2nd Annual Maryland Holiday Light Spectacular
2025-12-30 17:30 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Lutherville-Timonium, MD, 21093, United States
Capture the Lights, Magic, Joy! Light up the Season with the 2nd BIG Year of the Outdoor Holiday Light Spectacular!

Fall Color Rambles
2025-12-31 13:00 - 13:30, 2026-01-01 13:00 - 13:30, 2026-01-02 13:00 - 13:30, 2026-01-03 13:00 - 13:30, 2026-01-04 13:00 - 13:30, 2026-01-05 13:00 - 13:30, 2026-01-06 13:00 - 13:30, 2026-01-07 13:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York) and 7 more dates | Grandfather Mountain, 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC, 28646, United States
From Oct. 4 through 12, guests enjoy short, guided nature walks that highlight Grandfather Mountain’s fall colors. The Fall Color Rambles take place daily, weather permitting. The short excursions begin at 1 p.m. and typically last for 30 minutes. Rambles will start outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Included with admission.

Sunrise at the Swinging Bridge
2026-01-01 06:30 - 09:00 (America/New_York) | Grandfather Mountain, 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC, 28646, United States
Celebrate the beginning of 2026 from a mile high! The New Year’s “Sunrise at the Swinging Bridge” event will provide guests with the rare opportunity to be in the park before regular operating hours and to hopefully witness a captivating sunrise from the Mile High Swinging Bridge – the first of 2026! This event costs $50 for general admission, $35 for children (ages 4-12) and $25 for members of Grandfather Mountain’s Bridge Club – plus tax. Limited to 150 participants.

Sunrise at the Swinging Bridge
2026-01-01 06:30 - 09:00 (America/New_York) | Grandfather Mountain, 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC, 28646, United States
This event is SOLD OUT. To be placed on the waiting list, please email judi@grandfather.com with your name, phone number and the number of tickets you are interested in reserving.
Celebrate the beginning of 2026 from a mile high! The New Year’s “Sunrise at the Swinging Bridge” event will provide guests with the rare opportunity to be in the park before regular operating hours and to hopefully witness a captivating sunrise from the Mile High Swinging Bridge – the first of 2026!
Sunrise is at 7:38 a.m., and park gates open at 6:30 a.m. Due to safety regulations, participants may only visit the Mile High Swinging Bridge area during the event. To help warm up on a likely cold winter’s morning, the mountain will offer a complimentary hot beverage bar and doughnuts for sunrise guests in the Top Shop building from 6:30 – 8 a.m. The restrooms in the Top Shop will also be accessible.
Participants are encouraged to bring a flashlight and wear heavy winter jackets, hats, gloves and rubber-soled shoes.
Tickets
Tickets go on sale below at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov 4. Event tickets include an entire day’s access to Grandfather. As the remainder of the park doesn’t open until 9 a.m., participants are welcome to leave the mountain following sunrise and return later in the day for no additional cost.
This event is SOLD OUT. To be placed on the waiting list, please email judi@grandfather.com with your name, phone number and the number of tickets you are interested in reserving.
Cancellations and Refunds
To receive a full refund, guests must cancel prior to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23. Cancellations following that date are not eligible for a refund. To cancel, email judi@grandfather.com or call 828-733-2013.
In addition, the event may be canceled on short notice in case of inclement weather, and tickets will be refunded if that is the case. We will make a decision on the event by 12 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 30. It is important to check your email regularly leading up to the event so you know what the final plans are.
A picture-perfect sunrise, unfortunately, cannot be guaranteed.

FOODEESFEST Daytona Beach, Florida
2026-01-02 13:00 - 2026-01-04 19:00 (America/New_York) | Tanger Outlets Daytona Beach, 1100 Cornerstone Boulevard, Daytona Beach, FL, 32117, United States
Come on out and enjoy the number one touring food truck festival in the US!

Join Us at the Foodees Food and Culture Festival in Daytona Beach, Florida!

Get ready for a weekend of delicious food, unique crafts, and family fun at the Tanger Outlets in Daytona Beach, January 2-4, 2026! With over 40 food trucks and vendors serving gourmet dishes and sweet treats, and dozens of artisans showcasing handmade jewelry, art, and crafts, there’s something for everyone! Enjoy a vibrant community atmosphere with activities for all ages!

