20+ Fun Things to Do in North Carolina in February 2023

Published by Christina Riley. Last Updated on October 4, 2023.

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February in North Carolina is for romantics and for officially celebrating Black history, even if both deserve recognition throughout the year. Beyond the romance and important historic places, there are some other fun things to do in North Carolina in February, too.

Winter’s last full month is also filled with events that’ll help you keep warm inside or celebrate the cold weather outside. Yes, there are plunges and races to go along with indoor expos and we’ve got them all here.

We hope these things to do in North Carolina in February will keep you busy enough to not think about spring being around the corner.

As you’ll see with previous monthly roundups, we’ve ordered these February events by starting date and alphabetized by city.

Because there are lots of fun things going on, we’ve organized this post into the following sections:

Things to Do in North Carolina in February
Things to Do in North Carolina in February (Black History Month Events)
More Things to Do in North Carolina in February

Read More: Winter in North Carolina

Things to Do in North Carolina in February

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Things to Do in North Carolina in February (Black History Month Events)

Celebrate Black history, culture, and African American-owned businesses by attending these events across North Carolina in February.

Queen City Black Heritage Festival, Concord (February 4)

This year’s Queen City Black Heritage Festival is themed “Remember the Past, Celebrate the Present and Share the Future,” and will feature 100 black-owned vendors selling crafts and food, as well as performances.

Admission to the festival is FREE and there are plenty of activities for children including limbo, a pie-eating contest, and games.

Black History Trolley Tour, Raleigh (February 18)

Take a ride on a trolley to explore downtown Raleigh’s African American history. The tour includes historic homes, schools, churches and businesses important to African American heritage.

Tickets are $10. Three tours are available, with the first one starting at 1 pm.

African American Heritage Festival, Charlotte (February 25)

Celebrate Charlotte’s Black History at the Charlotte Museum of History at the annual African American Heritage Festival. The 2023 event will include art, music, food and more! Admission is free.

More Things to Do in North Carolina in February

These things to do in North Carolina in February will also keep your calendar occupied.

Plan a Romantic Getaway (ALL Month and ALL Year)

Things to Do in North Carolina in February Lakeview at Fontana Romantic Getaway — Lakeview at Fontana.

We think you should always have a romantic getaway in mind, and February is a great opportunity to get started. Some of our favorites include the following:

Ice Skating at the US National Whitewater Center, Charlotte (Until Mid-February)

This February event started in mid-November and continued through January and December. Check their schedule for the final days.

Spend the perfect family afternoon together on over 24,000 square feet of ice at the US National Whitewater Center! Hold hands as you skate across the USNWC’s upper pond and stop by their on-ice Airstream for a hot cup of cocoa.

Read More: Kid-friendly Events in North Carolina!

North Carolina Jazz Festival, Wilmington (February 2-4)

The North Carolina Jazz Festival is celebrated with three days of extravagance at Hotel Ballast in Wilmington. With well-known jazz artists from around the world, the festival guarantees a trip of nonstop music!

Of all the things to do in North Carolina in February, you won’t want to miss this event during any typical year. It is the largest of its kind in the Southeast!

American Indian Powwow, Durham (February 4)

Learn about Native American traditions through music, dance, arts and crafts, and authentic cuisine at the NCSSM American Indian Powwow. This year will be the 30th annual event and focuses specifically on the region’s history.

Guests of all backgrounds and ages are encouraged to attend.

Carolina Chocolate Festival, Morehead City (February 4-5)

What sweeter way is there to kick off February than at the Carolina Chocolate Festival in Morehead City? With proceeds going to charities and scholarships to local high school seniors, attendees can enjoy life’s sweetest indulgence while giving back to the community.

Participate in the Cocoa 5 or, prepare for the bake-off! Either way, you are bound to have the best chocolate experience of your life during this two-day event!

Read More: Awesome Things to Do in Wilmington

Carolina Alpaca Celebration, Concord (February 10-12)

February Things to Do in North Carolina Carolina Alpaca Celebration Concord NC Image — “Alpaca your bags and come see me?”

Are you ready for an adventure? Alpaca your bags because the largest camelid event in the Southeast happens to be in Concord! FREE to the public, attendees of the Carolina Alpaca Celebration can participate in educational seminars and classes, and watch over 600 registered alpacas in the Halter Show.

