February in Raleigh and the Triangle is packed with exciting things to do, from family-friendly museum weekends and local festivals to Lunar New Year celebrations, active races, major concerts, and Valentine’s Day events.

Whether you are searching for the best events in Raleigh this weekend, planning a family outing, or looking for unique Triangle experiences, this February events roundup has something for everyone.

Here are the top events happening across Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Morrisville, and beyond throughout February 2026, organized by date.

February Events in Raleigh and the Triangle (By Date)

February 6: First Friday Raleigh (Downtown)

Kick off February with one of Raleigh’s most iconic monthly traditions. First Friday brings thousands downtown to explore art galleries, studios, live music, vendor markets, restaurant specials, and creative community events.

Downtown Raleigh
Perfect for: Art lovers, families, date nights

February 7: Markets, Festivals, and Iconic Raleigh Events

February 7 is one of the busiest Saturdays of the month, filled with markets, cultural celebrations, and Raleigh traditions.

Gold Medal Games at Downtown Cary Park

Watch live Olympic coverage while joining interactive games and challenges for all ages.

Downtown Cary Park
Family-friendly and active

Women’s Makers Market at Transfer Co. Food Hall

Shop local vendors and support women-owned small businesses.

Transfer Co. Food Hall, Raleigh
Time: Noon to 3 pm

Lover’s Lane Valentine’s Market

Enjoy food, live music, and local vendors in a romantic setting.

Rosecomb Beer Garden, Cary
Time: 3 pm to 8 pm

Lunar New Year Market at Raleigh Iron Works

Celebrate the Lunar New Year while shopping AAPI-owned businesses and enjoying delicious food.

Raleigh Iron Works
Cultural spotlight event

Krispy Kreme Challenge (Downtown Raleigh)

A legendary Raleigh tradition: run five miles, eat a dozen donuts, and support the NC Children’s Hospital.

Downtown Raleigh
Perfect for: Active events, iconic Raleigh experiences

Mardi Gras Masquerade Prom for Adults (21+)

The City of Raleigh hosts a vibrant Mardi Gras celebration with music, masks, and a glamorous party atmosphere.

Raleigh
Best for: Nightlife + themed fun

February 7–8: Astronomy Days at NC Museum of Natural Sciences

One of Raleigh’s most popular winter family weekends returns with telescopes, stargazing, special guests, and hands-on science activities for kids and adults alike.

Downtown Raleigh
Perfect for: Families, science lovers, unique winter events

Black History Month Events and Celebrations in Raleigh (February 2026)

February is Black History Month, and Raleigh offers meaningful ways to celebrate, learn, and support the rich history and culture of the city’s African American community. From museum programming to historic landmarks, here are some of the top Black History Month spotlights happening throughout February.

African American Cultural Celebration at the NC Museum of Art

One of the Triangle’s biggest annual Black History Month events, the African American Cultural Celebration brings the community together through live performances, storytelling, visual art, and family-friendly activities. This is a powerful celebration of Black culture, creativity, and heritage in Raleigh.

North Carolina Museum of Art
Perfect for: Families, cultural events, supporting local Black artists

Black History Month Programming Across Raleigh

Throughout February, the City of Raleigh and local museums host exhibits, educational programs, and community events honoring African American history and achievement.

Locations across Raleigh
Great for: Local history and free cultural experiences

Explore Raleigh’s African American Historic Landmarks

Black History Month is also the perfect time to visit some of Raleigh’s most important historic sites, including:

• Shaw University, one of the oldest historically Black universities in the South
• Estey Hall, the first building in the U.S. built for the education of Black women
• The Pope House Museum, showcasing Black excellence and leadership in Raleigh’s history

Support Black-Owned Businesses in Raleigh

One of the most impactful ways to honor Black History Month is by supporting Black-owned restaurants, shops, wellness brands, and makers throughout Raleigh all month long.

Best of Raleigh Tip: Black History Month events fill up quickly, so plan ahead and check back for additional announcements.

February 8: CAFA Chinese New Year Gala

The largest Lunar New Year celebration in North Carolina, featuring stunning performances in dance, music, opera, and cultural tradition.

