What to Do in February In and Around Raleigh

This month, honor our city’s Black history, catch unique theatrical productions, enjoy fine wine and celebrate Valentine’s Day.
by Addie Ladner

Walk with History

“It has taken me almost a lifetime to discover that true emancipation lies in the acceptance of the whole past, in deriving my strength from all my roots, in facing up to the degradation as well as the dignity of my ancestors,” said the late Pauli Murray, a priest, attorney and Civil Rights leader. Murray’s words are etched in the stone walls at Freedom Park (218 N. Wilmington Street), one of several public tributes to Black history in our city. A few miles away is Oberlin Rising (809 Oberlin Road), a cluster of earthcast columns by Raleigh artist Thomas Sayre that nods to the nearby historic Black neighborhood of Oberlin Village. Further south, in East Raleigh, is a life-size sculpture of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. near a fountain inscribed with his words (1215 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard). Built in 1957, it was the country’s first public park devoted to the legend. As indicated above, Black History is all around us in The City of Oaks. Take some time to explore these landmarks in honor of Black History Month in addition to checking out some of our other pics for things to do in February below.

See the Living in Color Artist Exhibition at Dix Park

In observation of Black History Month, Dorothea Dix Park has joined Raleigh Film and Arts Festival to present the 2025 Living in Color Artist Exhibit. The exhibition will feature a curated collection of works from both professional and student artists, all exploring the experience of people of color in the South. On Feb. 1, The Chapel at Dix Park will hold the opening reception, which will include spoken-word performances, live theatrical dance and music and drinks with light hors d’oeuvres. The exhibit is open to the public free of charge throughout the month.
All month | Various times; Free; 1030 Richardson Drive; dixpark.org

Visit the Greg Museum of Art + Design for Amazing Grace, Confronting the Enduring Legacy

NC State University’s Gregg Museum of Art + Design is bring ing back its artist in residence program as a way to connect the university with a broader community. Kicking off the program is New Orleans artist Carl Joe Williams, whose exhibition Amazing Grace, Confronting the Enduring Legacy is largely inspired by his birthplace. Immersive video, bold paintings and objects of various forms make up this body of work, which touches on race and society.
All month | Various times; Free; 1903 Hillsborough Street; gregg.arts.ncsu.edu

Check Out N&O Photographer Scott Sharpe’s Photo Passion Project

Longtime journalist, photographer Scott Sharpe has made a personal project of documenting the state’s farming and small-town communities which he documents on the instagram account, All But Forgotten NC. Learn more and check out the photos here.

Run (or Watch!) the Krispy Kreme Challenge

One of those only-in-Raleigh experiences, the Krispy Kreme Challenge is back for its legendary test of physical and gastrointestinal strength. In this quirky race, participants must run 2.5 miles from the North Carolina State University Memorial Belltower to the Krispy Kreme on Peace Street, consume a dozen glazed donuts (more than 2,000 calories!), then run the 2.5 miles back. In under an hour. Without losing the donuts. Proceeds from the race benefit the UNC Children’s Hospital. Want to join the fun but can’t stomach a dozen donuts? Register as a No Donut Runner (kids are welcome too) and you can save the sweet for some other time.
Feb. 1 | 9 a.m.; 2011 Hillsborough Street; krispykremechallenge.com

See Comedian Kevin Nealon at Goodnights

Kick off February with a dose of laughter. Goodnights Comedy Club will host Kevin Nealon, a stand-up performer known for his relatable wit and engaging honesty who’s been a television and movie staple with roles in Weeds, Saturday Night Live, Happy Gilmore and more.
Feb. 6 – 8 | Various timesFrom $33; 401 Woodburn Road; goodnightscomedy.com

Check out the New(ish) Bar Wolfe & Porter

A new bar on W. Morgan Street, Wolfe & Porter gets its name from North Carolina literary legends Thomas Wolfe and William Sydney Porter. We’ve got more of the backstory and drink recs here.

