Where to Counter the Winter Blues

Now that daylight saving time has ended, here’s where to hang after dark.

Hello darkness our old friend. … Daylight saving time has officially ended, aka when we “fall back”—and count the days till we spring forward again (that’s Sunday, March 9—mark your cals). 

So, while we pine for the day our gov sees the light—literally—and passes the Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent (BYE, 5pm sunsets—forever), we’re trying to find ways to look on the bright side. Here, a handful of hangs to counter the winter blues—no daylight required. 

Cause Chaos
Vibes? Unmatched. Get rowdy this hockey season with fellow Caniacs at a high-energy and goal-heavy Hurricanes games. We’re the fastest-growing NHL franchise for a reason!

The Ritz
Prince said it best: music is indeed healing, so hit up a concert at The Ritz to chase those winter blues away with the likes of Girl in Red (Nov. 27), Finneas (Feb. 16), Foster the People (Feb. 27) and more.

Pickleball
Get your paddles and mood up while you hit some balls under the stars (0r lights) at Pin Point, Method Community Park, or North Hills Park. After all, endorphins make you happy! 

Neptunes/Kings
When the lights go down, the music turns up at Neptunes and Kings. Check out the hot spots’ eclectic line-up feat. everything from the Carolina Indie Showcase (Nov. 14) International Jazz Open Jam (Nov. 19) to a Chappell Roan Party (Nov. 22). Oh, and don’t miss karaoke night at Neptunes on Wednesdays!

Comedy Shows

Daylight doesn’t go underground anyway. Spend a night or two at Goodnights Comedy chuckling at the sillies of stand-up comics bringing tons of talent from all over the country into an intimate setting. Cozy and comical? Count us in.

Trivia
If your brain functions better at night, find a lineup of trivia challenges all over town—from adult trivia (*wink, wink*) at Flying Saucer to oodles of other bars and restos offering weekly trivia nights. Think Raleigh Beer Garden (Wendesdays) and My Way Tavern (Tuesdays). 

Wine Night
Wine all you want this winter with your pals or your boo at such sophisticated and sleek spots as Vita Vite or Barcelona Wine Bar. Sips after sundown? Yes, please! 

Movies
Movies are so back. Cozy up for a drive-in movie after dark and under the stars at Triangle Cinemas or Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre. Or take the film-watching fun inside with bites and brews at Alamo Drafthouse. Either way, pass the popcorn! 

Game Night
Got game? Bring your competitive spirit to Boxcar for a night of arcade classics (a round of Pac-Man, anyone?), Skee Ball, air hockey and more. Level up, indeed!