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Tuesday, 03 February 2026
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Written by Sheila D. Barker
February brings more than just chocolates and roses — it’s packed with ways to celebrate love, friendship, and everything in between. From Galentine’s gatherings with friends to romantic dinners, creative workshops, and singles mixers, local venues are offering something for every kind of Valentine. Whether you’re coupled up, flying solo, or celebrating your favorite people, here’s a roundup of Valentine’s and Galentine’s Day events happening around town.
Galentine’s Day Events
Feb. 4: Glass & Gra: Stained Glass Workshop
Paddy's Irish Public House at 6:30 p.m.
Get creative with friends during this hands-on stained glass workshop designed for a relaxed, social atmosphere. https://tinyurl.com/2druxses
Feb. 6: Love at First Bite: A Cake-Cute Galentine’s Party
Blissful Alchemists at 6 p.m.
Celebrate friendship with sweets, treats, and a festive Galentine’s vibe centered around cake and community. https://tinyurl.com/y52hapsw
Feb. 11: Whiskey & Watercolors
Paddy's Irish Public House at 6:30 p.m.
Sip whiskey while painting in this laid-back, creative night perfect for unwinding with friends. https://tinyurl.com/va8vu2pb
Feb. 12: Galentine’s Day Comedy Couch
Paddy's Irish Public House at 7:30 p.m.
Grab your besties and enjoy a night of laughs featuring live comedy in a cozy, couch-style setting. https://tinyurl.com/ywz73nv2
Feb. 13: Galentine’s Day Celebration: “Cupid Is Stupid”
Shop Cursive at 10 a.m.
An anti-Valentine’s celebration focused on fun, friendship, and ditching the romantic pressure. https://tinyurl.com/v3wbepyj
Feb. 13: Book Bedazzling: A Galentine’s Event
Fulfillity Books & More at 6 p.m.
Add sparkle to your favorite reads while enjoying a crafty night out with fellow book lovers. https://tinyurl.com/4bkrvbfd
Feb. 13: Galentine’s Paint Your Own Jean Party
Flamingo Holl'r at 7 p.m.
Customize denim with paint and flair during this unique, hands-on Galentine’s gathering. https://tinyurl.com/ysedh42f
Feb. 13: Galentine Craft Night
Baked with Grace at 6 p.m.
A relaxed craft night designed for friends to create, connect, and celebrate Galentine’s Day. https://tinyurl.com/bd644ypf
Feb. 13: 2nd Annual Galantines!
Stewart’s Tavern at 7 p.m.
Gather your best gals for a lively night featuring great drinks, food, and a welcoming atmosphere. https://tinyurl.com/bdfbrmj8
Feb. 14: Galentine’s Scrappy Heart
The Sewing Fix at 10:30 a.m.
Create a scrappy heart craft in this playful, creative workshop focused on friendship and fun. https://tinyurl.com/bder9569
Feb. 15: Galentine’s Day Celebration
The Triangle Rock Club at 10:30 a.m.
Keep the Galentine’s energy going with music, drinks, and good company. https://tinyurl.com/3cvcyupr
Feb. 15: Galentine’s Brunch
The Creekside Mill at 11 a.m.
Wrap up Galentine’s week with brunch, cocktails, and time well spent with friends. https://tinyurl.com/5n7dvzcn
Valentine’s Day Events
Feb. 4: Valentine’s Themed High Tea
Anchor Allie's at 1 p.m.
Enjoy an elegant high tea experience featuring Valentine ’s-inspired treats and décor. https://tinyurl.com/3pxmzwey
Feb. 6: Speed Dating
WOB Bar & Kitchen at 7 p.m.
Meet new people in a fast-paced, low-pressure setting designed to spark connections. https://tinyurl.com/46ketdda
Feb. 7: Clutch Annual Couple’s Valentine’s Dance
Freedom Biker Church at 5:30 p.m.
Dance the night away with your partner at this classic Valentine’s celebration. https://tinyurl.com/bdh7hpsm
Feb. 7: Valentine’s Day Couples Massage Workshop
FLD Studios at 11 a.m.
Learn massage techniques together in a relaxing, intimate workshop. https://tinyurl.com/ycxp3tt2
Feb. 7: Valentine’s Gala
The Life Center at 5 p.m.
Dress to impress for a glamorous night of dining, dancing, and romance. https://tinyurl.com/yz7jfs3w
Feb. 12–15: Valentine’s Week
James Creek Cider House at 7 p.m.
A multi-day celebration featuring specials, events, and themed activities throughout the week, including tastings, live music, and more. https://tinyurl.com/42n75c5z
Feb. 13: Bloody Valentine Misfit Market
Dirtbag Ales at 6 p.m.
Shop alternative vendors, art, and handmade goods with a dark Valentine’s twist. https://tinyurl.com/j39twvcf
Feb. 13: Sinner & Saints Bar Crawl
Various Locations at 6:30 p.m.
Hop between participating bars for themed drinks and Valentine’s fun. https://tinyurl.com/bdddp7rj
Feb. 13: Candlelight: Valentine’s Day Special
Cape Fear Botanical Garden at 6:30 p.m.
