Free events in Wake Forest, 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.

Explore Systema during a free trial and get an introduction to training that develops the body, mind, and spirit. This approach combines martial arts with elements of yoga, massage, and meditation to build practical self protection while increasing strength, mobility, and ease under stress. Instruction emphasizes moving freely with solid structure and as little tension as possible. Through a gradual, thoughtful process, students cultivate awareness, adaptability, and the ability to stay calm when situations become challenging. Sessions are varied and no two classes are alike. Participants work at a pace that suits them, focusing on movement quality, efficiency, and understanding over time. A typical class begins with breathing, movement, and conditioning rooted in Russian martial arts to ease mental and physical tension and develop a resilient, adaptable body. Training then progresses into rolling, falling, ground work, and movement drills built around one or more central themes. NC Systema is an official school of Systema Vasiliev, with instructors certified each year by Systema Headquarters in Toronto. For questions, email taylor@ncsystema.com.

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 local agriculture at the South Durham Farmers' Market at Hub RTP, a weekly gathering focused on connecting the community with fresh, locally grown food. The market supports sustainable farming that preserves farmland and cares for the local environment. Shoppers can meet the farmers who grow the fruits and vegetables they buy and explore one-of-a-kind items from local artisans. Whether searching for peak season ingredients or aiming to support local businesses and sustainable practices, there is something for every taste. Weekly vendor lineups and special happenings are shared on the market’s website calendar.

This free class introduces the core techniques of boxing in a one hour session. Bring a water bottle and wear workout clothes, and all other equipment will be provided.

The Triangle Wedding Show is back at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds, offering a chance to meet dozens of wedding vendors across categories like planners, photographers, caterers, and venues. Guests can stop by the Jim Graham building to sample bites, gather wedding day inspiration, and connect with vendors to help build their dream team. Admission is free to $35.

Plant lovers can gather at Durham Beer Garden for a free plant swap with The Durham Plant People. Bring plants, cuttings, or propagations to trade, or simply relax and add to your collection. Meet local enthusiasts, discover local plant sales and deals, and exchange tips, advice, and inspiration. A Paint-a-Pot station is available for all ages. Guests can enjoy a drink, make new connections, and spend a relaxed afternoon surrounded by greenery.

Durham Parks and Recreation presents a free, family-friendly Summer Concerts in the Park event now hosted at Rock Quarry Park, featuring live music, a relaxed setting, and food trucks. This date spotlights Ally J with a mix of country, soul, R&B, Motown, and funk. Bring a blanket or chair and settle in with friends and family to enjoy the music. The concert is rain or shine, and alcohol and smoking are not permitted.

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.

This free trial class for beginners introduces Systema, a whole-person approach to martial arts that blends training with elements of yoga, massage, and meditation. Participants explore practical self-protection by developing natural, instinctive movement while building strength, flexibility, and a calmer relationship to stress. Core principles focus on moving freely with solid structure and minimal tension. Through a progressive approach, students cultivate awareness, adaptability, and composure so they can respond smoothly in uncertain situations. Each session is varied rather than repetitive, and everyone works at a pace that suits them. A typical start includes breathwork, mobility, and conditioning exercises rooted in Russian martial traditions to release tension and build resilient movement. Training then often moves into rolling, safe falling, groundwork, and theme-based drills that emphasize quality, efficiency, and understanding. NC Systema is an official school of Systema Vasiliev, with instructors who renew certification annually through the headquarters in Toronto.

Enjoy a family-friendly nature story time at the North Carolina Museum of Art. The experience begins with a shared story, then continues with hands-on, interactive activities that explore natural themes, and may include visits to other areas of the museum campus. This free program meets near the Welcome Center. Dress for the weather and be prepared for a walk, and keep in mind that most routes are stroller friendly. Geared toward children 7 and younger, with all ages welcome.

