, jewelry, and art at this beloved weekly outdoor market.

🖼️ Visions of Sugarplums 51st Annual Holiday Art & Gift Show

📍 9 a.m.–2 p.m. | FREE | Quail Hollow Swim Club

A Raleigh holiday tradition filled with local makers and handcrafted gifts.

🐘 Military Appreciation Week at NC Zoo

📍 9 a.m.–4 p.m. | FREE | Asheboro

Free admission for military members plus one guest.

🧭 NC Collector’s Roadshow & 41st Annual Raleigh Fall Train Show

📍 NC State Fairgrounds

Roadshow: 9 a.m.–4 p.m. | $0–5 Train Show: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. | $10 Treasure hunting and train nostalgia collide in one busy weekend at the fairgrounds.

🖌️ Fall Arts Fair at Fred Fletcher Park

📍 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | FREE | Raleigh

Stroll through local artists’ booths, live demonstrations, and family-friendly art zones.

🐮 Visit Cow Sanctuary

📍 10 a.m.–2 p.m. | $0–25 | Chapel Hill

Meet the rescued cows of Brajboro and learn about animal care and sustainability.

🌻 Explore Horton Grove Nature Preserve

📍 10 a.m.–12 p.m. | FREE | Bahama, NC

🐝 Family Fun Day Fall Fair!

📍 11 a.m.–2 p.m. | FREE | City of Raleigh Museum

Games, crafts, and community fun for kids and families.

🎖️ Veterans Celebration at John Chavis Memorial Park

📍 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. | FREE | Raleigh

Honor local veterans with ceremonies, music, and family activities.

🧺 Waverly Place Pop-Up & Person Street Plaza Block Party

📍 11 a.m.–4 p.m. | FREE | Cary & Raleigh

Two pop-up shopping experiences supporting local vendors.

🚌 Historic Raleigh Trolley Tours

📍 11 a.m.–3 p.m. | $6–10 | Mordecai Historic Park

Hop aboard a guided tour through Raleigh’s rich past.

🎄 Mistletoe Market Holiday Fair

📍 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | $6 | Wakefield High School

🛠️ JCPenney Kids Zone (Crafts for Kids)

📍 11 a.m.–12 p.m. | FREE | Participating locations

🧃 Free Tasting at Umbrella Dry Bar

📍 12 p.m.–3 p.m. | FREE | Self Care Marketplace, Raleigh

🛍️ PORCH Food Distribution & Durham Co-op Grocery Giveaway

📍 12 p.m.–4 p.m. | FREE | Chapel Hill & Durham

🛟 Swimsgiving Food Drive

📍 12 p.m.–5 p.m. | FREE | Smithfield Recreation Center

🏰 Fool’s Faire – Renaissance Festival

📍 12 p.m.–8 p.m. | FREE | Steel String Brewery, Mebane

🛹 Skate Moore Square

📍 12 p.m.–5 p.m. | FREE | Downtown Raleigh

Moore Square transforms into a skate park for the weekend!

🎶 Evening Live Music & Comedy Highlights

Josh Rhyne & The Silvertones – Oaklyn Springs Brewery Turtle Smash – Bombshell Beer Company Tim Fast – Sacred Grounds Coffeehouse, Durham Cold Brew Comedy Series – Carrboro (7:30 p.m.) Karaoke Nights – Raleigh Brewing & Old North State Food Hall

☀️ Sunday, November 9 – The Chill Day

🍗 National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day Deals

Still hungry? Enjoy another day of deals across the Triangle.

🎅 Santa’s Wonderland Continues

📍 All Day | FREE | Bass Pro Shops

🪴 Sculpture in the Garden

📍 9 a.m.–5 p.m. | FREE | Chapel Hill

🚂 Raleigh Fall Train Show & NC Collector’s Roadshow (Day 2)

📍 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | NC State Fairgrounds

🐄 Visit Cow Sanctuary

📍 10 a.m.–2 p.m. | Chapel Hill

🧶 The Woodland Critter Holiday Market

📍 10:30 a.m.–3 p.m. | FREE | Haven Farm, Knightdale

🌿 Raleigh Really Really Free Market

📍 11 a.m.–1 p.m. | FREE | Eliza Pool Park, Raleigh

🧺 Raleigh Underground Market & Bazaar Carrboro Craft Fair

📍 11 a.m.–5 p.m. | FREE | Raleigh & Carrboro

🏈 Sunday NFL Watch Parties

📍 12 p.m.–3 p.m. | FREE | Crank Arm Brewing & Triangle Bars

🚜 Black Farmers’ Market

📍 1 p.m.–4 p.m. | FREE | Southeast Raleigh YMCA

🖌️ Artspace Open Studio

📍 1:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m. | FREE | Downtown Raleigh

🎖️ Knightdale Veterans Day Tribute

📍 2 p.m. | FREE | Knightdale Station Park

🎬 Secret Cinema Sundays

📍 2 p.m.–5 p.m. | FREE | Raleigh Brewing

🎻 Evening Performances & Concerts

Michael Jones Duo – Blackbird Brewery, Wake Forest Holy Trinity Concert Series – Corey Leak, Raleigh Bach Cantata Series – Duke University Chapel Marine Corps 250th Birthday Celebration – Fortnight Brewing, Cary Comedy Open Mic Food Drive – Durham

🎨 Plan Your Weekend with DoRaleigh.com

From Santa photos and veterans tributes to local markets and free concerts, this weekend’s Triangle entertainment scene offers something for every taste and budget.

