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 other fun things to do in North Carolina in February.
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 not to 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:
- America 250 Events in February
- Black History Month Events
- Mardi Gras Events in North Carolina
- Winter Sports (NBA, NCAA Basketball, and Hockey)
- More Things to Do in North Carolina in February
Read More: The NC Tripping Events Calendar
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America 250 Events in February 2026
America 250 is a celebration of our 250 years as an independent nation, featuring a long slate of events across the United States. North Carolina was a major player before and during the American fight for independence, as shown by the events below.
Here are some America 250 Events in NC during February:
- The Regulator Movement and the Revolution in the North Carolina Backcountry in Pittsboro (February 1, 2026)
- Discover Tryon Palace: Caswell’s Capital Tour in New Bern (February 5, 2026)
- Fifth Annual Burning of the Baggage in Lincolnton (February 7, 2026)
- Foundational Documents Talks in Hillsborough
- The Articles of Confederation (February 7, 2026)
- The Constitution (February 14, 2026)
- America 250 Events in High Point
- To Form a More Perfect Union Exhibition (February 7, 2026)
- How the Quakers Invented America at the High Point Public Library (February 7)
- The Heritage Book Club Celebrates America 250: How the British Lost America at the High Point Public Library (February 13 and March 6, 2026)
- Tea Time in the Historical Park (February 14, 2026)
- Montford Point Marines of High Point (February 21, 2026)
- America 250 Events in New Bern
- 250 Books for America 250! at Reading Fun Day (February 7, 2026)
- The American Origin Myth: Why We Remember the Revolution at the North Carolina History Center (February 12, 2026)
- Brave Women: Their Revolutionary Stories (February 15, 2026)
- Becoming American Scripture: The Declaration of Independence after 1776 (February 26, 2026)
- Eagles: Love at First Flight at Lake Norman State Park (February 14, 2026)
- American Revolution Lecture Series: Rick Atkinson at the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (February 19, 2026)
- An Evening with Mr. Jefferson with Tom Pitz in Jefferson (February 20, 2026)
- First in Freedom Festival in Eastern NC (February 21-28, 2026)
- 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge (part of the First in Freedom Festival, February 26-28, 2026)
- History Lecture with Lee Sharpe and Rebecca Dula in Taylorsville (February 21, 2026)
- Thomas Peters: Fighting the Other Revolution at the New Hanover County Library in Wilmington (February 22, 2026)
Black History Month Events
Celebrate Black history, culture, and African American-owned businesses by attending these events across North Carolina in February:
- Black History Tours at the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA) at Old Salem Museums & Gardens in Winston-Salem (February 7, 14, 21, and 28)
- Montford Point Marines of High Point (February 21, 2026)
- Black His/Her-Story Month Carnival in Wilmington (February 21, 2026)
- Thomas Peters: Fighting the Other Revolution (February 22, 2026)
- Johnston County Heritage Center Black History Program (February 26, 2026)
- African American Heritage Festival in Charlotte (February 28, 2026)
Read More: Important Places to Visit and Learn Black History in North Carolina
Mardi Gras Events in North Carolina
Mardi Gras (aka Carnival) is a worldwide feast and celebration. North Carolina is home to a few Mardi Gras festivals, including:
- Mardi Gras in New Bern (February 14, 2026)
- Asheville Mardi Gras (February 15, 2026)
- Mardi Gras by the Sea on Oak Island (February 21, 2026)
Read More: 30+ Amazing NC Coastal Towns (+ Things to Do in Each One!)
Winter Sports During February in North Carolina
Skiing and snow tubing may be winding down but other winter sports continue to shine during February in North Carolina. We start with the hardest-hitting teams in the business.
Hockey (All Month)
Seeing the Carolina Hurricanes is one of the best things to do in Raleigh. Here’s how their home schedule looks in February 2026:
- Los Angeles Kings (February 1)
- Ottawa Senators (February 3)
- Tampa Bay Lightning (February 26)
- Detroit Red Wings (February 28)
Carolina Hurricanes Ticket Info
Minor League Hockey will also be in full swing in February and throughout the winter months. Keep an eye out for these teams’ home games this January:
Read More: Things to Do in Fayetteville
NBA Basketball (All Month)
Not to be overshadowed by the NCAAs, watching NBA basketball’s Charlotte Hornets is one of the best things to do in North Carolina in February.
At least a few of these games at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte will pique your interest:
- New Orleans Pelicans (February 2)
- Detroit Pistons (February 9)
- Atlanta Hawks (February 11)
- Houston Rockets (February 19)
- Cleveland Cavaliers (February 20)
- Portland Trailblazers (February 28)
NCAA Basketball (All Month)
Men’s and Women’s college basketball conference play will already be hot by February in North Carolina. Here’s a refresher on the conferences and teams that represent universities and colleges throughout the state:
- American Athletic Conference (AAC)
- Charlotte 49ers
- East Carolina Pirates
- Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC)
- Duke Blue Devils
- NC State Wolfpack
- UNC-Chapel Hill Tar Heels
- Wake Forest Demon Deacons
- Atlantic Sun Conference (ASun)
- Queens Royals
- Atlantic 10 Conference
- Davidson Wildcats
- Big South Conference
- Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs
- High Point Panthers
- UNC-Asheville Bulldogs
- Coastal Athletic Association (CAA)
- Campbell Fighting Camels
- Elon Phoenix
- North Carolina A&T Aggies
- UNC-Wilmington Seahawks
- Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC)
- North Carolina Central Eagles
- Southern Conference
- UNC-Greensboro Spartans
- Western Carolina Catamounts
- Sun Belt Conference
- Appalachian State Mountaineers
Read More: 50+ Easy Day Trips from Fayetteville (Great Getaways!)