Raleigh Memorial Auditorium
One of the top cultural events of February

February 11: Lunar Lantern Lab (Morrisville)

Craft lanterns, zodiac-themed art, and festive decorations during this joyful Lunar New Year community celebration.

Morrisville Town Hall
Family-friendly + hands-on fun

February 12: Galentine’s Celebration

Join The Best of Raleigh, The Coley Group, ILUMRA Skin, and Kendra Alley for a special Galentine’s Night celebration.

ILUMRA Skin
Time: 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Perfect for: Girls night out + local partnerships

RSVP HERE

February 13: Comedy, Valentines Events, and Rodeo Weekend

Katt Williams: The Golden Age Tour

See the comedian live on stage at Lenovo Center.

Lenovo Center, Raleigh

Pals & Gals Vintage Valentines Party

Create vintage-inspired cards, sip drinks, and enjoy chocolates at the City of Raleigh Museum.

COR Museum
Fun and creative Valentine outing

February 13–14: The Raleigh Stampede Rodeo

A full rodeo weekend featuring bronc riding, roping, barrel racing, and bull riding.

Raleigh
Family-friendly thrill event

February 14: Valentine’s Day + Mardi Gras Celebrations

Wicked Trivia Night at Ponysaurus Brewing Co.

Valentine’s themed trivia hosted by Geeks Who Drink.
Ponysaurus Brewing, Durham

Cupid Run 5K (Knightdale)

A festive 5K with medals, gifts, and community fun.

Knightdale Station Park
Active + family-friendly

Mardi Gras Live! (Cary)

Creole-inspired bites, specialty cocktails, beads, masks, and a King Cake eating contest.

Sports & Social Cary
Food and festival vibes

Valentine’s Date Night in the Park

A free Valentine celebration with crafts, live music, and food trucks.

Downtown Cary Park
Perfect for couples and families

February 16: School BreakOUT at Downtown Cary Park

A full day of family fun with crafts, interactive booths, and kid-friendly activities.

Cary
Best for: School break plans

February 17–22: Hell’s Kitchen Musical at DPAC

A hit musical inspired by Alicia Keys, filled with powerful storytelling and unforgettable music.

DPAC, Durham
Perfect for: Date nights and theater lovers

February 20: Andrea Bocelli in Raleigh

Andrea Bocelli brings the Romanza 30th Anniversary World Tour to Lenovo Center.

Lenovo Center
One of Raleigh’s biggest concerts of the year

February 21–22: Huge Weekend of Family Fun

Cupid’s Undie Run (Durham)

A charity run supporting those affected by NF.

Motorco Music Hall
Active + community fundraiser

FairyTale Tea at Marbles Kids Museum

Dress in your storybook best and enjoy magical treats and character encounters.

Marbles Kids Museum, Raleigh
Top family-friendly February event

Monster Jam at Lenovo Center

Monster trucks race, compete, and perform massive stunts all weekend long.

Lenovo Center
Perfect for kids and high-energy fun

Collegiate A Cappella Quarterfinals

Real-life Pitch Perfect performances live on stage.

Carolina Theatre, Durham
Unique Triangle entertainment

February 22: Chili Cook-Off at Ponysaurus Brewing Co.

Amateur chili cooks battle to be crowned the Triangle’s Chili Champion.

Ponysaurus Brewing, Durham
Perfect for: Foodies + festival lovers

February 26: Chris Botti Live in Durham

Grammy-winning trumpeter Chris Botti performs at the Carolina Theatre.

Durham
A must for live music fans

February 27: Players Retreat 75th Anniversary Celebration

A legendary Raleigh institution celebrates with throwback pricing and a packed local crowd.

Hillsborough Street
Perfect for: Raleigh food history + iconic bars

 

Best of Raleigh February Top Picks

If you only attend a few events this month, here are our must-dos:

• Astronomy Days (Feb 7–8)
• Krispy Kreme Challenge (Feb 7)
• Black History Month Cultural Celebration at NCMA
• Galentine’s Celebration (Feb 12)
• Andrea Bocelli Concert (Feb 20)
• FairyTale Tea at Marbles (Feb 21–22)
• Players Retreat Anniversary (Feb 27)

Stay Connected with Best of Raleigh

We will be sharing weekly weekend event roundups, food spotlights, and local favorites across Raleigh and the Triangle all month long.