Chocolate, Wine & Whiskey Festival
January 10,12:30 & 6 p.m.
Kerr Scott Building, Raleigh
chocolatewinewhiskey.com
Indulgences of all kinds unite at the NC State Fairgrounds — from hand-rolled truffles to luxurious fondue to an amazing selection of bean-to-bar artisan chocolates. And that’s just the chocolate. Tickets include unlimited samples of all the goodness available, including wine, whiskey, cocktails, and sweet and savory food items. Must be 21 to attend Raleigh’s sweetest event. $63.28 and up (VIP options available).
Under the Silver Moon Lantern Parade
January 10, 6 p.m.
Downtown Cary Park
carync.gov/lanternparade
Add light and joy to the darkest days of winter with a community lantern parade. Bring your own lanterns (no fire is allowed) and join a 15-minute community walk through the park, accompanied by live music, entertainment, and onsite food trucks. The parade kicks off Cary’s GLOW 2026, a temporary outdoor display of technology and light art installations during the darkest months of the year. The six installations include projections, murals, and light sculptures that will be on display until March.
Artful Story Time: Ready for Ramadan
January 21, 10:30–11 a.m.
North Carolina Museum of Art
ncartmuseum.org/events/artful-story-time-ready-for-ramadan/
Readers from Artist Ummah use children’s books and works of art from NCMA’s galleries to teach about Ramadan, the Islamic holy month, which begins February 17. The event aimed at children 18 months to 4 years incorporates movement and hands-on activities.
Then and Now: A History of the Pullen Arts Community
Closing reception January 24, 2:30–4:30 p.m., open daily except Friday
Pullen Arts Center, Raleigh
Explore the history of the Pullen Arts Center from its opening in 1961 to today via artifacts, photos, and works of art that include pottery, painting, photography, drawing, and printmaking.
Intro to Gardening in the South
January 31, 9 a.m. to noon
JC Raulston Arboretum, Raleigh
Virtual option available
jcra.ncsu.edu
Prepare for the growing season ahead with a series of lectures from area experts. Topics include “When You Can’t Grow Lilacs (and Other Favorites): Garden Substitutes That Shine in the South,” “Common Garden Insects: Beneficials and Pests,” and an open “Ask the Experts” Q&A period. Preregistration is required for in-person or online attendance.
Black History Month Walking Tours
February 6, 13, and 20, 1–2:30 p.m.
Taylor Street Park, Wake Forest
bit.ly/BHMWalkingTours
Visit the Olive Branch Baptist Church, Alston-Massenburg Center, the newly restored Ailey Young House, the African American Cemetery, and more on a free tour led by historic preservation and museum staff. Registration required and limited to 15 attendees per tour.
Mardi Gras Masquerade Prom
February 7, 8–11 p.m.
The Chapel at Dix Park, Raleigh
raleighnc.gov/parks-and-recreation/events/mardi-gras-masquerade-prom-adults
Masks, music, and magic are in store at this prom for adults 21+. Enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres, DJ-selected tunes, festive mocktails, and a cash bar. $40 per person, benefitting the Play It Forward Financial Assistance Program.
Sole Mates Race
February 14, 8:45 a.m.
WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary
runsignup.com/Race/NC/Cary/SoleMates
Join Fit & Able Productions for your choice of race experience! Choose a 5K, 6.5-mile, or Fun Mile course. Compete individually or as a doubles team where you and your “sole mate” (partner, neighbor, friend, sibling — all are welcome!) can place by combined finish time. Virtual race options are also available. $25 and up.
Cupid’s Undie Run
February 21, noon to 4 p.m.
Motorco Music Hall, Durham
cupids.org
Freeze your buns off for a good cause! Leave your pants at home and set out for a mile(ish) fun run followed by a dance party to raise funds for those affected by NF, a group of genetic conditions that cause tumors to grow on nerves. Fundraising initiatives include a T-shirt, MeUndies mystery box, open bar at the event, travel bottle, hoodie, and more. $40.
- Mountain Air
- Escape to Edenton
- Recipes from Readers: Harira Moroccan Ramadan Stew
- Legendary Lunches
- Celebrated Spirits: The Ethan 2.0
- Garden Adventurer: Better Witches
- The Call to Disconnect
- Pay It Forward: Raleigh Stroll Club
- Out & About in Wake County: January/February 2026
- Wondrous Whimsy
- Small Business Spotlight: Fleet Feet Raleigh-Morrisville
