The Triangle Event Guide Weekend January 16–18th Edition

Things to Do in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and Beyond

Looking for free and low-cost things to do in the Triangle this weekend? From MLK Day celebrations and cultural festivals to live music, art walks, markets, yoga, comedy, and family-friendly programs, the Triangle Event Guide – Weekend Edition has you covered.

This curated list highlights the best events happening across Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill, Apex, Fuquay-Varina, Wake Forest, Pittsboro, Hillsborough, Zebulon, and Mebane—with plenty of FREE options.

📅 Friday, January 16, 2026

Park Tales: Little Owl’s Snow

🕙 10:00–10:45 AM | FREE

📍 Historic Yates Mill County Park

Make Your Own Vision Board

🕛 12:00–3:00 PM | FREE

📍 Rumors, Chapel Hill

Third Friday Durham – Artist Reception (Jordan Abdur-Ra’off)

🕕 6:00–8:00 PM | FREE

📍 Durham Visitor Info Center

Third Friday Art Opening – Anthony Garza Photography

🕕 6:00–8:00 PM | FREE

📍 Ment Beverage Co., Durham

Third Friday Durham – Art, Exhibits & Performances

🕕 6:00–9:00 PM | FREE

📍 Durham City Center

MLK Weekend in Apex: Black Authors Exhibit

🕡 6:30–8:30 PM | FREE

📍 Apex Senior Center

Bellydance Show & Open Dance Floor

🕡 6:30–8:30 PM | FREE

📍 Sophie’s Grill & Bar, Cary

Canes vs. Panthers Hockey Watch Party

🕡 6:30–10:00 PM | FREE

📍 Trophy on Maywood

Game Night

🕡 6:30 PM | FREE

📍 Raleigh Brewing, Raleigh

Open Mic, DJ Nights, Karaoke & Comedy

🕖–11:00 PM | FREE

📍 Carrboro, Durham, Cary & Raleigh

MLK Dreamfest: John Lewis – Good Trouble (Film Screening)

🕢 7:30 PM | FREE

📍 The Cary Theater

📅 Saturday, January 17, 2026

MLK Unity March & Breakfast Reception

🕗 8:00 AM | FREE

📍 Apex First Baptist Church

National Day of Racial Healing

🕣 8:30–10:00 AM | FREE

📍 First Chronicles Community Church, Durham

Triangle MLK Holiday Kickoff – 46th Annual Wreath Laying

🕘 9:00–9:30 AM | FREE

📍 Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Gardens, Raleigh

Durham Craft Market

🕘 9:00 AM–12:00 PM | FREE

📍 Durham Central Park

Plant Swap

🕚 11:00 AM–1:00 PM | FREE

📍 City of Raleigh Museum

New Capitol Tour: Greek & Roman Symbols

🕛 12:00 PM | FREE

📍 North Carolina State Capitol

North Carolina Vintage Bazaar

🕛 12:00–7:00 PM | $10

📍 NC State Fairgrounds

MLK Celebrations, Adoption Events, Chili Cook-Offs & Live Music

🕐 Afternoon–Evening | FREE

📍 Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, Pittsboro, Wake Forest & Wendell

📅 Sunday, January 18, 2026

National Popcorn Day – BYO Bucket

🍿 All Day | $5

📍 Cinemark (participating locations)

Tết Vietnamese New Year Festival

🕙 10:00 AM–6:30 PM | $0–10

📍 NC State Fairgrounds

MLK Worship Services & Interfaith Events

🕚 Morning–Afternoon | FREE

📍 Apex, Cary, Durham & Raleigh

Artspace Open Studio

🕜 1:30–3:30 PM | FREE

📍 Artspace, Raleigh

When Community Gathers: MLK Day Celebration

🕒 3:00–6:00 PM | FREE

📍 John P. “Top” Greene Park

MLK Commemoration

🕒 3:00 PM | FREE

📍 Duke University Chapel

11th Annual MLK Jr. Speech Reenactment

🕓 4:00–6:30 PM | FREE

📍 Millbrook United Methodist Church, Raleigh

Live Music, Open Mics & Community Dinners

🕓–9:00 PM | FREE

📍 Raleigh, Durham, Cary & Wake County

Make the Most of Your Weekend in the Triangle

Whether you’re honoring MLK Day, exploring local art, enjoying live music, or looking for free things to do this weekend, the Triangle is packed with meaningful and fun experiences.

👉 Bookmark DoRaleigh.com for daily event guides, weekend roundups, and local happenings across the Triangle.

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