The 20th Annual Carrboro Film Fest takes place in Carrboro, NC, Friday, February 27, to March 1, 2026. This is a rescheduled date, due to the weather forecast on the original date. 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 … [Read more...] about 20th Annual Carrboro Film Fest Feb. 27 – March 1
Festival
Black Genius Fest at Black Wall Street in Durham Feb. 28
Black Genius Fest: Architects of the Dream takes place Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Black Wall Street, West Parrish Street, Durham, North Carolina. This is a free, family-friendly celebration marking the 100th anniversary of Black History Month. Please register here. Durham's historic Parrish Street will more than 18 interactive exhibitions showcasing creativity, … [Read more...] about Black Genius Fest at Black Wall Street in Durham Feb. 28
Black Out Loud: Our Culture & Contributions Will Not Be Silenced — free event for Black History Month
Education Justice Alliance is presenting Black Out Loud: Our Culture & Contributions Will Not Be Silenced, on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 2 to 5 p.m., at Southeast Raleigh YMCA, 1436 Rock Quarry Road, Raleigh, North Carolina. This is a free event. Please reserve your spot here. Commemorate 100 years since the beginning of what we now celebrate as Black History Month! This year’s … [Read more...] about Black Out Loud: Our Culture & Contributions Will Not Be Silenced — free event for Black History Month
25th Annual African American Cultural Celebration — held at North Carolina Museum of Art Feb. 28
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, February 28, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This is a rescheduled date, due to the weather forecast for January 31. This … [Read more...] about 25th Annual African American Cultural Celebration — held at North Carolina Museum of Art Feb. 28
For the Culture Food Truck Festival in Durham Feb. 28
The Throwdown Events and Entertainment is presenting For the Culture Food Truck Festival on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 3 to 10 p.m., at Durham Central Park, 501 Foster Street, Durham, North Carolina. This free event is in celebration of Black History Month and will showcase some of the best Black-owned food trucks, as well as Black artisans and vendors. … [Read more...] about For the Culture Food Truck Festival in Durham Feb. 28
9th Annual Darkness RISING Block Party — an arts & mental health event May 23
Darkness RISING: Live is an annual FREE music and mental health event in its 9th year. This block party celebrates wellness, the arts and community and features powerful performances, free resources and joy! The 2026 event is made possible by HealthLit4Wake. Darkness RISING takes place Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 1 to 5 p.m., at Moore Square, 201 S Blount Street, Raleigh, North … [Read more...] about 9th Annual Darkness RISING Block Party — an arts & mental health event May 23
8th Annual Chicken Festival in Siler City May 2
Siler City and Siler City Parks and Recreation Department present the 8th Annual Spring Chicken Festival on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in Downtown Siler City. Admission is free. The Spring Chicken Festival will take place on three blocks of Chatham Street, between Beaver Street and Third Street. The festival typically features: … [Read more...] about 8th Annual Chicken Festival in Siler City May 2
Durham Mardi Gras Feb. 17 — live music, parade, jam sessions and dancing
Durham celebrates Mardi Gras in a big way. The main event is always on Fat Tuesday, which is February 17, 2026. It is FREE and open to the public. The places you can expect updates are the Bulltown Stutters' Facebook page and Durham Mardi Gras' Facebook page. Durham Mardi Gras The main event will take place on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. All these events are free to attend. Here's what … [Read more...] about Durham Mardi Gras Feb. 17 — live music, parade, jam sessions and dancing
Mardi Gras Festival at The Plant in Pittsboro Feb. 13-14
The Plant, at 192 Lorax Lane, Pittsboro, North Carolina, is hosting a weekend long Mardi Gras Festival, from February 28 to March 2, 2025. The celebration includes a costume parade, king cakes, live music, vendor markets and more. Read on for the details. Friday, February 13, 2026 Saturday, February 14, 2026 12 to 6 p.m. Look for updates on the Facebook event. … [Read more...] about Mardi Gras Festival at The Plant in Pittsboro Feb. 13-14
Mardi Gras Celebrations in the Triangle
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No matter how you like to celebrate Mardi Gras, there's a party for you in the Triangle. Learn about a couple of the major events and then keep reading for a day by day list of Mardi Gras events that are free or cheap to attend in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and beyond. Drinks are on you though! Fat Tuesday is on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, but events take place on other dates as well. We … [Read more...] about Mardi Gras Celebrations in the Triangle
