This month in the Triangle, enjoy glamorous galas, Irish culture, Mardi Gras flavors and floral-forward events.
by Addie Ladner and Emmie Brooks

Enjoy a Taste of Mardi Gras!

Buttery, cinnamon-laced King Cake, punchy Hurricanes, lip-tingling crawfish — these are the flavors of Mardi Gras! Many local bakeries and restaurants are offering various tastes of the carnival season on Fat Tuesday. In addition to their year-round Cajun fusion menu, St. Roch Fine Oysters + Bar will offer boiled crawfish, drink specials and King Cake (223 S. Wilmington Street; strochraleigh.com). Stanbury will host its annual crawfish boil and serve jambalaya outside, along with a Creole-inspired menu inside (938 N. Blount Street; stanburyraleigh.com). At Whitaker & Atlantic, enjoy a soirée with jazz music, gumbo and a festive atmosphere (1053 E. Whitaker Mill Road, Suite 111; whitakerandatlantic.com). For just a little something sweet, look out for scratch-made King Cakes from lucettegrace (235 Salisbury Street; lucettegrace.com) or Union Special (2409 Crabtree Boulevard, Suite 102; unionspecialbread.com).  For more ideas on ways to celebrate Fat Tuesday, read here. But before that, read on for all the fun to be had elsewhere around Raleigh this month.

Support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at The Black and White Ball

The Reese Ward Foundation invites guests to an evening of sophistication and philanthropy at the inaugural Black and White Ball at Prestonwood Country Club in Cary. Inspired by Truman Capote’s iconic event, this black-tie gala merges timeless glamour with a modern mission: raising funds for cancer research and treatment. Attendees will enjoy an elegant night featuring inspiring guest speakers, a silent auction with exclusive items and a celebration of progress in the fight against cancer. Proceeds will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which is celebrating its first Dream Home in Raleigh. March 1 | 6 – 10 p.m.; $250; 300 Prestonwood Parkway, Cary; reesewardfoundation.com

Create Your Own Ceramic Creature at Artspace

In this two-session ceramics workshop titled Whimsy in Sculpture, Raleigh potter Lora Bright House, who has a studio in Artspace, will show guests how to make adorable sculptures of creatures and figures. At the first session, participants will spend time ideating and constructing a figure from their imaginations. At the second session, they’ll glaze the sculpture and add the final details for an original work of art. This workshop is for ages 16 and up; all supplies are provided within a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for all skill levels.
March 1 & 8 | 1 – 4p.m.; $98; 201 E. Davie Street; artspacenc.org

Explore the Juniper Level Botanic Garden

The first weekend of March, Juniper Level Botanic Garden, home to one of the largest plant collections in the world, will host one of its eight Open Garden and Nursery Weekends of the year. Spanning 10 acres, the garden features more than 27,000 taxa of plants, including rare exotics, native perennials and one-of-a-kind trees and shrubs. This event offers visitors the chance to engage with horticultural experts, explore late-winter blooms and gain practical gardening tips. Guests can also participate in guided tours and attend educational programs or visit their on-site retail outlet, which has more than 1,500 different plants for sale.
March 1 & 2 | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Free; 9241 Sauls Road; juniperlevelbotanicgarden.org

Head to the 2025 North Carolina HIP Music Festival

The 2025 North Carolina HIP Music Festival celebrates “historically informed performance,” which brings together musicians who specialize in music from the Renaissance, Baroque and Classical periods, played on period instruments. The festival offers a series of concerts across the Triangle area, featuring ensembles such as Mallarmé Music, University of North Carolina Baroque Ensemble and the North Carolina Master Chorale and Youth Choir. Notable concerts include Schubertiade: Franz and Fanny (March 1), Love in Seville (March 6) and The Grand Motet (March 9) — a series of programs featuring chamber music, Spanish Baroque vocal work and French Baroque sacred choral pieces. The concerts will be held at venues including St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Durham, St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Hillsborough and Person Recital Hall at UNC-Chapel Hill.
March 1 – 9 | Various times; From $5; Various locations; mallarmemusic.org/2025-north-carolina-hip-music-festival

See TopHouse at Lincoln Theatre

Bluegrass-meets-indie group TopHouse is coming through Raleigh to play at Lincoln Theatre. The quartet will sing songs from their latest EP, Practice, which blends Celtic music, rock, bluegrass and pop influences. It’s a follow-up to last year’s Theory, continuing the band’s explorations on the meaning of life. Nebraska-born folk trio The Wildwoods will open for the group.
March 6 | 8 p.m.; From $22; 126 E. Cabarrus Street; lincolntheatre.com 

Listen to Fust’s New Album, Big Ugly

Triangle-based band Fust is out with their third album, Big Ugly, on March 7. Though the title seems to portend something dark and mysterious, it’s actually an homage to a creek of the same name in rural West Virginia, where chief songwriter and frontman Aaron Dowdy has family.  Read more about its backstory here.

