The Lover and the Sword, led by poets Travis Kyng and Antino Art, is a Valentine's Day poetry night. It takes place Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Raleigh Mutual Aid Hub, 415 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, North Carolina. Doors at 6:30 p.m. and poetry at 7 p.m. Admission is $10. All proceeds go to supporting this community of artists. Travis Kyng and Antino Art do not have the privilege of … [Read more...] about The Lover and the Sword: A Poetry Showdown and Open Mic on Feb. 14
Entertainment
Slim’s Malört Mardi Gras Feb. 17, and more
Slim's Downtown Raleigh, at 227 S Wilmington Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, has a rich history spanning 25 years. It's considered to be a hidden gem dive bar, with affordable drinks and lots of good times. Slim's frequently hosts live music, often with no cover. You can see upcoming events on their website calendar or Facebook page. Upcoming Event Live Music in 2026: Malort Mardi … [Read more...] about Slim’s Malört Mardi Gras Feb. 17, and more
Acoustic Open Mic Nights at Esmeralda’s Cafe in Durham
Esmeralda's Cafe, 1515 North Pointe Drive, Durham, North Carolina, is hosting an Acoustic Open Mic Night the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. It's scheduled on these dates so far in 2026: Sign-ups start at 6:30 p.m., with the performances starting at 7 p.m. It's free to attend. Perform for a welcoming crowd. It can be anything: music, comedy, poetry, tap dancing, mind … [Read more...] about Acoustic Open Mic Nights at Esmeralda’s Cafe in Durham
French Film Festival with The Center for French and Francophone Studies at Duke University — free screenings
The Center for French and Francophone Studies at Duke university is presenting its annual French Film Festival from January 29 to February 13, 2026. The screenings are free, open to the public, and take place at Rubenstein Arts Center, 2020 Campus Drive, Durham, North Carolina. The films will be introduced in English, subtitled in English and followed by a Q&A session in English. French … [Read more...] about French Film Festival with The Center for French and Francophone Studies at Duke University — free screenings
16th Annual ‘Cuegrass Festival April 18
16th Annual North Carolina 'Cuegrass Festival returns to Downtown Raleigh on Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The festival is free to attend, but raises funds for local children's causes, so donations are welcome. This festival celebrate two of the great things about North Carolina: Barbecue and Bluegrass. There will also be a vendor village on Fayetteville Street, near … [Read more...] about 16th Annual ‘Cuegrass Festival April 18
City Soul Cafe Open Mic every Wednesday
City Soul Cafe Open Mic takes place every Wednesday, from January 7 to December 30, 2026, at 8 p.m., at Terminal 7 Bar & Lounge, 2109 Avent Ferry Road, Raleigh, North Carolina. Tickets are $10. This is Raleigh's longest-running poetry open mic, at 13 years. Poets, MCs and singers will all be sharing their talent. … [Read more...] about City Soul Cafe Open Mic every Wednesday
Free Outdoor Art Programs for Kids at NC Museum of Natural Sciences’ Prairie Ridge, and more
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences always offers free admission, but you might not be aware of the free and inexpensive events, beyond the exhibits, that it offers. You can view all their events here. Some are free and some have fees associated with them. Here are a few upcoming free and cheap events. Please follow the links to see if you need to register, and to see if there are any … [Read more...] about Free Outdoor Art Programs for Kids at NC Museum of Natural Sciences’ Prairie Ridge, and more
Board Game Night at TCB — The Corner Biergarten, Feb. 10, and more
TCB - The Corner Biergarten, 1625 N. Main St., Ste. 133, Fuquay-Varina, is a fun and dog-friendly German Taproom and Bottle Shop. Enjoy 20+ German, Craft, and Domestic Beers on tap as well as a large selection of ciders, wines and craft sodas. You can find TCB's upcoming events on their Facebook page. Upcoming Events Board Game NightTuesday, February 10, 20266 to 9:30 … [Read more...] about Board Game Night at TCB — The Corner Biergarten, Feb. 10, and more
D’s Bottle Shop: Euchre Night Feb. 25, and more
D's Bottle Shop, at 13200 Falls of Neuse Road, Raleigh, is a beer store and wine bar. It features over 500 craft beers from all over the United States and Europe. You can find their events on their website and Facebook page. Here are a couple of events... Upcoming Events Euchre NightWednesday, February 25, 20266:30 p.m.Free Easter Day Adult Egg HuntSunday, April 5, 20264:30 p.m.$5 … [Read more...] about D’s Bottle Shop: Euchre Night Feb. 25, and more
Get LIT Book Club + Book Swap at Yonder: Southern Cocktails & Brew in Hillsborough, Feb. 11, and more
Yonder: Southern Cocktails & Brew, at 114 W. King Street, Hillsborough, serves cocktails, wine and beer. It frequently hosts events like music, comedy, trivia, and open mics. There is no cover for most events. However, please tip the performers, and consider buying a CD or other merchandise if you enjoy the performance. Also, please tip your bartender. You can see everything coming up on … [Read more...] about Get LIT Book Club + Book Swap at Yonder: Southern Cocktails & Brew in Hillsborough, Feb. 11, and more
