Raleigh Weekend

The Local's Guide to Things to Do in Raleigh, NC

Lisa Jeffries Nobling

Saturday: Fall in Love (With Wine) at Wine Authorities’ Free Tasting

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Valentine’s Day may be the most over-hyped holiday on the calendar—but let’s be honest, if you’re reading this, wine is probably the real love story.

This Saturday’s free tasting at Wine Authorities – Raleigh features three Valentine-inspired selections from Germany’s Mosel, Portugal’s Lisboa, and France’s Southern Rhône—plus a tall, bubbly opening act to set the mood. Romantic? Maybe. Delicious? Absolutely.

You don’t have to be feeling particularly amorous to appreciate these sensational sippables.

On the tasting table:
Staffelter Hof – Riesling Sekt Brut

Staffelter Hof – Mosel Riesling Trocken “862”

Quinta de Sant’Ana – Lisboa Tinto

Mas de Libian – “Bout d’Zan” Côtes du Rhône

📍 Wine Authorities – 211 East Franklin St., Raleigh, NC 27604
📅 Saturday, Feb. 14 | Noon–3 p.m.
💸 Free

Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day, or just Saturday afternoon, this is an easy, low-pressure way to sip something new—and maybe find a bottle worth bringing home.

Take a Sunday Stroll at the DTRaleigh Photo Walk

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If you’re looking for a creative way to spend Sunday afternoon, the Winter 2025/26 DTRaleigh Photo Walk is an easy win. Bring a camera—any kind—and join fellow downtown enthusiasts for a casual walk through Raleigh’s core and nearby neighborhoods.

There’s no agenda, no pressure, and no experience required—just walking, talking, and seeing the city through a different lens. After the loop, stick around for beverages and conversation back at the starting point.

Forest Park Walking Tour Details:
🕐 1–1:15 p.m. Meet in front of The Bend Bar
🚶 1:15–2:30 p.m. Walk a ~2-mile loop up St. Mary’s Street through Forest Park, returning via Hillsborough Street

📍 The Bend Bar – 853 W Morgan St., Raleigh, NC 27603
📅 Sunday, Feb. 15 | 1–3 p.m.
📸 All camera types welcome
💸 Free to attend
🔗 RSVP: https://www.meetup.com/dtraleigh-community/events/312550355

Spend Sunday Afternoon at the Vintage Market at Wolfe & Porter

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While you’re out and about this weekend, keep the momentum going with a laid-back Sunday browse. Wolfe & Porter is hosting a Vintage Market featuring clothing, housewares, and gifts—perfect for treasure hunting with a drink in hand.

It’s an easy, no-pressure way to wrap up the weekend: sip something good, shop something old, find something new-to-you.

📍 Wolfe & Porter – 905 W. Morgan St., Raleigh, NC 27603
📅 Sunday, Feb. 15 | Noon–5 p.m.
💸 Free to attend

🔗 More info: https://www.wolfeandporter.com/events

Friday Five: This Week’s Plans Have Range

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Consider this your reminder that February is not, in fact, a sleepy month. This week’s lineup is stacked—from Friday night fun and cozy indoor picks to Sunday resets and a very full Thursday that’s begging you to pick a vibe (or three). Whether you’re in it for live music, arts and culture, book browsing, Galentine’s gatherings, or just an excuse to leave the house, we’ve rounded up plans that make the most of the moment—no winter-weather side-eye required.

Scroll on, choose your adventure, and let Raleigh do what it does best.

Friday Is Your Last Chance for “Moonlight and Magnolias” This Weekend

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Raleigh Little Theatre’s production of “Moonlight and Magnolias” is proving to be a hot ticket. Saturday and Sunday performances are sold out, but as of now, Friday, Feb. 6, still has limited tickets available.

Set in 1939 Hollywood, this fast-talking comedy dives behind the scenes of Gone with the Wind, when legendary producer David O. Selznick shut down production and locked himself in a room with screenwriter Ben Hecht and director Victor Fleming to fix the script—fast. Fueled by bananas, peanuts, and pressure, the trio’s frantic five-day sprint became the blueprint for one of the most iconic films of all time.

Based on true events, the play offers a sharp, funny glimpse into the gilded chaos of Hollywood’s Golden Age.