Plan An Exotic Trip out of RDU

It’s a credit to the burgeoning Triangle area that one can stroll into RDU and hop on a direct flight to one of nearly 50 destinations, not just to hubs like Atlanta, Chicago or New York on your way further afield. Over the past few years, the airport has expanded its nonstop service to far-flung places in Europe and Mexico, offering travelers a greater number of options without the hassle and risk of layovers (raise your hand if you’ve ever spent a well-earned vacation day waiting out a thunderstorm in Hartsfield-Jackson!). From Iceland to The Bahamas, plan a trip to one of these worldly spots you can reach direct from the Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

Prep for a Spring Garden

This month, it‘s time to say goodbye to winter and prep for warmer days by adding mulch, tackling weeds and getting started on veggies says garden writer Helen Yeost. Read her tips here.

Experience The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show

Known as one of the largest true-crime dinner shows in North America, this interactive event invites guests to become part of the mystery while enjoying a delicious three-course dinner. The twist? One of the dinner guests might be the culprit! As they solve puzzles and gather clues, guests can indulge in a gourmet meal featuring seared chicken, salmon or tofu stir-fry, complemented by seasonal vegetables and dessert.
March 8 & 15 | 6 – 8:30 p.m.; $85; 4700 Creedmore Road; thedinnerdetective.com/raleigh-durham

Celebrate The Raleigh Rotary Club at its 110th Anniversary Gala

The Rotary Club of Raleigh is celebrating a milestone 110-year anniversary with a grand fête themed “The Magic of Rotary” at All Faiths Chapel at Dorothea Dix Park. Since its inception, the Rotary Club has dedicated itself to amplifying our region’s cultural arts scene, community and environmental efforts through a host of programs, from beautifying downtown’s Moore Square by planting bulbs to collecting supplies for Hurricane Helene relief. Part of the funds raised from the ball will go toward the construction of Dutch artist Thomas Dambo’s massive troll sculptures on the Dix Park campus.
March 8 | 6 – 10 p.m.; $150; 1030 Richardson Drive; raleighrotary.org

Sign Up for a Pad Thai Class at Hartwell

Come learn how to make a popular noodle dish from Thailand at Hartwell Raleigh, a mixed retail and community events space downtown. Hosted by the local food truck and pop-up company Eat Thai Raleigh, the event includes a drink, appetizer and supplies to make your own salty, umami, eggy dish,
followed by something sweet. This class is expected to fill up, so snag your spot!
March 9 | 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.$99; 620 W. South Street; instagram.com/hartwellraleigh

Watch Carolina Ballet’s Alice in Wonderland

Begin at the beginning, and go on til you come to the end of Carolina Ballet’s fantastical production of Alice in Wonderland, a first-time production of the Lewis Carroll classic for the company. “We strive to offer our audience fresh perspectives on ballet and theater,” says artistic director Zalman Raffael. He worked with New York City-based choreographer Gianna Reisen, whom he describes as “a gifted and deeply collaborative artist,” to create this story ballet. “Gianna discovered the music and developed the concept with her unique voice, and this ballet is sure to enchant audiences of all ages, not just children,” Raffael says. In addition to the creative choreography, keep an eye out for the whimsical sets, which were custom-made by Louisiana artist Rebecca Rebouché.
March 13 – 30 | Various times; From $34; 2 E. South Street; carolinaballet.com/alice-in-wonderland

Hear The Music of Queen with the NC Symphony

Just about everyone has a Queen anthem they can’t help but sing along to. The North Carolina Symphony, along with traveling tribute music group Windborne Music, has put together a fabulous, rollicking homage to the iconic 1970s British rock band where you can expect to hear hits like “Under Pressure,” “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Somebody to Love” at Meymandi Concert Hall. “A fusion of classical and rock power, The Music of Queen is both nostalgic and exhilarating,” says Donnie Tippett, vice president of orchestra operations for the symphony. “This very popular show always sells out. Queen fans are in for a treat.”
March 14 & 15 | Various times; From $57; 2 E. South Street; ncsymphony.org

Support Ripe for Revival at Evening to Ignite

A fun, fabulous gala — fueled by Raleigh event-planning folks — raises big money for North Carolina nonprofits at Merrimon-Wyne. March 14 will mark the fifth Evening to Ignite. This year’s honoree is Ripe for Revival, a nonprofit that addresses food insecurity by building pay-what-you-can mobile food markets throughout North Carolina. Learn more about the annual soiree here and get tickets to the event here.

Cheer on the Firebirds!

