Triangle events
Free and low-cost community events around Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, and nearby towns that are useful for newcomer families. Every event is checked on the organizer's own page; the descriptions are in our own words. No partisan or campaign events.
Last updated:
Upcoming events
The next six weeks, soonest first.
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NC Life Sciences Live Career Fair (opens in a new tab)
Meet biopharma and life science employers at the NC Biotechnology Center near RTP. Check the event page for who can attend.
Event page (NCBioNetwork) ↗ (opens in a new tab) Add to calendar (.ics)
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City of Raleigh Expo and Job Fair (opens in a new tab)
Explore jobs across City of Raleigh departments and learn about working for the city. Pre-registration is requested on the event page.
Event page (City of Raleigh) ↗ (opens in a new tab) Add to calendar (.ics)
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Chapel Hill Town Council meeting (opens in a new tab)
The Town Council's regular meeting is open to the public. The agenda and meeting details are posted on the town's meeting calendar.
Event page (Town of Chapel Hill) ↗ (opens in a new tab) Add to calendar (.ics)
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Cary Town Council meeting with a housing report public hearing (opens in a new tab)
The Council holds a public hearing on Cary's draft yearly report on housing and community development spending. Residents can speak or follow along.
Event page (Town of Cary) ↗ (opens in a new tab) Add to calendar (.ics)
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Pumpkin Flotilla at Bond Park (opens in a new tab)
Watch carved, lit pumpkins float across Bond Park lake at sunset, with live music and food trucks. Families can drop off a pre-carved pumpkin on Oct. 22 from 4 to 6 p.m.
Event page (Town of Cary) ↗ (opens in a new tab) Add to calendar (.ics)
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WCPSS Magnet and Early College Fair (opens in a new tab)
Meet staff, students, and parents from every Wake County magnet school and early college in one place. Useful while the choice school application window is open.
Event page (Wake County Public School System) ↗ (opens in a new tab) Add to calendar (.ics)
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Diwali celebration at Downtown Cary Park (opens in a new tab)
An evening of music and dance at the Great Lawn Pavilion to celebrate the Festival of Lights together.
Event page (Town of Cary) ↗ (opens in a new tab) Add to calendar (.ics)
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English Conversation Group at Morrisville Community Library (opens in a new tab)
A relaxed, volunteer-led group for adults to practice speaking English, learn new vocabulary, and talk about American culture. All levels are welcome.
Event page (Wake County Public Libraries) ↗ (opens in a new tab) Add to calendar (.ics)
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Boo Bash at Morrisville Community Park (opens in a new tab)
A costume-friendly evening for all ages with candy stations, face painting, music, and giveaways. Parking is at Morrisville Elementary School.
Event page (Town of Morrisville) ↗ (opens in a new tab) Add to calendar (.ics)
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CAFA's annual Chinese food and culture festival in Downtown Cary (opens in a new tab)
One of the Triangle's biggest cultural festivals, with Chinese and Asian food, stage performances, and family activities. Hosted by the Chinese-American Friendship Association of NC.
Event page (Chinese-American Friendship Association of NC (CAFA)) ↗ (opens in a new tab) Add to calendar (.ics)
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Fall Harvest Festival (opens in a new tab)
A free outdoor festival for children and families with a bounce house, crafts, food, games, and music. It moves indoors if it rains.
Event page (Epworth United Methodist Church) ↗ (opens in a new tab) Add to calendar (.ics)
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Story Time at the Museum (opens in a new tab)
A short story session for children 5 and younger in the Windows on the World classroom at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences. Walk-up program.
Event page (NC Museum of Natural Sciences) ↗ (opens in a new tab) Add to calendar (.ics)
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Duke GANO ESL class at the Main Library (opens in a new tab)
Free English lessons for adults, taught by volunteers from Duke's GANO student group. Registration is required.
Event page (Durham County Library) ↗ (opens in a new tab) Add to calendar (.ics)
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Ready, Set, School: Marbles playdate at Green Road Library (opens in a new tab)
Marbles Kids Museum brings play activities that help children ages 3 to 5 get ready for school.
Event page (Wake County Public Libraries and Marbles Kids Museum) ↗ (opens in a new tab) Add to calendar (.ics)
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Marbles Science Solvers at Eva Perry Library (opens in a new tab)
Hands-on STEM play for children ages 2 to 8 and their families: experiment, build, and create together.
Event page (Wake County Public Libraries and Marbles Kids Museum) ↗ (opens in a new tab) Add to calendar (.ics)
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Raleigh Christmas Parade (opens in a new tab)
Marching bands, dancers, and giant balloons parade through downtown Raleigh. Arrive early for a good spot along the route.
Event page (Greater Raleigh Merchants Association (Shop Local Raleigh)) ↗ (opens in a new tab) Add to calendar (.ics)
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NC Chinese Lantern Festival opens (opens in a new tab)
Large, colorful lantern displays light up Koka Booth Amphitheatre from 6 to 10 p.m. nightly through Jan. 10 (closed Christmas Day). See the venue page for tickets.
Event page (Tianyu Arts & Culture with the Town of Cary) ↗ (opens in a new tab) Add to calendar (.ics)
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MAKRS Holiday Fest (opens in a new tab)
A big holiday market on Fayetteville Street with local makers and vendors, food, and music.
Event page (The MAKRS Society) ↗ (opens in a new tab) Add to calendar (.ics)
No events in this category right now.
Recent events
The last 30 days, newest first. Many of these repeat, so check the organizer's page for the next date.
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Duke GANO ESL class at the Main Library (opens in a new tab)
Saturday English lessons for adults, taught by Duke student volunteers. This fall series is full; the Nov. 14 and 21 sessions have their own sign-up.
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N.C. State Fair (through Oct. 25) (opens in a new tab)
The State Fair opened on Oct. 15 and runs daily through Oct. 25, with rides, food, farm exhibits, and shows. Check the fair's page for hours and parking.
Event page (N.C. Department of Agriculture) ↗ (opens in a new tab)
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English Conversation Group at Morrisville Community Library (opens in a new tab)
A volunteer-led group where adults practice everyday English. It meets again on Oct. 27.
Event page (Wake County Public Libraries) ↗ (opens in a new tab)
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2026 Triangle Career Expo (opens in a new tab)
A free career fair where employers, including state government, shared open positions and answered questions. Parking was free.
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Hum Sub Diwali 2026 (opens in a new tab)
A full day of performances, food vendors, community booths, and children's activities at Koka Booth Amphitheatre. Entry was free.
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Week Without Driving (opens in a new tab)
GoTriangle and partners invited people to try the bus, walking, or biking for a week to understand daily life without a car.
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UNC FACSS Mid-Autumn Festival (opens in a new tab)
An evening of food and cultural activities about the Mid-Autumn Festival, hosted by a UNC student group to bring the campus community together.
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WCPSS family and community engagement day (opens in a new tab)
A Saturday of sessions for families on supporting students and working with schools.
Event page (Wake County Public School System) ↗ (opens in a new tab)
No events in this category right now.
Times are Eastern Time (ET). Plans change: always confirm the date, time, cost, and any registration on the organizer's page before you go.
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