🎟️ Admission is FREE for everyone! Register for free tickets now, and help food trucks better prepare for you!

🍴 40+ Food Trucks – From street eats to sweet treats
🛍️ 60+ Artisans & Crafters – Shop handmade goods & local treasures
🎠 Foodees Fun Park – Family-friendly fun!

📅 Dates: January 2-4, 2026
📍 Location: 1100 Cornerstone Blvd, Daytona Beach, Florida 32117
⏰ Friday: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
⏰ Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
⏰ Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Don’t miss out on this incredible event! Follow us for updates and exciting announcements on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok @foodeesfest.

Fiddle Tunes Friendzy – Learn and Play Fiddle Tunes
2026-01-04 14:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Stonefield Cellars Winery, 8220 NC-68, Stokesdale, NC, 27357, United States
Tunes, Tunes, Tunes … FIDDLE tunes specifically! This is not a singing jam, but an opportunity to learn (or teach) fiddle tunes from all genres of traditional music. All ages, all levels, and various instruments are welcomed (especially fiddles, of course), but this session is intended to focus on the tunes themselves. Please RSVP if you plan to attend (see RSVP form below)
Fiddle Tune Friendzy is an all ages event. Learn and play fiddle tunes from many traditions (Bluegrass, Oldtime, Irish, Scottish, Blues, Cajun, Ragtime, Contra Dance).
Bring: Violins, Mandolins, Guitars, Banjos, Tin Whistles, Accordions, Etc.
This Event is FREE. Come to listen or to join in the music circle playing Fiddle Tunes
Sponsors include: Stonefield Cellars Winery, High Lonesome Strings, Vance Archer III, The Thursday Music Circle
Vance Archer III Bio

Vance D. Archer III has been a musician for over 70 years with a career that spans from classical cello in the family string quartet to 40 years of leading Folk Music, Irish Celli and Contra Dance bands in the greater New York City/New Jersey region. He plays violin, viola, cello, guitar, mandolin, autoharp and bouzouki in a variety of musical styles.
Since moving to Greensboro in 2005, Vance has become active in the Triad Music and Art Scene. In addition to leading the Fiddle Tunes Friendzy, Vance hosts the Triad Music Circle in his home, where they enjoy playing acoustic music from many traditions. The Music Circle consists of musicians with varied abilities and interests while serving primarily as emotional musical therapy for its members. The group also serves as an introduction to group playing for his students. Vance hosts an occasional “Traveling Hootenanny” where folks join for an evening of socialization and singing.
Vance performs solo concerts in various regional venues. For these performances he often plays Guitar, Autoharp and Fiddle while leading the singing. Vance organizes solo and group musical entertainment for social gatherings and trade shows and can gather the proper mix of musicians to accommodate most musical venues.

Vance would rather practice outside than inside. He can often be seen strolling in the Bog Garden, Bicentennial Gardens, Country Park or the Arboretum with his fiddle or sitting on a park bench with his autoharp.

Vance Archer Mobile: 336-314-8329 Email: vance_d_archeriii@yahoo.com

Acting from A to Z
2026-01-06 16:30 - 2026-01-27 18:00 (America/New_York) | Andy Griffith Playhouse, 218 Rockford Street, Mount Airy, NC, 27030, United States
Learn basic stage terminology, how to create a character on stage, and work with monologues and scenes.

Acting from A to Z
Tuesdays, 4:30-6 pm
Andy Griffith Playhouse
$80, ages 8-15
January: 6, 13, 20, 27
Instructors: Salem Poindexter and Robert Parks
Learn basic stage terminology, how to create a character on stage, and work with monologues and scenes. This class is great for beginners of all ages!

Teen Visual Arts Class
2026-01-06 16:30 - 2026-01-27 18:00 (America/New_York) | SAC Art Studio, 218 Rockford St., MOUNT AIRY, NC, 27030, United States
The visual arts class for teens (ages 12-18) meets for 4-week sessions.

Teen Visual Arts Class
Tuesdays, 4:30-6:00 pm
SAC Art Studio
$100, ages 12-18
January: 6, 13, 20, 27
Instructor: Kayla Ellis
Art making studio space and instruction for teens to connect and build skills across a variety of art media and techniques.
Kayla Ellis is a licensed and nationally board-certified visual arts teacher with a BFA in Art Education. She taught at Surry County Schools, Surry Community College, Surry Arts Council, and with Crisanthemum Ceramics. She explores color and design through arts, quilt making, and gardening.

