EVENT CALENDAR
GLOW - Downtown Cary Park
Academy Street Artwork Projects (ASAP) presents GLOW, a temporary outdoor display of technology and light art installations on view in downtown Cary. They are pop-up temporary installations with no corresponding event, on view primarily evening hours for one week, two weeks, or a month at a time. GLOW is designed with the intent to surprise and delight viewers when the artworks are discovered. Picture: rooftops, windows, open lawns, and on the sides of buildings…around every corner is a possible discovery and surprise. GLOW will create a dynamic sense of place that adds energy to the street environment, creating memories and moments of celebration for all who encounter each work of art.
COST: FREE
Carolina Ballet presents “Alice in Wonderland”
“Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.” – The White Queen, speaking to Alice in Through the Looking-Glass by Lewis Carroll.
Welcome the impossible – go down the rabbit hole with Alice as she travels through Wonderland. Meet the enigmatic Mad Hatter and the formidable Queen of Hearts. Guest choreographer Gianna Reisen returns for a world premiere of Alice in Wonderland with set design by artist Rebecca Rebouché.
Included in this program is Jerome Robbins’ Fanfare.
Program Sponsor: Dr. Dawn Lipson
COST: varies
The Music of Queen with the North Carolina Symphony
Don't miss this one-of-a-kind tribute to one of the most iconic bands in history! We will rock you with killer Queen hits including “Somebody to Love,” “Under Pressure,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Are the Champions,” and many more. Experience the unforgettable magic of Queen with a full rock band and your North Carolina Symphony!
When:
Friday, March 14th @ 8pm
Saturday, March 15th @ 3pm
Saturday, March 15th @ 8pm
COST: $83+
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Join the fun at the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in downtown Raleigh on Saturday, March 15th! This lively celebration features vibrant floats, talented performers, and traditional Irish music that will have everyone feeling the spirit of the day. Bring the whole family to enjoy a festive atmosphere, great entertainment, and a community event that brings Raleigh together. Don’t forget to wear your green and join in the excitement of this beloved tradition!
COST: FREE
Art in Bloom
Join us on March 19–23, 2025, for Art in Bloom, presented by PNC. This event features the stunning creativity of floral designers from across the state and beyond who interpret works of art in the People’s Collection. Art in Bloom is a five-day floral fundraiser in support of the North Carolina Museum of Art.
Themed Art in the Park, Art in Bloom 2025 features six large installations inspired by artworks in the Museum’s 164-acre Park.
COST: $50 (Members: $40)
Free for children 6 and under
**Tickets available for purchase Thursday, January 23, 10 am, for members and Thursday, February 6, 10 am, for the public.
Schedule:
Wednesday, March 19, 10 am–3 pm
Thursday, March 20, 10 am–5 pm
Friday, March 21, 11 am–7 pm
Saturday, March 22, 10 am–7 pm
Sunday, March 23, 10 am–5 pm
Raleigh Comedy Festival
The Raleigh Comedy Festival is a brand new comedy festival coming to the City of Oaks March 20th through March 22nd, 2025.
We've got some of the best headliners in the biz joining more than 30 up-and-coming comedians from across the country as featured performers. 15 shows and 5 venues in 3 nights. You can't go wrong - every show is tip-to-tail bangers.
And it’s all happening in downtown Raleigh.
When:
Thursday, March 20th from 6:30pm - 11pm
Friday, March 21st from 6:30pm - 12am
Saturday, March 22nd from 1pm - 11:30pm
COST: $100-$150
Art and Blooms at the JCRA
Do you admire handmade cards? Join JCRA volunteer and artist, Debra Singer-Harter, to have fun making whimsical flower art even if you have no drawing or painting experience!
By using simple shapes to make colorful flowers everyone can make their own unique cards to send to family and friends! No previous art experience needed. If you can draw a few ovals and lines, you can make fun cards.
We will provide the three blank cards, watercolor paint and brush. You will paint on the card stock and learn how to blend the colors to create your own style. Each student can make three cards during this two hour session.
COST: $20
March Madness
The NCAA Men's Basketball Championship, also known as March Madness, is the annual Division I Men’s Basketball tournament that began in 1939. Composed of 68 men’s college basketball teams across the U.S., the highly-anticipated competition determines the National Champion through a series of single-elimination games over three weeks. The tournament format follows four regional brackets with teams ranked from one to 16, plus an additional eight teams competing to claim the last four main bracket slots during the First Four Games. For the 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball Championship, the First Four games start on March 18 and 19, followed by the First and Second Rounds between March 20 and 23, Sweet Sixteen on March 27 and 28 and Elite Eight on March 29 and 30. For the fifth time, the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas will host the Final Four and National Championship games, on April 5 and 7 respectively.
