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
Festival
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
Lunar New Year 2026 — how to celebrate the Year of the Horse in the Triangle
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
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