Come cheer for Raleigh’s own pro basketball team — they happen to be last year’s Eastern Conference champions. In the second game of the spring season for the Raleigh Firebirds, they’ll take on the Tampa Bay Titans on the court at Saint Augustine’s University. This game is themed Health Awareness, so there will be a host of organizations and businesses sharing resources on topics like heart and mental health, autism and cancer, says Wade Harris, the Firebirds’ manager. “We will also be inviting students from Wake County public schools who have an interest in health as a career path to mix with the professionals in an effort to broaden their exposure to future possibilities,” says Harris.
March 15 | 4 p.m.; From $20; 1315 Oakwood Avenue; raleighfirebirds.net

Head to the Fairgrounds for Carolina FiberFest

What began in 2007 as a local gathering has expanded into a destination for anyone interested in the art of spinning, weaving and knitting. Attendees of the Carolina FiberFest can participate in hands-on workshops, shopping, competitions and sales of fleece from sheep, goats, llamas and more. The 2025 Craft Along invites participants to bring their projects to the festival and celebrate their progress. This year, Soul in a Bowl Food Truck will be at the festival for both days, with additional food trucks in the flea market area of the NC State Fair grounds on Saturday. Carolina FiberFest serves as a platform to support small farms that produce fiber, as well as local artisans and fiber-related businesses. The event encourages visitors to connect with the tradition of fiber arts while learning new skills and techniques. March 14 & 15 | Various times; From $7; 4285 Trinity Road; carolinafiberfest.org

Take a Field Trip to Sanford for Tulip Picking

About 45 minutes from Raleigh, an old-school marquee beckons you in with an arrow. The trip down a short gravel drive reveals a low-slung white farmhouse with a blue roof and rocking chairs on its ample front porch. Inside you’ll find classic country-store fare: homemade jam, baked goods and eastern NC vinegar-based BBQ sauce. In March, this Sanford farm run by the Dyson Family has a unique offering: more than an acre of pick-your-own tulips, waiting to be brought home as cut stems or with the bulbs still attached, ready to transplant into your own garden. Read here to learn more.

Watch the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Downtown

Watch Raleigh’s long-running celebration of all things Irish since 1983. Hear bagpipes, see packs of adorable hound dogs, watch Irish step dancing and more (March 15 | 10 a.m.; free to watch; downtown Raleigh; raleighstpats.org). A number of establishments will host afterparties, including Hibernian (311 Glenwood Avenue and 8021 Falls of Neuse Road; hibernianpub.com); Trali Irish Pub (10370 Moncreiffe Road, #109; traliirishpub.com); and Doherty’s (1979 High House Road, Cary; dohertysirishpubnc.com). At these taverns, expect Celtic tunes, full pints and plenty of food like Scotch eggs, potatoes and fish and chips.  For other Irish-themed celebratory activities, read right here.

Experience NCMA’s Art in Bloom in Various Ways

The North Carolina Museum of Art’s spectacular Art in Bloom returns with more than 30 floral interpretations of the museum’s People’s Collection from designers nationwide. This year, the six largest installations will be inspired by pieces in the museum’s outdoor park. There are many ways to participate in this five-day annual fundraiser, including classes, garden parties and dishes in the museum’s cafe. A few highlights: Prior to the big reveal, Museum Cafe executive chef Rich Carter will serve a spring-inspired meal paired with organic wines for a “pre-emergent” dinner to drum up excitement for the showcase; horticulturist Brie Arthur will offer a presentation on some of the country’s most beautiful public gardens; and guests can get dressed up for the Garden Party Designer Reception, where they can meet this year’s floral designers and enjoy an evening of good food and drinks.
March 19 – 23 | Various times; From $40 for Art in Bloom exhibition, tickets for individual events from $30; 2110 Blue Ridge Road; ncartmuseum.org/artinbloom

Cheer on your Favorite Team at one of these Raleigh Restaurants

From the ACC to the NHL, Raleighites can agree on one thing: their love of watching their favorite team. But when the Wolfpack or Canes are away — or tickets are hard to come by — it’s fun to enjoy a game within a friendly, nostalgic gathering space. From an Italian family dinner among prolific sports paraphernalia to a basket of wings enjoyed in a cozy booth, Raleigh is crawling with old-school establishments worth visiting time and time again. Read on for seven spots to sit down and stay awhile. 

Laugh Out Loud at the Raleigh Comedy Festival

Three nights, five venues and 15 shows highlighting more than 30 rising comedians from around the country will convene for the first-ever Raleigh Comedy Festival. The lineup is still shaking out, but one session we’re bookmarking is the Raleigh Roast at Kings with Mayor Janet Cowell and an A.I. Mark Robinson. Throughout the weekend, check out Q&A panels, open-mic opportunities and sets from headliners like Colorado-based comedian Chris Higgins. An “ITB VIP Weekend Pass” grants access to all shows, including headliners, industry panels, cookouts and afterparties, plus first pick of seats. An “OTB General Admission Weekend Pass” gets you into the shows — and next in line for a seat.
March 20 – 22 | Various times; From $20; various locations; raleighcomedyfestival.com 

See Raleigh Little Theatre’s Morning After Grace

In this laugh-out-loud play set in a retirement community in the Sunshine State, strangers Abigail and Angus discover they have spent the night together after meeting the day before at a funeral and having a tad too much wine. Shortly after this revelation, Angus’s neighbor shows up, bewildered, and pandemonium ensues as each accepts the fact that they are getting older and have complicated pasts — but potentially wonderful futures.
March 21 – 30 | Various times; From $27; 301 Pogue Street; raleighlittletheatre.org  

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