20 Things to Do in Raleigh This Week, Feb. 29–March 6

20 Things to Do in Raleigh This Week, Feb. 29–March 6

2/29
Enrique Iglesias, Ricky Martin, Pitbull: The Trilogy Tour
This holy trinity may not take you to heaven, but they’ll take you worldwide. Go global while staying local and indulge in a night of throwback hits, dancing and some international love. Dale! pncarena.com

2/29
Leap Day on the Rooftop
Celebrate a once-in-a-four-year experience with The Willard! If it’s your birthday, enjoy 29% off your food bill to celebrate; or if it’s just another leap year to you (hey, we love an extra day of life!), take advantage of a $29 glass of vino. Don’t walk or run—leap. thewillardraleigh.com

2/29
Martin Amini
Well-known on social media after his TV debut—NTM the release of his comedy special—this Maryland native is headed to Raleigh to joke about growing up with a Bolivian and Iranian background in America… with a comical twist. No “Laff Track” needed! goodnightscomedy.com 

2/29
NC State Women’s Basketball vs. Syracuse
Haven’t you heard? Red is the new orange. #Skopack gopack.com

2/29
Sips & Small Plates With Cook’s Mill Whiskey
Tear it up 10th & Terrace-style with locally sourced bourbon and limited-edition plates—NTM a killer skyline view. Enjoy tastings from a trusty rep to pair with pork belly or lamb lollipops. The bar is high—literally. 10thandterrace.com

3/1
Arts Access Gallery Grand Opening
Take in Woven Strangers, a thirteen-piece exhibit debuting Jean Gray Mohs’ experience living with a chronic illness—and showcasing the dance between strength and fragility. Creativity: unmatched. artsaccessinc.org

3/1
Feminist First Friday

Who run the world? Girls! Ring in Women’s History Month in DTR with food, drinks, art, fundraising, makeovers, headshots, shopping and even activities for the littles. Time to treat yourself, ladies. downtownraleigh.org

3/1–2 
Mark Smalls
“You’re killin’ me, Smalls.” … Stand up for this LA-based comic whose one-of-a-kind approach brings people together over the gift of laughter (aw). Now that’s good comedy! goodnightscomedy.com

3/1–2
Pink Martini
We’re all jazzed up for this genre-hopping “little orchestra” mixing pop, jazz and classical sound at Meymandi—plus the vocal cords of singer China Forbes. Play on! ncsymphony.org 

3/1–2
Sheryl Underwood
Spend an evening with an American comic, actress, TV host, philanthropist and public speaker (of THE TALK, The Young and the Restless, and Beauty Shop fame) sure to evoke some laughs. improv.com 

3/2
Black Bouquet 
Welcome to a Raleigh punk’s dream. Support your local musicians at this local indie/goth rock group’s show feat. direct and conversational lyrics, pummeling instruments, and a little help from two other local bands on the rise. pourhouseraleigh.com 

3/2
HighVibe
It’s time to get high on life. Catch a vibe and bust it down on the dance floor at CAM Raleigh via this sans-booze soiree bridging the gap between spiritual and cluby energy. “Are you coming for the ride?” eventbrite.com

3/2–7/28
To Take Shape and Meaning
Catch displays of work from 75 indigenous artists representing 50+ tribes across the country—and Canada—exploring the depth of evolving native culture in three-dimensional fashion. ncartmuseum.org

3/3
Canes Bash
Roll out the red carpet for a fab evening at PNC complete with specialty food and drinks; live entertainment; casino games; and special appearances from Canes players, coaches and staff—plus live and silent auctions feat. unique experiences and memorabilia. Time to #CauseChaos! nhl.com

3/3
Raleigh Hot Girl Walk
Grab your bestie and your emotional support water bottle (or roll up solo + ready to make friends!) to stroll around North Hills with the girlies. Mingling and getting those steps in? Double whammy! @hotgirlwalkraleigh

3/4
Gin Rummy Launch Party
Get a first taste of Moonbird Gin and GOATz Rum via an exclusive tasting with RM—just nab your (free) tix before they run out. We’ll toast to that! eventbrite.com