💡 Tip: Most city and community events are free or low-cost — and family-friendly!

📅 Find more local happenings on DoRaleigh.com

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The Triangle Entertainment Guide Sunday October 5th

Looking for a full day of local adventures? The Triangle is alive this Sunday with festivals, book crawls, open studios, outdoor performances, and free cultural events across Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, and beyond. Whether you’re into books, art, music, or furry friends, there’s something happening in every corner of the Triangle.

📚 Morning Events

Start your day exploring creativity and community Chapboro Book Crawl – All Day, FREE, Various Locations Visit four bookstores in Chapel Hill and Carrboro for a chance to win prizes and discover local authors. Museums on Us: Free Admission at Marbles Kids Museum – All Day, FREE, Raleigh Bank of America customers and employees enjoy free museum admission this weekend. Día de los Muertos Ofrenda – All Day, FREE, Duke University Chapel Honor loved ones and celebrate Latin heritage with a traditional ofrenda inside the historic chapel. Sculpture in the Garden – 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., FREE, NC Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill Explore outdoor sculptures from regional artists surrounded by fall blooms. Pop-Up ARTernative Market – 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., FREE, Chapel of Bones Coffee, Raleigh Shop handmade goods, local art, and creative vendors while sipping local coffee. St. Paul’s Blessing of the Animals – 9:00 a.m., FREE, Raleigh Bring your pets for a morning blessing celebrating the bond between people and animals.

🛍️ Midday Markets & Festivals

As the day unfolds, you can enjoy a variety of local markets, art shows, and cultural festivals. Start your day at the Calico Makers Fall Market from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Calico Studio in Chapel Hill, which is free to attend. Then, head to the Illuminate Durham Mind-Body-Spirit-Arts Festival at Durham Armory, also from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and enjoy the free festivities. For those interested in pottery and glass, the Fall Pottery & Glass Festival is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Cedar Creek Gallery in Creedmoor, with free admission. Participate in a Flower-Making Workshop for Día de Oakwood from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at The Chapel at Dix Park in Raleigh, which is also free. Finally, unwind with Sunday Brunch Music on the Lawn from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Weaver Street Market in Carrboro, where you can enjoy free music.

🏙️ Afternoon Adventures

Spend your afternoon exploring art, music, and community events throughout the Triangle. Start with the Move-A-Bull City Open Streets from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Downtown Durham, which is free to attend. Then, head to Downtown Selma for the Railroad Days from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., also free. In the evening, enjoy the Oktoberfest Celebrations from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Gizmo Brew Works in Raleigh and The Plant in Pittsboro, which are free as well. In Cary, visit the Underground Market featuring bands and vendors from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Bond Brothers Beer Company, and take advantage of free ukulele lessons from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at KōMANA Brewing Company. The Black Farmers’ Market is open from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Durham Tech Main Campus. In Downtown Raleigh, explore the Artspace Open Studio from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and participate in a free improv class and jam from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at The ArtsCenter in Carrboro. For a unique experience, attend the Secret Cinema Sundays from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Raleigh Brewing. Lastly, join the African American Walking Tour in Raleigh’s Third Ward from 2:00 p.m. for $5–10, starting at the Pope House Museum.

🐾 Blessing of the Animals – Across the Triangle

In honor of St. Francis Day, several churches are hosting free blessings for pets and families. St. John’s Episcopal in Wake Forest will offer blessings at 12:00 p.m., while Holy Infant Catholic in Durham will conduct them from 3:00 to 3:30 p.m. Saint Andrews UMC in Garner will have their blessings at 3:00 p.m. In Raleigh, Highland UMC will offer blessings from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Soapstone UMC at 4:00 p.m., Genesis UMC in Cary at 4:00 p.m., St. Ambrose Episcopal at 4:00 p.m., and White Memorial Presbyterian from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Holy Trinity Lutheran will also hold blessings at 5:00 p.m., accompanied by a concert featuring the Kudzu Ramblers at the same time. Additionally, Hillyer Memorial at St. Mary’s School in Raleigh will offer blessings at 5:15 p.m.

🎭 Evening Entertainment

Wrap up your Sunday with a variety of local events, including theater, live music, and gatherings. Start at 4:30 p.m. with a free performance of “PlayMakers: King James” at Jewish For Good in Durham. Then, head to Bond Brothers Eastside in Cary from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for the Bluegrass Open Jam. Enjoy “Beer, Bacon, & Bluegrass” at Oaklyn Springs Brewery in Fuquay-Varina beginning at 3:00 p.m. Finally, end your evening with the Sunday Open Mic at Moon Dog Meadery & Bottle Shop in Durham from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Your week, your city, your fun — stay connected with everything happening in the Triangle at DoRaleigh.com

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