1. Although the talented student musicians from the North Carolina Chamber Music Institute will receive written feedback and scores for Performance Review 1 from a panel of teachers, the public is invited to enjoy their fall music repertoire featuring string quartets, piano trios, and more! Saturday, January 11, 3:30–5:30 p.m. Free admission. Church of the Nativity, Raleigh. nccmi.org/calendar
2. It’s time for the 12th annual Mutts & Marshmallows race, with the SPCA of Wake County the worthy benefactor. Thanks to 5K and 8K distances for both owners and their canine companions, and the Fun Mile concluding with a medal and mug of hot chocolate for finishers, both two- and four-legged runners will have plenty of opportunities to socialize and support. Saturday, January 11, 8–11 a.m. $35 and up. WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary. muttsandmarshmallows.com
3. There’s still time to see the larger-than-life lanterns of the NC Chinese Lantern Festival. With multiple ticket options available — any night, date specific, group, sensory friendly, and twilight — the annual event continues to illuminate and inspire until Sunday, January 12. 6–10 p.m. daily. $31 and up. Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary. boothamphitheatre.com/events-tickets/events/chinese-lantern-festival
4. If you’ve been postponing a home project or are eager to get started on one, the Downtown Raleigh Home Show has all the décor, home improvement, and outdoor living inspiration to take your plans to production. Celebrity and guest speakers, demonstrations and workshops, sweepstakes, new products, and a long list of exhibitors make this an event worth leaving the house for. Friday, January 10, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, January 11, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, January 12, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. $10 and up. Raleigh Convention Center. raleighspringshow.com
Photo by Cat Nguyen
5. As part of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dreamfest Weekend — billed as “an evening of entertainment and enlightenment” — Stronger Together: Cultivating a Community of Compassion honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with food, fellowship, and charity. The celebration promises a talented entertainment lineup, food trucks, a community resources fair, charitable collection for The Carying Place, and more.Saturday, January 18, 5–8:30 p.m. Free admission. Cary Arts Center. carync.gov/recreation-enjoyment/events/2025-dreamfest-cultural-arts-celebration
6. Cary’s Home for Entertaining will host longtime Mahjong teacher Dana Lange for Mahjong at Sunset: A Beginner Series of Lessons. Over 9 hours, the three-part series will teach participants everything they need to know to play the engaging tile-based game — while enjoying extra perks with their ticket purchase. Tuesday, January 21 through Thursday, January 23, 6–9 p.m. $225. Home for Entertaining, Cary. homeforentertaining.com
7. Grab your running shoes — and some heartburn medicine — and hit the streets for the 21st annual Krispy Kreme Challenge. This feat of athletic and gastrointestinal skill covers 5 miles in one hour and boasts a dozen-glazed-donut break at the halfway point. What started as a challenge among friends has gone on to raise over $2.2 million in support of UNC Children’s Hospital. Saturday, February 1, 8 a.m. $40 for students, $45 for all other participants. NC State Memorial Bell Tower, Raleigh. krispykremechallenge.com/registration-info
8. The first ever mini yoga festival, Triangle Yoga Fest, is coming to Apex! In collaboration with Lucky Elephant Yoga and Wellness, Peak City Fitness Fest and local nonprofit Facts for Youth are offering a day of joy, gratitude, and growth for all levels. Yoga classes, mindful and spiritual workshops, and speaker panels will help participants connect with themselves and their community. Saturday, February 8, noon to 6 p.m. $40 (free for over 60s and under 12s). Apex Senior Center. factsforyouth.com/triangle-yoga-fest
9. If you haven’t done so yet, there’s still time to Skate the Square at Fenton. The holidays may be over, but the weather remains perfect for skating or spectating and indulging in the spectacular food and sophisticated dining surrounding the rink. Through Sunday, February 9. General sale tickets $17, season pass $90. Operating hours vary and include a special weekly Holiday Heroes Day. Fenton Square by Paragon Theaters. fentonnc.com/event/fenton-skate-the-square
- New Year, New Adventures
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- Liquid Assets: It Girl
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- Restaurant Profile: Fratelli’s Delicatessen
- Baking New Ground
- Nonprofit Spotlight: Minds Matter Initiative
- Top Dog
- On Trend: Assisted Stretching
- Small Business Spotlight: The Curative Wellness Boutique
- The Man Behind the Mic
- Erica Chats: You: The Biggest Project You’ll Ever Work On!
- Things to Do: January/February 2025
