The holiday season is here and there are a lot of fun events coming up to help you celebrate and shop.
Nov. 1-9
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Oct. 28-Nov. 2: SIX at DPAC - From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration of 21st century girl power.
Oct. 31 and Nov. 1: Raleigh Zombie Crawl - Halloween Bar Crawl - Visit 20 bars and nightclub and enjoy all day and night drink specials.
Oct. 31-Nov.2: TK Kirkland at Goodnights Comedy Club - Terence “TK” Kirkland is a veteran comedian, actor, writer, and podcast host with 35+ years in entertainment. From opening for NWA to sharing the stage with stars like Jay-Z, Ludacris, and Tupac, TK has built a career blending humor with real-life insight.
Nov. 1: Downtown Raleigh Halloween Treasure Hunt - Walking Team Scavenger Hunt! - Treasure Hunters will meet at Sir Walter Coffee + Kitchen and then depart with their treasure map on a walking team scavenger hunt.
Nov. 1-2: 12th Annual Paderewski Piano Festival - The Paderewski Festival at Saint Mary's School seeks to cultivate the musical life and creativity of Ignacy Jan Paderewski, who enriched the lives of millions around the world through his performances, including four in Raleigh.
Nov. 1: 16th Annual Raleigh Boogeyman Bar Crawl - The Boogeyman returns for his 16th year in Raleigh. The crawl will be on Glenwood Avenue. Admission starts at $25.
Nov. 1: Comic Book & Toy Expo - The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department is partnering with (TAG) Play4Life Comics & Used Books to host a Comic Book & Toy Expo at Flaherty Park Community Center. Admission is free.
Nov. 1-2: Triangle Vegfest Durham - Everything you love and more over two days indoors at the Armory. Food trucks outside on Foster Street both days.
Nov. 1: Dia de Muertos Celebration - A'Verde Cocina and Tequila Library will celebrate with a $5 featured margarita, DJ, free face painting and a traditional sugar skull painting for any guests who would love to join the celebration.
Nov. 1: Durham Twilight Market at Golden Belt Campus - Featuring local vendors, a live DJ, performances by Dakota Fox Entertainment and beer and wine.
Nov. 1: Outdoor Movie Screening — Drumline - Bring your own picnic blanket or chair for this screening at Durham Central Park.
Nov. 1: Fall FunFest - Celebrate all things Fall at the Rolesville Fall FunFest from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Nov. 1: Jackie Fabulous - Jackie Fabulous is a stand-up comedian, actress and writer who's been featured three times on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, America’s Got Talent: All Stars and more. See her at Raleigh Improv.
Nov. 1: Sam Barber: North America Tour - Sam Barber is a singer and songwriter who has made waves in country and rock music. See him at The Ritz.
Nov. 1: Siniestre – Dia de los Muertos Latine Goth Rave - DJs, drag burlesque and more fun at Kigs in downtown Raleigh.
Nov. 1: Something Wicked This Way Comes - Join the Concert Singers of Cary for a spine-tingling evening of spooky choral delights at Cary Arts Center.
Nov. 1: Taste of China Festival - Downtown Cary Park is the site of this celebration from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Nov. 1: The Market at NCMA - On the first Saturday of every month there is a new selection of local artists in the plaza and live music. Browse the galleries, enjoy the museum park and shop local.
Nov. 1: Wake Forest Diwali Festival - The Wake Forest Parks will host its second annual Diwali Festival on Saturday from noon-3 p.m. at E. Carroll Joyner Park.
Nov. 1-2: North Carolina Whirligig Festival - The North Carolina Whirligig Festival was created in 2004 to encourage community spirit and unity. Vollis Simpson’s iconic Whirligigs, uniquely Wilson symbols, were the perfect focal point. Since then, the festival has been held annually during the first full weekend in November to celebrate people and art in motion
Nov. 2: Durham Central Park Food Truck Rodeo - This rodeo features more than 50 food trucks.
Nov. 2: The MAKRS Society X Oak City Music Collective presents: Cary Underground Market - This series features new bands every month from Oak City Music Collective, 40+ local vendors, food trucks, beer and drinks from Bond Brothers and more.
