Out & About in Wake County: January/February 2025

1. If you’ve been postponing a home project or are eager to get started on one, the Downtown Raleigh Home Show has all the décor, home improvement, and outdoor living inspiration to take your plans to production. Celebrity and guest speakers, demonstrations and workshops, sweepstakes, new products, and a long list of exhibitors make this an event worth leaving the house for. Friday, January 10, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, January 11, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, January 12, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. $10 and up. Raleigh Convention Center. raleighspringshow.com

Photographed by Cat Nguyen

2. If it’s time for the 12th annual Mutts & Marshmallows race, with the SPCA of Wake County the worthy benefactor. Thanks to 5K and 8K distances for both owners and their canine companions, and the Fun Mile concluding with a medal and mug of hot chocolate for finishers, both two- and four-legged runners will have plenty of opportunities to socialize and support. Saturday, January 11, 8–11 a.m. $35 and up. WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary. muttsandmarshmallows.com

3. There’s still time to see the larger-than-life lanterns of the NC Chinese Lantern Festival. With multiple ticket options available — any night, date specific, group, sensory friendly, and twilight — the annual event continues to illuminate and inspire until Sunday, January 12. 6–10 p.m. daily. $31 and up. Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary. boothamphitheatre.com/events-tickets/events/chinese-lantern-festival

Photographed by Jonathan Fredin

4. The thrill of winter ice skating continues at The Rink, with Red Hat Amphitheater once again bringing chilly fun to Raleigh. Popular private igloo lounges have returned to offer snug escapes for sheltering, so whether you plan to skate or simply spectate, cozy stations, fire pits, games, and eats all bring the wonder to winter wonderland. Through January 20. $6 and up. redhatamphitheater.com/the-rink

5. Actor and comedian (and SNL royalty) Kevin Nealon is swinging through Raleigh for three nights. These tour dates (for over 18s) promise to bring the laughs, so fans of the funnyman won’t want to miss out. Thursday, January 23, 7:30 p.m. Friday, January 24, 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, January 25, 6 and 8:30 p.m. Goodnights Comedy Club. kevinnealon.com/tour

6. Grab your running shoes — and some heartburn medicine — and hit the streets for the 21st annual Krispy Kreme Challenge. This feat of athletic and gastrointestinal skill covers 5 miles in one hour and boasts a dozen-glazed-donut break at the halfway point. What started as a challenge among friends has gone on to raise over $2.2 million in support of UNC Children’s Hospital. Saturday, February 1, 8 a.m. $40 for students, $45 for all other participants. NC State Memorial Bell Tower, Raleigh. krispykremechallenge.com/registration-info

7. Astronomy Days return to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences this winter, with technology, telescopes, and topics of discussion bringing the wonders of the universe (and beyond) to life for astronomers young and old. These special events offer celestial connection, so come curious! Saturday, February 1, and Sunday, February 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. naturalsciences.org/calendar/astronomy-days

8. Opening the spring season of Carolina Ballet is Boléro, a whimsical foray that features a perfect couple confronting forces determined to ruin their delightful beach day. Choreographed by Lynne Taylor-Corbett and featuring a new ballet from Amy Hall Garner, this imaginative fantasy offers a welcome escape from chilly winter days. February 6–23. Times vary. $28 and up. Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, Raleigh. carolinaballet.com/single-tickets

9. Experience what it takes to live and work in space with the Journey to Space expedition. From astronauts’ tasks and tools to the sights and sounds of space itself, carefully curated artifacts and interactive experiences will take explorers on a journey far from Earth. Daily through April 27, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Mondays). $12–$16. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh. naturalsciences.org/exhibits/special-exhibitions/journey-to-space

More From Our Jan-Feb 2025 Issue
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