Renowned grower and author Bill Thoms leads a lively presentation that unpacks the world of Bulbophyllums, a cultivar represented by more than 2,000 species. Drawing on over 45 years of experience and more than 50 cultural awards earned with his wife, Doris Dukes, he shares practical guidance with a light, humorous touch that benefits newcomers and seasoned growers alike. The American Orchid Society has recognized his contributions with a new annual award in his name. Books will be available for purchase. Admission is free and open to all.

A free family screening of The Wild Robot takes place at Triangle Cinemas at Six Forks in Raleigh, presented by Linda Craft Team, REALTORS. Admission is free and no tickets are required, so families, grandparents with grandkids, and summer camps can enjoy an animated adventure together. Multiple showings provide plenty of chances to attend. All ages are welcome, and concessions are available. This screening is part of a summer series of complimentary movies in Raleigh, sponsored by Linda Craft Team, REALTORS, which has been part of the local community since 1987.

Each week throughout the summer, families meet for informal playground playdates at parks across the Durham area. There is no cost or registration. Bring a snack, a water bottle, and a towel. The series offers a low-key way to meet the Family Preschool community, ask questions, and learn more about its supportive village. Locations rotate among Forest Hills Park, Rockwood Park, Sassafrass All Children's Playground, Gold Park, Saxapahaw Island Park, Trinity Park Playground, and Piney Woods Park. This session is set for Trinity Park Playground.

Seniors can enjoy a friendly Bingo session hosted by Blue Cross NC at the Raleigh Beyond Blue Neighborhood Center. The gathering includes a free lunch and opportunities to win prizes. Spots are limited and tend to fill quickly, so registration is encouraged. For assistance, call 1-888-275-7513, ex. 1.

JAKS Stables Horse Club offers the community a chance to deepen equine knowledge across topics such as anatomy, diseases, etiquette, saddle fitting, and nutrition. The club is free to attend and geared toward ages 6 to 16. Riding is not included. It is also an opportunity for kids to meet fellow horse lovers and build friendships.

Test your knowledge at Parkside Restaurant in Raleigh with a no-cost trivia night. Teams compete for prizes awarded to the highest scorers. Participants can also sign up ahead of time to receive three free clues before the game.

Head to DSSOLVR for a free, dog-friendly trivia night with Hammered Trivia. It runs Tuesdays starting at 7:00 PM, with no team limits and prizes for the top three teams. During the event you can also grab $6 IPAs and $1 Jell-o shots, and the venue has both indoor and covered patio space for dogs.

Elevated Energy Healing hosts Elevated Power Hour, a free weekly gathering where a different guest speaker introduces their work and shares their gifts through complimentary workshops and presentations. It offers a welcoming setting for seekers, healers, and the spiritually curious to listen, learn, and connect. Featured topics include Mary-Carmen Wiser of Create Space Mindfully, LLC on ketamine and mindfulness, Lori Tyman on all things fascia, Bindi Kumar guiding a Spirit Guide Journey along a shamanic path, Daphne Towell exploring the art of bone reading, and Marcie Dean with LovEvolve Music. Attendees are encouraged to bring questions, an open mind, and a willingness to receive.

Try a free beginner-friendly Systema class at Triangle Aikido and explore a training approach that integrates martial arts, yoga, massage, and meditation to support both practical skills and overall well-being. Instruction centers on moving freely with sound structure and minimal tension, helping participants develop intuitive self-protection while becoming stronger, more flexible, and less weighed down by stress. Training is varied from session to session and avoids rote repetition. Everyone progresses at a comfortable pace with an emphasis on quality of movement, efficiency, and clear understanding. Classes commonly open with breathing, mobility, and conditioning work rooted in the Russian martial arts to release tension and build resilience. Practice then expands into rolling, falling, ground skills, and theme-based movement drills that sharpen awareness, adaptability, and calm in challenging situations. The aim goes beyond techniques to the capacity to remain centered and responsive when things are uncertain. NC Systema is an official school of Systema Vasiliev, with instructors who maintain annual certification through the headquarters in Toronto.

Everyone is welcome to enjoy a complimentary coffee or latte at Summer Moon in Heritage, Wake Forest. This monthly offering is provided courtesy of Allison Caudle Abbott of Southern Lux Living.