Dates: Friday, March 21st & Sunday, March 23rd
COST:
Friday: $406.98+
Sunday: $185.73+
Marchtoberfest at Clouds Brewing
Marchtoberfest is our yearly celebration of the Clouds Brewing Anniversary! We're bringing that Oktoberfest feeling early this year on the weekend of March 25!! Join us under the big Marchtoberfest tent for traditional German music with The Little German Band & Dancers, our much-awaited anniversary beer ‘Bock to the future’, a traditional “O’zapft is!” Tapping Of The Keg ceremony, and more!
The Mystic Party: Interactive Murder Mystery Cocktail Party with Clue Rooms (2 Dates)
A year has passed since the infamous bootleg party where family patriarch Matthew Cephus was murdered. The Matthews House remains shrouded in intrigue, its halls haunted by secrets, lingering specters, and the ever-present flow of Cary’s finest illegal bootleg.
The Mystic Party is a Prohibition-era cocktail party where two mystics are to provide the evening entertainment as guests mingle with both familiar and new characters. However, as the night progresses, the mystery deepens, sending guests on an adventure through immersive “Clue Rooms” within the historic Matthews House.
Will you solve the mystery...
Or become part of the story?
COST:
General Admission: $95
Secret Suspect: $115
Brush the Skyline – Watercolors and Brews Workshop (2 Dates)
Enjoy a beer or cocktail from Wye Hill Brewery while painting a beautiful landscape of Raleigh’s iconic Boylan Bridge skyline…
In collaboration with Wye Hill Kitchen and Brewery:
Malika Barnett, Raleigh native and local artist, will take you to one of Raleigh’s favorite local breweries and scenic overlooks to appreciate a gorgeous view of the city skyline while guiding you through a relaxing workshop on watercolor landscapes.
All supplies will be provided and you will be able to take home a travel canvas of your own creation for the scenic memory. Malika loves teaching art for all skill levels, so whether you paint regularly or have never held a brush, this experience is just the right blend of creative and relaxing.
You’ll also get to enjoy the ambience of Wye Hill, a staple restaurant in the city with a great view of the downtown Warehouse district. Try out some of their new brews or even order an appetizer for your workshop!
*Alcohol is not included with ticket purchase. Not because we don’t want to, but because your table will receive full service and guests can choose anything from free tasting samples to ordering a cocktail and food.
COST: $45
Dinner in the Pines at FigMint Farms (2 Dates)
Cocktail hour at the pavilion, family-style dinner within the pine groves and dessert at the fire pit. Capture this beautiful evening with a photo booth and many photo ops around the property. Join in for a lantern release over the pond at sunset and build your own bouquet before you leave.
COST: $82-$93 depending on ticket type
Dreamville Festival
Dreamville Festival returns to Raleigh on April 5th & 6th at the iconic Dorothea Dix Park! Curated by J. Cole, this two-day celebration brings together an unforgettable lineup of chart-topping artists and emerging talent from across the globe. Enjoy live music, local food vendors, and a vibrant atmosphere that highlights the best of music, culture, and community. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the Dreamville experience, this is a festival you won’t want to miss!
COST: $299.99+
Pimento Cheese Festival
Pimento cheese is a southern delicacy worth celebrating.
Enjoy the nation’s only festival dedicated specifically to pimento cheese! Join more than 50 food vendors at Downtown Cary Park to savor the flavor of incredibly unique pimento cheese infused dishes. Previous years have seen creative culinary feats including pimento cheese ice cream (don’t judge ‘ til you try), pimento cheese egg rolls, pimento cheese empanadas, and much more.
Beyond the food, the day will be full of performances, activities, and other entertainment throughout the Park.
COST: FREE
Tacos & Taps
This ALL YOU CARE TO TASTE Beer and Tequila Festival offers up some of the Triangle's Best Tacos and Mexican Food, the best dancing music from Triangle Area Bands, margaritas, contests and some other surprises. This is NACHO average taco festival.
MORE BEERS AND MORE BEER!!!! We’ve doubled up on our beer portions. More people wanted more beers last year and we will give you everything you want.
