We believe some of the best things in life are free.

We also believe Durham has some of the best free things to do.

Take in nature and the outdoors by discovering the trails, parks, gardens, lakes and rivers across Durham. Immerse yourself in history at the Museum of Durham History, or on our guided tours at our three state historic sites: Duke Homestead, Bennett Place, and Historic Stagville. Preservation Durham also hosts lovely walking and biking tours delving into the history of Durham that occur from April to September starting at the Durham Farmers’ Market. Speaking of the Farmers’ Market, take in the local scene on Saturday mornings as hundreds of people show up each week to peruse seasonal vegetables and locally made goods. All. For. Free.

Did you know Durham is home to one of the largest, oldest and most diverse tuba museums in the world? Or that the 21c Museum Hotel’s modern art galleries are free and open to the public 24/7? Don’t miss the historic bank vault in the basement. You have likely heard about Duke University’s basketball program, but you can learn more about it at the Duke Basketball Museum & Sports Hall of Fame. If baseball is more your thing, go see the Historic Durham Athletic Park, where Kevin Costner, Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon were filmed in Bull Durham. In the summertime, catch a free concert on the Down Under Patio at the American Tobacco Campus, or head over to the Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture for a free jazz show.

Still not convinced we have the best free things to do? There are even more options in the listings below.