Experience romantic music performed in an intimate, candlelit setting. https://tinyurl.com/jtp9mdfy
Feb. 14: Casablanca
Cameo Art House Theatre at 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy a classic romantic film screening perfect for Valentine’s night. https://tinyurl.com/3yucy65t
Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day Brunch
The Sip Room at 1 p.m.
Multiple brunch options are available for couples looking to celebrate earlier in the day. https://tinyurl.com/6nmuhf9r
Feb. 14: Pitch A Friend: Valentined Edition
Dirtbag Ales at 7 p.m.
Friends pitch their single friends to the crowd in this fun, matchmaking-style event. https://tinyurl.com/wwmvr33v
Feb. 14: Valentine’s Dinner Experiences
Dewberry Cafe at 6 p.m.
Choose from prix fixe menus, dinner packages, and specialty Valentine’s dining options. https://tinyurl.com/yv4fj57j
Feb. 14: Emo Prom: Valentine’s Day Event
White Rabbit Pub at 9 p.m.
Relive your emo era with music, dancing, and themed attire. https://tinyurl.com/mt6974ye
Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day Carriage Rides
Downtown Fayetteville at Noon
Take a romantic carriage ride through the city for a classic Valentine’s experience. https://tinyurl.com/muh7tsce
Feb. 14: Pours & Boards: Candle & Charcuterie Workshop
Scented Wicks Candle Bar at 2 p.m.
Craft candles and charcuterie boards while enjoying drinks and conversation. https://tinyurl.com/bdh72nfx
Feb. 14: Rose Bouquet Sip & Paint
Grapes & Hops II at 3 p.m.
Paint a rose bouquet while sipping drinks in this guided Valentine’s workshop. https://tinyurl.com/3n523aab
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Tuesday, 03 February 2026
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Written by Sheila D. Barker
This year, Mardi Gras is being celebrated on Tuesday, Feb. 17. Mardi Gras, often associated with vibrant parades, elaborate costumes, and lively celebrations, is a festival rooted in centuries of religious, cultural, and social tradition. While today it is widely recognized as a time of indulgence and revelry, Mardi Gras has deep historical meaning tied to the Christian calendar and the rhythms of medieval European life.
The term Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday,” referring to the final day of feasting before the beginning of Lent. Lent is the forty-day period of fasting and spiritual preparation leading up to Easter in the Christian tradition. Historically, Lent required abstinence from rich foods such as meat, eggs, butter, and dairy. Mardi Gras emerged as the last opportunity to consume these foods before the restrictions of Lent began on Ash Wednesday.
The origins of Mardi Gras can be traced back to ancient pagan celebrations marking the arrival of spring and fertility, including Roman festivals such as Saturnalia and Lupercalia. As Christianity spread across Europe, many of these seasonal customs were absorbed into the Christian liturgical calendar. By the Middle Ages, pre-Lenten celebrations had become widespread, particularly in Catholic regions of France, Italy, and Spain.
In medieval Europe, Mardi Gras was characterized by public feasts, masquerades, and carnivals. The word “carnival” itself is often thought to derive from the Latin “carne levare,” meaning “to remove meat,” reflecting the transition into Lent. Masks and costumes allowed participants to temporarily blur social boundaries, enabling peasants and nobles alike to engage in playful misrule. This inversion of social norms offered a brief release from the rigid hierarchies and hardships of everyday life.
Mardi Gras made its way to the Americas through European colonization. French settlers brought the tradition to North America in the late 17th century, particularly to Louisiana. New Orleans became the epicenter of Mardi Gras celebrations in the United States, developing unique customs such as organized parades, krewes, floats, and the throwing of beads and trinkets to spectators. Over time, African, Caribbean, and Creole influences further shaped the city’s distinctive Mardi Gras culture.
Symbolism plays a central role in Mardi Gras traditions. The festival’s signature colors—purple, green, and gold—were officially adopted in New Orleans in 1872. Purple represents justice, green symbolizes faith, and gold signifies power. King Cake, another iconic element, is a ring-shaped pastry decorated in these colors, often hiding a small figurine inside. The person who finds the figurine is traditionally tasked with hosting the next celebration.
At its core, Mardi Gras represents both excess and transition. It is a communal moment of joy, creativity, and indulgence before a period of reflection and restraint. While modern celebrations may emphasize spectacle and entertainment, the festival’s enduring power lies in its ability to connect people to centuries-old traditions that blend faith, culture, and human expression.
Mardi Gras is not merely a party, it is a living reminder of how history, ritual, and community come together in celebration.
If you are celebrating at home or heading off to another celebration, be sure to stop by one of these great shops for Mardi Gras themed bakes:
Superior Bakery at 2433 Hope Mills Rd.
They offer King Cakes that serve 20-25 people for $35.
910-424-4242
https://tinyurl.com/3fz3c5jt
Burney's Sweets & More of Fayetteville at 3319-B Raeford Rd.
Check out their Mardi Gras croissants or grab a King Cake complete with a plastic baby inside!
910-745-8975
https://tinyurl.com/3yr9ecs3
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