Triangle art and entertainment Triangle Arts and Entertainment

Theatre, Music, Arts & Dance Events in the Raleigh, Durham & Chapel Hil area

Discover all live performances, music, dance, and art exhibitions happening today, this weeek or month across the Triangle, NC.

Friday, October 16, 2026

18th Annual Ghost Dance Raleigh

18th Annual Ghost Dance Raleigh

dance

Oakwood Cemetery, Raleigh · 701 Oakwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC

Experience the haunting magic of the season at the 18th Annual Ghost Dance in downtown Raleigh. This unique community tradition invites you to step out of the shadows and into the spirit of Halloween on Friday, October 18, 2026. Join us from 8 to 9 p.m. outside the historic Oakwood Cemetery, located at 700 Oakwood Avenue, for an evening of rhythmic mystery and movement. The event begins with a guided session where participants learn simple, evocative dance steps designed to capture the eerie essence of the night. Once the choreography is set, the music rises and the entire group takes to the street for a collective performance that is as mesmerizing as it is memorable. While costumes are entirely optional, they are highly encouraged to enhance the festive atmosphere. This event is perfectly suited for teens and adults who enjoy a blend of local culture and seasonal fun. Admission is a suggested five dollar donation, with all proceeds directly benefiting efforts to prevent cruelty to animals. Please bring exact change to the sign-in desk at the cemetery gate. We look forward to dancing with you under the autumn sky.

20:00:00
$5.00

Saturday, October 24, 2026

King Lear Was Never Here An All Woman Performance in Carrboro

King Lear Was Never Here An All Woman Performance in Carrboro

theatre

MUSE Gallery, Carrboro · 201 E Main Street, Carrboro, NC

Experience a radical reimagining of Shakespeare in the heart of Carrboro. Muse Gallery proudly presents King Lear Was Never Here, an intimate and surreal exploration of power, obedience, and the weight of surveillance. This provocative 45 minute production strips away the traditional patriarchal hierarchy, placing the focus entirely on the daughters. In this version, King Lear is replaced by a cold, hulking tech monolith that dictates terms through the binary of an affirmative ding or a disapproving buzzer. Watch as Cordelia, Regan, and Goneril navigate a claustrophobic loop of performance and compliance, struggling to break free from a cycle that trades their autonomy for safety. This all woman production offers a timely reflection on the fawn response and the structures that govern our modern lives. Join us at the Muse Gallery, located at 201 E Main Street, on October 24 or 25, 2026, at 7 p.m. Tickets are available on a sliding scale with a suggested donation of 20 dollars. Do not miss this unique, haunting, and darkly funny theatrical experience. Secure your place today and witness the shattering of the cycle.

00:00:00
 
Filipino Fall Fiesta Durham 2026

Filipino Fall Fiesta Durham 2026

dance

Durham Armory · 220 Foster Street, Durham, NC

Experience the vibrant spirit of the Philippines at the Filipino Fall Fiesta in Durham. On Saturday, October 24, 2026, the Durham Armory at 212 Foster Street transforms into a cultural hub from 12 to 5 p.m. This family-friendly celebration invites the entire community to immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of Filipino traditions, featuring captivating performances by local talent and cultural groups. Indulge in an array of authentic Filipino culinary delights and browse unique items available for purchase throughout the day. Beyond the entertainment, attendees can participate in engaging games and activities, with every adult admission including a raffle ticket for a chance to win exciting prizes. This event serves a greater purpose by supporting the mission of Gawad Kalinga to build sustainable communities in the Philippines. Admission is 5 dollars for adults, while K-8, high school, and college students with valid identification enter for free. Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of culture, connection, and charity. Mark your calendars and gather your friends and family for this extraordinary community celebration. We look forward to welcoming you to an afternoon filled with joy, heritage, and meaningful impact.

