29 Things to Do in Raleigh This Week, Nov. 16–22

29 Things to Do in Raleigh This Week, Nov. 16–22

Through 3/24
Anna Valdez: Bird’s Eye View

Bird is the word! Ponder the vibrant natural world via this colorful exhibit touched by every medium—from bones to stuffed mammals to milk crates to rugs. camraleigh.org

11/16
2023 Turkey Ball

Gobble till you wobble via Mulino’s annual Thanksgiving dinner featuring passed hors d’oeuvres of Italian favorites, with your $45 ticket purchase providing a turkey to someone who may not normally have one for the holiday. Talk about having a ball! mulinoraleigh.com

11/16
Designed For Joy’s Christmas Sip and Shop

No better way to do your Christmas shopping than with a glass of wine in hand (!). Sip and shop selects from Oliver Sadie Clay, Gaia’s Closet, Blackology Coffee and more. designedforjoy.com

11/16
Fall Dance Concert

Enjoy all the fall things! Watch the Panoramic Dance Project and the State Dance Company sway the night away with fall performances choreographed by guest artists and students alike. calendar.ncsu.edu 

11/16–19
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons

See the seasons dance before your eyes at this on-pointe ballet performance backdropped by the poetic music of composer Shinji Eshima. martinmariettacenter.com 

Starting 11/17
The Dessertery

It’s beginning to taste a lot like Christmas… especially at Martin Marietta’s all-you-can-eat seasonal sweets cafe. And calories don’t count during the holidays, so be sure to treat your elf! martinmariettacenter.com

Starting 11/17
NC Chinese Lantern Festival 

The fan-fave fest promises to be *lit* again this year thanks to 40+ new awe-inspiring Chinese lantern displays, plus captivating cultural performances nightly. Glow on! boothamphitheatre.com

11/17
DRA Tree Lighting

Kick off the spirited season in DTR with holiday entertainment, local vendors, delicious food and drinks, and photo ops with Santa himself. downtownraleigh.org

11/17–18
An American in Paris

Romanticize being a tourist in the City of Love at this two-night symphony spectacular. That’s amour, indeed! ncsymphony.org

11/17–19
Rise Against Hunger’s 25th Anniversary Event

Rise against food insecurity by working a meal-packaging shift of meal packaging at the Raleigh warehouse, complete with fun, games and fellowship. Short on time? Make a donation instead—every dollar counts! salesforce-sites.com

11/17–19
Treasures of the Earth Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show

For plans that totally rock, ogle an abundance of estate, classic, handcrafted and fashion jewelry made from several different crystals, minerals and fossils. ncstatefair.org

Starting 11/18
The Rink presented by UNC Health

Ice, ice baby. Figure-eight your way into the holidays with the return of Raleigh’s festive Rockefeller-esque ice skating rink at Red Hat, with nonprofit partnerships on rotating throughout its run this winter. redhatamphitheater.com

11/18
28th Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration

Dive into NC Indigenous people’s past via a virtual education presentation—and explore their accomplishments in science, art and culture. ncmuseumofhistory.org

11/18
79th Raleigh Christmas Parade

Post up on your couch or on the curb for the return of the Raleigh Christmas Parade—the largest between DC and Atlanta—with nonmotorized floats feat. marching bands, performers, costume characters, horses, dog rescues, giant balloons, musical acts and more. grma.org

11/18
Adoptions Information Fair

Looking to add a new smiling face to your family? Get all the information you need at Wake County’s adoption fair this weekend. How pawsome. wake.gov

11/18
Art Bash

Let’s get this party arted. Join art collectors, studio artists, makers and visionaries for a special evening boasting private and live collecting opportunities; bites; live music; and art experiences including Carolina Roots, which highlights rural artists of NC. artspacenc.org 

11/18
Busy Vintage Pop-Up at Raleigh Iron Works

Calling all the thrifty gals and guys! Get your vintage shopping on as you sip mimosas and browse the wares of 80+ local artists and vendors. trianglepopup.com

11/18 
Cocktail Classic
Get a taste from our 10 Best Bartender nominees at Killjoy as they each pair up with a premium liquor label to mix up riffs on classics against a boujee backdrop of endless eats and beats. Yes, “cocktails & dreams” do come true. … See you there! cocktailclassicraleigh.com

11/18
The Dinner Detective Interactive Murder Mystery Show

A classic who dunnit! Feast on a delicious dinner and help solve a horrific crime at America’s largest interactive comedy mystery show. But be careful… you might just be the prime suspect. thedinnerdetective.com

11/18
Dix Park History Hike

These shoes were made for walking—while exploring Dix Park’s complex layered history surrounding themes like indigenous land/displacement, slavery and unpaid labor, mental health, rehabilitation/recovery, and ecological imbalance. dixpark.org 

