By Kathy Hanrahan, Out & About editor

Raleigh, N.C. — The Krispy Kreme Challenge is this weekend along with dozens of Super Bowl parties, craft and food festivals and more.

Festivals and more

Krispy Kreme Challenge - Thousands of costumed runners will be dining and dashing Saturday morning. The annual race starts at the N.C. State Bell Tower and goes to the Krispy Kreme on Peace Street, where runners will eat a dozen doughnuts before running back.

Groundhog Day - Sir Walter Wally makes his annual appearance at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences on Friday at noon. This free event kicks off at 9 a.m. and runs until 1 p.m.

Puppy Bowl Party at Google Fiber - This event is happening Saturday at Google Fiber in downtown Raleigh. Watch clips of the all-star, all-adorable cast of Animal Planet's Puppy Bowl, enjoy treats and activities for humans and dogs, and meet pups up for adoption from Second Chance Pet Adoption of Raleigh. The Puppy Bowl airs on Sunday.

Black History Month Parade and Block Party - Featuring marching bands, step teams, dance groups, school and church groups, cars, trucks, businesses and more in downtown Durham on Saturday. The block party runs from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. and the parade starts at noon.

Patchwork Market - This monthly market features makers and vintage vendors. Check it out Saturday at Fullsteam Brewery.

Justin Faulk Day - Visit any Moe's Southwest Grill in the Triangle on Saturday to celebrate the first ever Justin Faulk Day. Celebrate the Carolina Hurricanes player with games and prizes. The first 50 customers who order the Wrong Doug stack will receive their very own custom Justin Faulk bobblehead. Faulk will be at the Moe's at Crabtree Valley Mall starting at 2:30 p.m.

Bring Your Own Log Ride - Bring a log (for sitting around a fire pit) and meet at the Oak City Cycling Project on Saturday at 5 p.m. for a 10-mile bike ride that will end with a campfire.

On stage

Les Miserables - Cameron Mackintosh presents the new production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, Les Misérables, direct from an acclaimed two-and-a-half-year return to Broadway. See it through Sunday at DPAC.

Carolina Ballet: Romeo and Juliet - Shakespeare’s tale of the “star-crossed lovers” has been retold in literature, film, opera and ballet. When Artistic Director Robert Weiss first choreographed Romeo & Juliet to Prokofiev’s magnificent score in 1999, the performance was received as a “triumph on several levels.” The ballet is a faithful retelling that expresses all the drama and pathos, action and tenderness, and humor and heartbreak of this legendary story. See it at Fletcher Opera Theater in Raleigh starting Thursday. Shows run through Feb. 18.

The Wailin' Jennys - Known to millions from their frequent appearances on A Prairie Home Companion, members Nicky Mehta, Ruth Moody, and Heather Masse are a Canadian bluegrass group. See them Saturday at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium.

Aimee Mann - See the singer-songwriter at Carolina Theatre of Durham on Friday. She is touring in support of her first new solo album in five years.

Air Supply - Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock met on May 12, 1975, the first day of rehearsals for "Jesus Christ Superstar" in Sydney, Australia; they became instant friends with their common love for The Beatles and, of course, singing. And they are still performing on stage. See them Friday night at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium.

For the foodies

Picnic's 2nd Anniversary - Picnic will celebrate Saturday with a pig pickin' and oyster roast. There will be free birthday cake, $4.50 barbecue sandwiches in the sideyard, $5 Ponysaurus drafts and $22 all-you-can-eat oysters beginning at 2 p.m. Music will be provided by the Counterclockwise String Band.

Barleywine and Swine - The Flying Saucer will be pairing up four different Barleywines from different breweries and years with different BBQ sauces and pork on Saturday afternoon. Eastern, Western, Memphis, and South Carolina style sauces will all be available.

Super Bowl parties

Big Game Super Buffet Party - Reserve seat tickets for this Super Bowl Party at Raleighwood. Watch the game on a giant 35-foot screen with Dolby Digital Stadium Surround Sound and enjoy an unlimited hot and cold buffet throughout the game.

Party on the Roof at The Durham Hotel - Watch the Super Bowl live on the big screen on the roof with cocktails and snacks.

Super Bowl Watch Party at Edwards Mill Bar and Grill - There will be game day food specials and a chance to win free beer for a year.

Blondes vs. Brunettes Super Bowl Watch Party at Cornerstone Tavern - Cornerstone will be showing the game on the big screen and BVB will be raffling off some great gear.

For more Super Bowl parties, check our full list.