12:00:00
$5.00

Saturday, November 7, 2026

North Carolina Whirligig Festival Wilson November 7 to 8

North Carolina Whirligig Festival Wilson November 7 to 8

dance

Historic Downtown Wilson · 301 Goldsboro Street, Wilson, NC

Experience the wonder of imagination at the North Carolina Whirligig Festival, returning to historic downtown Wilson on November 7 and 8, 2026. This vibrant two-day celebration honors the unique creative legacy of local folk artist Vollis Simpson, whose towering, kinetic masterpieces define the spirit of the region. Standing between 20 and 50 feet tall, these breathtaking whirligigs—crafted from recycled industrial materials like bicycles, fans, and road signs—create a mesmerizing landscape that must be seen to be believed. Beyond the iconic art, the festival offers an immersive experience for all ages. Wander through an expansive selection of local artisan booths, indulge in diverse culinary offerings, and enjoy high-energy live entertainment throughout the weekend. Families will find endless fun at the dedicated Whirli-Kidz Zone, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy. Admission to this spectacular cultural event is completely free. We invite you to join us in Wilson for a weekend of inspiration, community, and artistic brilliance. Stay tuned to our official Facebook page for the latest stage schedules and updates. We look forward to seeing you there for an unforgettable celebration of North Carolina creativity.

10:00:00
FREE

Wednesday, November 11, 2026

The Little Engine That Could at Vault Theatre

The Little Engine That Could at Vault Theatre

theatre

Vault Theatre, Durham · 4221 Garrett Road, Durham, NC

Vault Theatre invites you to experience a magical reimagining of the classic tale, The Little Engine That Could. When the largest engines falter, a small but determined engine faces the ultimate challenge. This is not just a stage performance; it is an immersive adventure where the tracks wind throughout the space, the mountain rises to meet you, and the cargo delivery depends on you. Designed as a joyful introduction to live theatre, this production invites audience members of all ages to step directly into the story. You will participate in the journey, helping our brave hero climb the impossible mountain and discovering the power of perseverance. Each 30-minute performance is followed by 15 minutes of interactive playtime, allowing children to explore the world of the engine firsthand. Join us at 4221 Garrett Road in Durham, North Carolina, for this enchanting experience. Tickets are priced at $8, offering an affordable and unforgettable outing for your family. Do not miss this opportunity to inspire your little ones with a message of hope and belief. Visit our website today to secure your tickets and prepare for a climb you will never forget.

09:00:00
$8.00

Saturday, November 21, 2026

31st Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration at NC Museum of Art

dance

North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh · 2110 Blue Ridge Rd,, Raleigh, NC

Experience the vibrant traditions and enduring legacy of North Carolina indigenous communities at the 31st Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration. This landmark event invites you to immerse yourself in over 14,000 years of history, artistry, and cultural resilience. This year, the festivities will be hosted at the North Carolina Museum of Art on November 21, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The celebration offers a dynamic program featuring a spectacular grand entry procession, captivating traditional performances, and authentic music that honors the heritage of our states tribal nations. Guests of all ages can engage with history through hands-on educational activities, explore artisan booths showcasing master craftsmanship, and interact directly with cultural demonstrators. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, or looking for an enriching family outing, this free event provides a rare opportunity to celebrate the profound contributions of American Indians to the fabric of our society. Mark your calendars for this unforgettable day of discovery and connection. We invite you to join us at 2110 Blue Ridge Road in Raleigh to honor this rich cultural tapestry. Admission is free, so bring your friends and family for an inspiring day of learning and celebration.

11:00:00
FREE

Explore Arts, Music, Dance & Performance Venues Across the Triangle

Discover theaters, concert halls, galleries, and performance spaces throughout Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Chapel Hill.

Raleigh

Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts

Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts

Theatre Music Concerts

2 E South St, Raleigh, NC 27601 · Downtown Performing Arts District

Large-scale concerts, comedy tours, and national performances in downtown Raleigh.

Red Hat Amphitheater

Red Hat Amphitheater

Music Outdoor

500 South McDowell St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Outdoor concerts and festivals featuring major touring artists.

North Carolina Museum of Art

North Carolina Museum of Art

Art Film Music

2110 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607

Art museum with outdoor performances, films, and amphitheater concerts.

Raleigh Little Theatre

Raleigh Little Theatre

Theatre

301 Pogue St, Raleigh, NC 27607

Community theater known for Shakespeare in the Park and local productions.