Nov. 2: City of Oaks Marathon - The City of Oaks marathon, half-marathon, 10K, and 5K races will take place on USATF certified courses, showcasing the scenic beauty of Raleigh.
Nov. 2: Mark Paul: The Daddy Ball Tour ar Raleigh Improv - Mark has been traveling the country promoting travel ball tournaments and doing comedy shows across the country.
Nov. 2: Quan Wiggins at Goodnights - Quan Wiggins is a NYC-based comedian from Bertie County, NC, known for his sharp, unpredictable, and authentic stand-up.
Nov. 2: Theatre Raleigh Sings… Whitney Houston - Local artists will take the stage to honor the iconic Whitney Houston, performing her most beloved hits with all the power, passion, and soul that made her a global superstar.
Nov. 4: School BreakOut! - Downtown Cary Park is hosting this free event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with special STEM Day-themed activities.
Nov. 5: Bryan Adams and Special Guest Pat Benatar - Bryan Adams has scored hit after hit since attaining global fame in the 1980s. See him at Lenovo Center.
Nov. 6-7: Taylor Tomlinson: The Save Me Tour - See the comedian at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium.
Nov. 6: 2025 Chefs for Change Gala - Enjoy a multi-course dinner prepared by five of North Carolina’s top chefs—Matt Kelly, Gray Brooks, Aaron Benjamin, Michael Lee and Chris McLaurin—along with a live auction led by professional auctioneer Scott Peterson of Custom Benefit Auctions.
Nov. 7: Boylan Heights Artwalk - Get ready to explore this neighborhood s it is transformed into an open-air gallery — with artists lining porches, lawns and sidewalks across town.
Nov. 7: First Friday in downtown Raleigh - First Friday is celebrated on the first Friday of each month throughout Downtown Raleigh to showcase the best of our city's creative community.
Nov. 7: Día de Los Muertos at the City of Raleigh Museum - This event is honoring the voices of children featuring visual artist Lety Alvarez, who will be creating a special Catrina's Altar with her art students.
Nov. 7: Wanda Sykes: Please & Thank You Tour - This Emmy winning stand up comic, writer, actress and producer has been entertaining audiences for over twenty years. See her on stage at DPAC.
Nov. 7: 21Marbles: Play On - Release your inner child at downtown Raleigh’s favorite 21+ event.
Nov. 7-22: Moonlight in the Garden - Bring your family and friends to stroll through the garden, listen to a live band, grab a bite to eat from a food truck, roast a marshmallow or two at the fire pits, and sip a cup of hot apple cider, all while showing your support for the JC Raulston Arboretum.
Nov. 7: Monthly Friday Market & Movie Night: The Princess Diaries - Enjoy this outdoor movie, food trucks and games in Moore Square.
Nov. 7: NC Museum of Natural Sciences Movie Night: The Princess Bride - Unleash your adventurous side at this installment of Museum Movie Night: The Princess Bride. Where Science meets the Cinema. In addition to science activities and stations before the movie, we’ll host an expert and movie trivia (with prizes) following the screening.
Nov. 7-8: Old North State Storytelling Festival 2025 - Acclaimed storytellers will present hours of stories and music to entertain and warm your heart at The Cary Theater.
Nov. 7: Trick-or-Eat Food Truck Rodeo and Garner Night Out - Head to Main Street in downtown Garner for the Trick-or-Eat Food Truck Rodeo, Garner Night Out and "touch-a-truck" zone.
Nov. 8: Family Fun Day Fall Fair - City of Raleigh Museum hosts this event featuring all fall fun with cornhole, gourd painting, caricatures and live art.
Nov. 8: Fuquay-Varina Downtown Association's BBQ, Blues, and Brews 2025 - Sample delicious BBQ from competing cook teams, sip a unique selection of locally brewed beer, browse the maker's market and enjoy live music performances.
Nov. 8: Henry Cho: The Empty Nest Tour - Henry Cho, a veteran comedian known for his clean, family-friendly humor, was inducted as the 229th member of the Grand Ole Opry in February. See him on stage at Meymandi Concert Hall.
Nov. 8: Let's Come Together for a Veteran’s Day Celebration - Held at John Chavis Memorial Park and Community Center enjoy light refreshments (while supplies last), connect with local resources, and take part in honoring the incredible veterans whose service and sacrifice have shaped our community throughout history.