Go Birding at the NC Museum of Art’s Outdoor Park

On the second Saturday of each month, get an up-close look at the many species of birds that frequent the North Carolina Museum of Art’s outdoor park. Members of the Wake Audubon Society will be there to guide you on a walk in search of nuthatches, goldfinches and cardinals.
Feb. 8 | 8 – 10 a.m.; Free; 2110 Blue Ridge Road; ncartmuseum.org

Experience Carolina Ballet’s Boléro

A couple sets out for an idyllic day at the beach, but Mother Nature has a different idea and makes their plan for a picturesque outing nearly impossible. Carolina Ballet uses this plotline to create a playful and unique ballet interpretation of French composer Maurice Ravel’s most famous orchestral work, Boléro. Also included in the Boléro program are a new ballet from Amy Hall Garner, A Moment, Forever by contemporary choreographer Gianna Reisen and two ballets from company’s artistic director and CEO Zalman Raffael. Says the late choreographer Lynne Taylor-Corbett: “The whole program is just a pure, unadulterated fantasy.”
Feb. 6 – 23 | Various times; From $32; 2 E. South Street; carolinaballet.com

See Joy Oladokun at Lincoln Theatre

Singer-songwriter Joy Oladokun, who’s known for her blend of pop, blues, rock and folk, is coming to downtown’s Lincoln Theatre. A dollar from every ticket to this show will benefit The Ally Coalition’s work to support those experiencing homelessness and at-risk LGBTQ youth.
Feb. 11 | 8 p.m. From $24; 126 E. Cabarrus Street; lincolntheatre.com

See Honest Pint Theatre Company’s A Chorus Line

Honest Pint Theatre Company is staging the award-winning classic A Chorus Line, 50 years since the musical first hit Broadway. The show opens with a group of performers who are auditioning for roles in a forthcoming musical number. As the musical’s director asks each hopeful star to share something about themselves, we learn about their dreams, tragedies, triumphs and everything in between. Susannah Hough, Honest Pint’s co-artistic director, is excited to recreate the story as it was performed before its long Broadway run. “With our version, we are going back to its roots and creating an immersive experience,” Hough says. The musical is being staged inside the Theatre Raleigh Studio, a blackbox theater that was originally an audition and rehearsal space. It fits only 80 audience members at a time, so guests will be right up close with the actors as they warm up and prepare for their “auditions.”
Feb. 13 – 23 | Various times; From $30; 3027 Barrow Drive; honestpinttheatre.org

Join American Aquarium’s Roadtrip to Raleigh

Decades into a flourishing music career, BJ Barham finds balance as he gears up for the 10th Roadtrip to Raleigh weekend of shows, coming up at Lincoln Theatre with several special guests!

Sip Wine and Paint Watercolors for Valentine’s Day at Artspace

Local muralist and art educator Janice Withers is hosting this lovely date night idea for Valentine’s Day. Start the evening sipping on fine wine while jointly creating a work of art with your sweetheart or galentine at Artspace. Tickets include art supplies and beverages for two.
Feb. 14 | 6 – 9 p.m.; $61; 201 E. Davie Street; artspacenc.org

Hear the NC Symphony Play Beethoven’s Concerto No. 4

Celebrate an evening of unforgettable mastery with the North Carolina Symphony, featuring conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto and the prodigious pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason. The concert highlights Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 and the triumphant melodies of his Symphony No. 7. Michael Abel’s Delights & Dances will add to the experience as a contemporary gem that blends orchestral finesse with modern energy.
Feb. 14 – 15 | 8 – 9:30 p.mFrom $29; 2 E. South Street; ncsymphony.org

Catch Romance in the Air at The Rialto

Spend the weekend of Valentine’s Day with the North Carolina Master Chorale’s 16-voice chamber choir’s Romance in the Air concert at The Rialto. The group will perform romantic tunes from legendary artists Elton John (including “Your Song” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”) and Billy Joel (look forward to “Just the Way You Are”), accompanied by drums, piano and bass. Maybe dinner at Bloomsbury or Margaux’ Restaurant is in order for the occasion? If not, alcohol and refreshments will be available for purchase at The Rialto.
Feb. 15 | 4 p.m.; From $36; 1620 Glenwood Avenue; therialto.com