It’s Elementary: America 250 Fun and Games
2026-01-08 16:00 - 17:00 UTC
Join the Chatham Community Library for It’s Elementary: America 250 Fun and Games hosted on the second Thursday of every month, 4pm-5pm. Elementary-age kids are invited to explore America’s past through a variety of crafts and games.
This FREE, family-friendly event is open to the public. No registration is required. The event will take place indoors in the Chatham Community Library’s Holmes Family Meeting Room. The Chatham Community Library is ADA-compliant, including wheelchair-accessible, entrances, seating, common spaces, walkways, and restrooms. The Holmes Family Meeting Room has an automatic door opener. Free parking is available outside the library. Pets are not allowed – please leave your furry friends at home.
This event is part of our Chatham Celebrates America 250 initiatives.

Drawing Fun Damentals 2
2026-01-08 18:00 - 2026-02-12 20:00 (America/New_York) | SAC Art Studio, 218 Rockford St., MOUNT AIRY, NC, 27030, United States
Continue building on your drawing skills with instructor James Penn.

Drawing Fun Damentals 2
Thursdays, 6:00-8:00 pm
SAC Art Studio
$175, ages 14 and up
January: 8, 15, 22, 29
February: 5, 12
Instructor: James Penn
Build upon your drawing skills as James Penn, artist and former design instructor, dives further into chiaroscuro (light and shadow), managing shading techniques, and the introduction to color as well as mixed medium.
This 6-week class meets Thursdays, January 8-February 12, 2026, 6:00-8:00 pm. For ages 14 and up; all supplies are provided.

Sippin’ and Readin’ Book Club Meeting
2026-01-08 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Stonefield Cellars Winery, 8220 NC-68, Stokesdale, NC, 27357, United States
Photo by Mike De Sisti
We encourage you to join us for lively discussion paired with wonderful wine (available for purchase during the meeting).
Please RSVP via email to Lynn Gates –
Lynnfrombookclub@gmail.com

New members are always welcome!
Book to be discussed this evening: “Sipsworth” by Simon VanBooy

FOODEESFEST Port Richey, Florida
2026-01-09 13:00 - 2026-01-11 19:00 (America/New_York) | Gulf View Square, 9409 U.S. 19, Port Richey, FL, 34668, United States
Come on out and enjoy the number one touring food truck festival in the US!

Join Us at the Foodees Food and Culture Festival in Port Richey, Florida!

Get ready for a weekend of delicious food, unique crafts, and family fun at Gulf View Square in Port Richey, Florida, January 9-11, 2026! With over 40 food trucks and vendors serving gourmet dishes and sweet treats, and dozens of artisans showcasing handmade jewelry, art, and crafts, there’s something for everyone! Enjoy a vibrant community atmosphere with activities for all ages!

🎟️ Admission is FREE for everyone! Register for free tickets now, and help food trucks better prepare for you!

🍴 40+ Food Trucks – From street eats to sweet treats
🛍️ 60+ Artisans & Crafters – Shop handmade goods & local treasures
🎠 Foodees Fun Park – Family-friendly fun!

📅 Dates: January 9-11, 2026
📍 Location: 9409 US-19, Port Richey, Florida 34668
⏰ Friday: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
⏰ Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
⏰ Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Don’t miss out on this incredible event! Follow us for updates and exciting announcements on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok @foodeesfest.

Youth Visual Arts Class
2026-01-09 15:30 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | SAC Art Studio, 218 Rockford St., MOUNT AIRY, NC, 27030, United States
A monthly visual arts class for youth (ages 5-15).

Join us at the Surry Arts Council for our monthly Youth Visual Arts Class (Ages 5-15)! These classes will be held in the SAC Art Studio every 2nd Friday of the month (except May) at 3:30 pm.
Veteran art teacher Kayla Ellis will lead young artists in a variety of drawing and painting techniques with a fun theme every month.
Kayla Ellis is a licensed and nationally board-certified visual arts teacher with a BFA in Art Education. She taught at Surry County Schools, Surry Community College, Surry Arts Council, and with Crisanthemum Ceramics. She explores color and design through arts, quilt making, and gardening.

