1. Support the Wake County SPCA and bring your furry friend to the Mutts & Marshmallows Doggie Dash 5K! Pick which race you want to attend — in-person or virtual — and run for a good cause. 10 a.m., Jan. 8. $30-$40. WakeMed Soccer Park, 201 Soccer Park Dr., Cary. muttsandmarshmallows.com
2. The Pura Vida Studio Aerial Dance Show features dance, partner acrobatics, trapeze, silks, loops, and more. Students and teachers at the Cary studio share their experience of 2021 through an aerial dance show! 2 p.m., Jan. 8. $15-$30. Fuquay-Varina Arts Center, 123 E. Vance St., Fuquay-Varina. puravidastudionc.com
3. Celebrate the life, work and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Town of Cary’s Dreamfest 2022. Be inspired by storytellers, films, and a Nina Simone tribute featuring local artist Yolanda Rabun. There’s also an interfaith service and a workday at Good Hope Farm. Jan. 12-17. townofcary.org, search Dreamfest 2020.
4. This annual, statewide kickoff to Black History Month at the North Carolina Museum of History, the African American Cultural Celebration brings together musicians, storytellers, dancers, chefs, historians, artists and more for a virtual celebration of culture. The theme for this year’s event is “Black People, Green Planet: Environmental Justice.” Jan. 29. Free. ncmuseumofhistory.org/aacc-2022
5. Two amazing actors, one of them Ira David Wood IV, will create the entire zany population of Tuna, Texas in a tour-de-farce of nonstop belly laughs. Theatre in the Park presents “Greater Tuna,” — two actors, 20 characters, and a barrel of laughs, y’all. 3 p.m. & 7 p.m., Feb. 4-20. 107 Pullen Road, Raleigh. theatreinthepark.com
Krispy Kreme Challenge
6. The Krispy Kreme Challenge requires competitors to run 5 miles, eat a dozen doughnuts at the halfway point and hit the finish line in under one hour. Proceeds from the annual running/eating contest benefit UNC Children’s Hospital. Noon, Feb. 5. $45. N.C. State Belltower, 2011 Hillsborough St., Raleigh. krispykremechallenge.com
7. Get ready for a night of singing, dancing and all-out fun as N.C. Theatre presents “Sister Act.” After witnessing a murder, a divine disco diva hides in a convent with a crumbling choir. 7:30 p.m., Feb. 8-13. $30 and up. Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, 2 E. South St., Raleigh. nctheatre.com, search Sister Act.
8. Broadway Records recording artists, Blue Jupiter is the cutting edge of a cappella. Soaring pop and Broadway leads. Tight harmonies. Unbelievable beatboxing. And most importantly, nothing else. This NYC-based quartet is just four mouths and four mics. 7:30 p.m., Feb. 11. $27. Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave., Cary. townofcary.org, search Marvelous Music Series.
Monster Jam
9. Grab your earplugs and get ready for one of the most exciting and action-packed motorsports experiences around! The Monster Jam returns to Raleigh for an adrenaline-charged weekend of rip-roaring fun. 7 p.m., Feb. 19, and 1 p.m., Feb. 20. $20 and up. PNC Arena, 1400 Edwards Mill Road, Raleigh. pncarena.com/events.
10. If you own a home or just looking for ideas, head to the Downtown Raleigh Home Show, where you’ll have the opportunity to meet over 300 exhibitors at the Raleigh Convention Center. Feb. 25-27. $9. 500 South Salisbury St., Raleigh. raleighspringshow.com
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