3/4
NCSU vs. Duke 🏀
Hoop dreams: found. The Deacs are going down. pncarena.com 

3/4–5
March Supper Club
Ciao! The latest supper club iteration involves an Italian-style feast paired with handpicked wines. Meeting new faces and creating a new community—now that’s a’more! exploretock.com

3/6
Ladies and Tangents
Hate leaving the house but want to feel seen? Join cousins and co-hosts Jeri and Ciara for a comedic (and sidetracked!) convo. … From unpacking the stigmas of mental health to human rights, these gals will give you a newfound grasp on the world in a way only a comedian can. goodnightscomedy.com 

3/6
Ole Wines & Tapas
Wine, dine and learn a thing or two with chef Doreen Colondres during this masterclass on one of the most delicious dining and drinking destinations in the world: Spain. Sip, dip, hooray! Leave feeling satisfied, educated and (maybe) a little tipsy. vitishouse.com

21 Things to Do in Raleigh This Week, Dec. 14–20

21 Things to Do in Raleigh This Week, Dec. 14–20

Through 12/23
The Dessertery

It’s beginning to taste a lot like Christmas… especially at Martin Marietta’s all-you-can-eat seasonal sweets cafe. And calories don’t count during the holidays, so be sure to treat your elf! martinmariettacenter.com

Through 12/24
The 1940’s Radio Hour

Travel back in time to channel the nostalgia and spirit of the ’40s with classic songs that portray the final holiday broadcast of the Mutual Manhattan Variety Cavalcade in 1942. theatreraleigh.com 

Through 1/5
Illuminate Art Walk

Head into the holidays (literally) via this year’s installment of Illuminate Art Walk, lighting up the DTR streets with its signature piece, “Talking Heads,” created by Limelight and distributed by Wireframe. Plus, spy a scad of stunning pieces compliments of NC light artists highlighting our state’s wildlife, along with our innovative past, present and future. Merry and bright, indeed! downtownraleigh.org

Through 1/7
Dutch Art in a Global Age

Talk about going global. Take in myriad masterpieces from the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston that explore the crossways between art, commercial networks and Colonial expansion. ncartmuseum.org

Through 1/14
NC Chinese Lantern Festival 

The fan-fave fest promises to be *lit* again this year thanks to 40+ new awe-inspiring Chinese lantern displays—plus captivating cultural performances nightly. Glow on! boothamphitheatre.com

Through 1/15
The Rink Presented by UNC Health

Ice, ice baby. Figure-eight your way into the holidays with the return of Raleigh’s festive Rockefeller-esque ice skating rink at Red Hat. redhatamphitheater.com

Through 3/31
Igloos at Unscripted

Just chillin’? Roll up to your own personal igloo experience filled with a pre-set food menu and an immaculate winter wonderland vibe (plus wine pairings and bevs available for purchase). How festive! opentable.com

12/14
Sip, Savor & Style

Sip and snack in style at this laid-back evening featuring Reimagine Wine and entertaining tips from Canary. Sip, sip, hooray! shopsurcie.com  

12/14–16
Joe Dombrowski

Say hey to “Mr. D,” a comic whose circa-2017 April Fools’ Day spelling test prank went viral and landed him national attention. Now, the elementary school teacher can be found garnering laughter around the globe—including at a few performances in Raleigh. goodnightscomedy.com

12/14–24
The Nutcracker

“Son of a nutcracker!” For an evening sure to be en pointe, see this classical Christmas performance serving all the holiday-season nostalgia via refreshed choreography, sets and costumes—and the return of Mother Ginger, of course. martinmariettacenter.com 

12/15
Canes vs. Nashville

Predators become prey at PNC. nhl.com 

12/15
Frost and Flame Fest

Fire, ice and everything nice! Bundle up for a dazzling night of fiery performances and cool ice sculptures that are sure to impress—plus enjoy s’mores, a skating rink, ice cream and pics with Santa himself. downtowncarypark.com 

