The Lunar New Year takes place February 17, 2026, and is celebrated for several weeks, starting in late January. Although commonly referred to as Chinese New Year, it's also celebrated in other Asian countries, especially Vietnam and Korea. 2026 is the Year of the Horse in most Asian countries! If you were born in 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, or 1942, after the Lunar New Year (late … [Read more...] about Lunar New Year 2026 — how to celebrate the Year of the Horse in the Triangle
Festival
Astronomy Days at North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences Jan. 24 and 25
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences' Astronomy Days will take place January 24 and 25, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The theme of Astronomy Days this years is Passport to the Moon. The two days will be packed with lunar-focused programming. The festival takes place at North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 West Jones Street, Raleigh, in both Nature Exploration Center … [Read more...] about Astronomy Days at North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences Jan. 24 and 25
Lunar New Year Festival with TACAS Jan 24
The Triangle's largest Chinese New Year celebration returns in 2026! Celebrate the year of the horse! The 2026 NC TACAS Lunar New Year Festival takes place Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will be at Dorton Arena at the North Carolina Sate Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC. Tickets are $10 in advance and $13 at the door. Kids under age 6 are admitted for … [Read more...] about Lunar New Year Festival with TACAS Jan 24
2nd Annual EagleFest at Jordan Lake — celebration of bald eagles
Jordan Lake, at 2060 Jordan Dam Road, Moncure, North Carolina, is celebrating its population of Bald Eagles with its second annual EagleFest in January, 2026. There will be events from January 19 to 24, 2026. We're listing a couple of them below, but follow the Jordan Lake website and Jordan Lake Facebook page for more announcements. Jordan Lake is home to at least 25 nesting pairs of bald … [Read more...] about 2nd Annual EagleFest at Jordan Lake — celebration of bald eagles
20th Annual Carrboro Film Fest January 23-25
The 20th Annual Carrboro Film Fest takes place in Carrboro, NC, January 24 to 25, 2026. The festival is a celebration of independent cinema, presenting Southern films in a non-competitive setting. Tickets are $8 for individual screenings and $45 for a festival pass. The screenings take place at Drakeford Library Complex, 203 South Greensboro Street, Carrboro, North Carolina. Purchase … [Read more...] about 20th Annual Carrboro Film Fest January 23-25
25th Annual African American Cultural Celebration — held at North Carolina Museum of Art on Jan. 31
North Carolina Museum of History's 25th Annual African American Cultural Celebration will take place at North Carolina Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, North Carolina, since the NC Museum of History is closed for renovation. The festival takes place Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This is a free event. This festival is the kickoff to Black History … [Read more...] about 25th Annual African American Cultural Celebration — held at North Carolina Museum of Art on Jan. 31
Tet Vietnamese New Year Festival Jan 18
Celebrate the Vietnamese New Year at the Tet Vietnamese Year Festival on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Dorton Arena, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, North Carolina. Daytime festivities are from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Admission is $20. Those under age 7 or over 75 are admitted for free. The festival typically features: Follow The Vietnamese American Association of Raleigh on Facebook for … [Read more...] about Tet Vietnamese New Year Festival Jan 18
Celebrate Smithfield — International Culture Fair March 14
Historic Downtown Smithfield, NC, is presenting the first annual Celebrate Smithfield: International Culture Fair on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The community is invited to explore and celebrate the diverse cultures and traditions that have shaped Smithfield into the vibrant and unique town it is today. The International Culture Fair showcases the rich heritage of … [Read more...] about Celebrate Smithfield — International Culture Fair March 14
10th Annual North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival
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
Fest in the West — Western Cary’s Signature Festival — April 18
Fest in the West is a free festival in Western Cary on Saturday, April 18, 2026. It takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Mills Park, 501 Mills Park Drive, Cary, North Carolina. Get ready for an active day of learning and fun! Fest in the West is a family-friendly festival designed for parents who seek engaging activities for their children. This event aims to unite the community in the heart … [Read more...] about Fest in the West — Western Cary’s Signature Festival — April 18
