Beer, doughnuts and Piano Man lead our weekend best bets

RALEIGH, N.C. — It’s all about beer, doughnuts and the Piano man this weekend in the Triangle.

It is time for the event that street cleaners along Hillsborough Street probably dread – the Krispy Kreme Challenge! In its 10th year, this challenge of gastrointestinal fortitude and physical fitness involves running from the N.C. State Bell Tower to the nearby Krispy Kreme, eating a dozen doughnuts, then running back without vomiting. Many attempt it, but few are able to keep those doughnuts down. Thousands compete each year, many in great costumes. Proceeds from the event go to the North Carolina Children’s Hospital. Check Out and About this weekend for coverage of the action. 

The Piano Man returns to Raleigh this weekend. Billy Joel takes a break from his residency at Madison Square Garden to play PNC Arena in Raleigh on Sunday night. Tickets are still available.

First Friday: It is First Friday in downtown Raleigh. Check out our guide to the fun.

BEER AND BEER: Start the weekend off with a little Sexual Chocolate beer at The Pour House. This brew from Winston Salem’s Foothills is a decadent stout that is perfect for this month of love. To help kick off this year’s release, they are holding a special party at The Pour House featuring a Ms. Sexual Chocolate Pageant and funky tunes. There is no cover, but donations will be collected at the door for the Wake County SPCA. In addition, proceeds from a silent auction that night will also benefit the nonprofit.

Carolina Brewery turns 19 this month and this Chapel Hill staple is celebrating this weekend with the introduction of a limited edition Anniversary Ale. They are also offering a Brewery Classics three-course menu for $19 through Saturday. 

DOUBLE BARREL BENEFIT 11: WKNC is kicking off its Double Barrel Benefit 11 Friday night with The Love Language, Hammer No More Fingers, Tow3ers and Ghostt Bllonde at Cat’s Cradle. Tickets start at $12. The benefit continues next Friday at Lincoln Theatre with Mount Moriah headlining. 

CAROLINA’S FUNNIEST 2014: This weekend at DSI Comedy Theater in Carrboro, comics will compete for the crown of Carolina’s Funniest. Comics are competing for $1,000 and the title. This round will determine the top two comics moving into the final round next Saturday. Tickets are $10. 

TRAVIS TRITT: Award-winning country singer-songwriter Travis Tritt plays Carolina Theatre of Durham on Friday night. Tickets start at $33. 

RUN FOR THE ROSES 5K: One of the Triangle’s oldest 5K events, Run for the Roses, is Sunday in Raleigh. Starting at noon at the Dorothea Dix Hospital Campus, this annual event benefits Canines for Service, which help train service dogs for people with limited mobility, and Team Red, White and Blue NC, a nonprofit that helps enrich the lives of veterans. All female 5K runners who finish get a free rose. There will be a children’s race and family fun. 

WINE: The Triangle Wine Experience is happening this weekend with dinners, tasting and a Grand Gala.