12/15
Gingerbuild Houses & Hops

Oh, (ginger) snap! Assemble—and eat—your own gingerbread house while sipping a brewski at this 21+ holiday soiree. Who says all the holiday fun is just for the kiddos?! marbleskidsmuseum.org 

12/15
Gingerbread Showdown

If you romanticize Christmas baking shows, this is for you! Wow the judges with your fam’s skills and build the best candy-covered house to be crowned the Supreme Gingerbread Jam. How sweet! raleighnc.gov

12/15–17
The Nutcracker

Balletcore is in! Bound, leap and plié into the holiday season via this classic Christmas performance. Where else will you be able to experience the thrill of a dancing mouse king? caryballetcompany.org

12/16
Holiday Art Market

’Tis the holiday season! Browse the work of ~50 talented artists to find that perfect something for everyone this gift-giving season—from pottery and blown glass to sweet treats, festive beer and more! eventbrite.com 

12/16
Craig Woolard 

Pop into Crabtree to wrap up your Christmas list and jam out to some classic tunes from The Embers frontman and his Christmas-y one-man musical show. Rock on! shopcrabtree.com

12/16
Holiday Shop Open House

Don’t be a cotton headed ninny muggins! Find those final gifts for all your fave people (think vinyl, jewelry, soaps, candles and books)  while enjoying a coffee bar also boasting sweet treats, and peppermint bark samples by The Apothecary’s Kitchen. Fa la la, indeed! facebook.com  

12/17
Santa at The Mayton

Ask Santa to trim your tree with some decorations from Tiffany’s, then double-check your standing on the nice list while you’re at it. And be sure to grab a festive drink! peckandplume.com

12/19
Canes vs. Vegas 

Willing to bet on the Canes to take down the defending Stanley Cup champs? nhl.com

12/20
NC State vs. St. Louis

All we want for Christmas is a Wolfpack win. Swish! gopack.com

Burning on a Budget

Burning on a Budget

Stay fit for cheap via these wallet-friendly workouts.

“I be up in the gym just working on my fitness…”   New year, new you, new workout regimen?! The beginning of 2024 marks yet another round of fitness-related New Year’s resolutions that usually fall to the wayside come February—especially given gym memberships, workout classes and personal training sessions can be pretty pricey. Doesn’t exactly jibe with those 2024 budget goals, eh? But don’t sweat it (!).  Here, we worked up an array of local exercise ops that’ll keep both you and your wallet in shape. 

Greenway Walks/Runs
Two words: Raleigh’s greenway. Stretching 100+ miles around the city, these paved pathways allow you to explore the city on foot while amping up your heart rate, garnering a high step count and enjoying some good ole Vitamin D. Pro tip: Bring a pal or your pup along for company. Let’s cardi-go! 

Run Clubs
Run better with buddies? Good news: Raleigh boasts a ream of run clubs perfect for all paces and schedules. Find many meetups around town offered by Fleet Feet in partnership with local breweries multiple nights per week. … Plus a post-jog drink? Yes, please!

Sports
Not to make a big dill… but public sports opportunities abound around the City of Oaks. Get your Troy Bolton on at one of Raleigh’s many indoor/outdoor basketball courts; take a hit at the hype of the popular-as-ever pickleball (she is the moment) at Method Community Park and North Hills Park; or #stayserving volleyball style at Jaycee Park and Green Road Park. Talk about ballin’ on a budget. 

Yoga at Dix Park
Will bend for free fitness classes and stellar views. During the winter months, take your yoga practice inside The Chapel at Dix Park. And as the weather warms this spring, keep your eyes peeled for outdoor evening classes during golden hour. What’s more serene than a stretch sesh with our city skyline as a backdrop? Namaste, indeed. 

Local Champion

Local Champion

Raleigh rising star debuts his latest film alongside Woody Harrelson. 

Alexa, play “We Are the Champions.” … Let us introduce you to rising celeb and champion of his own caliber, Kevin Iannucci. In his most recent work, Champions (dropping March 10), Iannucci plays Johnny—a member of a team of basketball players with intellectual disabilities—opposite Kaitlin Olson and Woody Harrelson, the latter of whom stars as a former minor league coach with a court order to manage the group. 

