There’s lots of fun packed into the 28 days of February, 2025!
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.
Lunar New Year Market
Lunar New Year Market
Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025
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 Snake at this cultural celebration. Shop from Asian American and Pacific Islander owned businesses and enjoy Asian food from food trucks.
MLK Black History Month Parade
MLK Black History Parade
Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025
Time: 12 p.m.
Place: Fayetteville Street, Durham, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Marching bands, floats, drill and step teams, dance groups, much more.
GLOW Under the Silver Moon Lantern Parade
GLOW Under the Silver Moon Lantern Parade
Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025
Time: 6 p.m.
Place: Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy Street, Cary, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Parade through Downtown Cary Park with glowing lanterns. The parade will be followed by music and performances featuring Bulltown Strutters, One Tribe Rhythms, and Caroleeena’s Circle of Joy.
National “Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast” Day
National Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day
Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025
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 1 and 2, 2025
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.
Groundhog Day at White Deer Park
Groundhog Day Celebration
Date: Sunday, February 2, 2025
Time: 1 to 3:15 p.m.
Place: White Deer Park, 2400 Aversboro Road, Garner, NC
Cost: NC
Features: Watch Snerd, the groundhog, make her weather prediction at 3 pm. The festivities also feature live animals, educational activities, Smokey Bear, a storytime and more.
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 8, 2025
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 1, 6, 7, 8, and 13, 2025
Time: 7 p.m., except the February 1 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 9, 2025
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
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
TICA Time Cat Show
TICA Time Cat Show
Date: February 15 and 16, 2025
Time: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Place: Holshouser Building on the NC State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC
Cost: $15 for adults; $10 for seniors (60+); $7 for children (5-12.)
Features: Watch the judging of the cat show, cheer on your favorite cats, shop for cat toys and accessories, and adopt cats and kittens.
Geek Garage Sale
Geek Garage Sale
Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025
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.
Features: Shop for board games, toys and other geeky items.
