There’s lots of fun packed into the 28 days of February, 2026!
Plan your month with this list of the top things to do this February in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and the rest of the Triangle.
We are highlighting several major events (or groups of events) this month. After the highlights, check out the full calendar of February events.
Of course, we focus on the “free and cheap” here, so none of these events are too pricey, and many are free.
Groundhog Day at White Deer Park
Groundhog Day Celebration
Date: Monday, February 2, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Place: White Deer Park, 2400 Aversboro Road, Garner, NC
Cost: NC
Features: Watch Snerd, the groundhog, make her weather prediction at 12 pm. The festivities also feature live animals, educational activities, Smokey Bear, a storytime and more.
Lunar New Year Market
Lunar New Year Market
Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Place: Raleigh Iron Works, 2200 Atlantic Avenue, Raleigh, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Celebrate the Year of the Horse at this cultural celebration. Shop from Asian American and Pacific Islander owned businesses and enjoy Asian food from food trucks.
National Girls & Women in Sports Day Clinic
National Girls and Women in Sports Day Clinic
Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Place: Cameron Indoor Stadium, 115 Whitford Drive, Durham, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Kids (boys and girls) in 1st to 8th grade are welcome to this sports clinic with athletes from Duke University women’s varsity sports. Registration is recommended.
Gold Medal Games
Gold Medal Games
Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026
Time: 1 to 5 p.m.
Place: Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy Street, Cary, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Celebrate the Winter Olympics with hands-on games and activities, like the inflatable curling board, slap shot booth, VR skiing and more. Team USA events will be streaming.
National “Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast” Day
National Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day
Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026
Time: Morning (time varies)
Place: Varies
Cost: Varies
Features: Several ice cream shops will open early, offering breakfast-themed ice cream treats.
Astronomy Days
Astronomy Days
Date: February 7 and 8, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day
Place: North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
Cost: Free
Features: Explore the wonders of the universe through technology, telescopes, engaging talks by scientists, and hands-on activities.
Black History Month
Black History Month
Date: All throughout February
Time: Varies
Place: Varies
Cost: Varies, but most events are free
Features: Learn about and celebrate Black history through concerts, special tours, film, kids’ activities, pop-up museums and much more.
“I Heart Books” Kids’ Valentine’s Event
Book Harvest’s “I Heart Books” Kids’ Valentine’s Event
Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026
Time: 1 to 4 p.m.
Place: Book Harvest, 2501 University Drive, Durham, N
Cost: Free
Features: Free books for kids, crafts, treats, more
French Film Festival
French Film Festival with Francophone Studies at Duke University
Date: February 5, 6, 7, 10, 13
Time: 7 p.m., except the February 7 film, which is at 4 p.m.
Place: Rubenstein Arts Center, 2020 Campus Drive, Durham, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Films are in French and subtitled in English. Introductions and after-film Q&As will be in English.
Super Bowl Parties
Super Bowl Parties
Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026
Time: Kickoff is 6:30 p.m. Parties usually start earlier
Place: Varies
Cost: Most are free, but some may be ticketed
Features: Watch parties, food specials, potlucks, more
BEERthoven with The Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle
BEERthoven
Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Place: Atomic Clock Brewing, 501 Washington Street, Durham, NC
Cost: Donations
Features: Features guest artists, The Verona Quartet
Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day
Date: Valentine’s Day is February 14, but events may be held on other days
Time: Varies
Place: Varies
Cost: Varies
Features: Parties, restaurant specials, date ideas, more
Mardi Gras Celebrations
Mardi Gras Celebrations in the Triangle
Date: Events are from February 13 to 21, 2026
Time: Varies
Place: Various places: Raleigh, Durham, Pittsboro and more
Cost: Most are free
Features: Parades, live music, beads and much more.
Geek Garage Sale
Geek Garage Sale
Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026
Time: 12 to 3 p.m.
Place: Atomic Empire 3400 Westgate Drive, Durham, NC
Cost: Free to shop. $5 to reserve a table to sell. (Sellers must register in advance, and are selected by a lottery.)
Features: Shop for board games, toys and other geeky items.
African American Cultural Celebration
25th Annual African American Cultural Celebration
Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026 (rescheduled date)
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Place: North Carolina Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC
Cost: Free
Features: This festival celebrates Black History Month with performances, panels, storytelling and more. It takes place inside and outside. (It’s taking place at NC Museum of Art this year because NC Museum of History is closed for renovations.)
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