Nov. 8: Mistlletoe Market to Benefit the Wakefield High School PTSA - Shop from more than 200 vendors displaying homemade jewelry, original art, holiday decor, candies, basket raffles, food trucks, baked goods and more.
Nov. 8: Rawleigh Oyster Fest at Smoky Hollow - Founded by Mera Brothers Oysters, the festival will bring together six local chefs and six North Carolina oyster farms for a one-of-a-kind culinary experience. Guests can enjoy oysters prepared in a variety of styles, live music, craft beverages, and a lively celebration of coastal culture in the heart of the city.
Nov. 8: The Market at Raleigh Iron Works - Triangle Pop-Up has returned to Raleigh Iron Works. Explore an incredible lineup of artists and makers, enjoy live music, and shop unique handmade finds while supporting the local community.
Nov. 8: Waverly Place Fall Festival - Enjoy live music to set the festive mood, an apple cider bar with seasonal flavors, fair food favorites to enjoy all afternoon, and a photo area perfect for capturing fall memories.
Nov. 8: Black Violin - See them on stage at DPAC.
Nov. 8-9: NC Comicon - NC Comicon is a prime destination for fans and creators of all walks and passions to learn, celebrate, and share in a wide variety of interests and fandoms.
Nov. 9: Veterans Day Tribute at Knightdale Station Park - Pay tribute to the men and women who have served our country at Knightdale’s Veterans Day Tribute.
Nov. 10-16
Nov. 7-22: Moonlight in the Garden - Bring your family and friends to stroll through the garden, listen to a live band, grab a bite to eat from a food truck, roast a marshmallow or two at the fire pits, and sip a cup of hot apple cider, all while showing your support for the JC Raulston Arboretum.
Nov. 11: Rolesville Veterans Day Celebration - Join us in honoring our heroes this Veterans Day. Let’s celebrate their service and sacrifice together with a ceremony hosted by the Community Gardeners of Rolesville and Rolesville Veterans Group. There will be a free luncheon after the ceremony open to all, registration is required.
Nov. 11: Veterans Day Ceremony in downtown Apex - Members of Apex public safety, Apex Town Council, and the Apex community share words and hold space for moments of reflection. This event features a ceremony at the downtown service memorial.
Nov. 11: Veterans Day Observance in Garner - Enjoy music by the Garner Magnet High School band and a keynote address.
Nov. 13: Clownvis at Kings - It's Clownvis, of America’s Got Talent fame. He’s bringing comedy, magic, music, madness, and more.
Nov. 13: Neil deGrasse Tyson An Astrophysicist Goes to the Movies – Part III - One of America’s most well-known scientists is returning to DPAC with an all-new lecture.
Nov. 13: Playboi Carti - See him at Lenovo Center with special guests Ken Carson, Destroy Lonely, Homixide Gang and Apollo Red.
Nov. 13-14: Craig Shoemaker at Raleigh Improv - Craig’s latest 90-minute standup special, “Daditude,” aired prime time for three months on SHOWTIME Network.
Nov. 13: Family Fun Times - A Knight's Delight: Medieval Feast and Fun - Enjoy a royal feast, test your skills at archery and sword fighting, and take part in a night filled with adventure, food and fun at Bond Park Community Center.
Nov. 14-15: Carolina Youth Ballet: Magical Nutcracker - Step into the magic of the season with The Nutcracker! Join Clara on her enchanted journey through a sparkling winter wonderland filled with dancing snowflakes, toy soldiers, and the dazzling Sugar Plum Fairy.
Nov. 14: Harvest Fest 2025 - The Town of Morrisville is hosting this event featuring comforting chili or vegetable soup, paired with savory breads and warm drinks.
Nov. 14: Live Like Ryan Golf Tournament - This is a charitable event benefiting the Live Like Ryan Foundation. This inspiring tournament brings together golfers of all skill levels to honor Ryan’s legacy.
Nov. 14-16: TINA - The Tina Turner Musical at DPAC - Set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her most beloved hits, this electrifying sensation will send you soaring to the rafters.
Nov. 14-17: Paranormal Cirque - A crazy yet fun fusion between crcus, theatre, and cabaret in south Raleigh.
