Weekend best bets: MLK Dreamfest, Silver Moon Lantern Parade

The Rink at Red Hat - Go ice skating at Red Hat Amphitheater through Jan. 15! Buy tickets online.

Skate the Square - Go ice skating at Fenton in Cary through Feb. 5! Tickets are $17 but are discounted every Monday.

Jan. 12-15: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dreamfest Weekend - The Cary Arts Center will host the official 2024 Dreamfest Celebration and Community Resource Fair, Saturday, Jan 13 beginning at 4:30 p.m. The Cary Theater invites citizens to a comedy show and films throughout the weekend. The Page Walker Arts & History Center will host the Dreamfest children's program and art exhibition. There will be several community sponsored programs as well as programs offered in the New Downtown Park.

Jan. 12-15: Triangle MLK Events - From a wreath-laying ceremony on Jan. 12 to the 44th annual Triangle Martin Luther King, Jr. Interfaith Prayer Breakfast on Jan. 15, there are a lot of events happening to honor MLK Day.

Jan. 12: Mean Girls Drag Show - Wear pink like it's Wednesday, sip on themed cocktails, enjoy beats from DJ Alan and others at Boxcar Bar + Arcade in Durham. This is event is free.

Jan. 12: Dan Tyminski Band - Part of the 2024 Down Home Concerts series, Dan Tyminski is arguably the most recognizable voice in bluegrass.

Jan. 12-14: Raleigh Bass and Saltwater Fishing Expo - This event at the fairgrounds is the largest showcase of fishing products you will find this year in one place.

Jan. 12: Smooth Jazz and R&B with a Splash of Comedy - Doors open at 7 p.m. at the Garner Performing Arts Center.

Jan. 13: Awful Movie Club - Newt Work Comedy's monthly Awful Movie Club will be showing two awful movies alongside a comedy show at the Raleigh United Mutual Aid Hub. This show is recommended for ages 18+.

Jan. 13: Cary's Under the Silver Moon Lantern Parade - Bring light and joy into the dark days of winter in the new Downtown Cary Park. Arrive at 6 p.m. and take your place in line, or line the parade route. If you have a lantern, please bring it along. The parade will leave at approximately 6:15 p.m.

Jan. 13: 8th Annual Polar Bear Run - This 5K Run/Walk event in downtown Selma supports Bailey's Human Rescue, a local organization with a mission to eradicate the unnecessary overpopulation of domesticated animals.

Jan. 14: Free Public Sound Bath Experience - Immerse yourself in a serene journey of sound and tranquility! This event at Dix Park features an afternoon of deep relaxation and inner peace, as ethereal tones and harmonious vibrations envelop your senses, soothing the mind, body, and soul.

Jan. 14: Cruise-In at Old North State Food Hall - Johnston County's food hall hosts this event which features classic cars on display.

Jan. 14: Chili Cookoff - All proceeds from the cook-off will benefit SUNICA. The Mason Jar Lager Company will have food trucks, a playground for kids, and of course, delicious chili!