11/18
Lighting of the Tree

Let there be light! Switch on the holiday spirit via this annual tree-lighting ceremony also feat. live music, horse and carriage rides, face painting, and meet and greet ops with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. lafayettevillageraleigh.com

11/18
Light the Square

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Fenton via its first annual tree lighting ceremony, complete with carriage rides, performances, ice skating, a laser light show, delicious drinks and an appearance from the jolly ’ole man himself. … And it promises to be lit. fentonnc.com

11/18
North Hills Tree Lighting

Christmas is calling. … Fuel the warm and fuzzies with live tunes, kids activities, food truck fare and a vendor village. #Sleigh! visitnorthhills.com

11/18
6th Annual Oyster Roast

Don’t be so clammy! With live music and smoked, steamed and raw eats via Ghost Fleet Oyster Co., this roast is sure to be a shucking good time. carolinabrewery.com

11/18
Roshambo Holiday Market

Christmas shop till you drop with a festive cocktail in hand and live holiday music amplifying the atmosphere at this market immediately following the Christmas parade. Your presents is requested! transfercofoodhall.com

11/18
Skyzoo

This American rapper and songwriter has ghostwritten songs for some of the biggest names in hip-hop—and will have you on cloud nine with his own rich discography. etix.com

11/19
Candle Making

The urge to sit candlelight at 5pm has never been greater… so fulfill that desire with this popular candle-making class that emphasizes storytelling and personal connection. Sounds lit. copperlineplants.com

11/19
Sunday Night Smoke Out

No Sunday scaries here! All are welcome at this service industry shindig that promises Latin American munchies, margs, cervezas and black sesame horchata. @malapata.molino

Opening 11/22
Wool E. Bull’s Winter Wonderland

Nights of Lights may be no more, but now you can hit Christmas outta the park with a walk through a festive winter wonderland at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Catch ya there! milb.com

28 Things to Do in Raleigh This Week, June 22–June 28

28 Things to Do in Raleigh This Week, June 22–June 28

Through 7/1
National Women’s Theatre Festival 

Make a scene at the eighth annual festival featuring workshops, performances and industry conservations supporting women and other underrepresented genders in theater. Props! womenstheatrefestival.com 

6/22
Beyond Water Screening

Water you even doing if not attending the screening of this docu highlighting the value of clean water at Marbles’ IMAX Theatre?! Let’s flow! eventbrite.com

6/22
Folds of Honor

Hey, Bud(weiser)! Feast your eyes on the famed Budweiser Clydesdales at the weekly Midtown Beach Music Series while celebrating Folds of Honor, a nonprofit org focused on helping families of fallen/disabled U.S. service members obtain educational opportunities. Can we get a yay and a neigh?! foldsofhonor.org

6/22
Joy Porch Party

If combining fashion and philanthropy while supporting women emerging from vulnerable situations is something right up your alley, join local nonprofit Designed For Joy at a porch party feat. their vibrant leather bags and jewelry. Let’s flaunt fashion for a good cause! designedforjoy.com

6/22
Properly Planting Perennials & Veggies

Just growing your green thumb? This event’s for you. Learn all the basics of gardening, from the best mulch and soil to how to plant and install your outdoor vegetation. It’s time to veg out (!). logantrd.com

6/22
Reimagining Blackness

Make yourself an ally at Artspace and take in the curated exhibit, Maroon while expanding your understanding of Black identity via a lineup of guest panelists from multiple art backgrounds highlighting what it means to be Black and queer. artspacenc.org 

6/22
The Ries Brothers

There’s no need to be blue(s). Check this musical duo hailing from the Sunshine State for beats blending rock, blues, funk and reggae. thepourhousemusichall.com

6/23–25
The Pink Hulk: One Woman’s Journey to Find the Superhero Within

Tough gals wear pink. Find Manhattan-based solo show artist Valerie David telling her story of hope and inspiration throughout her battle (and success in beating!) cancer not once, not twice, but three times (!)—plus enjoy an audience talkback after the show. So strong, indeed. womenstheatrefestival.com

6/23–25
Village District Sidewalk Sale

Stroll and shop this way! Spend the weekend shopping at all your fave Village District retail spots for sales on sales on sales. facebook.com

6/23
GAG Presents Girls Room Pride

I’d U-Haul with you. … Post up at Junction West with the girls for this queer women nonbinary-focused party with four queer DJs droppin’ beats hosted by local queer party organizer GAG in partnership with Charlotte-based Girls Room for a party created and curated by queer women as a safe place for all. raleighpridenc.com

