Free events in Raleigh, NC

Raleigh TCG Con XI expands to a three day trading card game showcase at Triangle Town Center. The show floor gathers major titles like Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Magic: The Gathering, One Piece, Lorcana, Dragon Ball Super, Digimon, Flesh and Blood, Riftbound, and others, with plenty of singles, sealed product, imported releases, vintage Pokémon, graded cards, and current format staples. Entry and parking are free. Bring your binder, since vendors are also collectors who buy and trade with attendees throughout the event in addition to selling. New hobbyists, curious parents, and kids can step in without pressure, get answers to their questions, and leave with a first big pull or a long sought card while connecting with the Triangle’s collector community.

Front Porch Friday offers a weekly mix of rotating performers, musicians, food trucks, workshops, and activities for all ages, with a different theme each week. Weekly Magic the Gathering campaigns are included. Adults can browse flower offerings from Haven Herb and find drinks at the bar. Children can enjoy the playground and visit the goats. Free to attend and open to all.

Grasshopper Farms hosts its first live music event of the summer featuring Shelby Rae Marshall. Guests may bring their own chairs and unwind in the farm setting. Admission is free and family friendly. A food truck will serve classics such as grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, and the ice cream shop will be available. The day also includes complimentary access to the play area, the splash park, and the goats, creating an easygoing blend of live music and farm fun.

At the North Hills Farmers Market in Raleigh, shoppers can pick up 100% Wagyu beef and Berkshire pork, all raised in North Carolina. It is a chance to stock up for weekend cookouts, game day meals, or everyday cooking.

Celebrate the coming 2026 to 2027 school year with a back to school bash and cookout for parents, students, and teachers. Pick up supplies and helpful information to start the year prepared, then enjoy music along with bites from the grill, snow cones, and drinks. Admission is free with registration. The event also offers an introduction to Strong Tower Christian Fellowship, a community centered on peace, love, safety, and the freedom to worship.

A classic comic book show and sale that brings together dealers and fans, running since 1987. It is the second longest running show in North Carolina. Admission is free. Browse selections from 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.

Explore the wonders of nature during a family-friendly story time at the North Carolina Museum of Art, followed by interactive, hands-on activities that build on the tale. Meet near the Welcome Center to begin. Activities may include a stroll to other parts of the art museum campus, and most routes accommodate strollers. This free program is designed for children ages 7 and under, and everyone is welcome. Dress for the weather and be ready to walk.

Renowned orchardist and author Bill Thoms presents an in-depth look at Bulbophyllums, drawing on more than 45 years of experience with this diverse group that includes over 2000 species. Alongside his wife, Doris Dukes, he has earned more than 50 cultural awards for Bulbophyllums, and the American Orchid Society has recognized his contributions by naming a new annual award in his honor. Expect a lively program that blends humor with practical guidance for growers at any level. His books will be available for purchase. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.

Free family screenings of The Wild Robot are presented at Triangle Cinemas at Six Forks in Raleigh, sponsored by Linda Craft Team, REALTORS. Admission is free and no tickets are needed. All ages are welcome and concessions are available. With four showings, there are multiple opportunities to catch the film. This screening is part of a summer series of complimentary family movies in Raleigh.

This live trivia night at Parkside Restaurant has no entry fee. Teams face off for prizes awarded to the highest scorers, and participants can register to receive three complimentary hints before the game.

This free Kids Storytime at the Haven Shoppe welcomes children of all ages. Stories feature a new theme each week. The shop sells coffee, tea, juice boxes, lemonades, and ice cream. After the reading, families can enjoy the playground or visit the goats.

Elevated Power Hour is a free weekly gathering hosted by Elevated Energy Healing that highlights a different guest speaker who shares their practice through complimentary talks and mini workshops. Created for seekers, healers, and anyone curious about spiritual growth, it offers a welcoming space to listen, learn, and connect. July’s lineup includes Mary-Carmen Wiser of Create Space Mindfully, LLC exploring ketamine and mindfulness, Lori Tyman with a focus on fascia, Bindi Kumar guiding a shamanic spirit-guide journey, Daphne Towell introducing the art of bone reading, and Marcie Dean with LovEvolve Music. Participants are welcome to arrive with questions, an open mind, and a readiness to receive.

Baking fans can explore cupcake decorating at a free TeachAbility Art Night led by baker Serenity Barstow, a floor supervisor at Esteamed Coffee. Participants receive a specialty drink and a snack of their choice, and all decorating materials are provided. The workshop welcomes adults with disabilities and is made possible by Cary Art Daze. Space is limited and advance registration is required.