ALL GUESTS WILL ENJOY...
Souvenir Glass for an ALL YOU CARE TO TASTE experience with over 60+ craft beers, mezcals, margaritas, and tequilas. We’ll throw in some ciders and wine as well… just for the gringos.
ALL TEQUILA & MEZCAL Bars will be chilled.
The festival will feature over 10+ Taco Trucks, Taquerias, and Mexican Restaurants with Over 30 different types of tacos. Each taco vendor will offer a wide variety of tacos and Mexican inspired dishes available. We guarantee they will ALL feature at least one taco option for $3. Most All of the Food Trucks, Taquerias, and Restaurants will accept TACO TICKETS, but also cash and credit card – so you are not limited with your food experience. You can have tacos or anything else on the menu!
Dueling Margarita Bars with more choices.
Mariachi Bands and your favorite Triangle Area Bands.
Great boutiques offering brewerania, jewelry, hot sauces and other items.
Hot Pepper Eating Contest
Lawn activities and games will keep you focused when you are not imbibing.
COST:
GA Drink Ticket: $45 ($55 day of)
Taco Only Ticket: $25
VIP Ticket: $75 ($90 day of)
Brewgaloo 2025
The largest NC Craft beer festival celebrating all things local! You’ve tasted the world, now taste local!
Brewgaloo is a 2 day festival featuring over 110 craft breweries from around NC and partnering with local food trucks, local vendors, and local bands to bring you North Carolina’s largest craft beer festival and one of the largest craft beer festivals in the United States! Over 60,000 people will travel to Raleigh annually to sip and savor what NC is brewing up.
The fun begins Friday night with a sampler event from 6-10 PM featuring limited releases, barrel aged, and sour beers. Friday’s kick-off party is the perfect start to the weekend and a great way to get a taste of Brewgaloo.
Saturday’s street festival spans the length of Fayetteville Street and fills Downtown Raleigh from 12-8 PM with more than 110 NC craft breweries, local food trucks, and local vendors. With 2 stages featuring local bands all day long this lively festival is sure to be a good time.
COST:
Friday Kick-Off (6pm - 10pm): $40.87
Saturday (12pm - 8pm): $30
Spring Daze Arts & Crafts Festival
Nestled under the shady canopy of Bond Park awaits a festival budding with arts and crafts. The annual Spring Daze Arts + Crafts Festival gives a true nod to the artistry and creativity found in our great state of North Carolina, welcoming 170 artists all calling NC home! Embodying the importance of sustainability through an Earth Day Celebration, encouraging creative expression through community arts experiences, and bringing the people together at no cost, Spring Daze is a highly anticipated festival each year! Guests can also expect to find toe-tapping entertainment on three stages, delicious food, activities for the kids, and so much more!
COST: FREE
Raulston Blooms! & Plant Sale
Come kick off the spring season at Raulston Blooms! The garden will be packed with nature inspired activities, a makers market, food trucks, and outdoor fun for everyone to enjoy.
Enjoy:
JCRA Spring Plant Sale – access to exceptional unusual plants
23rd Annual Birdhouse Competition
Makers Market with artists and crafters
Gardening talks – learn from the experts
Educational displays and demonstrations
Hands-on fun for children and families
Food trucks and NC State Howling Cow ice cream cups
Used gardening book sale
COST:
Members and Students: FREE
Non-Members: $5
Family: $10 (per family)
44th Annual Apex Peakfest
Are you ready for a celebration?
Each May, the streets in the heart of Historic Downtown Apex come alive.
Laughter, smiles, joy, music, art, dancing & fun await attendees.
Greet old friends, make new friends. Explore the magic behind Apex's longest running festival.
COST: FREE
Meet in the Street Festival
Get ready for an unforgettable day at the 43rd Annual Meet in the Street Festival on May 3, 2025, from 10 am to 4 pm in downtown Wake Forest! This vibrant celebration is the largest event in town, showcasing over 100 artisan booths, filled with unique handmade treasures, a mouthwatering array of food trucks in two courts, and live music that will keep you dancing all day long on two stages. Families will love the Children's Village, bursting with fun activities for kids of all ages. With free admission, there's no reason to miss out on this incredible festival!
Sponsoring Meet in the Street is a fantastic opportunity to elevate your brand within our thriving community, connect with thousands of attendees, and demonstrate your commitment to local culture and commerce. Join us as a vendor or sponsor and be part of the excitement that makes this event truly special!