6/23
My Brother, My Brother and Me

Dishing live advice are three brothers, Justin, Travis and Griffin McElroy, of the My Brother, My Brother and Me podcast, whose modern wisdom and advice will surely help you out of any pickle. Don’t be shy! martinmariettacenter.com

6/23
PineCone People’s Square Dance

Don’t be a square… or maybe do (!). Lace up those groovin’ shoes and dance the night away at Transfer Co. Food Hall. May the dancing commence! pinecone.app.neoncrm.com

6/23
Raleigh Burlesque Sweet 16 Anniversary Show

“It’s burlesque!” Celebrate 16 years of burlesque with legendary local dancers at Lincoln Theater via a swanky black-tie event including raffles, cocktails, exclusive VIP gifts and kitschy decor. Dance is how we do it! lincolntheatre.com

6/23
TR in Concert Series

Kick off the premiere of Theatre Raleigh’s newest series with two-time Tony award winner Norbert Leo Butz. The series features Broadway stars as well as Raleigh performers. Ready to break a leg?! theatreraleigh.my.salesforce-sites.com

6/23
Turning Red Outdoor Movie

You just red our mind! Grab some popcorn and, ahem, turn in at the North Carolina Museum of Art for their outdoor screening of Pixar’s Turning Red. ncartmuseum.org

6/24
Botanist and Barrel 6th Birthday

She’s so six-y! Cheers to six years of Botanist and Barrel with wine, popsicles, food truck fare from chef Ade’s Beninese food truck, and live tunes. botanistandbarrel.com

6/24
GAG, Queen

We’re all born naked and the rest is drag. … This one’s for the dancing queens. Post partying at Out! Raleigh Pride, werk it over to The Ritz as Raleigh Pride and Live Nation go all out for their biggest party with a GAG-hosted drag queen dance extravaganza—followed by a steady flow of Raleigh-based drag queen performances. Slay! livenation.com

6/24
NC Hops Fest

Feeling hoptimistic? Get a taste of North Carolina’s best brews at the third annual Hops Fest at the NC State Fairgrounds feat. ciders, beers, live music and vendors. Cheers! shoplocalraleigh.org

6/24
Out! Raleigh Pride

We’re here, we’re queer—and we’re ready to get loud and proud and paint Raleigh rainbow-colored for the 11th installment of Out! Raleigh Pride, the inclusive fam-friendly fest that promotes acceptance and diversity via a fun-filled day on Fayetteville Street with scores of live entertainment, artists, vendors, activities, a KidsZone—and bites and brews—all to benefit the LGBT Center of Raleigh. Pride is for everyone! outraleigh.com

6/24
PrideFest 2023

Be loud, be proud and embrace diversity and inclusion at this year’s Fayetteville PrideFest. And celebrate the LGBTQ+ community right with vendors, live entertainment, food and art displays. fayettevillepride.org

6/24
Sorcerers Soiree

Feeling spellbound? Hop on your broom and fly on over for a few rounds of magical trivia, craft vendors and delish eats from a slew of food trucks. tapyardraleigh.com

6/24
Summerfest: Harry Potter vs. Star Wars

In a battle of wands vs. light sabers, who will reign supreme? You be the judge as NC Symphony performs ballads from two of the biggest film franchises. “Do or do not, there is no try…” ncsymphony.org

6/24
Vinyl & Vino

Willing to dig for vinyl? Grab a glass of vino complements of Chatham Hill Winery and sort through thousands of CDs, LPs and more. Please don’t stop the music!  theraleighmarket.com

6/25
Brunch at The Casso

On Sundays we brunch! Belly up to The Casso for a Sunday funday that’ll fill your belly with sourdough French toast, grilled corn, petitas eggs, mimosas and more. thecassoraleigh.com

6/25
Let’s Have a Kiki!

Let me be perfectly queer… there’s no better way to slay Sunday Funday than for this love-out-loud dance party at Cuya feat. themed cocktails, guests from the drag community, and DJs. To boot, a portion of all proceeds from Let’s Have a Kiki! Drag Is NOT a Crime will go to the ACLU’s Drag Defense Fund. @cuyaraleigh

6/25
Triangle Vegfest

It’s not easy being green. Whether you’re a plant-based eater, health conscious or simply “veggie curious,” this fest is sure to produce some wholesome and healthy fun that can’t be beet. trianglevegfest.com

6/28
Escape to the Island Patio Party

Change your clock to island time and enjoy a boozy Caribbean-themed cuisine at Plates feat. rums from Outer Banks Distilling. Ready to rum-ble? plateskitchen.com

6/28
Whitaker & Atlantic Live Music Lounge

Ya like jazz? Join in on this recurring jazz series for sultry sounds, cocktails and eats complements of Hummingbird. Give us some sax. whitakerandatlantic.com