Things to Do: January/February 2026

Jan 2, 2026

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.

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).

Dream and Create

January 12, 6:30–8 p.m.
Cedar Fork Community Center, Morrisville

Award-winning inspirational speaker Willa Brigham will share interactive stories and uplifting songs to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Plus, make a craft to take home.

MLK Dreamfest Cultural Celebration

January 17, 5–8:30 p.m.
Cary Arts Center
carync.gov/dreamfest

Part of Cary’s four-day Dreamfest programming, this year’s cultural celebration is themed The Beloved Community: Honoring Dignity, Uplifting Humanity. Hear from keynote speaker Rev. Jerome Gay Jr., Senior Pastor of Vision Church RDU, and enjoy performances from gospel artist CoCo McMillan, The Deep River Singers, Ruby Strings, the Enloe Dance Ensemble, and more.

Bad Momz of Comedy

January 28 & 29, 8 p.m
The Halle Cultural Arts Center, Apex

Take a break from parenting! This nationally touring group presents not-safe-for-playdate comedy to venues nationwide. Last year’s show sold out two back-to-back performances, and this year brings a whole new lineup of Bad Mommas. $30 plus tax.

Gold Medal Games

February 7, 1–5 p.m.
Downtown Cary Park

Go for the gold! Watch live action from the Olympic Winter Games on big screens, cheer on Team USA, and test your skills with interactive challenges.

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.

Valentine’s Date Night in the Park

February 14, 5–9 p.m.
Downtown Cary Park

Bring your special someone for a night of laughter, connection, and fun under the stars. Open to ages 16 and up, this date night features free arts and crafts activities in the park (first come, first served) with live music to set the mood. Round out the evening with fare from an onsite food truck.

Apex Community Dance

February 20, 7–9 p.m.
The Halle Cultural Arts Center, Apex
apexnc.org/2082/Apex-Community-Dance

No experience necessary! Local callers lead easy dances including Southern American square dancing, English country, and New England contra dance. All ages are welcome. $2 plus tax per person.

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.