
Photo of Asheville Mardi Gras via Karl Hinterkopf/Flickr
It’s Presidents Day weekend, which for many North Carolinians means an extra day off. Here are 5 fun things you can do this weekend all across the state.
Art Exhibition at Reynolda House (Winston-Salem): Feb. 18

On Saturday Stephen Towns: Declaration & Resistance will be the newest exhibition at the Reynolda House Museum of American Art. Through paintings and story quilts Towns looks at the American dream from the perspective of Black Americans. He, along with curator Kilolo Luckett, and historian Dr. Paul Baker will also host a panel discussion about the exhibition from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Follow this link to learn more.
Black History Month Parade (New Bern): Feb. 18
New Bern’s biggest parade returns this Saturday to celebrate Black History Month. The theme of the parade is Black History: Before and Now and will feature a float competition, classic cars, and appearances from local organizations. It begins at noon on 3rd Avenue and will make its way down to Kafer Park.
Vintage Market (Durham): Feb. 18
Hosted by Durty Bull Brewing on the third Saturday of every month, the Local Maker + Vintage Market is a great way to spend your Saturday afternoon in Durham. They have a lineup of local vendors, live music by Taxi Cab Preacher, and “unconventional brews” on tap!
Ritmo Latino Dance Social (Charlotte): Feb. 19
All are welcome at Lenny Boy Brewing for their Ritmo Latino Dance Social! The event is from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. and the $5 entry includes the Intro to Latin Dance Class at the beginning of the social. Get there early to check in, see what the food specials are, and grab a drink!
FREE Mardi Gras Parade & Ball (Asheville): Feb. 19

Asheville Mardi Gras comes to town for the 16th year in a row. This year’s theme is “Out of this World” and they encourage participants to dress up in whatever that means to them. This is a family-friendly parade in Asheville’s South Slope District. You can watch the parade from the sidelines or join it by yourself or with a group!
If you’re walking in the parade you’ll line up on Southside Avenue from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. If you’re watching the parade they’ll come around the corner of Southside and Coxe Avenue at 3:05 p.m.
Afterward, the party will move to the Funkatorium, also known as Wicked Weed Brewing, for a night of fun, food, and beer.

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