The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop

The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop

Music

224 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Beloved indie music venue supporting touring and local artists.

Durham

Durham Performing Arts Center

Durham Performing Arts Center

Broadway Theatre

123 William V Bill Bell Wy, Durham, NC 27701

Premier Broadway touring venue and large-scale performances.

The Carolina Theatre

The Carolina Theatre

Film Comedy Music

309 W Morgan St, Durham, NC 27701

Historic venue hosting film festivals, concerts, and comedy shows.

Motorco Music Hall

Motorco Music Hall

Music

723 Rigsbee Ave, Durham, NC 27701

Alternative concerts, dance nights, and indie performances.

PSI Theater in Durham, NC (ballet)

PSI Theater in Durham, NC (ballet)

Theatre Dance

120 Morris St, Durham, NC 27701

Experimental theater, dance, and community arts performances.

American Tobacco Campus

American Tobacco Campus

Outdoor Community

300 Blackwell St #104, Durham, NC 27701

Outdoor performances, cultural gatherings, and seasonal events.

Chapel Hill & Carrboro

Memorial Hall

Memorial Hall

Classical Dance

140 E Cameron Ave, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Historic theater hosting music, dance & other live performances on a classic proscenium arch stage.

PlayMakers Repertory Company

PlayMakers Repertory Company

Theatre

120 Country Club Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Intimate campus venue producing a bold lineup of contemporary & reinvented classic plays & musicals.

Cat’s Cradle

Cat’s Cradle

Music

300 E Main St, Carrboro, NC 27510

Legendary indie music venue launching iconic artists with an emphasis on local talent

Ackland Art Museum

Ackland Art Museum

Art

101 S Columbia St, Chapel Hill, NC 27599

Art exhibitions, lectures, cultural programming and free admission. Affiliated with UNC-Chapel Hill.

Cary & Apex

Cary Arts Center

Cary Arts Center

Theatre Art

101 Dry Ave, Cary, NC 27511

Theater productions, exhibitions, and arts education programs.

Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Music Outdoor

8003 Regency Pkwy, Cary, NC 27518

Outdoor symphony concerts, festivals, and movies under the stars.

Halle Cultural Arts Center

Halle Cultural Arts Center

Theatre

237 N Salem St, Apex, NC 27502

Community theater and arts programming in historic Apex.

Downtown Cary Park

Downtown Cary Park

Community Outdoor

327 S Academy St, Cary, NC 27511

Cary Town park with public events, centerpiece fountain, gardens, benches and playground

Holly Springs · Garner · Clayton · Wake Forest

Holly Springs Cultural Center

Holly Springs Cultural Center

Theatre Community

300 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC 27540

Holly Springs, NC local theater productions, concerts, and community arts events.

Garner Performing Arts Center

Garner Performing Arts Center

Theatre

742 W Garner Rd, Garner, NC 27529

Sizable auditorium inside a former high school featuring a lineup of plays, musicals & concerts.

The Clayton Center

The Clayton Center

Broadway

111 E Second St, Clayton, NC 27520

Broadway-style touring productions in Clayton NC

The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre For the Arts

The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre For the Arts

Film Music

405 Brooks St, Wake Forest, NC 27587

Film screenings, concerts, lectures, and performances.

Theatre, Music, Arts & Dance
across the Triangle

Discover live performances, concerts, dance shows, and art exhibitions happening today, this week, or throughout the month across Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. If you're trying to plan a night out or just looking for something interesting to do nearby, this is a good place to start.

We focus mostly on theatre, live music, dance, and visual arts. That means everything from small local productions and gallery openings to bigger performances and shows around the area. The goal is simple, just make it easier to find the good stuff without digging through a bunch of clutter.

That said, there's obviously a lot more going on around the Triangle beyond arts, music, dance, and theatre. If you're looking for things like festivals, food events, family-friendly stuff, outdoor activities, seasonal events, or even just something to do on the weekend, check out RaleighParent events.

It's honestly one of the more complete event lists around here. You'll find a mix of everything, from big community events to smaller local things that are easy to miss otherwise. It's especially useful if you've got kids, or just want more options beyond performances and exhibits.

