Kick off 2026 with cozy indoor performing arts shows, gallery exhibitions and independent films — or brave the chill for some strolls outside.
by Addie Ladner

All that Jazz

“Jazz music is collaborative. You’re responding to the other musicians or the crowd’s energy, so you can hear the same band play over and over, but each time, it’s different,” says Lisa Veronica Wood of jazz fusion band Sidecar Social Club. They’ve been a fixture in Raleigh’s jazz and cabaret circuit for 15 years, along with other local legends like Al Strong and Peter Lamb and the Wolves. Raleigh’s jazz scene has experienced a resurgence over the past year, with local bars, restaurants and nightclubs hosting regular gigs and crowds filling rooms late at night to enjoy these soulful, improvisational sounds. Sidecar Social Club will play at Figulina for its jazz night on the first Sunday of the month, a revival of a favorite tradition from the restaurant’s previous incarnation as Humble Pie. Expect a lively, diverse setlist from Sidecar to enjoy alongside a special “Lasagna Lounge” menu from chef and owner David Ellis (Jan. 4; 5 – 8 p.m.; $10; 317 S. Harrington Street; figulinaraleigh.com). Boatman Spirits Co. in Seaboard Station hosts Al Strong & friends for Jazz Night every Wednesday (8 – 11 p.m.; 713 Seaboard Station Drive; boatmanspirits.com). And Moon Room in Smoky Hollow offers live jazz performances from various groups (jam sessions, too!) Wednesday through Saturday evenings (8 p.m.; 500 N. West Street, Suite 150; moonroomraleigh.com).  Beyond making time for some cozy speak-easy style musical evenings this month, read on for plenty of other ideas to kick off your year.

Take a First Day Hike at Eno River State Park

Step right into 2026 with this annual community hike hosted by the Eno River Association. Meet at the Cox Mountain Trailhead at the Eno River State Park (arrive early; the parking lot is small and fills up quickly), then check in near the Fews Ford Shelter to hear remarks from the park’s superintendent before you embark. You’ll have two choices: a 1-mile path along the Eno Trace Trail and or a 4-mile route that covers the Buckquarter Creek, Ridge and Fieldstone Trails. Afterward, enjoy complimentary hot chocolate at the picnic shelter.
Jan. 1 | 2 – 4 p.m.; Free; 6101 Cole Mill Road, Durham; enoriver.org

Explore Downtown at January’s First Friday

Don’t miss the first First Friday of the year! For the unfamiliar, this is a monthly event where dozens of area art galleries, retailers, bars and restaurants extend their hours and have special offerings to celebrate the rich culture, creativity and community in downtown Raleigh. It’s a great excuse to explore an area of downtown you don’t visit as often or haven’t been to at all. A highlight this month will be the last chance to experience the Illuminate Art Walk, a maze of captivating light installations scattered around downtown. Some examples: In Smoky Hollow, check out Downtown Dance Floor by MOSCA Design, a neon, tiled platform that changes colors as you step on it (421 N. Harrington Street); in One City Plaza, walk through Trumpet Flowers by Amigo & Amingo, a magical garden and soundscape of towering, glowing blooms that also function as gramophones (421 Fayetteville Street).
Jan. 2 | Various times; Free to attend; various locations in downtown Raleigh; downtownraleigh.org

Head to the George and Julia Brumley Family Nature Preserve for First Saturday Birding

The Triangle Land Conservancy and members of the New Hope Bird Alliance are leading the year’s first birdwatching hike through the George and Julia Brumley Family Nature Preserve. Bring your binoculars and wear comfortable shoes to enjoy a 2.5-mile trail, stopping often to observe the avian life that abounds within the state’s second-most-visited spot for birding. Pre-registration is required.
Jan. 3 | 8:30 – 11 a.m.; Free; 3055 New Hope Church Road, Chapel Hill; triangleland.org

Learn Something New at the NC Modernist Movie Series

Join fellow modern design lovers for the NC Modernist Movie Series at The Rialto on the first Tuesday of each month (now through May). Each evening features engaging documentaries celebrating modern architecture and design — plus door prizes! This month kicks off the series with a double feature. Making a Mountain is a 2020 documentary about the design and construction of CopenHill, a joint recreational spot in Copenhagen that’s also a massive power and heat waste-to-energy plant. Counterweight introduces the audience to award-winning Seattle architecture firm Olson Kundig, known for its work in kinetic design, as well as its resident “gizmologist,” Phil Turner.
Jan. 6 | 7 p.m.; Doors open at 6:15. $16; 1620 Glenwood Avenue; therialto.com

