This month in the Triangle, enjoy flower-forward events, fundraising galas, St. Patrick’s Day and of course, college basketball!
by Addie Ladner

Slam Dunk!

“We have some of the best college basketball in the country right here — if you’re a fan, this is your month,” says The News & Observer photographer Robert Willett. He’s been covering sports for the N&O for more than 40 years and has witnessed some epic moments in that time. Among the highlights: being on Hillsborough Street to cover the reaction when North Carolina State University won its second NCAA title in 1983, narrowly beating Houston with a Hail Mary shot right as the buzzer dinged. “I was out there from 7 p.m to 7 a.m.; I remember my editor biking over to pick up my film,” says Willett. He was in New Orleans in 2022, the only time rivals Duke University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have played each other in a Final Four tournament (it was also Coach K’s last game). “I never thought I’d get to experience that,” he says. UNC and Duke are among the top five teams in terms of NCAA championship titles, with six and five respectively, and each of our local teams has reached the Final Four at least once in the last three years. Keep an eye out for the 68 NCAA tournament selections to be announced March 15, with the first game on March 17. Other than some basketball spectating, read on for other things happening this month including St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, floral festivals, performing art shows and more.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day!

There are multiple ways to celebrate one of our country’s favorite adopted holidays. Throughout the month, take part in Irish performances, libations, food and fanfare. Kick it off March 1 with A Taste of Ireland at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts for an evening of Celtic tunes and dance with performances by former World Irish Dance champions. (3 p.m.; 2 E. South Street; martinmariettacenter.com) On Saturday, March 14, enjoy our city’s 42nd annual St. Patrick’s Day parade downtown. It starts off at the intersection of McDowell and Hillsborough Streets by the State Capitol building and ends on Glenwood South at Hibernian, the host of the official afterparty. (10 a.m.; free; downtown Raleigh; raleighstpats.org) On actual St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, head to Tra’Li Irish Pub for authentic music, performances by the Inish Cairde School of Dance, pub food and flowing pints. (5 – 10:30 p.m.; free admission; 10370 Moncreiffe Road #109; traliirishpub.com)

See Música, Música, Máximo, Música at Raleigh Little Theatre

Take the kids to this lively and interactive show hosted by Máximo and his sidekick, a kitten named Mandito who plays the ukulele. Expect to dance, sing and learn some Spanish along the way at this program designed for kids under 5. Arrive early to take advantage of some music- and theater-themed activities beforehand. It’s produced by Raleigh Little Theatre’s Theatre for the Very Young program, designed to help young kids with emotional and cognitive development through performing arts.
March 4 – 15 | Various times; From $7; 301 Pogue Street; raleighlittletheatre.org

Watch the Raleigh Firebirds take on the D.C. Heat

College players aren’t the only basketball stars enjoying some excitement this month. Raleigh’s Firebirds, our local semi-pro team in TBL (The Basketball League), are kicking off their season at Chavis Memorial Park. They won the 2025 South Atlantic Division Championship last year, so they are heading into this season with some good momentum. Before they take on the Heat from Washington, D.C., enjoy Firebird Fest, where you can meet the players and enjoy live music from the Helping Hand Mission Band, food trucks and giveaways.
March 7 | 4 p.m.; Free; 505 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard; raleighfirebirds.net

Shop at Raleigh’s Underground Market

Do some spring shopping at Midtown North Hills Park at this lively market. For its first session of the season (held on the second Sunday of the month), enjoy live music from jazz and R&B artist Riley Rae, face painting for kids, diverse food trucks, Umbrella Dry Bar’s non-alcoholic concoctions and brews from Bond Brothers Brewery.
March 8 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Free; 4011 Cardinal at N. Hills Street; makrs.com

See Carolina Ballet’s Snow White

Carolina Ballet returns to the stage this month with its production of the fairy tale Snow White. Centered around themes of jealousy, inner beauty and self-reflection, the dance company’s annual production of this timeless tale features beautiful costumes, contemporary choreography and an all-new, original score by composer Shinji Takane Eshima, who is visiting from California.
March 12 – 29 | Various times; From $38; 2 E. South Street; carolinaballet.com

