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 rescheduled to Feb. 7 and 8
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences' Astronomy Days will take place February 7 and 8, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. These are rescheduled dates, due to the winter weather on the scheduled dates. 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 … [Read more...] about Astronomy Days at North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences rescheduled to Feb. 7 and 8
Gold Medal Games at Downtown Cary Park Feb. 7
Celebrate the Olympic Winter Games at Downtown Cary Park's Gold Medal Games on February 7, 2026, from 1 to 5 p.m. This is a free event for all ages. No registration is required. Downtown Cary Park is at 327 S Academy Street, Cary, North Carolina. Bundle up for a winter games–themed celebration full of fun, competition, and creativity! Cheer on Team USA as they chase the gold, then step into … [Read more...] about Gold Medal Games at Downtown Cary Park Feb. 7
EagleFest at Jordan Lake rescheduled to Feb. 7
Jordan Lake, at 2060 Jordan Dam Road, Moncure, North Carolina, is celebrating its population of Bald Eagles with its second annual EagleFest. It's been rescheduled to February 7, 2026, due to the winter weather on January 24 and January 31. 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 eagles. In the … [Read more...] about EagleFest at Jordan Lake rescheduled to Feb. 7
Smithfield Ham & Yam Festival May 2
The Smithfield Ham & Yam Festival takes place Saturday, May 2, 2026, in Historic Downtown Smithfield. Smithfield is in Johnston County, about a 34 minute drive southeast of Raleigh. Check back soon for the schedule. The festival features a full day of art, music, kids' activities, food and more. A popular feature of the festival is the "What's That Yam Thing?" in which children turn … [Read more...] about Smithfield Ham & Yam Festival May 2
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
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
Raleigh’s International Food Festival June 6
Great news for the Triangle! Raleigh's International Food Festival is returning! It will take place Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., at City Plaza, 420 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh. This very popular festival will feature a wide variety of international food, international beer and wine, international performers and more. Over 50 countries will be represented and there will be … [Read more...] about Raleigh’s International Food Festival June 6
Taste of Soul in Durham May 23
The popular food festival Taste of Soul holds several food and merchant events throughout the year in Durham and Raleigh, NC. Taste of Soul NC is the ultimate cookout experience, with food, merchants, DJ, live performances, and bounce houses Admission is free. You just pay for your food and drink. The next Taste of Soul NC event takes place on May 23, 2026, from 3 to 8 p.m., at Durham … [Read more...] about Taste of Soul in Durham May 23
40th Kwanzaa Fest in Durham Jan 1
The African American Dance Ensemble is hosting the 40th Kwanzaa Fest on Thursday, January 1, 2026, from 12 to 5:30 p.m., at Durham Armory, 212 Foster Street, Durham, North Carolina. The doors open at 12 p.m. and performances will start at 2 p.m. This is a free event. Enjoy performances, a marketplace, art, a drum circle, dance, music, poetry, food and more. In memory of Baba Chuck Davis, … [Read more...] about 40th Kwanzaa Fest in Durham Jan 1
