Free events in Garner, NC

Raleigh TCG Con XI brings an expanded three-day trading card marketplace to Triangle Town Center, with free admission and free parking for all. Explore a curated floor featuring Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Magic: The Gathering, One Piece, Lorcana, Riftbound, Dragon Ball Super, Digimon, Flesh and Blood, and more. Expect singles, sealed product, Japanese imports, vintage Pokémon, graded cards, and staples for current formats. Bring your binder, because vendors are also collectors who will be buying and trading with attendees throughout the event alongside selling. Whether you are new to the hobby, a parent helping a young collector, or someone chasing a long-sought grail, this welcoming, low-pressure setting focuses on cards, community, and good deals.

Front Porch Friday is a weekly gathering with a new theme each time. Look for a changing mix of live performers and musicians, visiting food trucks, workshops, and other activities for all ages. Ongoing Magic the Gathering campaigns are part of the experience. Adults can browse flower offerings from Haven Herb and order a drink at the bar, while children can enjoy the playground and see the goats. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.

Grasshopper Farms NC hosts its first live music event of the summer featuring Shelby Rae Marshall. Bring a chair and relax on the farm. Admission is free and the atmosphere is family friendly. Food options include a food truck with grilled hotdogs and hamburgers and an ice cream shop. There is free access to the play area, splash park, and goats. Enjoy a laid back day of music and community on the farm.

Celebrate the upcoming 2026/2027 school year at a community back to school bash and cookout. Parents, students, and teachers can pick up supplies and information to get ready for a successful year. Enjoy music along with food from the grill, snow cones, and drinks. Admission is free with registration. The gathering also introduces attendees to Strong Tower Christian Fellowship, which emphasizes peace, love, safety, and the freedom to worship.

An old school comic book show and sale brings together comic book dealers and fans. Running since 1987, it is billed as the second longest running show in North Carolina. Admission is free. The dealer lineup includes Heroes Aren't Hard to Find with Shelton Drum, Rick Fortenberry, David Shankle, Gene Carpenter, David Burns and Arex Crooke, Banks Robinson, Jerry Lahm, Jason Carpenter, Chris Rigo, Josh Almond, Karl Terrana, Charlie Sides, G3eks, Captial Comics, Drew Holland, Smasher Comics, Bryan Barros, Derrick Isgett, James Kressner, TJ Helms, James O'Briant, Andy Parker, Peter Terracciano, and Lyn Anderson.

At the North Carolina Museum of Art, families can enjoy a nature-focused story time that blends reading with playful exploration. The experience begins with a shared story, followed by interactive, hands-on activities that highlight natural themes, and may include a visit to other areas of the museum campus. Meet near the Welcome Center to get started. This free program encourages dressing for the weather and being prepared for a walk. Most walks are stroller friendly. Designed for children ages 7 and younger, and welcoming to all.

A free World Tavern Poker event in Clayton welcomes both new and experienced players. Participants can earn points toward Tavern, Regional, and National Championships, with more than $100,000 in prizes awarded each year. Food and drinks are available during play. Registration is available online or on site, so walk-ins are welcome.

Orchid expert and author Bill Thoms shares insights from more than 45 years working with Bulbophyllums, a diverse group of orchids with over 2,000 species. Alongside his wife, Doris Dukes, he has earned more than 50 cultural awards for these plants, and the American Orchid Society has recently established an annual award that bears his name. Expect a lively talk that mixes humor with practical guidance for growers at any level. The author will have books available for purchase. Admission is free and open to the public.

Linda Craft Team, REALTORS presents a free, family-friendly screening of The Wild Robot at Triangle Cinemas at Six Forks in Raleigh. There are four showings during the week, providing multiple chances to attend. Admission is free, no tickets are required, and all ages are welcome. Concessions will be available. This screening is part of a summer series of complimentary family movies in Raleigh.

Seniors can take part in a lunchtime Bingo session with Blue Cross NC at the Raleigh Beyond Blue Neighborhood Center. Enjoy Bingo, a complimentary meal, and opportunities to win prizes. Since capacity is limited, advance registration is encouraged. For assistance, call 1-888-275-7513, extension 1.

Parkside Restaurant hosts a weekly live trivia night that is free to play. Teams compete to answer questions, and prizes go to the top performers. Players can sign up ahead of time to receive three free clues before the game.

Families are welcome to bring children of all ages to the Haven Shoppe for a free storytime that features a new theme each week. Refreshments such as coffee, tea, juice boxes, lemonades, and ice cream are available for purchase. After the stories wrap up, little ones can enjoy the playground or visit the goats.

Elevated Energy Healing hosts a free weekly gathering where a guest speaker shares their background and offers complimentary workshops or presentations. Designed for seekers, healers, and anyone who is spiritually curious, it creates a welcoming space to listen, learn, and connect. Attendees are encouraged to bring questions, an open mind, and a willingness to receive. The lineup features Mary-Carmen Wiser of Create Space Mindfully on ketamine and mindfulness, Lori Tyman exploring fascia, Bindi Kumar guiding a spirit guide journey on a shamanic path, Daphne Towell on the art of reading the bones, and Marcie Dean with LovEvolve Music.