Head to the Arboretum for Art and Blooms

Look to spring’s ephemeral blooms for inspiration for this neat art class at North Carolina State University’s JC Raulston Arboretum. Artist and arboretum volunteer Debra Singer-Harter will lead the class in painting handmade cards inspired by the plants at the arboretum using watercolors. All supplies are provided for participants to make three original pieces of stationery, and no experience is required for this easy, spring-inspired craft.
March 13 | 1 – 3 p.m.; $25; 4415 Beryl Road; jcra.ncsu.edu

Eat Your Way Through the Food Truck Rodeo

Looking for an excuse to go to the mall? Check out this food truck rodeo at Triangle Town Center hosted by NC Throwdown, an events production company known for its family-friendly, high-energy experiences. Beyond the more than 20 food vendors offering everything from empanadas to gelato to poke bowls to cupcakes, kids will love the bouncy house and adults will love the designated covered dining area. It’s held in the parking lot between Dillard’s and Barnes & Noble.
March 14 & 21 | 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Free admission; 5959 Triangle Town Boulevard; triangletowncenter.com

Take a Trip to Prime BBQ

Rain or shine, from Tuesday to Saturday, there’s a line wrapped around the building at Prime Barbecue in Knightdale. Folks show up as early as 8 a.m., even though the doors don’t open until 11 a.m., because the restaurant’s only open until the last slice of brisket is served. It’s no surprise to owner and pitmaster Christopher Prieto. “I wanted to create a barbecue mecca — a big destination restaurant where everyone could come and experience the different techniques and traditions behind barbecue,” he says in our March issue. Get the details before you go here.

See Dancing with the Stars Live at DPAC!

Do you know what DWTS stands for? Then you will be thrilled to hear that the spin-off tour started by celebrity dancer Derek Hough is making a stop in Durham. See veteran performers from Dancing with the Stars like Valentin Chmerkovskiy and Brandon Armstrong, along with some fan favorite performances and, of course, all the dazzling costumes. Actress, dancer and producer Elaine Hendrix (you may recognize her as the stepmom from 1998’s The Parent Trap) will be the host for this stop on the tour.
March 15 | 4 p.m.; From $313; DPAC, 123 Vivian Street; dpacnc.com

Head to NCMA for Art in Bloom

The North Carolina Museum of Art’s annual five-day fundraiser and celebration of all things floral is back! This year’s theme is Written in the Stars, so get ready for 11 cosmically inspired arrangements throughout the galleries, in addition to the dozens of bouquets inspired by works in the collections. As NCMA director and CEO Valerie Hillings says: “Art in Bloom provides a singular museum experience to those we serve, and I can’t wait to see how visitors enjoy this year’s delightful arrangements and offerings.” In addition to the flower installations, there are many other star-studded events. March 18 and 19, the NCMA Cafe will be hosting a themed lunch menu, Bloom and Bite. (10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.; various prices; must show Art in Bloom ticket for admission to cafe) And on March 18, the Starry Night Designer Reception (6:30 – 9 p.m; from $135) is a swanky cocktail party and a chance to meet with the floral designers in your favorite fancy flower-themed attire.
March 18 – 22 | Various times; From $45; 2110 Blue Ridge Road; ncartmuseum.org

See John the Ladder at Berkeley Cafe

“For listeners who enjoy discovering artists, this show feels part concert, part living-room reading, part late-night radio transmission,” says musician Wallace Cochran of his upcoming show at Berkeley Cafe. Wallace has been in the songwriting and music scene for over 20 years, sharing his narrative, genre-blending tunes. “My music lives somewhere between folk, art-rock and Americana, powered by story, atmosphere and a polite refusal to change or grow,” he says. Operating under the name John the Ladder, he’s collaborated with and produced songs for the likes of Jack White’s record label Third Man Records and indie acts like Tune-Yards and Dirty Projectors. For this unique two-hour show, titled Two Hours. Three Chords. Ten Thousand Words, hear a collection of his songs in the local stalwart Berkeley Cafe’s relaxed atmosphere.
March 20 | 8:30 p.m.; Free admission; 428 S. Dawson Street; facebook.com/berkeleyraleigh

Feed the Birds

This month, welcome nature’s song into your garden with thoughtful planting of berry-producing shrubs and other food sources shares Helen Yoest in her March issue’s garden column.