COST: FREE
Artsplosure: The Raleigh Arts Festival
Artsplosure's Raleigh Arts Festival is one of the most original and longest running arts festivals in North Carolina. Held annually on the third weekend of May in beautiful downtown Raleigh, the festival is a 2 day event and features an Art Market comprised of approximately 175 juried visual artists from across the United States showcasing works in ceramics, glass, fiber art, jewelry, metal, painting, photography, wood and more. The festival presents national and regional entertainment on two stages, provides arts-based activities for children, and presents large-scale temporary art installations each year. Annual festival attendance averages 85,000+.
Schedule:
Saturday, May 17th: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday, May 18th 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
COST: FREE
Animazement 2025
Animazement is Raleigh's premier Japanese animation and culture convention! Enjoy concerts, educational panels, limited merchandise, unique artwork, and more!
COST: $65
Raleigh’s International Food Festival
Raleigh’s 10th annual International Food Festival
Children’s Day, Two Stages with Live Performances, over 130 Food, Desserts, Merchandise Vendors!
COST: FREE
Capital City Juneteenth Celebration 2025
Juneteenth (June 19th) is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the abolition of slavery in the United States. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy an afternoon of entertainment, family activities, vendors and food at this community celebration presented by the Capital City Juneteenth Committee, City of Raleigh, and Dix Park Conservancy!
COST: FREE
Festival for the Eno
Join the fun at the Festival for the Eno on July 4th and 5th in Durham! This beloved annual event celebrates the rich cultural and natural heritage of the Eno River with two days of live music, art vendors, food trucks, and family-friendly activities. Enjoy scenic views along the river while discovering unique crafts, delicious food, and engaging performances. It’s the perfect way to spend the holiday weekend in Durham, honoring community and nature in a festive atmosphere.
COST: TBD (visit the link below for updates)
City of Raleigh July 4th Celebration at Dorothea Dix Park
Join the City of Raleigh for a spectacular July 4th Celebration at Dorothea Dix Park! This family-friendly event features live music, delicious food trucks, fun activities for all ages, and a stunning fireworks show to cap off the evening. Gather with friends and family for a memorable Independence Day celebration in one of Raleigh's most scenic parks.
Time: parks open at 5:30pm (fireworks start at 9:30pm)
COST: FREE
GalaxyCon Raleigh
GalaxyCon Raleigh is a 4-Day FESTIVAL OF FANDOM with celebrities, artists, writers, voice actors, cosplayers, entertainers, creators, wrestlers, fan groups, panelists, and PEOPLE LIKE YOU!
Join fans from across the galaxy and celebrate Comic Books, Pop Culture, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Anime, Gaming, Cosplay, and more!
COST:
Kids 4 and under: FREE
Kids 5-9: $20+
Single Day - 4 Day Premium Reserve VIP : $45 - $2700
**USE CODE GALAXY20 FOR 20% OFF ADMISSION
2025 Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival
Cary’s Favorite Festival is Back and Better than Ever. Get ready to enjoy all those pleasures that true Southerners live by – Beer, Bourbon, Barbeque, Boots, Bacon, Biscuits, Bluegrass and Smoked Beasts! It’s two great days of beer sippin’, bourbon tastin’, music listenin’, and barbeque eatin’. Your admission buys you a sampling glass so you can enjoy an ALL-YOU-CARE-TO-TASTE sampling of beer and bourbon.
COST: starting at $45
DD Tickets are $25
CaribMask Carnival Raleigh
Join the celebration of Caribbean culture at CaribMask Carnival in Raleigh on August 16th! This vibrant event features a colorful parade, live music, traditional dances, and a variety of delicious Caribbean food. It’s a festive, family-friendly event that showcases the rich heritage and traditions of the Caribbean community in a lively and fun atmosphere.
COST: TBD (visit the link below for updates)
Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival
Join us for the 49th annual Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival showcasing over 250 exceptional artists from across the country! Enjoy live entertainment on four stages, savor delicious offerings from 25+ food vendors, and relax in our beer garden & Lazy Lounge. Kids will love Kid Daze with fun activities throughout including the new Kid Collectors Market, where they can purchase pint-sized pieces created by our Lazy Daze artists! Participate in interactive art activities, engage with demonstrations by professional artisans, and embrace the “Lazy Daze” of summer. We can’t wait to see you there!
