By JANICE LEWINE
Cupid’s Undie Run
February 1, noon–4 p.m.
723 Riggbee Avenue, Durham
Join hundreds of people in Raleigh who will brave the cold in just their undies during Cupid’s Undie Run, the nation’s largest pantless party and mileish run for charity. The event, which starts at Motorco Music Hall, raises awareness of neurofibromatosis (NF), a genetic disorder. Register online.
my.cupids.org
Krispy Kreme Challenge
February 1
Downtown Raleigh
Calling all trailglazers! This charity event for UNC Children’s Hospital invites participants to run a 2.5-mile road course leading to a Krispy Kreme Doughnuts shop, eat a dozen doughnuts, and run the course back to the finish line in under an hour. The sweet challenge begins at the Memorial Belltower on the campus of North Carolina State University. Register online.
krispykremechallenge.com
Terrific Teeth Day
February 1, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
224 Sunnybrook Road, Raleigh
Take part in this in-person event to promote children’s dental health at the Poe Center. Enjoy a dental magic show, kid-friendly activities, balloon art and more. This event is for children in pre-K through grade 5 and their families. No event registration is required.
poehealth.org
Ice Cream for Breakfast
February 1, 9 a.m.–noon
2014 Cameron Street, Raleigh
Join Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams and enjoy their newest flavor, Blueberry Johnny Cakes. Leave your PJs on because they’ll have a special menu of breakfast-themed pairings, kids’ coloring sheets, and more.
jenis.com/blogs/scoop-shops/raleigh-nc
Astronomy Days
February 1–2, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
11 W. Jones Street, Raleigh
Strap in for a celestial adventure that explores the wonders of the universe through technology, telescopes, engaging talks by scientists and plenty of hands-on activities. Space enthusiasts of all ages will delight in embarking on this journey through the cosmos.
naturalsciences.org
Garden Story Walk
February 1–9, 10 a.m.
4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh
Enjoy a self-paced walk through the JC Raulston Arboretum gardens while enjoying a story during open garden hours. Find the first page of the story in the garden, and you’ll see the next page nearby and be able to follow the story as you stroll. There is no set time to start this experience and can be done at your own pace. Most stories can be experienced in about half an hour to an hour.
jcra.ncsu.edu
“Living in Color” Art Exhibit
February 1–28
1030 Richardson Drive, Raleigh
Dix Park in partnership with Raleigh Film and Art Festival presents a curated Black History Month artist exhibition at The Chapel at Dix Park that showcases the best talent of 2025 from across the state. Enjoy an array of spectacular pieces by professional and student artists in this riveting month-long display of visual art representing the experience of people of color.
dorotheadixpark.org
Cocoa with KATAL
February 2, 2 p.m.
111 Thurston Drive, Cary
What’s better than cozying up with a cup of hot chocolate on a winter’s day? Sharing it with a dragon friend! Pose for a photo with KATAL, the Kids Together Park dragon mascot, then enjoy a cup of hot chocolate (a non-dairy version is available) with mix-ins.
kidstogethercary.org
Groundhog Day Celebration
February 2, 1–3:15 p.m.
White Deer Park
2400 Aversboro Road, Garner
Enjoy live animals, educational activities and crafts before Snerd, North Carolina’s official Groundhog Day mascot, makes her prediction at noon.
garnernc.gov
Lunar New Year Celebration
February 2, 3–5 p.m.
Lake Lynn Community Center
7921 Ray Road, Raleigh
Take the family to celebrate the Lunar New Year with games, crafts and the famous Lion Dance.
raleighnc.gov/parks-and-recreation
Museum Mornings at John P. Greene Community Center
February 7, 11 a.m.
401 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Raleigh
Enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee while engaging in enriching cultural discussions and exploring the onsite exhibit, “Centuries in the Making,” in collaboration with SPERNA (South Park East Raleigh Neighborhood Association). Celebrate Black History Month by discovering the legacy of East Raleigh and Historic South Park, uncovering the stories, achievements, and contributions that continue to shape the community today.
raleighnc.gov
“Akeelah and the Bee”
February 7–23
Raleigh Little Theatre
301 Pogue Street, Raleigh
Akeelah has a crazy passion for words: the more abstruse and labyrinthine, the better. But this gift is almost overwhelmed by the challenge of her daily life in a tough Chicago neighborhood. Akeelah’s aptitude earns her a spot in the National Spelling Bee, which inspires the people in her neighborhood with her courage and tenacity.
raleighlittletheatre.org
“Helen’s History Hop”
February 7–8, 7 p.m.
Hayti Heritage Center
804 Fayetteville Street, Durham
Seventh-grade Helen has no interest in history until she is whisked away by the Queen of Time to meet Harriet Tubman, Bessie Coleman and other prominent historical figures—not to hear about history, but to live it. Will her newfound experience help her solve a modern-day crisis and save her classmate’s future? Purchase tickets online.
switchtheatreco.org
North Carolina Symphony Presents “Greatest Love Songs: The Music of Motown”
February 7–8, 8 p.m.
2 E. South Street, Raleigh
Broadway artists Chester Gregory and Shayna Steele return to perform the greatest love songs from Motown and beyond—from artists like Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, and more. Purchase tickets online.
ncsymphony.org
Bowties and Beauties: Daddy-Daughter Dance
February 8, 5:30–8 p.m.
Herbert C. Young Community Center
101 Wilkinson Avenue, Cary
Young sweethearts and their fathers or special guests dance the night away in a sweetheart dance. Get your picture taken in front of the magic mirror, enjoy a light dinner and receive a commemorative gift. Registration required online at RecTrac for both the child and guardian.
carync.gov
Eleanor Spicer Rice: “The Deadliest: Big Cat” and “The Deadliest: Spider”
February 8, 11 a.m.