Hear Caroline Jones at Pour House

Promoting her recent album Good Omen, retro country musician Caroline Jones is making a stop at downtown music venue The Pour House along with Nashville-based string instrumentalist Mary Meyer, who performs as MAIR. Jones has toured with a range of country and rock musicians, including Zac Brown Band, Jimmy Buffett and Kenny Chesney.
March 21 | 9 p.m.; 224 S. Blount Street; pourhouseraleigh.com

Sip Your Way Through the Raleigh Tea Festival

Maywood Hall will be transformed into a tea-lovers’ paradise for this first-of-its-kind festival in Raleigh. Whether you like a simple herbal chamomile tea, rich black tea or a more complex Japanese Gyokuro, this event is for you. A ticket grants you access to the event, a tasting cup, samples and dibs on various both tea-focused and general wellness workshops happening throughout the event. Also, take advantage of meeting local tea makers and sampling their unique creations.
March 22 | 9 a.m.; $18; 622 Maywood Avenue; trophybrewing.com/maywood-hall

photo credit: NC State Athletics

Watch the Raleigh Relays at NC State

Runners will enjoy this multiple-day event at the Paul H. Derr Track at North Carolina State University. Collegiate athletes from all over the country will come to compete in a variety of track and field events, including 800-meter sprint, 4×100-meter relay, high jump and shot put.
March 26 – 28 | Various times; Free; 2481 Cates Avenue; gopack.com 

Check Out One of Raleigh’s Oldest Bars and Restaurants

We all love to get excited when a new bar or restaurant opens — but as anyone in the hospitality business knows, the true test is if you can convince people to come year after year. That takes a special combination of craveable food (be it a greasy burger, classic barbecue or fine-dining cuisine), a distinct atmosphere and service that makes you want to visit again and again. That’s why we’re celebrating the “30 Over 30,” aka Raleigh bars and restaurants that have been around for 30 or more years. (Some of them date back to, fittingly, the 1930s!) From a fine-dining establishment in a Victorian-era home to a watering hole best for watching college sports, these are Raleigh’s oldest bars and restaurants. 

Support the No Women, No Girl Initiative at A Gala For Dignity

Founded by Shirnetta Harrell, The No Woman, No Girl Initiative works to make sure women in need have access to basic hygiene items like menstrual products, dental hygiene items and other basic toiletries like shampoo and conditioner. Through this program, women who can receive these items at no cost, with no questions asked. This month, No Woman, No Girl will host a black-tie fundraising gala to celebrate its fifth birthday. Hosted at Raleigh Union Station, expect live music, an auction, food and wine, with funds benefiting the launch of the Dignity Program, a safe shopping experience for women in need.
March 27 | 6 p.m.; $250; 510 W. Martin Street; nowomannogirl.org

Take the Kids to See Dog Man: The Musical

Are your kids Dav Pilkey-obsessed? If you aren’t familiar, he’s the mastermind behind the popular book series “Cat Kid Comic Club,” “Captain Underpants” and “Dog Man.” This stage adaptation of the sweet, funny “Dog Man” series will be brought to life with song and dance. It follows the intriguing adventures of Dog Man, who is part canine, part police man. He assigns the responsibility of keeping his community safe, often going up against his nemesis, a cat named Petey.
March 28 | 3 p.m.; From $45; 2 E. South Street; martinmariettacenter.com

Support the Reese Ward Foundation at its Hope in Bloom Ball

Following a successful inaugural year, The Reese Ward Foundation is hosting its second charity gala, The Hope in Bloom Ball, at Prestonwood Country Club. Step into a whimsical world of garden beauty and enjoy cocktails and cuisine, gorgeous installations and live entertainment. All funds go toward the American Cancer Society and the Melanoma Research Foundation in honor of Reese Ward, who lost his life to cancer in 2022.
March 28 | 6 – 11 p.m.; From $250; 300 Prestonwood Parkway, Cary; reesewardfoundation.com  

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