10 of the best annual free festivals in the Triangle
Whether its arts, food, music or culture, the Triangle does an amazing job of hosting diverse festivals for all interests and identities every year. There is always something to celebrate.
Here are some of the top annual festivals that you won’t want to miss.
We have put together this list using winners and nominees for the area’s best venues and events from WRAL Voters' Choice Awards and online reviews.
1. Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival
For almost half a century, the Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival has celebrated art, entertainment, and food with the citizens of Cary. The juried craft show marks the “Lazy Daze” of summertime.
The festival typically takes place at the end of August in Downtown Carey and unites over 300 artists from a multitude of states across the country.
As a top-rated craft festival, it features art activities, a children’s area, professional demonstrations and a beer garden. Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival seeks to foster community through pride for the creative arts.
2. Artsplosure
Celebrating the fine arts, Artsplosure features over 175 juried artists and craftspeople and holds exhibitions of art in 10 different categories. As an award-winning Art Market, all work is available for purchase, including photographs, paintings, jewelry, pottery creations, woodwork and more.
The two-day event is typically held in May in Downtown Raleigh. Attendees can watch musical performances from emerging arts as they enjoy the one-of-a-kind installations. Children are also encouraged to attend and enjoy the free arts and crafts available.
3. IMBA! Wide Open Bluegrass Festival
IMBA! Wide Open Bluegrass Festival acts as a premiere showcase of bluegrass music and artists with hundreds of performers traveling to the event. It is a host to multiple stages of live music, an arts market, street vendors, and family-oriented activities.
Every late September, Fayetteville Street from Martin Street to the Martin Marietta Energy Center for the Performing Arts is closed down for five whole blocks and six stages of music that stretch across Raleigh. With a diverse and entertaining lineup, the festival is the perfect spot to enjoy great music and network with other Bluegrass lovers and musicians.
4. Brewgaloo
As a two-day festival of craft beer in late April, Brewgaloo features over 110 breweries from around North Carolina, along with food trucks, local vendors, and live music all along Fayetteville Street. The fun ensues with a sampler event of limited-release beers, two stages of local band performances, and tasty food options.
The event itself is free, but tickets are required for the Friday beer sampling which can be purchased in advance or at the event.
5. Cuegrass Festival
Combining two North Carolina specialities, the Cuegrass Festival celebrates amazing barbeque and bluegrass music. With a surplus of vendors and live music, this mid-April festival is the perfect spot to go to for live entertainment and good eats. The event typically takes place at the crossroad of Fayetteville and Hargett streets in Raleigh.
An online silent auction is also hosted in support of sponsor SAFEchild, The Junior League of Raleigh's BackPack Buddies Program, and The Boy Scouts of America Occoneechee Council.
6. Taste of Soul
Taste of Soul caters to your taste buds with outstanding food, vendors, and live music. The festival is typically hosted on five different dates, each representing a different variety of food that includes vegan dishes, seafood, and local and outsourced spots.
It is the ultimate cookout of the summer in Durham. Games and activities are also offered for the children of families that attend. The event is free and open to the public, though food is for sale.
7. Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival
Celebrating African and African American culture, history, art, and traditions, the Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival takes to Durham for an entertaining and festive day in June at Durham’s Rock Quarry Park.
The event is marked by live music performances by Black artists, an abundance of arts and crafts for children and adults alike, community resources, and outstanding traditional food. It is family-oriented and free to all attendees.
8. Raleigh’s International Food Festival
This popular June festival features over 50 countries worth of cuisines right to Raleigh’s City Plaza. Raleigh’s International Food Festival offers food, desserts, beer and wine unique to countries around the world.
Live music plays all day, as well as a Dance Party and TikTok Challenge. The event is free, family-oriented, and pet-friendly. Food and drink are also for sale.
9. Flight Day
Bring your kites for a fly at Raleigh’s Dorothea Dix Park on Flight Day. The June event brings the community together to enjoy the beautiful outdoors with vendors and food trucks.
People are welcome to bring all kinds of airborne contraptions, including rockets, kites, homemade flying machines, and more. The event is free to attend, but attendees must register in advance for a pre-made headcount and contact list.
10. Enofest
As the largest annual outreach event for the Eno River Association, Enofest celebrates the people and places around the Eno River. Their mission is to protect the natural, cultural, and historic resources of the Eno River.
With eclectic and immersive live performances, demonstrations, workshops, and activities for all ages, the early July event celebrates nature and community in Durham’s West Point on the Eno.