Nov. 15: Brincos Dieras - Roberto Carlos, aka Brincos Dieras, is a Mexican clown and comedian. See him on stage at Raleigh Memorial.
Nov. 15; Fall Festival at North Hills - Celebrate the beauty of the season with a day full of food, music and fall fun at the Fall Festival.
Nov. 15; Harvest Fest 2025 - Good Hope Farm hosts this seasonal celebration held twice each fall. Set on their historic, organic working farm, the festival offers a unique blend of local culture, sustainability, and good old-fashioned fun.
Nov. 15: Magic & Mischief: A Wizard's Market at Fred Fletcher Park - The Wizard's Market appears for only one day in a cloaked location each year. Young witches and wizards who enter the market will encounter mysterious characters and fantastic beasts, create magical crafts, and practice spells with professors from a certain famous wizarding academy.
Nov. 15: Pop-Up Raleigh at Trophy on Maywood - The Pop-Up Raleigh market is once-a-month from noon to 5 p.m.
Nov. 17-23
Nov. 7-22: Moonlight in the Garden - Bring your family and friends to stroll through the garden, listen to a live band, grab a bite to eat from a food truck, roast a marshmallow or two at the fire pits, and sip a cup of hot apple cider, all while showing your support for the JC Raulston Arboretum.
Nov. 14-17: Paranormal Cirque - A crazy yet fun fusion between crcus, theatre, and cabaret in south Raleigh.
Nov. 17: The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight at DPAC - After mesmerizing audiences across Europe and the UK, The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight is set to electrify the USA once again.
Nov. 18: A Drag Queen Christmas at DPAC - Murray & Peter Present “A Drag Queen Christmas” hosted by Nina West. It’s the longest running drag tour in America.
Nov. 19: A Magical Cirque Christmas at DPAC - In A Magical Cirque Christmas, the cast of world-class acrobats, contortionists and aerialists will push the boundaries of imagination where gravity is defied and human potential knows no limits.
Nov. 19: William Peace University Annual Tree Lighting - Celebrate the start of the holiday season with the lighting of Peace’s iconic 32-foot Christmas tree on Main Lawn.
Nov. 19: The 7th Annual Mulino Turkey Ball 2025 - Every ticket purchased directly provides Thanksgiving meals for local families, distributed through partners at the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle. Since 2018, this event has helped feed hundreds of our neighbors.
Nov. 20-22: Michael Che Live - Michael Che is a comedian, writer, and actor, best known as co-anchor of Weekend Update on Saturday Night Live alongside Colin Jost. See Michael at Goodnights Comedy Club.
Nov. 20-Jan. 3: Durham Bulls FestiBull of Lights - FestiBull of Lights transforms the Durham Bulls Athletic Park into a dazzling winter wonderland/
Nov. 21: Cary Night Market - Organized by The Night Market Co., this market features local artisans in Downtown Cary Park.
Nov. 21: Downtown Durham Holiday Tree Lighting - Join the annual Tree Lighting celebration featuring live performances by Rissi Palmer, The Lover Boyz, and local youth dance groups.
Nov. 21: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas at DPAC - Grammy Award winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics in the distinctive Mannheim sound.
Nov. 21-22: N.C. Symphony presents Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony - The symphony brings the music of Dolly Parton to life.
Nov. 21: Raleigh Tree Lighting and Holiday Market 2025 - Watch as the Raleigh Christmas Tree comes to light, get free pictures with Santa Claus, shop for presents at the local vendor market, enjoy festive performances by local artists, and so much more all in downtown's historic Moore Square park.
Nov. 21-23: Lil Duval at Raleigh Improv - Hailing from Jacksonville, Florida, Roland “Lil Duval” Powell brings his sharp wit and fearless humor to the stage.
Nov. 22: 81st Annual Raleigh Christmas Parade - The largest parade of its kind between Atlanta and Washington, D.C.—filled with marching bands, dancers, giant balloons, super heroes and more—marches through downtown Raleigh for two hours along a 1.4-mile route that draws a crowd of 60,000 spectators.
Nov. 22: Lindsey Stirling at DPAC - Known for her extraordinary talents as an electronic violinist, dancer and performer, Lindsey’s spectacular live show tours with stunning frequency and continually sells out iconic venues around the globe.
