First Night Raleigh, the city's long-running alcohol-free event that takes up much of dowtown and features live music and other entertainment.

A children's celebration runs from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the state history and natural science museums.

Then, starting at 6 p.m., First Night Raleigh gets a more adult, but still very family-friendly vibe. This year, the Smithereens will help welcome the new year and Raleigh's annual acorn drop.

On Friday, January 30 – Sunday, February 1, 2009, the Junior Woman's Club of Raleigh holds its annual one-weekend consignment sale of gently used furniture, home interiors and much, much more – including antiques. The sale will take place at the Governor Holshouser Building on the NC State Fairgrounds. Everything will be sold at a fraction of the retail price!

Make your own Valentine's Day cards for free at this family event at area Michael's crafts stores. Click here to find out if it's offered at a store near you.

Auditions for Aladdin and His Magical Lamp, a Musical. North Raleigh Arts and Creative Theater will hold auditions on January 24 and 31, 2009 at 11AM, please arrive at 10:30AM to register for auditions at 11AM. You only need to attend one of the audition sessions. Auditions for ages 4 and up, actors, singers and dancers. Be prepared with a one minute monologue and a song. Please bring an accompaniment CD or be prepared to sing a cappella.

Please call 866-0228, or go to www.nract.org for more information.

North Carolina Museum of History invites you to feel the spirit and energy of the state’s African American culture and heritage during this exciting festival. Come to see art displays, watch craftspeople at work, learn about traditional foods during a cooking demonstration, and take part in plenty of hands-on activities. Stay for lunch and purchase foods from vendors on Bicentennial Plaza, directly outside the museum.

Durham's annual Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Parade featuring bands, drum lines, step teams and more. Click here for all the details.

A kick-off to a month-long program in February to encourage Johnston County residents to read "To Kill a Mockingbird," my personal favorite all-time book. At the event, the first 100 attendees will be given a free copy of the book in English or Spanish. There's also live music of the era and refreshments.

Based on the C.S. Lewis novel, the musical is a story about four kids in England who enter the land of Narnia ... you know the rest.