📍 Raleigh Little Theatre – 301 Pogue St, Raleigh
📅 Friday, Feb. 6 | 8 p.m. (Production runs Feb. 6–22)
💸 Tickets: $33–$36
🎟️ Friday night availability only: https://raleighlittletheatre.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/
🔗 Learn more about the production: https://RaleighLittleTheatre.org/Moonlight-and-Magnolias

Sip With the Winemakers on Friday: Taylor’s Wine Shop Extravaganza

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Wine fans, this is a Friday night worth circling. Taylor’s Wine Shop is hosting a Winemaker Extravaganza featuring five acclaimed winemakers for an evening of tasting, conversation, and special bottle pricing.

Your ticket includes a tasting of 10 wines (a $55 value), a Riedel wine glass to take home, and the chance to mingle with the people behind the bottles—plus opportunities to purchase wines at a discount and have bottles signed.

Featured winemakers:
Steve Reynolds & Cam Reynolds — Reynolds Family Winery
Sam Lando — Lando Wines
Mary Ann Turrentine — Paradigm Winery
Don Holloway — Parting Song

Tasting lineup includes:
Reynolds Family Chardonnay (2023)
Reynolds Family Persistence (2021)
Reynolds Family Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (2021)
Reynolds Family Stag’s Leap Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (2023)
Lando HALO Chardonnay (2024)
Lando Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir (2018)
Lando RRV Pinot Noir (2023)
Paradigm Oakville Merlot (2021)
Paradigm Oakville Cabernet Franc (2022)
Parting Song Beguile Napa Red (2020)

📍 Taylor’s Wine Shop – 10005 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615
📅 Friday, Feb. 6 | 5–7 p.m.
💸 $47 per person
🚗 Parking note: Please park at the church to the right of the veterinary office. Store parking is reserved for handicap patrons and short-term shopping only.
🎟️ Tickets: https://taylorswineshop.com/collections/wine-dinners/products/winemaker-extravaganza

Puzzle for a Purpose at PuzzleMania on Saturday

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Looking for a feel-good, indoors-friendly way to spend your Saturday? PuzzleMania VIII is back—and rescheduled to Saturday, Feb. 7, due to earlier inclement weather. Hosted by Soroptimist International of Raleigh, this high-energy puzzle competition raises funds to support local women and girls through Soroptimist’s Dream programs.

Teams of four race against the clock to complete an identical 500-piece jigsaw puzzle, all while competing for prizes and supporting a great cause. Not bringing a team? No problem—individuals are welcome and will be placed on a team.

What to expect:
Speed puzzling competition
Prizes for the fastest teams
Door prizes
50/50 raffle
Silent auction featuring unique puzzles, handbags, and more

📍 Highland United Methodist Church – 1901 Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607
📅 Saturday, Feb. 7
🕐 Doors open at 1 p.m. | Puzzling starts at 1:30 p.m.
💸 Tickets: $140 per team of four | $35 individual (team placement guaranteed); Includes light snacks

🎟️ Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/puzzlemania-a-fundraiser-for-soroptimist-international-of-raleigh-registration-1605847094889

💙 Why It Matters
This is Soroptimist International of Raleigh’s 8th PuzzleMania and one of its biggest fundraisers. Thanks to its success, the organization will award $16,000 in Live Your Dream Awards to 10 local women this year.

Saturday–Sunday: Look to the Skies at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences

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After a postponement, Astronomy Days is officially back Saturday–Sunday, Feb. 7–8, at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. This free, all-ages event invites visitors to explore the wonders of the universe through telescopes, technology, hands-on activities, and engaging talks with scientists.

This year’s theme is Passport to the Moon, with two full days of lunar-focused programming designed to spark curiosity and discovery—no spacesuit required.

📍 North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences – 11 W Jones St, Raleigh
📅 Saturday–Sunday, Feb. 7–8
💸 Free general admission

🌕 What to expect:
Telescope viewing and interactive exhibits
Scientist talks and demonstrations
Hands-on activities for all ages
Two days of Moon-themed programming

🎟️ Member perk: Purchase or renew a Museum membership between Jan. 10–Feb. 8 using code MOON and receive a free T-shirt on the day of the event.

🔊 Loud noise advisory: Blast-Off Rockets will be launched throughout both days in the alley behind the Nature Research Center, creating loud popping sounds. Guests sensitive to loud or unexpected noises may wish to enter through the Nature Exploration Center (NEC) at 11 W Jones St.

♿ Accessibility: ASL interpreters can be requested for select exhibits and presentations by contacting Samantha Frigerio at 919.707.9824 or samantha.frigerio@naturalsciences.org no later than Friday, Jan. 9.

🔗 Event details and map: https://naturalsciences.org/calendar/astronomy-days/