COST: FREE
2025 Hopscotch Music Festival
This highly anticipated festival brings together a diverse lineup of artists from indie, rock, hip-hop, electronic, and more. With performances held at various venues across the city, it’s a vibrant celebration of music and culture that promises to bring something for everyone. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable weekend of live music and exciting experiences!
COST: TBD (visit the link below for updates)
Raleigh Wide Open Bluegrass Festival
Formerly known as IMBA Bluegrass Live!
The event will feature free stages for music, food, families and fun all over downtown Raleigh.
Bluegrass will always have a home in Raleigh - and the best audience in the world, too. Save the date and plan to join the fun Oct. 3-4, 2025.
COST: FREE (tickets required to access Red Hat Amphitheater)
Playthrough Gaming Convention
NC’s Largest Gaming Convention!
Playthrough is a two day gaming convention taking place in Raleigh, North Carolina. It's a weekend long extravaganza showcasing the latest games and providing an opportunity for gamers to meet others who share their passion. Whether you are interested in video games, eSports, tabletop games, or play testing new creations, Playthrough has something for everyone!
COST: TBD (visit the link below for updates)
2025 NC State Fair
NC’s Largest Gaming Convention!
The N.C. State Fair is the place to be this fall! The fair creates an experience unique to North Carolina and is an unparalleled value with free entertainment, thrilling rides and games, thousands of animals, endless family activities, competitions, vendors and creative deep-fried delights.
COST: varies (visit the link below for more details)
WRAL First Night Raleigh
Festivities begin with the early afternoon City Plaza outdoor musical performances and the Children’s Celebration at 2pm. Performances and activities will continue throughout the evening across multiple indoor venues throughout Downtown Raleigh. The night is capped off with music on the outdoor Main Stage, the famous Raleigh Acorn Drop, and a spectacular fireworks show.
COST: TBD (visit link below for updates)
The Mystic Party: Interactive Murder Mystery Cocktail Party with Clue Rooms (2 Dates)
A year has passed since the infamous bootleg party where family patriarch Matthew Cephus was murdered. The Matthews House remains shrouded in intrigue, its halls haunted by secrets, lingering specters, and the ever-present flow of Cary’s finest illegal bootleg.
The Mystic Party is a Prohibition-era cocktail party where two mystics are to provide the evening entertainment as guests mingle with both familiar and new characters. However, as the night progresses, the mystery deepens, sending guests on an adventure through immersive “Clue Rooms” within the historic Matthews House.
Will you solve the mystery...
Or become part of the story?
COST:
General Admission: $95
Secret Suspect: $115
Women-in-Beer Tour in Holly Springs
A stroll to the local pub or brewery is a tradition as old as time…
In Collaboration with Taps & Corks Tours:
March is HER-story, or Women’s History Month, and on this tour we will recognize some of the women in the North Carolina brewing industry. The tour in Holly Springs will start at Bombshell Beer Co., the state’s first women-owned brewery, where we’ll sample several beers.
Next, we’ll walk about a mile through downtown Holly Springs to our next brewery, Local Time Brewing, where we’ll sample more beers. Along the way, we’ll stop at two pre-Civil War historic sites and learn more about the history of Holly Springs, with a focus on its women leaders.
Do you know what historical figure said “Hops is a wicked and pernicious weed”? This is one of our beer quiz questions that you’ll hear along the tour. Find out the answer, and you’ll be able to correctly answer at least one of the questions!
Your guide for the afternoon will be Natalie Hampton, founder of Taps & Corks Tours. Natalie has been writing about North Carolina beer and wine for 12 years on the Tarheel Taps & Corks blog. She enjoys sharing her passion for North Carolina beer through walking tours and always looks forward to seasonal beers and ciders!
*Must be 21 to participate. Tour is rain or shine. Wear good shoes for walking and clothing appropriate for the weather.
COST: $50
Raleigh Brewing 12th Anniversary Block Party
It's been a WILD twelve years! Come celebrate 12 Years of Beer with Raleigh Brewing on Saturday, March 8th!
Specialty beer releases in The Brewer's Cellar
Food Trucks
Live Music by Say Less and Your Mama's New Boyfriend
Men & Women's Keg Hoisting Competition
Anniversary After-Party Karaoke (Rock's Greatest Hits!)
COST: FREE
Sip & Shop at Bistro 401
Stop by from 12pm - 5pm to support small businesses, artisans and vendors at your local coffee shop!
