The Year of the Horse traditionally forecasts breakthoughs, action, freedom, and speed. | Photo by Khoa Võ
Cultures across the world celebrate Lunar New Year — here are a few ways to mark the Year of the Horse here in Raleigh.
TACAS’s Lunar New Year Festival | Saturday, Jan. 24 | Dorton Arena | $10+ | This family-friendly celebration will feature cultural performances, Chinese + international cuisines, and a lion dance.
Lunar New Year Market | Saturday, Feb. 7 | Raleigh Iron Works | Free entry | Shop from a wide variety of Asian American and Pacific Islander-owned businesses, grab a bite from Golden K Dog, Bobasaur, and Lao Lao, and join a raffle to benefit North Carolina Asian Americans Together.
CAFA Chinese New Year Gala | Sunday, Feb. 8 | Martin Marietta Center | $25+ | Enjoy a rich performance honoring dance, music, and tradition to ring in the Lunar New Year.
Astronomy Days 2026 | Saturday, Jan. 24-Sunday, Jan. 25 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | NC Museum of Natural Sciences | Free | Explore the wonders of the universe through technology, telescopes, engaging talks by scientists during this free two-day celestial adventure.*
There’s a chance of snow on Sunday in central NC — keep an eye on the forecast with our friends at CBS 17’s Storm Team. But no matter what, schools are already off Monday for MLK Day.
Environment
The Duke Lemur Center just welcomed a baby Coquerel’s sifaka, and he’s the great-grandson of Jovian, who played the titular role in kid’s TV show “Zoboomafoo.” Coquerel’s sifakas are critically endangered, and the Lemur Center’s conservation breeding program has celebrated over 3,400 births since its opening.
Holiday
Monday is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. All city offices will be closed, and GoRaleigh buses will run on the Sunday schedule. Honor King’s legacy by volunteering during Activate Good’s Dignity Week.
Sports
The NC Courage dropped its 2026 season, and we have a good feeling about this one. The season kicks off on March 14 against Racing Louisville — grab your tickets now.
Civic
The City of Raleigh has a new self-service portal for managing water bills, service requests, and more all online. Check it out for yourself.
Try This
Does “Heated Rivalry” have you blasting “I’ll Believe In Anything” and “All The Things She Said”? Listen and dance your heart out live with other fans at the Heated RivalRave at The Ritz on Feb. 13.
Job
Ready to kickstart your career in digital media remotely? We’re hiring an Account Manager to power the post-sale experience for our partners, with a competitive salary, premium benefits, unlimited PTO, and real growth opportunities to boot. Apply to join our team.
Wake Forest University School of Law recently announced a new joint degree program, the JD/Master of Health Administration. The goal: Equipping students with high-demand skills to navigate the intersection of healthcare policy, administration, and law. Here’s how it works.*
The Buy
A subtle Valentine’s touch can go a long way. These are our top picks to style your space.
Happy Friday, Raleigh. I want to know — do you have a book about Raleigh you love? Let me know. I’m reading Sam Anderson’s “Boom Town” about Oklahoma City, and I’m itching for a book like this for Oak City. Maybe a certain local newsletter editor needs to get on this?
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