Pull Out Your Crochet Project for Knit Night at the Library

January is the perfect month to get back to that knitting project you started last year — or keep up the momentum on a current design. All skill levels are welcome to join Oberlin Regional Library’s Knitting & Crocheting Club. It meets on the second Thursday of each month, and it’s a great way to pick up tips or converse with other enthusiasts. Bring whatever you are working on and knit at your own pace at this volunteer-led session.
Jan. 8 | 6 – 8 p.m.; Free; 1930 Clark Avenue; wake.gov

See Liz Miele at Goodnights Comedy Club

Rising New York City comedian Liz Miele is making a stop at Village District comedy club Goodnights. Miele’s relatable and laughable bits are known to touch on mental health, dating life and her love of cats. The popular comedian has appeared on NPR’s Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me and been featured in The New York Times. “We’re thrilled to welcome Liz back for the fourth straight year,” says Hannah Palermo, the marketing manager at Goodnights. “Her quick wit and fearless storytelling are the perfect match for the smart, lively comedy crowd here in Raleigh.”
Jan. 9 – 11 | Various times; From $30; 401 Woodburn Road; goodnights-comedy.com

Hear Rascal Flatts at Lenovo Center

“Life is a highway…” and Rascal Flatts is about to ride it all the way to Raleigh. The longtime country music band known for bittersweet tunes like “What Hurts the Most” and “Bless the Broken Road” will be making a stop at the Lenovo Center. They’ll be joined by fellow country music artists Lauren Alaina (an American Idol alumna) and songwriter Chris Lane (from Kernersville, North Carolina), who will open the concert.
Jan. 15 | 7 p.m.; From $32; 1400 Edwards Mill Road; lenovocenter.com

Experience the Music of the Beatles with the NC Symphony

Journey back to 1969 London at this experiential Beatles tribute performance from the North Carolina Symphony and visiting vocalists Paul Loren, Colin Smith and Daniel Berryman. Hear more than 20 of the British rock band’s hits, from “Hey Jude” to “All You Need Is Love,” while you watch projections of more than 100 rarely seen archival images and videos for a completely immersive musical experience. From Jan. 16 & 17 | Various times; $70; 2 E. South Street; ncsymphony.org

Take Your Little One to Gabby’s Dollhouse LIVE!

See this wildly popular children’s TV show come to life at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium. In this stage musical, Gabby goes on an adventure after unearthing a magical acorn that needs a rainbow to grow. True to form, the scheming CatRat character has other plans — and separates all the colors in the rainbow! Gabby and her companions must find a way to put the rainbow back together and save the adorable acorn. For parents or grandparents of young children who can recite “a pinch on my left, pinch pinch on my right, grab Pandy’s hand and hold on tight,” this is a must-see.
Jan. 18 | 4 p.m.; From $66; 2 E. South Street; martinmariettacenter.com

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. around the Triangle

There are multiple ways to pay homage to the late civil-rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. in the weekend leading up to the national holiday. Two to bookmark: On Saturday, Millbrook United Methodist will host a moving reenactment of King’s speech, The Three Evils of Society, followed by group discussions, then refreshments. They’ll also have various kids’ activities (Jan. 18, 4 – 6:30 p.m.; free; 1712 Millbrook Road; millbrookumc.org). On Sunday, the City of Raleigh is hosting “When Community Comes Together,” at the John P. “Top” Greene African American Cultural Center in partnership with the North Carolina Black Women Empowered 50+ Group. Enjoy refreshments, entertainment and hands-on activities (Jan. 19; 3 – 6 p.m.; free; 401 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard; raleighnc.gov).