Between this and that, you should be able to get a pretty solid view of what's happening around the Triangle, whether you're in the mood for a show, something outdoors, or just trying to figure out last-minute plans.

100%
Local

Focused on Triangle arts and culture

Curated
Good Stuff Only

Handpicked events worth your time

∞
Options

Plenty to explore, no matter your vibe

Best Event Calendars
in the Triangle

We compared 11 event calendars serving Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and the surrounding Triangle area, evaluating search tools, event details, regional coverage, mobile usability, and submission options. Our top pick is Raleigh Parent's event calendar, which brings events from across the region together in one searchable place, with distance sorting, prices, maps, saved favorites, free submissions, and dedicated iPhone and Android apps.

1

Raleigh Parent

Best Overall

The most complete all-in-one option in our comparison, with a unified calendar covering the Triangle rather than separate city-by-city searches. Browse more than 1,000 upcoming events, sort by distance, check prices and maps, save favorites, and jump straight to today's, tomorrow's, or weekend plans. Free event submissions publish instantly, while businesses can purchase featured placement starting at $29 per month. The site also offers more than 190 curated local guides, dedicated iPhone and Android apps, and an ad-free browsing experience without Google display ads.

Triangle-wide coverage Distance sorting Free submissions iOS & Android apps
Explore the event calendar
2

Downtown Raleigh Alliance

A neighborhood-specific source for happenings in downtown Raleigh, including local activities and events. Its narrow geographic focus makes it a useful supplement for downtown plans, but not a replacement for a region-wide calendar. Listings offer fewer discovery tools, and finding location, pricing, and other details can involve opening entries individually.

3

Visit Raleigh

The official tourism resource is helpful for visitors researching Raleigh attractions and major local happenings. Its event listings focus on Raleigh rather than the wider Triangle, and finding practical details often requires opening individual listings. Limited geographic tools and the lack of convenient distance-based browsing make it less suitable for comparing nearby events across multiple cities.

4

Triangle Downtowner

A local publication with an events section covering selected activities and happenings. The experience is closer to browsing a magazine than using a dedicated event-finding tool. During our comparison, some category and month searches were unreliable, while location-based discovery, maps, and saved-event features were limited.

5

Triangle on the Cheap

A useful destination for finding free and inexpensive activities, budget-friendly outings, and occasional local deals. Its emphasis on affordability is a strength, but it isn't designed to cover the full spectrum of paid and free events. Submissions are subject to editorial review, so organizers looking for immediate publication may need another option.

6

The News & Observer

A regional news outlet that can help readers discover selected local happenings through its coverage and events resources. However, news publishing is its primary focus, and its event discovery tools are less comprehensive than those of a dedicated calendar. Filtering, quick weekend planning, and submitting an event may be less straightforward.

7

Fun4RaleighKids

A family-oriented directory with children's activities and event listings for parents to explore. Its calendar-style browsing can help with broad discovery, although navigating multiple pages and categories can take extra effort. Advertising and limited geographic search tools can also make it harder to quickly compare events by proximity and find the practical details needed to plan an outing.

8

Triangle Weekender

A locally focused editorial resource for discovering things to do across the Triangle. Its regional coverage is useful, but the browsing experience is less convenient for repeat planning, with ad-heavy pages, pagination, limited quick-date navigation, and no dedicated mobile apps. Advertisers may also want to compare its sponsored-placement pricing with lower-cost alternatives.

9

Individual City Event Calendars

Municipal and local calendars can be useful for official community announcements and events within a specific city. The drawback is fragmentation: someone planning across Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Chapel Hill may have to search several separate websites. Features such as distance sorting, saved events, and unified weekend discovery vary by site and are often limited.

10

Triangle Tribune

A community news publication whose event calendar had very limited inventory when we checked it. With only two events visible at the time of our review and minimal listing details, it offered little breadth for someone trying to compare upcoming activities across the region. Availability and listing volume may change over time.

11

Raleigh Family Adventure

This resource appears to have shut down and was not an active option during our comparison. It is included for completeness, but families will need to look to currently maintained calendars for upcoming events and activities.

For an easier way to plan across Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and nearby communities, start with Raleigh Parent's Triangle-wide event calendar.