George Washington Carver and Friends – Thursday, 6:30-7:30 pm – Kick off Black History Month with an exciting performance by Bright Star Theatre as the traveling group brings to life the stories of prominent black American leaders from the past 150 years. Be inspired by the kid-friendly and lighthearted accounts of famous figures such as Booker T. Washington, Jackie Robinson and Thurgood C. Marshall. 137 West Margaret Lane, Hillsborough; Ticket prices vary; brightstartheatre.com
NC Comedy Arts Festival – Thursday, 7 pm – Sit back and enjoy a good laugh as five stand-up comedians take to the stage at DSI Comedy Theater during the long-running festival. Hailing from five different states and regions across the nation, these comedians each boast a unique sense of humor — a perfect occasion to get your friends together. 462 W. Franklin St.; $12; nccomedyarts.com
UNC Women’s Basketball vs. No. 13 Louisville – Thursday, 7 pm – Bring your Star Wars fans out to catch the Tar Heels take on the Cardinals for an epic clash at their “Tar Wars Night,” featuring discounted ticket packages, a Star Wars characters photo booth, and ‘Tar Wars’ shirt giveaways. Come watch as the Heels try to snap the Cardinals’ 14-game winning streak in Carmichael Arena. Ticket prices vary; goheels.com
Home in a New Place: Making Laos in Morgantown, NC – Friday, 5:30-7 pm – Drop by the Love House for the opening reception for a new photo exhibit. Katy Clune has captured the story of an immigrant community in Morgantown, N.C., their traditions and the family restaurant. Raleigh’s Bida Manda is providing food for the evening. Love House & Hutchins Forum, 410 E. Franklin St.; Free; south.unc.edu
Contemporary Art – Friday, 6-9 pm – New year, new art! Enjoy an opening reception for the gallery’s winter show, showcasing contemporary work from artists Jeff Bell, Kiki Farish, Heather Gordon, Warren Hicks and Sallie White. Light Art + Design, 601 W. Rosemary St.; lightartdesign.com
Young Artist Concerto Competition – Saturday, 9:30 am-3 pm – Come watch local young musicians compete for to win scholarship money and a chance to play solo with the Chapel Hill Philharmonia. For more than 30 years, this competition has hosted talented youth whose use of technique and artistry mirror the expressive performances of professional musicians. Open to the public, this event is sure to amaze spectators of any age. Room 107 Hill Hall on the UNC – Chapel Hill Campus; chapelhillharmonia.org
The Sour Barn Bash – Saturday, 2:30-6 pm – Head out to the scenic Rock Quarry Farm for an afternoon of beer sampling and farm-to-table tasting. Presented by Steel String Brewery, this event brings together innovate brews from across the state and beyond. The menu will feature food by Chef Jacob Boehm of snap pea catering. Proceeds will benefit Benevolence Farm, a local nonprofit assisting women who have recently left the N.C. correctional system. 1700 NC Hwy 54 West; Tickets $35-75; sourbash.com
Transactors Presents The Love Show – Saturday, 8-10 pm – Get a jump start on Valentine’s Day with the annual love-themed show from Transactors Improv. Audience suggestions will shape the unscripted two-act show comprised of characters looking for love so come prepared with suggestions. The ArtsCenter, 300-G E. Main St., Carrboro; $10-$15; artscenterlive.org
Speedway History and River Hike – Sunday, 2-3 pm – Lace up your hiking shoes for another weekly hike. Back in the day, cars races around the historic speedway, the only one still standing from NASCAR’s inaugural 1949 season. On this afternoon hike, you’ll walk it plus along the banks of the scenic Eno River. Occoneechee Speedway, 320 Elizabeth Brady Rd., Hillsborough; Free; enoriver.org
Art Reception for Janet Cooling – Sunday, 2-4 pm – Before you settle in on your couch for the Super Bowl, check out the new exhibit at the Horace Williams House. Featuring the work of Artist Janet Cooling takes her own photography and turns them into drawings and only then picks up a brush to start her landscape paintings. Horace Williams House, 610 E. Rosemary St.; Free; preservationchapelhill.org