Read More: Restaurants in Concord and Breweries in Concord

Chocolate Festival, Pinehurst (February 11)

Organized by the women of Pinehurst United Methodist Church, the annual Chocolate Festival is a day for sweets and community bonding. Stock up on treats for your favorite Valentine while raising money for local Pinehurst-based charities that support women and children.

Uncorked Wine and Rail Pairing Experience, Bryson City (February 11)

Things to Do in North Carolina in February Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Bryson City

What better way to spend Valentine’s Day weekend than with primo vino and choo-choos in Bryson City? The annual Uncorked Wine and Rail Pairing Experience on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is an experience of culinary delight.

Book the February train ride to be treated to carefully selected wines and an accompanying freshly-prepared meal while chugging along through the beautiful mountains.

Fearrington Folk Art Show, Pittsboro (February 17-19)

Invigorate your creativity during the annual Fearrington Folk Art Show! Featuring self-taught artists, this weekend-long event brings an eclectic group together to showcase the best of their work. Check their website to purchase a ticket.

Asheville Celtic Festival, Fletcher (February 18)

Celtic music, food, artisans, and period-dressed performers wielding swords? You must be at the Asheville Celtic Festival in Fletcher!

Another cool aspect of the festival near Asheville is genealogy research, perfect for those looking to learn more about your roots. You can also just show up, sit back, and enjoy the live music and Celtic ales and whiskey!

Buy your tickets in advance for $24 and $8 for children under 12.

Mardi Gras, New Bern (February 18)

New Bern’s Ghent Neighborhood Association is putting on its sixth annual Mardi Gras. The festival will start at 11:00 am with fun throughout the day until 5:00 pm.

New this year, the Mardi Gras Mile race along the parade route gives you the chance to run in the middle of the festival with the crowds cheering you on. The race starts at 2:15 pm.

Read More: The Best Things to Do in New Bern

Outhouse Races, Sapphire (February 18)

We know winter in North Carolina can leave a lot of people restless. So Sapphire Valley has found the perfect cure for boredom—race outhouses down the slopes!

Yep, you can slap some skis on a wooden outhouse and downhill your way to a win! Streamed on WNC Live, proceeds of Outhouse Races go to the Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau.

GAA Classic Cars Auction, Greensboro (February 23-25)

If you’re a classic car lover, check out the GAA Classic Cars Auction in Greensboro. With over 650 vehicles, attendees to this event can either drool over the classic cars or put in their own bid for the auction.

This is the largest classic car auction in North Carolina and an impressive February event!

Ret-Con Speculative Fiction & Fandom Convention, Cary (February 24-26)

New for 2023, this independent fiction and fandom convention features local authors, publishers, artists and crafters with a love of sci-fi, fantasy, and horror literature.

Gather to learn, explore and share the stories of fandoms you love. Everyone is welcome, whether you are new to conventions or a seasoned pro. Learn more or buy tickets for this celebration of the North Carolina literary scene.

’80s Prom Night, Beech Mountain (February 25)

Get out the Aqua Net and tease your hair to the heavens for the ultimate throwback party! This year’s event will be an 80s Prom Night at Beech Mountain. Dance the night away in 80s prom clothes to the totally awesome songs from musical guest Cassette Rewind.

Read More: Ski Resorts in North Carolina

Tidewater Camellia Club Show, Wilmington (February 26)

Celebrating 70 years of all things camellia, the Tidewater Camellia Club Show brings judges, exhibitors, and enthusiasts from across the country to the largest event of its kind to Wilmington.

With hands-on workshops, floral arrangements, an art show, and camellias for sale, this FREE event is sure to be a bloomin’ good time!

Ready for These Exciting Things to Do in North Carolina in February?

February in North Carolina is a wonderful and busy time for everyone. We look forward to enjoying these local events and festivals while searching for more to share with you.

Before looking ahead to our future adventures in March and beyond, we’d love to know what’s on your mind. Which of these things to do in North Carolina in February will you be attending?

Also, what events do you think we should add to this list? Email us about it!

Note: If you’re reaching out on behalf of a business, PR agency, or DMO, please visit this page.

20+ Fun Things to Do in North Carolina in February (Updated for 2023)