Youth Acting Troupe Winter
2026-01-09 16:00 - 2026-02-27 17:00 (America/New_York) | Andy Griffith Playhouse, 218 Rockford Street, Mount Airy, NC, 27030, United States
The Surry Arts Council Youth Acting Troupe meets for 8 week sessions to put together a one-act show.

Youth Acting Troupe
Fridays, 4-5 pm
Andy Griffith Playhouse
$125, ages 8-18
January: 9, 16, 23, 30
February: 6, 13, 20, 27
Performance: Friday, February 27 at 5 pm
Instructors: Salem Poindexter and Robert Parks
Students learn characterization, memorization, and performance technique culminating in the performance of a one-act play.

Raleigh Chocolate, Wine & Whiskey Festival 2026
2026-01-10 11:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Kerr Scott Building, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC, 27607, United States
Raleigh’s Sweetest Event – Chocolate, Wine & Whiskey!

*NEW DATE – JANUARY 10TH, 2026
Hey Raleigh – Your Chocolateest Festival is Here…*
Raleigh Chocolate, Wine & Whiskey Festival
UNLIMITED TASTING OF CHOCOLATES/WINE/CRAFT SPIRITS INCLUSIVE
**BOOZY MILKSHAKES, CANDY COCKTAILS and MORE!**
!*VIP Tickets Limited – Will Sell Out…*
** NEW – Lushy Slushies – Frozen Cocktails Extraordinaire! **

Address: NC State Fairgrounds – (Gov. Kerr Scott Building – Indoors/Heated), 1025 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607
– Raleigh’s Chocolateyest Festival!
21+ and Over Event, No Exceptions
Enjoy Chocolate in a multitude of decadent presentations – from sweet hand-rolled truffles to oooey goooey melted chocolate fondue and an amazing selection of bean-to-bar artisan chocolates – Quench your thirst with Champagne, Prosecco and premium wines and a sip of fine whiskies! Cupcakes, cookies, cakes, candies, Macarons, cake pops, bean-to-bar chocolates, popcorn, donuts and More…Plus other savory items like pretzels, artisan cheeses, charcuterie – delight your taste buds! More than just a Chocolate Festival, included in your ticket price is a tasting glass to enjoy unlimited wine and whiskey – we’ll have a nice selection of craft beers, ciders and non-alcoholic beverages as well. Hey, and buy some to take home – why not, you deserve it!
Included in Your Ticket Price:
-Chocolate Samples – Indulge!
-Unlimited pours of Premium Wines, select Craft Beers and Ciders
-Unlimited samples of Whiskies and other spirits
– Wide Selection of NC Wineries & Cideries – Sample and Purchase Bottles to Go!
-Raleigh’s Fond of Fondue Bar – Included in Your Ticket Price – Dip Fruit and Cookies into That Warm Chocolate…
-NEW – Lushy Slushies – Rum-Based Frozen Fruit Slushies – Included In Your Ticket!
-NEW – Spiked Hot Chocolate Bar – Chocolatey, Sweet & Hot – Included in your Ticket!
– Boozy Milkshakes and Candy Cocktails – Included in Your Ticket Price (Different Shakes and Cocktails Every Hour!)!
-Other sweet and savory items – cookies, cakes, cheeses and More!
-Savory foods (for additional price) get your Gourmet On!
Sweet, Savory, Wine, Whiskey & More!
Chocolate, Wine & Whiskey Website

Monthly Tunes on Tuesday – High Lonesome Strings Bluegrass Jam Copy
2026-01-13 19:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Stonefield Cellars Winery, 8220 NC-68, Stokesdale, NC, 27357, United States
Stonefield Cellars hosts the High Lonesome Strings Bluegrass Association Jam – 7:00 -10:00 pm
This jam is held monthly, every 2nd Tuesday
– Members and prospective members welcomed! If you have
questions about this event, contact Natalie at 336-689-4071.
For more information about High Lonesome Strings, visit
http://www.highlonesomestrings.org
Bring your instruments or just come to listen – either way, it’s always a great time! Wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages are for sale during the session.

Photo by Levi Austin
