Skip the big box stores this weekend! Raleigh has some incredible niche and community events lined up for Jan 31st/Feb 1st, from massive cultural celebrations to awesome, limited-run science fun. Check out our picks for active, local family fun!
Quick Picks
25th Annual African American Cultural Celebration
NC Museum of Art
A massive, vibrant cultural festival kicking off Black History Month for free!
Artspace Open Studio
Artspace (Downtown)
Perfect for a casual Sunday afternoon making art—no experience necessary.
Astronomy Days: Passport to the Moon (Last Day!)
Museum of Natural Sciences
The final day to check out hands-on space activities and maybe peek through a telescope.
· January 31
325TH ANNUAL AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CELEBRATIONFREE : It’s the in-person kick-off for Black History Month! Expect tons of amazing performances, demos, and art—it’s going to be vibrant.This is a massive, highly anticipated community celebration marking the start of Black History Month. Don't miss the live energy!
ASTRONOMY DAYS: PASSPORT TO THE MOON (LAST DAY!)FREE : Heads up, this is the absolute last day for this awesome space weekend! They usually have fantastic hands-on science stuff, and look out for the loud rockets outside.It's the final day for this space-themed event, which means loud rockets AND potential telescope viewing. Great hands-on science!
TRIANGLE ACADEMY OF DANCE'S FREE TO BE MEFREE : If this fits your family, this is a beautiful, specialized dance class designed just for empowerment through movement for kids with developmental needs.This highly specialized, free community offering focuses specifically on children with developmental special needs—a true local gem if you qualify.
· February 1
1ARTSPACE OPEN STUDIOFREE : Get creative on Sunday afternoon! This free session usually has a cool, beginner-friendly project ready for you to jump into.A free, casual, hands-on art session perfect for a relaxing Sunday afternoon where kids actively make something to take home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free, hands-on events are happening this weekend?
You can hit the massive, free 25th Annual African American Cultural Celebration on Saturday, or head to Artspace Open Studio on Sunday afternoon for a casual art session.
Is there anything ending this weekend that we shouldn't miss?
Yes! Saturday, Jan 31st is the last day for Astronomy Days: Passport to the Moon at the Museum of Natural Sciences, featuring space activities and potential telescope viewing.
Where can my family engage in cultural activities locally?
Check out the 25th Annual African American Cultural Celebration at the NC Museum of Art on Saturday for a day packed with performances and demonstrations, celebrating Black History Month.