Weekend best bets: Krispy Kreme Challenge, Mardi Gras

Donuts, Valentine's Day and Mardi Gras are happening this weekend in the Triangle!

Posted 2:32 p.m. Feb 12, 2015 — Updated 2:32 p.m. Feb 12, 2015

Kathy Hanrahan

RALEIGH, N.C. — It's all about the donuts this weekend! Runners will be taking to the streets for the Krispy Kreme Challenge Saturday morning. The run starts at the NCSU Bell Tower and then heads to the Krispy Kreme and then back. The annual event raises money for the North Carolina Children's Hospital.

More Valentine's Day events:

Taste 2015 Valentine's Day Indoor Tailgate - Enjoy a fun and tailgate at Top of the Hill in Chapel Hill on Saturday morning. Videri Chocolate will be on hand and TOPO will have some great spirits from its distillery. A portion of proceeds of ticket sales is being donated to the Durham branch of the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina. Single tickets are $50 and couple tickets are $95.

Casablanca: NC Symphony Pops - This romantic film will be scored live by the North Carolina Symphony. Shows are Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 3 and 8 p.m. at Meymandi Concert Hall.

Get a full list of Valentine's Day events

Mardi Gras

Fat Tuesday might not be until next week (Feb. 17), but here are a few events to get you into the spirit:

Carolina Nightlife Mardi Gras Bar Crawl - This Friday night crawl takes you to 5 bars in Glenwood South - all for one price and no lines!

Samedi Gras at Scrap Exchange - The Bulltown Strutters are going to entertain during this family-friendly event featuring food, fun and fab! Tickets are $5 and the party is from 1- 5 p.m.

Valentine's Gras - Durham Mardi Gras presents this event Saturday at Motorco Music Hall. Tickets are $10 and the party starts at 8 p.m.

{{a href="event-7'}}Wake Forest Mardi Gras{{/a}} - The town of Wake Forest will host its annual Mardi Gras Street Festival on Saturday. The event is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will include a walking parade, contests, live music and an inflatable playground. Admission is free.

2015 Brazilian Carnival in Durham - Motorco Music Hall in Durham will host this event Friday night that will feature Brazilian cuisine and drinks. There will also be live music. Admission is $15 at the door.

Brazilian Carnival Party - Solas will host this party from 10 p.m. - 2 a.m. Saturday with live samba dancers, drums, a DJ and more.

Music, comedy and more:

"Billy Elliott, the Musical" continues through Sunday at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium. Raleigh's own Ira David Wood III is playing Billy's father in this production. http://www.wral.com/entertainment/out_and_about/event/14179782/

Eryka Badu - This Grammy award winner brings her "Love and Soul" tour to the DPAC Saturday night. Tickets start at $67.

Adam Devine - You might recognize him from ABC's "Modern Family" or "Comedy Central." Now see comedian Adam Devine at Meymandi Concert Hall on Sunday night. Tickets start at $31.

Monster Jam - The biggest starts on four-wheels will be at PNC Arena this Friday and Saturday. Tickets start at $25.