The North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival is returning to Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary, in 2025, for the 10th time! The popular holiday event features dazzling displays made from thousands of handcrafted, illuminated lanterns showcasing various themes. There are many interactive elements. In addition, enjoy stage performances several times each night. The … [Read more...] about 10th Annual North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival
Art
Downtown Raleigh Illuminate Art Walk
Downtown Raleigh Alliance's Illuminate Art Walk returns to Downtown Raleigh on December 5, 2025. It will shine each night through January 6, 2026. Illuminate Art Walk will include 22 large-scale, interactive, light-based art pieces from local, regional and international artists. It will create a holiday light experience free to enjoy every night during the holiday season. Visit three … [Read more...] about Downtown Raleigh Illuminate Art Walk
Final Friday Cary Art Loop Dec. 26
The final Friday of every month, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., downtown Cary showcases its artists and musicians during Final Friday Cary Art Loop. Visit art galleries and enjoy live performances. Scroll down for an interactive map of all the participating venues, but make sure to check the Cary Art Loop Facebook page or website to make sure there is activity at each. Cary Final Friday Map … [Read more...] about Final Friday Cary Art Loop Dec. 26
Lunar New Year Family Day at Artspace Jan. 31
Artspace, FASCA and Raleigh Chinese Language School are hosting a Lunar New Year Family Day on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The celebration takes place at Artspace, 201 East Davie Street, Raleigh, North Carolina. It's free to attend. Enjoy an art-filled day featuring exhibitions by local artists, art making activities, hands-on artist demos, and cultural performances. … [Read more...] about Lunar New Year Family Day at Artspace Jan. 31
Liberty Arts’ Iron Heroes Exhibit Reception at Durham Food Hall Jan. 11
Liberty Arts, 918 Pearl Street, Durham, NC, is a sculpture studio, foundry, gallery and art space. It serves as an incubator in which artists learn from each other. Liberty Arts offers classes in welding, casting, stone-carving, woodworking, plasma-cutting and ceramics. They are known for their work in iron. Each year they hold a public iron pour in Durham Central Park. In addition, they … [Read more...] about Liberty Arts’ Iron Heroes Exhibit Reception at Durham Food Hall Jan. 11
Lunar New Year Lantern Lab in Morrisville Feb. 11
Morrisville Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources is presenting a Lunar New Year Lantern Lab on February 11, 2026, at 7 p.m., at Cedar Fork Community Center, 1050 Town Hall Drive, Morrisville, North Carolina. The cost is $10 for Morrisville residents and $14 for non-residents. Spots are limited, so register soon. Registration opens January 7, 2026. Celebrate Lunar New Year with … [Read more...] about Lunar New Year Lantern Lab in Morrisville Feb. 11
Visit the Shangri-La Stone Village Near Hillsborough
One of North Carolina's most fascinating roadside attractions is the Shangri-La Stone Village, at 11535 NC-86, Prospect Hill, NC. It's 17 miles north of Hillsborough and 31 miles north of Chapel Hill, so it's an easy day trip for anyone in the Triangle, or a great little side trip for visitors. Henry Warren, a retired tobacco farmer, started creating the village in 1968, at the age of 72, as … [Read more...] about Visit the Shangri-La Stone Village Near Hillsborough
NCMA Loves Anime Winter Bazaar, music and film screening Dec. 20
North Carolina Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, North Carolina, is presenting NCMA Loves Anime Winter Bazaar on Saturday, December 20, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. It takes place in the SECU Auditorium and Education Lobby in the East Building. This is a day full of anime vendors, food, music and film screenings. The bazaar is free to attend. The film screenings and music … [Read more...] about NCMA Loves Anime Winter Bazaar, music and film screening Dec. 20
Durham Craft Market on Saturdays
On Saturday mornings, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., head to Durham Central Park, 501 Foster Street, for Durham Craft Market. Make sure to check the Facebook page to see if there have been any changes. This outdoor market features local crafts. All artisans live and craft no more than 30 miles from Durham city limits. It's free to attend. Durham Craft Market is also a special event with … [Read more...] about Durham Craft Market on Saturdays
Third Friday Durham Art Walk Dec. 19
Third Friday Durham is a recurring event during which the Durham art venues host free receptions. It takes place the 3rd Friday of the month. This is a great time to check out the new and continuing exhibits. It's also a good time to check out shops and to try out a new restaurant. Most gallery receptions take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. but visit the 3rd Friday Durham Facebook page, where … [Read more...] about Third Friday Durham Art Walk Dec. 19
