Weekend Plans: Circus, Valentine's Day fun, massive consignment sale

Happy weekend! Here’s what’s happening on the family-fun front. As always, check WRAL.com’s Out & About calendar for more weekend activities for all ages.

For the last time, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus stops in Raleigh. The circus, after a 146-year run, will shut down in May. This year, the show, called "Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents Out of This World," is billed as an "all-new immersive experience" with acrobatic performances on ice and a storyline that involves a cosmic voyage. It runs Thursday through Sunday. Tickets, including for weekday morning shows, start at $20.

The massive Kids Exchange consignment sale at the N.C. State Fairgrounds in Raleigh is open to the public Friday through Sunday.

New Hope Valley Railway in southwestern Wake County will host a special early-season ride day on its steam engine on Saturday. Hour-long rides through the countryside on the open-air train are scheduled for 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. After Saturday, the steam engine is slated for repairs mandated by the federal government. The railway’s diesel trains will continue to run once the season begins in the spring. Tickets are between $9 and $15.

Carolina Ballet continues its run of “The Little Mermaid,” featuring the classic story. Tickets start at $35. Performances continue through Feb. 19.

The N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh presents Darwin Day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday. Learn about famed naturalist Charles Darwin, take a closer look at his theories and their impact on current research, and meet some of the scientists who are continuing his work.

Several daddy-daughter and family Valentine’s Day dances are planned across the region this weekend. (Some may be sold out).

Marbles, the N.C. Museum of History and Kidzu have Valentine’s Day-related events coming up, including Marbles’ popular I Heart to Play Day on Saturday.

The Bar in Durham will host a family-friendly Disney Karaoke at 5 p.m., Sunday. All ages are invited to belt out their favorite Disney songs in a theater concert setting. There will be non-alcoholic drinks for the kids, along with popcorn. Admission is $5 or $7 for families.

Quail Ridge Books will host author Lisa McMann at 7 p.m., Friday. McMann, known for The Unwanteds series, will bring her book “The Unwanteds Quests: Dragon Captives.” It’s the first in a sequel series to The Unwanteds. Best for ages 9 and up.