A Raleigh native and rising Hollywood star with Down syndrome, Iannucci has been acting since the tender age of 7 (see appearances in Embattled, The Best of Enemies and Changeover, as well as several short films made by Iannucci’s older siblings Drew and Daniel). To boot, he’s also developed his acting chops through involvement with S.T.A.R Special Theatre Arts of Raleigh, and acting classes at North Raleigh Arts and Creative Theatre and Moonlight Stage Company. 

“I wanted to become an actor because I would watch TV and movies, and I wanted to see myself in them,” explains Iannucci. “And working with Woody and Kaitlin was magical. Being on set with them everyday was a dream come true. And Harrelson’s great! He’s always helpful, supportive and funny.”

Kevin Iannucci

For another point in his favor, the feeling is mutual from his co-stars/director. “Kevin is a real thespian,” says Champions director Bobby Farrelly. “He has impeccable, natural acting instincts, and he’s got great comedic timing. He’s an absolute star. It was unbelievable to watch him go up against legends like Olson and Harrelson and be able to hold his own.” Olson, who stars as Johnny’s sister, Alex, adds, “Working with Kevin was so delightful. This guy is so loving, so warm and incredibly talented. He is truly an amazing actor.” 

Besides bonding with big-name actors with whom he shares the screen, Iannucci has received a slew of support from his hometown. And he still touts a local address, so you can find him out and about at one of his favorite places (GameStop, Target or Walmart)—or playing soccer, going swimming and shooting hoops… just like his movie character (!).  Fun fact: Iannucci is also a proud grad of Millbrook Magnet High School, where he managed the varsity baseball team.

“He’s had a lot of help here in Raleigh through programs, coaching, and his friends and family,” says Iannucci’s mom, Anne. “It’s been a really good support system.”

And this actor’s got big goals for the future. With plans to continue his acting career, Iannucci hopes to one day star on the screen alongside Zac Efron, Selena Gomez or Kevin Hart. 

For now, though, you can see the rising star shoot his shot on the big screen by grabbing tix to this heartwarming film (bonus points if you go during Down Syndrome Awareness Week, which kicks off March 15!).

“It can make you laugh; it can make you cry; and it’s a feel-good movie because I’m in it!” adds Iannucci. … Sounds like a slam dunk. @official_nuccinator 

23 Things to Do in Raleigh This Week, Feb. 2–8

23 Things to Do in Raleigh This Week, Feb. 2–8

Through 2/12
Artspace Winter Exhibits

Calling all culture vultures! View works from Taiwanese-American artist Jan-Ru Wan, quilts by artist Regina Jestrow, and biomorphic sculptures by artist Allan Rosenbaum via this DTR art center’s winter exhibits. artspacenc.org

Through 2/12
Mlima’s Tale

“There’s a ghost on the Ivory Highway.” … Grab a seat for this chilling drama—just don’t ignore the ghost of the elephant in the room. burningcoal.org

2/2
Brad Upton

Millennials, beware—Brad Upton might roast you. This funnyman with opinions went viral in 2018 for a video of him making fun of millennials… and his star has since risen. Be sure to catch him at Goodnights, but don’t let him catch you on your phone. goodnightscomedy.com

2/2–4
Triangle Wine & Food Experience

You’re the wine that I want—for 30 years! Sip back and relax at TWFE’s 30th edition to benefit the Frankie Lemmon School & Developmental Center. Pouring one on for charity? Twist our corks. trianglewinefood.org 

2/2–19
Grieg: Piano Concerto

For a night out that hits all the right notes, relish the tantalizing tunes of this Norwegian composer/pianist’s concerto—penned when he was only 24. dukeenergycenterraleigh.com

2/3–5
DC Curry

“Remember it, write it down, take a picture, I don’t give a…” Friday franchise fans—“It’s Mr. Nasty time” (aka Uncle Elry a la Next Friday, Friday After Next—NTM Def Comedy Jam, etc.). Catch him as he bends the boards at Goodnights for five can’t-miss funny nights. goodnightscomedy.com

