We've made it to March and just the sound of that makes us want to get outside. Mardis Gras is Tuesday, March 4 and there are plenty of themed events leading up to the day. We've put together a list of events happening across North Carolina this weekend.
Asheville will hold a Mardis Gras Parade Sunday afternoon.
"Animalia fun returns to downtown Asheville on Sunday, March 2, 2025. As our community comes together to Let the Good Times Roll, there will be route and traffic impacts," event organizers said.
The parade will step off at 3:05 p.m. at South Slope. The float lineup will start on Southside Avenue between Biltmore and Short Coxe Avenue.
The parade is fun for all ages, event organizers say.
There will be plenty of before and after parties joining the celebration too.
Click here for more information on parking and street closures.
A Mardis Gras king and queen will be crowned in Beaufort's celebration this weekend. The Beaufort Mardis Gras Parade is happening Saturday at 3 p.m.
"Beaufort’s Waterfront Mardi Gras Festival is a weekend celebration with feasts, parades, costumes, masks, and revelry," event organizers said. There will also be a masquerade ball, a street carnival and a "sinner's remorse" brunch happening in conjunction with the parade.
The parade will start on Gordon Street at Front Street.
"Beaufort’s Mardi Gras Celebration is a true display of Beaufort’s quirkiness," Beaufort leaders said.
The Sweet Potato Queens always steal the show! A group of women dress in elaborate costumes and perform choreographed routines. It's called the parade of "krewes."
The parade will be followed by a masquerade ball from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
"Step into a world of mystery and glamour at our enchanting masquerade ball!" event organizers said. "Dance beneath the glittering lights of a clear top tent on Beaufort’s exquisite waterfront to a symphony of music."
The ball is being held at the Beaufort Historic Site on Turner Street. Tickets include food and drinks.
Raleigh Sports Card, Pokémon & Collectibles Show
Card collectors are heading to Raleigh this weekend for the Sports Card, Pokémon & Collectibles Show. The show will span three days, wrapping up on Sunday.
It's happening at the N.C. State Fairgrounds in the Kerr Scott Building from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
There will be more than 350 vendor tables with plenty of collectibles and memorabilia.
"The event will also feature a wide assortment of baseball and other sports cards, sports memorabilia, Pokémon, autographs, Funko Pop!, non-sports cards and hobby supplies," event organizers said.
Admission starts at $8 and children 12 and under are free.
Restaurants across Cabarrus County are getting their best burgers ready for you to try, in hopes of getting your vote! Cabarrus Burger Madness returns on March 1 for a month-long celebration.
The contest features 20 restaurants. "This friendly, bragging-rights competition showcases the culinary creativity of our chefs and gives diners exciting new dishes to try," event organizers said.
To join, sign up for the free Cabarrus Burger Madness mobile pass, where you can eventually vote for your favorite burger.
Voting will be open from March 24-31. Diners must check in at the restaurant to vote.
Mardis Gras at Cabarrus Brewing Co.
Break out the masks and beads! After having a burger during Cabarrus Burger Madness, head to Cabarrus Brewing Company Saturday for a Mardis Gras celebration.
The taproom will be open from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m., and the Mardis Gras celebration starts at 7 p.m. with New Orleans jazz music by Too Phat Brass Band.
"Grab your crew and get ready to party 'Nawlins style with us Saturday, March 1!" the brewery posted.
Grab your heart glasses and cardigan and head to the Greensboro Science Center to shake it off with other Swifties at "Laser Taylor Swift" Friday night.
The event promises to showcase dazzling laser lights that will bring Swift's hits to life in an "unforgettable show."
Friday showtimes are 6 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9 p.m.
If you've been waiting for a fun wine and food pairing event, it's happening this weekend in North Carolina's Yadkin Valley. Head to our state's version of Napa Valley March 1-2 for the Yadkin Winter Reds event.
Participating Yadkin County wineries will feature a 2-oz pour of red wine paired with a 3-oz serving of food. See the tasting menu here.
The event will be 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
"Each ticket holder will be assigned to a starting winery where they will receive their souvenir wine glass and a map. You will travel around to each participating winery to sample your food and wine," event organizers said.
The ticket, $35, is good for both days, with one visit per winery.
Get tickets here.
"Diary of a Wimpy Kid the Musical"
"If you can survive middle school, you can survive anything!" Based on the book series "Diary of a Wimpy Kid," the musical is coming to the Children's Theatre of Charlotte.
It's a family event! It's for all ages and will last about an hour, according to the website.
The musical is happening through March 2.
Click here for tickets.