COST: FREE
First Friday Raleigh
First Friday is celebrated on the first Friday of each month throughout Downtown Raleigh to showcase the best of our city's creative community. Thousands venture downtown to visit art galleries & studios open late to host exhibits, artist talks, and creative activities. Retailers and restaurants also get in on the fun with live music, vendor markets, specials/discounts, and more. There's something for everyone each First Friday.
Create your own First Friday itinerary by selecting the hearts for events and experiences you don't want to miss. Receive a custom map and itinerary to guide your First Friday evening!
COST: FREE
Cookies and Crochet! Crochet Workshop and Dessert Sampling
What could be better than creativity and cookies?
In collaboration with The Cookie People…
Did you know that you can crochet pretty much anywhere? It’s a great exercise in creativity and mindfulness and all it takes is a single tool and some yarn which need almost no space. To prove that point, we’re creating a series of crochet workshops in places all over the Raleigh area, from parks, to coffee houses, to cookie bakeries!
For this workshop, come spend some time with Suzy Hasanin, lifelong crochet artist and all-around wonderful person. Suzy believes that if you can crack the code to the fundamentals, you can crochet anything and she wants to show you how. You’ll be given your own ball of yarn and crochet hook (to keep!) and beginners will be taught the fundamental building blocks of turning crochet stitches into patterns. If you happen to be a veteran, Suzy can offer some great expert pointers and project suggestions to take your craft to the next level.
We will be hosting this experience at the adorable bakeshop of The Cookie People: a local, family-owned, small business run by two of the sweetest people around that make the best cookies in town. Learn about their made-from-scratch cookies and choose some to try from their great selection of flavors: Lemonade, Peanut Butter Cup, Molasses Crinkle, Butterscotch Caramel, and more!
*Ticket includes a crochet tool, a ball of yarn, two large specialty cookies of your choosing, and a drink
COST: $30
Brush the Skyline – Watercolors and Brews Workshop (2 Dates)
Enjoy a beer or cocktail from Wye Hill Brewery while painting a beautiful landscape of Raleigh’s iconic Boylan Bridge skyline…
In collaboration with Wye Hill Kitchen and Brewery:
Malika Barnett, Raleigh native and local artist, will take you to one of Raleigh’s favorite local breweries and scenic overlooks to appreciate a gorgeous view of the city skyline while guiding you through a relaxing workshop on watercolor landscapes.
All supplies will be provided and you will be able to take home a travel canvas of your own creation for the scenic memory. Malika loves teaching art for all skill levels, so whether you paint regularly or have never held a brush, this experience is just the right blend of creative and relaxing.
You’ll also get to enjoy the ambience of Wye Hill, a staple restaurant in the city with a great view of the downtown Warehouse district. Try out some of their new brews or even order an appetizer for your workshop!
*Alcohol is not included with ticket purchase. Not because we don’t want to, but because your table will receive full service and guests can choose anything from free tasting samples to ordering a cocktail and food.
COST: $45
Winter Raleigh Boutique Warehouse Sale
Welcome to the Winter Raleigh Boutique Warehouse Sale 2025! Get ready to shop till you drop at our event located at 1705 E Millbrook Rd. Join us on Sun, Mar 02, 2025 starting at 11:00 AM for VIPs ~ a day filled with amazing deals on trendy clothing, accessories, and more. Don't miss out on this opportunity to score some fabulous finds for your wardrobe. See you there!
COST: varies
Dinner in the Pines at FigMint Farms (2 Dates)
Cocktail hour at the pavilion, family-style dinner within the pine groves and dessert at the fire pit. Capture this beautiful evening with a photo booth and many photo ops around the property. Join in for a lantern release over the pond at sunset and build your own bouquet before you leave.
COST: $82-$93 depending on ticket type
City of Raleigh Museum’s Annual Animal Adoption Day
Don’t miss the City of Raleigh Museum's annual Animal Adoption Day!
This is your chance to meet adorable pets seeking forever homes and engage with dedicated local adoption agencies. Come experience the love and connection that awaits—you might just find your perfect companion! Meet pets from Safe Haven for Cats, Neshama Animal Rescue, and Perfectly Imperfect Pups!
Location: City of Raleigh Museum
Ages: All
COST: FREE
2025 Wake Forest Film Festival
“Lights. Camera. Action!” Be a part of the magic that is created by these three words at the 2025 Wake Forest Film Festival.
