No, you’re not dreaming. We’re giving away two tickets to the first-ever Raleigh Dream Homes Trolley Tour on Sunday, Oct. 19, from 1–4 p.m! Hop aboard The Great Raleigh Trolley for a guided ride through four custom-built Midtown and ITB homes. Along the way, enjoy trivia, bingo, and chances to win prizes. This event will sell out fast—so this is your chance to secure tix for FREE! Enter now via the button below. Contest closes Tuesday, Sept. 30.
Cool Off at Wolfe & Porter🍦
It may officially be fall, but those hot temps aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. Cool down with Frozen Fridays at Wolfe & Porter, featuring Bold Batch Creamery’s rotating scoops of ice cream in sourdough waffle cones every Friday from 6–11 p.m. The bar will also be slinging frozen cocktails, such as its fan-fave Frozen French 75. Brrr!
🗓️ Fridays | 6–11 p.m.
📍905 W. Morgan St.
💸 Free to attend, frozen cocktails $8
Full Steam Ahead for Fullsteam RTP’s Oktoberfest 🍻
It’s that time of year again! Fullsteam RTP is getting locals in the Oktoberfest spirit with German-inspired festivities Friday, Sept. 26, from 5–9 p.m. Think a “Pronounce This Complicated German Word” competition and a pretzel-cutting game, during which contestants will try to cut an oversized pretzel in exactly equal proportions. There will also be live polka and Fullsteam’s Reset: Oktoberfest beer on tap and in cans. Prost!
🗓️ Friday, Sept. 26 | 5–9 p.m.
📍900 Park Offices Drive, Ste. 125, Durham
💸 Free to attend, food & drink for purchase
Hot Tamale, Hot Tamale!
Tamale lovers, this one’s for you. The Raleigh Tamale Festival is taking over Moore Square Saturday, Sept. 27, from 2–6 p.m. with a variety of food trucks, vendors, activities, and performances—plus a competition for the best tamale in Raleigh. Do you have what it takes?!
🗓️ Saturday, Sept. 27 | 2–6 p.m.
📍Green Road Community Center, 4201 Green Road
💸 Free, food for purchase
Set Sail for Boatman Spirits Co. 🫡
Downtown Raleigh’s newest craft cocktail bar/restaurant Boatman Spirits Co. in Seaboard Station serves up triple duty with a fire drink menu, delicious Mediterranean bites, and weekly events. Tuesdays are for boilermakers, aka a special menu of pairings of a pint of NC beer and a pour of liquor; while on Wednesday jazz nights, Al Strong & Friends provide the feel-good vibes and some background music for a memorable experience. Also don’t miss rotating DJs on the weekends!
🗓️ Tuesday Boilermakers | Wednesday Jazz Nights | Weekend DJs
📍713 Seaboard Station Drive
💸 Boilermakers $10–13
Plan Ahead for Wine + Chocolate 🍷🍫
Name a better duo—we’ll wait. Videri’s Wine (+ Chocolate) Wednesdays offer the best of both worlds. Savor handcrafted Videri chocolates sourced from some of the best cocoa-growing regions while sipping on exquisite wine pairings from around the world. The next event takes place Wednesday, Oct. 8, from 6:30–7:30 p.m. Secure your tickets now for the ultra-sweet affair!
🗓️ Wednesday, Oct. 8 | 6:30–7:30 p.m.
📍327 W. Davie St., Ste. 100
💸 $35, with option to add a $15 guided tour of the chocolate factory
Friday Five: Free Fun—Because We All Feel the Pinch
We know it’s a stretch right now—wallets are tighter and every little splurge adds up. That’s why today’s round-up is all about five can’t-miss Raleigh events that cost you nothing.
From music to veggies to sports to family-friendly outings, you can still pack your calendar without spending a dime. Scroll on and snag the details—your weekend plans (and your budget) just got easier.
But First, Your Chance to Win: Raleigh Dream Homes Trolley Tour
Before we dive into this week’s free finds, don’t miss your shot at a complimentary ride through some of Raleigh’s most stunning homes—trolley style! We’re giving away two tickets to the first-ever Raleigh Dream Homes Trolley Tour on Sunday, Oct. 19, from 1–4 p.m.
Hop aboard The Great Raleigh Trolley for a guided ride through four custom-built Midtown and ITB homes. Along the way, enjoy trivia, bingo, and chances to win prizes. Seats are limited to just 24, so this event will sell out fast—but why wait to buy them in October when you could win your way in this month?
📍 Event day: Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 • 1–4 p.m.
💲 Cost: 🆓 Two free tickets if you’re the lucky winner
🎟 How: Register here for a chance to win before the deadline of Tuesday, Sept. 30.