Nov. 22: Red Bird Winter Market - Explore a festive lineup of local vendors from across the Research Triangle Region.
Nov. 22: Christmas at North Hills - For over a decade, North Hills has hosted thousands of guests for a fabulous holiday program featuring live entertainment, kids crafts, and a vendor village. As Santa Claus arrives, the 41 foot Christmas Tree is lit amidst a joyous chorus of “Santa Clause Is Coming to Town.
Nov. 22: Light the Square - Fenton Square will light up during this event from 3 to 7 p.m. in Cary.
Nov. 22-23: Oakwood24 Run/Walk Benefitting Healing Transitions 2025 - All proceeds benefit Healing Transitions, an organization providing life-saving recovery, shelter, and peer-support services to those battling substance use challenges.
Nov. 22: Raleigh Inclusive Market - Engage NC is excited to sponsor the first Raleigh Inclusive Market, where local artists and makers with Autism/IDD will showcase their handmade and small-batch produced goods.
Nov. 22: Turkey Leg 5K - Knightdale's Turkey Leg 5K begins and ends at Knightdale Station Park and will happen rain, shine or ridiculously cold temperatures.
Nov. 23: Jason Mewes at Goodnights - Cinema icon Jason Mewes is best known as the potty-mouthed vocal half of Jay and Silent Bob, the on- screen comedic duo who first appeared in Kevin Smith’s seminal 1994 indie film Clerks.
Nov. 24-30
Nov. 26-30: Elf The Musical at DPAC - Inspired by the hit film, this is a heartwarming tale of Buddy, a young orphan child whose life is changed forever when he mistakenly crawls into Santa’s sack of toys one Christmas Eve.
Nov. 26, 28 and 29: Cirque Holiday Pops with the North Carolina Symphony - Kick off the festive season with spellbinding grace and daredevil feats as contortionists and acrobats perform on stage—and 40 feet above it—all while your North Carolina Symphony spreads holiday cheer.
Nov. 26: Mike Mello - Mike Mello is a 18 year vet in comedy. See him on stage at Goodnights.
Nov. 26: The Embers Christmas - Featuring lead singer and frontman Craig Woolard, The Embers are known as the pre-eminent beach music band in the Carolinas. See the band at Fuquay-Varina Arts Center.
Nov. 26: Turkey Leg Day-Feast on Fitness at Downtown Cary Park - Get your legs feast-ready at Turkey Leg Day, a park-wide fitness circuit packed with leg-burning exercises and a few “side dishes” of cardio to keep things spicy!
Nov. 27: 2025 Trophy Trot 5K - Enjoy a morning 5K race through Dorothea Dix Park on Thanksgiving Day followed by an after-party at Trophy Brewing.
Nov. 27: TROSA Turkey Trot 5K - The route will start and end at the TROSA campus. All race participants will receive a long-sleeve race shirt, finishers medal, chip-timed race results, and post-race refreshments.
Nov. 27: Gobbler's Run 5k 2025 - It’s a race for runners and non-runner in Wake Forest. It’s a first 5K for many. It’s a family tradition.
Nov. 28: Joe Gatto at Goodnights - Joe Gatto is a comedian and television personality best known for Impractical Jokers and The Misery Index.
Nov. 29: Light Up Main (Main Street Wonderland) in downtown Garner - Come out and celebrate the holiday season with Light Up Main, a festive community event full of cheer, shopping, music, and family fun. Then join Mayor Buddy Gupton and Santa as they light the tree.
Nov. 29: Merry and Bright: An Enchanted Holiday Evening for Grownups at Pullen Park - Enjoy festive activities including a sparkling lake stroll, live music, carousel and train rides, reindeer games, holiday postcard-making and a North Pole visit. Food, beer, and wine will be available from the Pullen Café and local vendors. Proceeds support Play It Forward, helping make recreation accessible to all.
Nov. 29-30: Repticon - This reptile and exotic animal expo includes vendors, breeders and educators at the NC State Fairgrounds.
Nov. 29: 6th Annual Handcrafted DURM Holiday Market - Celebrate with holiday fun, treats, and a costume contest at Durty Bull Brewing Co.