Krispy Kreme Challenge

Where: NC State Memorial Belltower to Krispy Kreme on Peace Street

When: Saturday, Feb 3, Race starts at 8 am

With the tagline “2400 calories, 12 doughnuts, 5 miles, 1 hour” the Krispy Kreme Challenge is an event unlike any other. The idea is to run 2.5 miles from the NC State belltower to Krispy Kreme, eat a dozen original glazed doughnuts, and run 2.5 miles back. While this may sound like a horrible idea, it is one of the biggest and most unique events in Downtown Raleigh. An exercise in madness originally started as a dare among a group of NC State students, the race now raises money for the UNC Children’s Hospital. Over 6,000 runners compete each year, and thousands more come out to watch the race. Whether racing or spectating, it is definitely an event worth experiencing.

Astronomy Days

Where: NC Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh

When: Saturday and Sunday, Feb 3 and 4, 10 am – 5 pm both days

“Get ready for lift off with the Museum and the Raleigh Astronomy Club at Astronomy Days! Join for a celestial adventure that explores the wonders of the universe through technology, telescopes, engaging talks by scientists (including special guests) and plenty of hands-on activities.”

Big Frost Beer Festival

Where: Raleigh Beer Garden

When: Saturday, Feb 3, 12 – 4 pm

The Raleigh Beer Garden will host an extensive line-up of local, regional and national breweries, offering samples and pints. There will also be plenty of live music and food.

ArtHouse

Where: CAM Raleigh

When: Saturday, Feb 10, 5:30 – 11 pm

CAM is a wonderful contemporary art museum located in Raleigh’s Warehouse District. It regularly changes its exhibits and often collaborates with artists themselves. Every year the museum puts on ArtHouse, a philanthropic event that raises money for art education, community artists and the museum itself. Even if you can’t make it to the event, make sure to check out CAM, along with everything else the Warehouse District has to offer.

Carolina Jazz Festival

Where: Several shows throughout Chapel Hill and Durham

When: Thursday – Saturday, Feb 15 – 17

The 47th Carolina Jazz festival will host performances by the UNC Jazz band, faculty, and featured guests Sharel Cassity and Christian McBride. There will be several shows, some of which cost to attend and others that are free.

Downtown Raleigh Home Show

Where: Raleigh Convention Center

When: Fri – Sun, Feb 16 – 18

“The Downtown Raleigh Home Show is a vibrant marketplace where you can shop for home-related products and services, experience stunning displays to help inspire your next home project, connect with industry experts, and enjoy informative presentations from renowned local and international home professionals.” The Home Show is a great place to find new home ideas and to stay up on the latest trends.

Nevermore Film Festival 

Where: Carolina Theatre, Durham

When: Fri – Sun, Feb 23 – 25

“Created in 1999, The Nevermore Film Festival is a juried competition festival which programs brand-new genre feature and short films from around the world. The festival seeks submissions for narrative feature and shorts with an emphasis on horror, science fiction, dark fantasy, animation, mystery/suspense, and action-thrillers.” Individual tickets are $13.50 and 10-day passes are $120.

Adult Nights (Taylor’s Version) at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences

Where: NC Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh

When: Friday, Feb 23, 7 – 10 pm

In February, the museum will open up for “a night of timeless (Taylor Swift) tunes alongside the screaming color of the natural world.” There will be lots of Taylor Swift music, interactive activities, adult beverages and more. Attendees must be 21+ and costumes are encouraged!