Quail Ridge Books
4209–100 Lassiter Mill Road, Raleigh
Entomologist and award-winning author Dr. Eleanor Spicer Rice discusses her two books for ages 7–10 that explore the world of apex predators and the deadliest spiders on Earth. Purchase tickets online. Tickets include a signed copy of either book and guaranteed entry to the event.
quailridgebooks.com/event/eleanorspicerrice25
Triangle Yoga Fest
February 8, noon–6 p.m.
Town Hall Campus
73 Hunter Street, Apex
Namaste! Apex’s first ever yoga festival combines physical postures, breathing exercises and meditation to improve the mind, body and spirit for all ages. Tickets are $40 for adults, free for ages 12 and younger. Register online.
eventbrite.com
Artspace Friday
February 13, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
201 E. Davie Street, Raleigh
Put your dancing shoes on and grab your partner or friend for this beginner level Latin dance workshop at Artspace in partnership with Mambo Dinámico. This one-hour class will cover Merengue, Bachata, Cumbia, Cha-cha-cha, Salsa, and more. Register online.
eventbrite.com
Pals & Gals Vintage Valentine’s Party
February 13, 7–9 p.m.
220 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh
Make vintage-inspired Valentine’s Day cards while sipping on wine or champagne and eating local chocolate at the City of Raleigh Museum. All supplies for card making are included in ticket price, as are the two glasses of wine and chocolates. Purchase tickets online.
eventbrite.com
“A Chorus Line”
Select times February 13–23
Theatre Raleigh Arts Center
3027 Barrow Drive, Raleigh
This renowned musical examines one day in the lives of seventeen dancers, all vying for a spot in the “chorus line” of a Broadway musical. Purchase tickets online.
honestpinttheatre.org
Ladies Laugh Lounge at Goodnights Comedy Club
February 13, 7:30 p.m.
401 Woodburn Road, Raleigh
The Ladies Laugh Lounge showcases some of the area’s funniest female comedians, celebrating their unique and wildly entertaining perspectives. Headlined and created by Kiki Wynns, a rising star in comedy, who has experienced a quick rise to success across NC and beyond. Purchase tickets online.
goodnightscomedy.com/shows/288047
A Night of Neo Soul Jazz with Al Strong and Chip Shearin
February 14, 7:30 p.m.
101 Dry Avenue, Cary
Spend Valentine’s evening enjoying the incredible Neo-Soul Jazz sounds of trumpeter Al Strong and bassist Chip Shearin at the Cary Arts Center. Whether you’re celebrating love or just a love for great music, this night promises to be full of joy, groove, and unforgettable melodies. Purchase tickets online.
etix.com
Valentine’s Date Night in the Park
February 14, 5–9 p.m.
327 S. Academy Street, Cary
Couples can celebrate love at Downtown Cary Park by enjoying the live music of guitarist, taking on the fun ‘Paint Your Partner’ challenge, and creating crafts together. 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.
downtowncarypark.com
Impact Series: Valentine’s Concert and Tactile Tour of Instruments
February 16, 3–4 p.m.
8849 Ray Road, Raleigh
NCCMI Chamber Music Ensembles and Faculty Artists perform classical and popular music for the Valentine’s holiday. Attendance is free and open to the general public. A preconcert tactile tour of instruments begins at 2 p.m. Close seating and accessibility for wheelchairs and audio descriptions provided by Arts Access. Sensory kits are available. Register online.
docs.google.com
Paint Your Pet at JB Duke Hotel
February 19, 6:30 p.m.
230 Science Drive, Durham
Unleash your creativity in this class, where you can craft a heartfelt tribute to your beloved furry (or not so furry) companion through the joy of painting. Includes one-on-one instruction from expert artist Victoria Lowry, all necessary painting supplies and an 11”x14” canvas for guests to unleash their imagination. To ensure an enjoyable and seamless design process, each guest will be supplied with a pre-drawn guide of their pet. Reference photos must be emailed by February 16. At the end of the session, participants will journey home with a beautiful keepsake to display for years to come. Register online.
victorialowryart.com
Lunchbox Lecture with Wanda Cox Bailey
February 20, noon
220 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh
Renowned North Carolina African-American genealogist and librarian Wanda Cox Bailey discusses how the depiction of Black people in American literature has evolved over time and in the wake of the Civil Rights Movement. A Q&A session will follow the presentation. raleighnc.gov
North Carolina Symphony Presents “Beethoven Symphony No. 9”
February 21–22, 8 p.m.
2 E. South Street, Raleigh
Hear Beethoven’s majestic Symphony No. 9, which was the first example of a major composer scoring vocal parts in a symphony. The final (4th) movement of the symphony, commonly known as the “Ode to Joy,” features four vocal soloists and a chorus in the parallel key of D major. Purchase tickets online.
ncsymphony.org
Black History Month: Hip Hop Workshop
February 22, noon–2 p.m.
63 Hunter Street, Apex
Take part in an interactive workshop featuring Nick Courmon, an acclaimed spoken word performer, who cultivates critical thinking and positive change one poem, one performance, or one person at a time. Nikki Turner, an award-winning dance teacher, accompanied by multi-instrumentalist Alex Weiss, hosts an all-ages, all-skill level Hip Hop Dance class. Alexander Flowers, founder of BrainSTEMology, showcases how STEM concepts can be taught through hip-hop music. Register online.
cognitoforms.com
Carolina Jazz Festival
February 27–March 1
Various locations in Chapel Hill
Enjoy jam sessions and performances with local and national jazz musicians. Events are free and open to the public.
music.unc.edu/jazzfest