The festival will spotlight passionate, imaginative, and thought- provoking films created by some of the most promising and accomplished local, national, and international filmmakers.
The day-long festival brings filmmakers, film professionals, and filmthusiasts together to experience the art of filmmaking as a community.
COST: General admission seats $25 plus tax.
Juniper Level Botanic Garden Winter Open House (2 Weekends)
During Open Garden and Nursery weekends, JLBG has horticultural staff available to assist you with finding plants, answer your questions and direct you around the garden as well as free educational programs to help you flourish as a gardener.
Dates:
Friday 2/21 - Sunday 2/23
Friday 2/28 - Sunday 3/2
COST: FREE
Foster the People Concert
Enjoy Foster the People in concert with special guest Good Neighbors.
COST: $100+
Be Our Guest Dinner Event
Join them for a spectacular evening with masterful chefs from all over the Triangle serving up their best dishes. We have a stellar line-up, ready to dazzle your tastebuds and prove their the best in the area.
COST: $60 for one ticket or $100 for two tickets
Fall Back Vintage Market
Welcome to the Fall Back Vintage Market at Raleigh Iron Works! Get ready to browse through a curated selection of unique finds offered up by over 40 of the best vintage businesses this area has to offer. Whether you are wanting to add some funky decor to your space or a piece of clothing that screams “you,” this market has something for everyone! Don't miss out on this opportunity to add some one-of-a-kind pieces to your collection.
COST: $7
13th Annual Raleigh Blues Festival
The Blues Is Alright Tour comes to Raleigh Memorial Auditorium with The 13th Annual Raleigh Blues Festival on Friday, February 21. The Blues is a musical storytelling filled with stark emotion and a revolving reality check. It's authentically raw; transforming tragedy adversity and heartache into a visceral and cathartic experience. This special night of emotive lyrics and guitar-driven accompaniment features performances by Tucka, Pokey Bear, West Love, J-Wonn, Theodis Ealey, and Live in the Flesh Band.
COST: Price varies based on seat selection
21Marbles: PLAY ON!
Release your inner child and play like the kids do. Enjoy games, drinks and playful community partners at downtown Raleigh's best 21+ event! Must be 21 or older. Photo ID is required for entry. Your ticket purchase supports play at Marbles Kids Museum, a community nonprofit.
COST: $15-$18
Juniper Level Botanic Garden Winter Open House (2 Weekends)
During Open Garden and Nursery weekends, JLBG has horticultural staff available to assist you with finding plants, answer your questions and direct you around the garden as well as free educational programs to help you flourish as a gardener.
Dates:
Friday 2/21 - Sunday 2/23
Friday 2/28 - Sunday 3/2
COST: FREE
Katt Williams: Heaven on Earth Tour
Katt Williams brings his “Heaven on Earth” Tour to Raleigh at the Lenovo Center!
COST: $78.20+
Pad Thai Cooking Class with Eat Thai Raleigh
Join Eat Thai Raleigh for an authentic Thai cooking experience! Learn how to make delicious Pad Thai while enjoying:
✔️ A drink from the bar (wine/beer included)
✔️ Appetizer and dessert provided
Don’t miss this fun and flavorful evening!
COST: $99 per person
Wine + Watercolors: Besties Edition
Celebrate friendship and creativity during our Wine + Watercolors: Besties Edition workshop. Join Artspace for an unforgettable experience where you and a friend will explore the fluidity of watercolors while enjoying some fine wine. Participants will leave with a masterpiece that reflects the beauty of their love and friendship.
COST: $55
Adult Nights: Wild Love
Whether you’re with your lovebird or your flock of friends, join us for a Valentine’s Day to remember as we explore the science of courtship, reproduction and parental care in the wild. Craft microscopic love notes, marvel at Valentine’s Day gemstones, and meet the live animal ambassadors of their species’ amorous connections. Get ready to fall in love with science!
Adult Nights are a unique opportunity to experience the Museum at night while exploring the uncensored side of science. The event features interactive science stations, music, games, local entertainment and special activities. Beer, wine, themed cocktails and mocktails, and food will be available for purchase.
COST: $25; $15 Members, while supplies last.
