Downtown Raleigh Illuminate Art Walk

Where: Fayetteville Street and Glenwood South, Raleigh

When: Now until Jan 7

Parts of downtown have been transformed by large-scale, interactive art pieces scattered throughout the area. “Chimes” is an internationally recognized art piece that is featured at the event.

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

Where: Koka Booth Ampitheatre, Cary

When: Fri, Nov 19 2021 – Jan 12, 2022

Koka Booth Ampitheatre and Regency Lake have been transformed into a sparkling and glowing display of lights and colors by Chinese group Tianyu Culture & Arts. There are over 15,000 LED lights and 20 displays!

Tree Toss 2022

Where: Animal Park at the Conservation Center, Burlington

When: Sat, Jan 8, 11 am – 3 pm

The Animal Park at the Conservation Center is home to wolves, bears, tigers and other exotic animals that were rescued from previous living situation. The center aims to educate the public on these animals and advocate for improved laws against owning these wild and fierce creatures. It also serves as a hub for volunteers interested in working with wildlife. The Tree Toss is an annual event where the center gives donated Christmas trees to the animals who love to use them as toys. Come out and witness this truly unique experience.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Dreamfest

Where: Online and in Downtown Cary

When: Wed – Sun, Jan 12 – 16

The Town of Cary’s Dreamfest is a five-day event with a range of programming around the civil rights leader’s life and legacy. It will include the screening of several films at The Cary movie theater in Downtown Cary and other performances and presentations.

Natural Colors and the Science of Art

Where: Fuquay-Varina Arts Center

When: Tues, Jan 18, 2:30 – 4 pm

“Celebrate the amazing world of natural colors by discovering their animal, vegetable and mineral sources, like bugs, bones, roots, flowers and dirt. Explore the useful materials such as dyes, inks and paints that have been made from them in fascinating ways. Then work with natural pigments and other materials to see how homemade paint can be made from ancient sources to create a painting. The class will be inquiry-based and participatory in nature, so students will be encouraged to share experiences and ideas and to ask questions.”

Triangle Restaurant Week

Where: All over the Triangle!

When: Mon-Sun, Jan 24-30

“Triangle Restaurant Week is a week-long celebration of culinary excellence designed to incorporate the premier Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and surrounding area restaurants.” Amazing restaurants all across the area will be offering set 3-course meals with lunches for $15 and 3-course dinners ranging from $20-$35. Check the event site for a full list of restaurants and don’t miss this great opportunity to explore our area’s best food.

21st Annual African American Cultural Celebration

Where: Online, hosted by North Carolina Museum of History, Raleigh

When: Sat, Jan 29, 10 am – 4:30 pm

The digital event will mark the state’s kickoff of Black History Month and has been named a Top 20 event by the Southeast Tourism Society. There will be musicians, storytellers, historians, playwrights, authors, artists, reenactors and more. Check out videos from last year’s online event here.

Umstead State Park (Raleigh)

Many people have started off the new year with a “First Day Hike.” Umstead State Park is a gem. A 5,599 acre State Park in a city the size of Raleigh is almost unheard of. Luckily for us, government officials were wise enough to protect the land back in 1937. The park is a haven for hikers, runners, bikers and more. There are extensive trails, creeks and ponds open to the public. Check out more outdoor areas destinations in the area.