Chocolate, Wine & Whiskey Festival
Jan. 10, 12:30 & 6 P.M.
Kerr Scott Building, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh
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. chocolatewinewhiskey.com
Under the Silver Moon Lantern Parade
Jan. 10, 6 P.M.
Downtown Cary Park
Bring light and joy into the darkest days of winter with Cary’s Under the Silver Moon 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. carync.gov/glow
Unity Weekend Celebration
Jan. 18 & 19
Holly Springs
Honor the contributions of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a program of events organized by the Holly Springs Martin Luther King Jr. Committee.
Saturday begins with breakfast at St. Mary’s Free Will Baptist Church and guest speaker Dr. Kimberley Richards from The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond. Sunday’s events include a memorial march from Oak Hall Commons and afternoon program at the Holly Springs Cultural Center. hsmlk.org
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
Jan. 19, 9 A.M.
W.E. Hunt Recreation Center, Holly Springs
Join friends and neighbors for a creative and interactive service project to transform the multipurpose room at the Hunt Recreation Center with a giant paint-by-number mural, turning collaboration into a piece of lasting community art.
The Hunt Center is named in honor of W.E. Hunt, a former community leader and principal of the school for Black children that once occupied the same site. Preregistration is required to ensure adequate supplies. hollyspringsnc.gov/mlkservice
Black Expressions
Exhibit open Through March 2
Artist reception Feb. 27, 6 P.M.
Holly Springs Cultural Center
Celebrate Black art, culture, and identity at the Holly Springs Cultural Center’s Black Expressions exhibit, highlighting the depth and diversity of Black artistry.
Attend the artist reception on February 27 to interact with local artists, view original work and live performances. Refreshments will be provided by Christine’s Plates. The evening culminates with performances featuring top Triangle talent and emceed by comedian and historian Byron Johnson. hollyspringsnc.gov/blackexpressions
Garden in the Kitchen: Microgreens and More
Jan. 16, 4–5 P.M.
Beech Bluff County Park
While spring takes its time arriving, learn how to transform your kitchen into a miniature garden. Join agricultural experts at Beech Bluff County Park for tricks and tips on what grows best inside, when to harvest, and how to start your own kitchen garden on a budget.
Mah Jongg Lessons
Jan. 20–22
Home for Entertaining, 119 W. Park St., Cary
Join experienced instructor Dana Lange for beginner or “beyond beginner” lessons in American Mah Jongg at Home for Entertaining. The three-part sessions for beginners will be from 1–4 p.m., followed by the intermediate-level sessions from 6–9 p.m. New players will learn the rules of the game, meaning behind the tiles, and helpful strategies. Experienced players can expect to level up their decision making and strategy. homeforentertaining.com
Skate the Square
Through Feb. 8, 10 A.M. to 8 P.M.
Fenton
Hit the ice at Fenton’s outdoor pop-up skating rink, open daily for skaters of all ages to slide and glide in the lively central square. Plan to linger after your skate to explore Fenton’s lineup of dining spots and curated shopping. fentonnc.com/event/fenton-skate-the-square
Valentines in the Greenhouse
Feb. 14, 2–4 p.m.
7628 Troy Stone Drive, Fuquay-Varina
Celebrate love and laughter surrounded by cozy warmth and lush greenery in the greenhouse of Brie Arthur, the expert behind Brie Grows. The afternoon features a champagne toast, light bites, and fun, garden-inspired activities to enjoy with friend, partner, or to treat yourself.
briegrows.com/booksclasses/valentines-in-the-greenhouse
Race Against the Sun Endurance Event
Feb. 21 & 22, 7 A.M.
Sugg Farm at Bass Lake Park
Test your endurance as an individual or a team at the third annual Race Against the Sun event, performed on a 4.167-mile trail loop around Bass Lake. Complete 100 miles by finishing one lap per hour for 24 hours. Choose from many race options, including 12- and 24-hour individual races, 12- or 24-hour relays, or weighted ruck events.
runsignup.com/Race/NC/HollySprings/HollySpringsRaceAgainsttheSun
Beech Bluff Volunteer Day
Feb. 28, 1–3 P.M.
Beech Bluff County Park
Assist park staff with prepping the raised beds in the demonstration garden for spring and summer planting. The demonstration garden hosts hands-on workshops and lessons related to gardening, composting, sustainable agriculture, and historical crops and methods. This volunteer day is open to individuals and groups, but all volunteers must be registered.