Valentines Date Night in the Park
Celebrate love at our free Valentine’s Date Night in the Park! This cozy and creative evening is perfect for couples looking to connect and have fun. Enjoy the enchanting live music of guitarist Alex Gordez, who will set the mood with a blend of classical, Latin, Tango, Flamenco, Gypsy, and Jazz tunes. Get hands-on with mini terrarium building led by Izzy Hall of Garden & Gather, or take on the fun ‘Paint Your Partner’ challenge with Lauren Likes. Couples will also be able to enjoy a variety of free crafts together. Plus, don’t miss the chance to purchase a beautiful bouquet from Shoomee’s Flowers to make the night even more special. ‘Empanadas and More’ food truck will also be onsite to satisfy your cravings.
Please note, this event is for ages 16 and older only. All couples’ crafts and activities are available on a first come, first served basis while supplies last. Arrive early to secure your spot, and bring your special someone for a night filled with laughter, creativity, and Valentine’s Day magic under the stars!
COST: Free to attend
Candlelight: Tribute to Queen
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Raleigh. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Queen at The Rialto under the gentle glow of candlelight.
COST: $53+
The Raleigh Girls Club Galentines Event
Join RGC for their second-ever Galentine’s Event on February 13th.
Whether you’re playing pickleball, golf simulator, sipping drinks, shopping, or just making new friends—it’s all happening here. Grab your girls or roll solo, and let’s Mix, Match, and Serve! 👟🏅
Wear your favorite Valentine’s-inspired athletic outfit and let’s have a ball! 💖
COST: $19
Board Game Speed Dating - Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing
Searching for a partner can be horrifically painful. But board games are always awesome. So what if you combined board games and finding a partner?
Picture this: You sit down for a night of games. A gaming concierge walks you through several games over the course of the night. You play classics you love and discover brand new games you've never heard of, playing each with a different group of fun singles. All while in a great establishment with plenty of delicious options on tap. At the end of the night, you give your gaming concierge a list of the folks you met that you'd like to date and a list of those you met that you'd like to just hang out with as friends. If any two people put down the same name as each other in either column, then your gaming concierge will make sure you get each other's e-mail address and you can coordinate a time to hang out.
Best case scenario: You find true love, discover some awesome board games, and make some new friends.
Bad case scenario: You accomplish only one of those three things, which is still pretty great.
Worst case scenario: There will be alcohol.
COST: $35
Big Game Bash at Sports and Social
Catch the biggest game of the year on the biggest screen in the Triangle!
Don’t miss a single play and all the iconic commercials on our 42-foot TV during Big Game Bash on Sunday, February 9! Enjoy the thrill on halftime games, live entertainment, and chances to win amazing prizes throughout the night.
COST: $10 per person
Triangle Yoga Fest
Triangle Yoga Fest: A mini yoga festival
Mark your calendars for Apex's first yoga festival. This is an in-person event located at 63 Hunter Street. This festival is all about accessibility: it is free to kids under age 12 and free for seniors over 60.
We will have yoga classes for everyone:
chair yoga
yoga for anxiety
meditation workshops
sound baths
kundalini, and more.
This festival will include a speaker panel from wellness creators and teachers who are change agents in the community and in the world.
Enjoy music from our live DJ, and shop with local vendors! We will also have a catered food from Mike's Vegan and Raleigheverbowl that will feed your soul. Don't miss out on this opportunity to nourish your mind, body, and soul in a fun and welcoming environment.
COST:
Kids under 12: FREE
Seniors (60+): FREE
Seniors (60+) plus food: $24.80
General Admission & Lunch: $70.48
Students: $36.22
Jonathan Van Ness Comedy Show
Jonathan Van Ness is an Emmy-winning television personality, 3x New York Times best-selling author, podcaster, comedian, celebrity hairstylist, and founder of JVN Hair. He stars on Netflix’s Emmy Award-winning reboot series “Queer Eye,” where he shines as the hair guru and self-care advocate; and he hosts the popular podcast, “Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness.” Jonathan also starred on the Emmy-nominated web series “Gay of Thrones,” a witty social commentary series recapping HBO’s “Game of Thrones.” Launched in 2013, the series ran for 8 seasons and garnered three Emmy nominations for ‘Outstanding Short Form Variety Series.’
Fresh off of two successful worldwide comedy tours, Jonathan Van Ness: Road to Beijing and Imaginary Living Room Olympian, which sold out theaters in 40 cities in the US, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, Jonathan is bringing their new show, Fun & Slutty, A Night with Jonathan Van Ness, to cities around the US, Canada and abroad.
COST: $45.73 - $121.05 This event is 21 and over.