Bring the Kids to Astronomy Days at the Science Museum

One, two, three… blast off at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences for Astronomy Days. Themed “Passport to the Moon,” it’s two days of galactic activities like a Mars Rover-making station, solar observing opportunities (using extra-cool telescopes for safety) and the chance to make your own bottle rocket! Also get up close with materials found in space, enjoy simulated moon experiences and there may be a chance to meet real-life astronauts!
Jan. 25 & 26 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Free; 11 W. Jones Street; naturalsciences.org

Eat Your Way Through Triangle Restaurant Week

If the recent MICHELIN Guide American South announcements or regular James Beard nods are any indication, our area has an all-star culinary scene. During Triangle Restaurant Week, dozens of restaurants will offer a three-course lunch for $15 and a two- to three-course dinner for $25 to $50. It’s a great opportunity to try someplace new — or even hop over to Chapel Hill or Durham. “We’re looking forward to a fabulous turnout and new restaurants joining the line-up as the Triangle continues to grow,” says event organizer Damon Butler. “With food prices continuing to rise, diners can expect great value during this year’s 19th Triangle Restaurant Week!” The list of participating restaurants will be released closer to the date, so check the event website.
Jan. 26 – Feb. 1 | Various times; Various prices; various locations; trirestaurantweek.com

See She Who Stands at the NCMA

To bring the exhibition The Book of Esther in the Age of Rembrandt to life, the North Carolina Museum of Art commissioned the Broughton High School Dance Department to choreograph a performance inspired by Esther’s story. Nineteen students will perform the resulting dance, She Who Stands, to celebrate the Biblical queen who defied her husband to save Jewish people from genocide in the fifth century — and later became a muse for Dutch artist Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn. Betsy Graves, director of dance at Broughton High School, says she dove deep into Esther’s stories to draw inspiration for the dance’s choreography: “This concert pays tribute to the agency, courage and enduring impact of women like Esther — figures whose strength and resilience have shaped narratives across cultures and throughout history.”
 Jan. 26 | 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. Free; 2110 Blue Ridge Road; ncartmuseum.org

Head to the Rialto for Super Diamond: The Neil Diamond Tribute

Fans of the legendary musician known for classic sing-alongs like “Sweet Caroline” will love this tribute show at Five Points’ historic theater, The Rialto. San Francisco quintet Super Diamond has traveled around the country, appearing on CNN and the the pages of Rolling Stone magazine for their spirited, authentic takes on Neil Diamond songs.
Jan. 29 | 8 p.m.; Doors open at 7 p.m. From $42; 1620 Glenwood Avenue; therialto.com

Hear Appalachian Road Show

Appalachian Road Show is a folk and bluegrass powerhouse made up of five Grammy-nominated and -winning string musicians and vocalists: Jim Van Cleve, Barry Abernathy, Todd Phillips, Darrell Webb and Zeb Snyder. At this energetic performance, they’ll play songs inspired by their namesake mountains at A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater for the second show of PineCone’s Down Home Concert Series. “We’re thrilled to bring Appalachian Road Show back to Raleigh,” says David Brower, executive director of PineCone. “They’ve got a unique way of capturing both the history and spirit of life in the Appalachian Mountains through stories and songs, and they’re a lot of fun.”
Jan. 30 | 7:30 p.m.; From $25; 2 E. South Street; pinecone.org

See NC Opera’s Madama Butterfly

Hear the heart-wrenching, operatic tale of Cio-Cio-San, a Japanese woman who falls in love with an American naval officer in the early 1990s. She marries him, only to be abandoned and left to raise their son, but still longingly waits for his return. Performed in Italian, this tale of sacrifice, identity, passion and betrayal will keep the audience captivated, says Eric Mitchko, general director for the North Carolina Opera: “Puccini’s Madama Butterfly is a true masterpiece that belongs on every arts and culture lover’s ‘must-see’ list. Francesca Zambello’s production captures the intensity of human longing in a way that audiences will remember long after the final note.”
From $35; 2 E. South Street; ncopera.org

Experience the African American Cultural Celebration at NCMA

Join the North Carolina Museum of of History at its 25th annual kickoff to African American Heritage Month, this year hosted at the NCMA. Expect a showcase of artistry, culture and history through performances, demonstrations and workshops at this family-friendly event.
Jan. 31 | 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Free; 2110 Blue Ridge Road; ncmuseumofhistory.org 

This article originally appeared in the January 2026 issue of WALTER magazine.