Free things to do this weekend in and around Research Triangle

Research Triangle's Top Picks for FREE family-friendly fun Friday, May 1, 2026 to Sunday, May 3, 2026.

(Scroll down for full, detailed list of free weekend activities.)

• Free spring mini photo session with Shoott! - Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, USA, 05/01/2026 - 05/03/2026, See link for times
• Swingin' Spring Barn Dance with The Durham Jazz Orchestra - Durham Jazz Orchestra, Sunrise Community Farm Center, 05/01/2026, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
• First Friday Market & Movie Night - The Incredibles (2004) -, Moore Square, Raleigh, NC, USA, 05/01/2026, 5pm - 9pm
• Raleigh Geek and Grub Market: Cottagecore Edition -, LeRoy Martin Magnet Middle School, Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC, USA, 05/02/2026, 12 pm - 4 pm
• Cary Dog Days 2026 - Town of Cary, NC - Town of Cary, NC, Cary Town Hall, North Academy Street, Cary, NC, USA, 05/02/2026, 10 am - 3 pm
• 2026 Meet in the Street - Town of Wake Forest, NC - Town of Wake Forest, NC, 350 South White Street, Wake Forest, NC 27587, USA, 05/02/2026, 10 am - 4 pm
• Garden Story Walk -, JC Raulston Arboretum, Beryl Road, Raleigh, NC, USA, 05/02/2026 - 05/03/2026, Monday–Thursday: 9:00am–4:30pm Friday: 9:00am–7:00pm Saturday–Sunday: 8:00am–7:00pm
• Feathered Fun in the Park - Durham Parks and Recreation - Durham Parks and Recreation, Red Maple Park, Hinson Drive, Durham, NC, USA, 05/02/2026, 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
• AAPI Heritage Month Cinema Series at Hemphill Branch Library -, Hemphill Branch Library, West Vandalia Road, Greensboro, NC, USA, 05/02/2026, See website for details
• Rolling Together 2026 -, Roberts Community Center, East Martin Street, Raleigh, NC, USA, 05/02/2026, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Little Love Yoga - Southeast Regional Library - Southeast Regional Library, 7th Avenue, Garner, NC, USA, 05/03/2026, 2 pm - 2:45 pm
• 2026 Six Sundays in Spring - Town of Wake Forest, NC - Town of Wake Forest, NC, E. Carroll Joyner Park, Harris Road, Wake Forest, NC, USA, 05/03/2026, 5:30 pm