More Fun 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)
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:
- Atlantis Lodge in Atlantic Beach
- Bear Lake Reserve in Jackson County
- Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock
- Inner Banks Inn in Edenton
- Lakeview at Fontana in Bryson City
Read More: 25 Wonderful Weekend Getaways in North Carolina (For Families, Couples, or Just Yourself!)
Ice Skating at the US National Whitewater Center in Charlotte
2026 Event Dates: Through Mid-February 2026
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!
Ice Fest Weekend in Haywood County
2026 Event Dates: January 29 to February 1, 2026
Event Info
Continuing the fun from the end of January is Visit Haywood Ice Fest Weekend! There are also some new events added this year, including a Cool Jazz concert at HART Theatre in Waynesville and a Visit Haywood Ice Stroll in downtown Waynesville.
Returning festivities include live ice-carving demonstrations, ice games, and a variety of vendors at the Maggie Valley Ice Festival. The fun continues around Haywood County, with an ice skating rink in Canton, a “Frosty 5K” in Clyde, the Cataloochee Ski Torch Run, and more!
Read More: Staying at the Swag in Waynesville (10 Luxurious Things We Love!)
North Carolina Jazz Festival in Wilmington
2025 Event Dates: February 5-7, 2026
Event Info
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!
Carolina Chocolate Festival in Morehead City
2026 Event Dates: February 7-8, 2026
Event Info
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
Outhouse Races in Sapphire
2026 Event Date: February 7, 2026
Event Info
We know February 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.
Read More: 100+ Unique Things to Do in North Carolina
GAA Classic Cars Auction in Greensboro
2026 Event Dates: February 19-21, 2026
Event Info
Check out the GAA Classic Cars Auction in Greensboro if you’re a classic car lover. With over 650 vehicles, attendees to this event can either drool over the classic cars or put in their bid for the auction.
This is the largest classic car auction in North Carolina and an impressive February event!
Read More: Fun Museums in Greensboro (Kid-Friendly, Contemporary Art, and More!)
Goldsboro FanFest
2026 Event Date: February 21, 2026
Event Info
Goldsboro FanFest returns for its fourth year. The event is a huge celebration of gaming, cosplay, comics, and TTRPGs with guest panels, exciting contests, and interactive experiences.
You’ll be surrounded by fellow fans, show off your cosplay, and shop vendors offering unique finds.
If you’re one of the first 50 attendees to arrive, you will receive a commemorative Goldsboro FanFest pin.
Fearrington Folk Art Show in Pittsboro
2026 Event Dates: February 21-22, 2026
Event Info
Invigorate your creativity during the annual Fearrington Folk Art Show! This weekend-long event features self-taught artists and brings an eclectic group together to showcase the best of their work.
The February event is perfect for people living near Pittsboro, and if you’re staying at the Fearrington House Inn.
Read More: 50+ of the Best Day Trips from Durham
Yadkin Winter Reds in Yadkin County
2026 Event Dates: February 21-22 and February 28-March 1, 2026
Event Info
A popular event returns to Yadkin County, showcasing some of NC’s finest wineries, including Divine Llama, Laurel Gray, and more.
“Yadkin Winter Reds” will be held over two weekends (February 21-22 & February 18 – March 1, 2026) and will pair Yadkin Valley wineries with a small serving dish.
After purchasing your ticket, you’ll be assigned to a “starting winery” where you’ll receive a souvenir wine glass and event map.
Read More: The Surry County Wine Trail (and 17 Amazing Vineyards to Try)
250th Anniversary of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge
2026 Event Dates: February 26-28, 2026
Event Info
The Anniversary Celebration of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge commemorates the first significant American victory of the Revolutionary War.
Held on the same grounds where the famous battle took place, the event will feature historical reenactments, educational programs, guided tours, and other family-friendly activities.
If you’re a history lover (or not), we think you’ll love learning about this crucial battle in our fight for Independence.
Read More: 15+ Wonderful Places to Visit in Pender County, North Carolina
Boone Docs Film Festival
2026 Event Dates: February 27-28, 2026
Event Info
BooneDocs Film Fest is a celebration of life in Appalachia through a series of short-form documentary films. The juried festival offers a serious look into the area, breaking misleading stereotypes and sharing real-life stories from the people who hail from our mountains.
As a generational Appalachian, I approve of this festival.
Read More: Things to Do in Boone
Tidewater Camellia Club Show in Wilmington
2026 Event Dates: February 28, 2026
Event Info
Celebrating more than 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.
The day begins with a judged camellia bloom show in the morning and opens to the public afterward. This FREE event is sure to be a bloomin’ good time!
Read More: The Best Restaurants In Wilmington (and Surrounding Beach Towns)
Ready for These Exciting Things to Do in North Carolina in February?
February in NC 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 fun things to do in North Carolina in February will you be attending?
Also, what events do you think we should add to this list? Let us know in the comments section, and please share your February in NC adventures in our North Carolina Travel Facebook Group.
Note: If you’re reaching out on behalf of a business, PR agency, or DMO, please visit this page.
More North Carolina Things to Do in February (and Beyond!)
We’ve featured many popular ways to enjoy February in NC in many of our North Carolina Travel Guides. Here are a few of them.
