• Build-a-Bouquet | Friday, Feb. 16 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | North Hills Commons, 4160 Main St., Raleigh | Free | Visit this pop-up flower installation by the NC Museum of Art and receive free stems while supplies last.
• Better Days Live Music Series | Friday, Feb. 16 | 5-8 p.m. | Hartwell, 620 W. South St., Raleigh | $5 suggested donation | Groove out to live music by Elonzo Wesley and Ol’ Joey Scrums.

• Fusion Family Day | Saturday, Feb. 17 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Artspace, 201 E. Davie St., Raleigh | Free | Bring the whole family to experience this multicultural celebration of Black History Month and the Lunar New Year with activities, demonstrations, refreshments, and more.
• Chili Cook-Off With Blackbird Brewery | Saturday, Feb. 17 | 12-5 p.m. | House of Hops, 6909 Glenwood Ave., St. 100, Raleigh | $0-$15 | Visit this bottle shop to judge or show off your chili recipe.
• Pizzette Party — Exclusive Tasting Event | Saturday, Feb. 17 | 3-5 p.m. | Sassool, 9650 Strickland Rd., Raleigh | $5 | Pizzettes resemble pizza made with a thin pita crust sans marinara — six pies will be available for tasting, ranging from traditional pizza flavors to za’atar spices and fig + mint.
• Journey: Freedom Tour 2024 | Saturday, Feb. 17 | 7:30 p.m. | PNC Arena, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd., Raleigh | $160-$175 | Celebrate this rock and roll band’s 50th anniversary by singing along to iconic songs like “Don’t Stop Believin’.”

• The Ballroom Drag Battle — Week 3 | Sunday, Feb. 18 | 6-9 p.m. | Transfer Co. Food Hall, 500 E. Davie St., Raleigh | $12-$100 | Enjoy 12+ lip sync performances during this drag battle.

• Enjoy a burger, milkshake, and fries from Raleigh institution Char-Grill.
• Get a taste of Europe at La Farm Bakery + Café.
• Try Boots Up Ale, a beer only available at RDU’s Lonerider.
• In a hurry? Order ahead from getREEF Virtual Food Hall.

• Browse products from local artisans at Root & Branch.
• Pick up a glimmering gift (or treat yourself ) at Swarovski.
• Elevate your wardrobe with a new look from Vineyard Vines.

• Award-winning chef Scott Crawford is opening Crawford’s Genuine, an upscale bar and grill, this spring.
• Local chef Oscar Diaz will debut Mexican restaurant Adios!
• Travelers will soon be able to grab a drink at Conniption Cocktails & Cuisine by Durham Distillery.

• Pin Point, a sports + entertainment concept geared toward pickleball and golf, is coming to Raleigh this summer. Located at 2201 S. Wilmington St. near the Raleigh Fire Museum, the facility will be equipped with 16 pickleball courts, eight golf simulators, a chipping + putting area, and sports bar. (Triangle Business Journal)

• Jenny from the block is bringing “This Is Me...Now” The Tour to the City of Oaks on Aug. 24. Jennifer Lopez will perform her iconic pop songs at PNC Arena — tickets are on sale this Friday, Feb. 23.

• Avelo Airlines will add a new nonstop flight to Albany, New York from Raleigh-Durham International Airport — the twice-weekly flight will take off in May. Explore even more nonstop flights available at RDU with our guide. (Triangle Business Journal)

• North Carolina FC released its theme night schedule for the 2024 season, kicking off with the home opener on Saturday, March 9 at WakeMed Soccer Park. Plan ahead for other fun-themed nights like throwback, Pride, Juneteenth, and Star Wars.

• Whether you’re participating in early voting or are waiting to make your voice heard during the primary election on March 5, WRAL released an NC Voter Guide 2024 to help you navigate voting.

• This is all it’s quacked up to be — head to Tap Yard this Sunday, Feb. 18 for Duck Daze. Bring in your Tap Yard rubber ducks to participate in games, compete to win raffle prizes, and watch + cheer on ducks as they splash down on the rubber duck race track.

• Just because Valentine’s Day has come and gone doesn’t mean the romance has to end. Whip up these sheet-pan steak + potatoes with roasted vegetables or this creamy ravioli soup for your loved one. After all, the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach, right?*

Where to watch

• Birdwalk | Saturday, Feb. 17 | 8-9 a.m. | Durant Nature Preserve, 8305 Camp Durant Rd., Raleigh | Free | Grab your binoculars and register for this 1.5 mile bird-watching hike led by Wake Audubon guest naturalist Erla Beegle.
• Bird Watch for the Great Backyard Bird Count | Friday, Feb. 16 | 1:30-3:30 p.m. | Prairie Ridge, 1671 Gold Star Dr., Raleigh | Free | Pick up a bird bingo sheet, practice using binoculars, or look through field guides before heading out to look for birds.