2/3–5
Tony Rock

Chris Rock’s younger bro’s got jokes—and you best believe he had one about that slap, which he spoke out about in Raleigh (!) at the No Remorse Comedy Tour and, well, let’s just say “it’s on bro.” Cop a squat at Improv to see what this rising “Rock” star says next. improv.com

2/4
The Big Frosty 2023

There’s snow place like Raleigh Beer Garden’s Big Frosty beer festival! Sample 50 brews, ciders and ginger beers from over two dozen breweries as you jam out to live music during an event that’s sure to raise the bar. theraleighbeergarden.com

2/4
Glow for Love

Glow on, girl! Charles & Colvard is showing off its luxurious signature showroom—NTM offering exclusive discounts on fine jewelry (light bites, bubbles and bourbon will also be provided!). Bring your boo to clue him in on what to get you for Valentine’s Day. charlesandcolvard.com

2/4
Jigsaw Puzzle Mania Fundraiser

Feelin’ puzzled? Then come compete at this third annual jigsaw puzzle fundraiser benefiting women and girls through Soroptimist International of Raleigh programs. … It’s all about the big picture! soroptimistraleigh.org

2/4
Kay Yow Cancer Fund Celebration Run/Walk

Lace up those sneaks and take a stroll to fight against cancer at the 7th annual Kay Yow run/walk at NC State (appropriately falling on World Cancer Day). Walk this way… support.kayyow.com

2/4
Krispy Kreme Challenge

Doughnut stop… doughnut ever stop… finishing that 5-miler or cramming your face with a dozen hot-and-ready sweet treats for the 19th annual Krispy Kreme Challenge. Just try not to toss your, er, doughnuts. krispykremechallenge.com

2/4
NC State v. Georgia Tech

Yup—we’ll wreck ’em alright. gopack.com

2/4
Pop-Up Pints & Pups Market

Puppy fever is a thing. … Support local vendors—and possibly even take home a pup (!)—via this blended market hosted on Boxcar’s patio. Furry friends and local vendors? Name a better duo—we’ll wait. theboxcarbar.com

2/4, Saturdays
Winter Farmers Market

Who says you can’t purchase fresh produce during the winter? Find fruits and veggies, seafood, meats, and baked goods galore at this North Hills mini market. Stay fresh! visitnorthhills.com

2/4—5
Wine Certification Class

Hey, vino lovers! A grape way to cultivate your wine expertise is attending a wine class at Vitis House. You know what they say, when there’s a wine there’s a way! vitishouse.com

2/4 & 2/18
Yoga at Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience

Combine art and exercise via an immersive—and Zen—yoga practice with Van Gogh’s art work. Om—yes, please! feverup.com

2/5
Neptunes Comedy

Ready for loads of laughs? Find hosts Spencer Bland and Jordan Scott Huggins, and comedians Brandi Roberts, Devon Roberts and Justin Scranton stealing the show and sharing their sillies at Neptunes. Laugh on! @neptunescomedy

2/5
Pop-Up Skatepark

Let the good times roll via a day of skating around a setup of ramps, boxes and rails. All levels are welcome! Lace ’em up! skateraleigh.com

2/6
NC State v. Virginia Tech (Women’s)
Technically speaking, we think the Pack will be taking home the dub. gopack.com

2/7, ongoing
Bands at Brookside Bodega

Drink in cold brews and live jams from local artists via this recurring music event on Brookside Bodega’s patio. Feel the rhythm of the night… brooksidebodega.com 

2/7
Supper Club Chef Series

Join Vidrio Executive Chef Saif Rahman for a cooking lesson as he walks you through several dishes—think pan-seared chicken, curried sweet potatoes and Carolina gold rice—with proceeds benefiting the Ripe Revival mobile market program. How delish! riperevivalmarket.com

2/7–12
Dreamgirls

“Oh, baby, I got a show to do!” Go behind the scenes of the competitive entertainment industry and get inspired by a girl group who redefine the phenomenal dream during this award-winning NC Theatre rendition. dukeenergycenterraleigh.com