Snow could fall around parts of North Carolina starting Friday, so venturing out may not be on the agenda. But if it is, and for those not impacted by the winter storm, we've put together a list of things happening around North Carolina this weekend.
Come admire marine-themed ice art on Saturday evening for the fourth Lake James Ice Festival. Sculptor Aaron Costic plans to showcase his unique, aquatic ice sculptures.
"The resulting menagerie will be revealed in all its glory as the sun sinks low on the horizon and a rainbow of LED lights glows through the cold, clear sculptures," event organizers said.
The festival is a fundraiser and will raise money for the state park, supporting new and existing trails projects.
Tickets are $20.
A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical
Catch a musical memoir on Neil Diamond at the Durham Performing Arts Center through Jan. 12.
"Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, A Beautiful Noise is the uplifting true story of how a kid from Brooklyn became a chart-busting, show-stopping American rock icon," event organizers said.
The musical tells the untold true story of how Diamond became a star, set to the songs that defined his career.
Click here for tickets. DPAC is offering a digital lottery with a limited number of discounted tickets.
See a hockey game and celebrate Eric Staal at the Lenovo Center Arena Club in Raleigh this weekend. The Carolina Hurricanes will be holding events celebrating Staal Jan. 12 and 13.
"From raising his number to the rafters to a game between Canes alumni and the NC State Univ. club hockey team, there's plenty to enjoy as we honor #12," the website states.
A jersey retirement ceremony and Hall of Fame induction is set for Sunday ahead of the game. Doors will open at 3 p.m. with festivities set to start at 3:30 p.m.
"During the ceremony, Eric Staal will be officially inducted into the Hurricanes Hall of Fame and his #12 will be raised to the rafters alongside Rod Brind'Amour, Ron Francis and Glen Wesley," event organizers said.
The first 6,500 fans in attendance at Sunday's game will receive a Eric Staal Retirement Night bobblehead, courtesy of UNC Health.
Click here for game tickets.
The Chinese Lantern Festival continues through Jan. 12.
Hosted by the Koka Booth Ampitheatre in the Town of Cary, guests can enjoy beautiful light displays throughout the holiday season and take in nightly traditional Chinese stage performances.
For more information and tickets, click here.
Walk along the winter trail, go ice skating, play ice hockey, enjoy a 3-course meal or do it all at the Whitewater Center in Charlotte.
The winter trail, featuring lights and play structures, is illuminated at night and crosses two suspension bridges. It has obstacles and play areas, and is open through mid-February.
"Experience Wildwoods, Off Leash, Ice Skating, and the Canyon Zips (North and South Rim Zips) into the evening. These activities will be lighted to enjoy after the sun goes down," Whitewater Center officials said.
Wildwoods is the center's new playground area that features dozens of climbing and discovery elements, with a tree house village and balance bikes for kids.
The center offers ice skating on a converted pond during the winter. Skate up to the on-ice Airstream to get a hot or cold drink.
If you enjoy being on the ice, the center also has cask curling that is accessed with an ice skating pass.
Click here for activity pass information.
The Life & Art of Charles M Schulz
Explore the life of cartoonist Charles Monroe Schulz, who created the "Peanuts" comic strip. The exhibit is open this weekend in Alamance County.
"With Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and the rest of the lovable Peanuts Gang, Schulz explored the emotional territory of friendship, disappointment, faith, and tolerance. He was an artist and a storyteller who transformed images of everyday life into art that captured the humor, vulnerability, and dignity of the human spirit," the event website states.
The Life & Art of Charles M. Schulz is an exhibit that explores Schulz's personal history and his role as the inspiration behind "Peanuts."
The exhibit will be available through Jan. 17 at Alamance Arts. Click here for exhibit hours and tickets. Children under age 5 are free.
The Rink at Red Hat Amphitheater
Grab a pair of ice skates and twirl around in a winter wonderland at the Red Hat Amphitheater in Raleigh. The amphitheater transformed into an ice skating rink, with natural ice, where guests can also see a view of the Raleigh skyline.
Click here for tickets, which can also be purchased in person Monday through Friday.
The rink will remain open through Jan. 20.