Take Your Teen to Career Day at Dix Park

Have a teen who aspires to be a doctor, teacher or business owner? Help them get a jump start on their path at this young professional development eventbhosted by the city’s Raleigh Parks Teen Zone. Colleagues from Wake Tech Community College, NC State University and the City of Raleigh will be at The Chapel at Dix Park to offer advice to students on career development, from first impressions to interviews to resumés and more. Registration is re quired due to limited space.
Feb. 16 | 2 – 4 p.m. Free; 1030 Richardson Drive; dixpark.org

See Theatre in the Park’s Pippin

Theatre in the Park will bring Pippin to life on the local stage. This award-winning musical with a timeless message follows the young prince Pippin as he searches for adventure on the battlefield, passion in the bedroom and fulfillment through political power —only to be surprised by where he ends up finding true happiness.
Feb. 20 – 23, 27-28 | Various timesFrom $26; 107 Pullen Road; theatreinthepark.com

Get All Dressed Up for the Canes Fundraising Gala

See your favorite players swap their pads for suits when the 2025 Canes Gala takes over Lenovo Center (sans the ice). This Mardi Gras-themed evening includes food, cocktails, casino games and live music. It will also include live and silent auctions offering unique experiences and Canes memorabilia to benefit the team’s charity arm, the Carolina Hurricanes Foundation, which focuses on physical health and education issues for area youth.
Feb. 20 | 6 – 10 p.m.; From $500; 1400 Edwards Mill Road; nhl.com/hurricanes

Support the Arts at CAM’s Golden Hour Fundraiser

Don your sunniest, glam-est outfit and head to Raleigh’s Contemporary Art Museum (CAM) for its annual fundraising gala. This year the theme is Golden Hour, inspired by the beautiful bookends of the day, sunrise and sunset. A VIP experience gets you in early to enjoy light bites by HL Catering, jazz entertainment, bubbly, a first look at auction items — including earrings from Bailey’s Fine Jewelry — and a chance to mix and mingle with local artists, like painter Lamar Whidbee. Then stick around for the rest of the party, which will include performances by Cirque de Vol and dance-worthy music, plus beverages from Ponysaurus Brewing Co. Funds from the Arthouse gala support initiatives such as arts education, particularly for underserved communities, as well as CAM’s junior docent program, which enlists teen students to teach guests about the art on display.
Feb. 22 | 6 – 10 p.m.; From $150; 409 W. Martin Street; camraleigh.org

Enjoy A Musical Yoga Session at Return to Rhythm

Join yoga instructor Jen Fisher, accompanied by sound healer and musician LeeAnn Anderson, for a unique yoga and live music experience at Joy Worthy Co. “Music in a yoga class allows us to tap into our inner self. It can give us the power to truly move inward and flow more deeply with ourselves, to disconnect from the worries of the outside world,” says Anderson. This yoga class will be a flow style that will take you from an opening meditation and intention setting, sun salutations, balancing and restorative postures, breath work and a healing savasana.The musicians have carefully created the soundtrack for the class with melodies and sounds to encourage inward reflection.
Feb. 22 | 10 – 11:30 a.m.$50; 131 S. Wilmington Street; jenfisheryoganc.com/events

See Family Tree at the North Carolina Museum of Art

The North Carolina Museum of Art is hosting a film screening of a documentary Family Tree, a film about our state’s deep-rooted forestry industry. It follows two Black families as they face hurdles while protecting their family’s land and heritage.
Feb. 22 | 2 – 3:45 p.m. $10; 2110 Blue Ridge Road; ncartmuseum.org

Catch the Fly Fishing Film Fest at The Rialto

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy this traveling film series hosted by local retailer Great Outdoor Provision Co. at The Rialto. This year, the Fly Fishing Film Fest has selected 11 independently created short films that highlight the skill and beauty of fly fishing as well as the beauty of the outdoors. Among them: Bumbyland, in which seasoned fly fisherman and filmmaker Helmut Zaderer embarks on a mission to catch the rare bumphead parrotfish in the remote Providence Atoll in the Seychelles, and Echoes in the Tundra, which takes viewers to the Leaf River in Nunavik in northern Quebec for salmon fishing. Enjoy talks with local outdoors enthusiasts and giveaways in between the films.
Feb. 27 | 6 – 10 p.m.$25; 1620 Glenwood Avenue; greatoutdoorprovision.com

This article originally appeared in the February 2025 issue of WALTER magazine.