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Our Favorite Raleigh Holiday Traditions

Our Favorite Raleigh Holiday Traditions

by | Nov 25, 2024 | Do, November 2024

Here’s how the RM team gets in the holiday spirit.

There’s ~snow~ place like home for the holidays! Raleigh is already turning into a winter wonderland, with twinkly lights lining the streets of DTR and North Hills and businesses all over town decked out in decorations. To further get you in the spirit, we tapped the Raleigh Magazine team for their fave holiday traditions around town. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, indeed! 

“My Christmas Eve holiday open house”
—Gina Stephens, Publisher, @ginasdawgs

“A Christmas Carol—the Raleigh version”
—Melissa Howsam, Editor-in-Chief, @mahowsam

“Holiday pop-up bars”
—Lauren Kruchten, Associate Editor, @laurenn_nicol

“Going to see the Christmas lights around different neighborhoods.”
—Heidi Reid, Assistant Editor

“Downtown Raleigh tree lighting”
—Debby Serena, Account Executive

“The Rink or the Chinese Lantern Festival”
—Abigail Mason, Contributing Writer

“Going to see The Nutcracker at the Carolina Ballet with my daughter. I grew up going to see The Nutcracker with my mom in Florence, SC, and continuing the tradition with my own daughter has been magical. We do a lunch date before going to the show and spend the afternoon watching the ballet.”
—Elliott Harrell, Contributing Writer

“Driving around and looking at decorations with a Krispy Kreme donut and hot cocoa in hand.”
—Laura Brummett, Contributing Writer

“Going to see The Nutcracker”
—Liz Wynne, Contributing Writer

“The North Hills tree lighting!”
—Emily O’Brien, Contributing Writer

“Bright holiday lights everywhere, especially around Pullen Park”
—Susannah Richardson, Contributing Writer

75+ Best Ticketed Events

75+ Best Ticketed Events

by | Mar 28, 2024 | April 2024, Do

Fan demand is real. In an era when fans are logging days in the virtual ticket queue and taking the battle up before Congress (hey, Scam Nation), burning vacay time to jump the pond for “more affordable” concert tickets, or straight “Taylor-gating” days before shows and scalping tickets, the concert-obsessed are reinforcing everything you ever learned about supply and demand. Case in point: Many hot tickets are selling out mere moments after going live—from live music to fests and beyond—and acts from P!nk to Raleigh-bred sardonic genius David Sedaris are adding dates to their local tours to meet the demand. The takeaway? Life’s short—buy the tickets. … And since, clearly, you are, here are the 2024 hottest events and fests worth spending your time and money on that promise to light up your calendar, life and feed with good vibes and great mems. 

2023 Cocktail Classic (photo by Albright Studio)

Food + Bev Events

Beach Music & Brews Bash 
BRB, we’re on beach time. Transport to the tropics via the sunny shores of Raleigh’s go-to beer garden-slash-neighborhood hangout’s boozy shindig. Soak in the summer rays while sipping on themed-drinks and enjoying jivey sounds from Miss Mini & The Sandman Band. Ahh, paradise. June 1, tapyardraleigh.com

Raleigh International Food Festival
Savor a ream of global flavors and jet about City Plaza to sample a smattering of 50+ food trucks and dessert carts repping countries across the world—plus, dance the day away with nonstop outdoor performances. Bon appétit! June 1, visitraleigh.com

Food Truck Rodeo 
It’s sure to be the Wild West on Fayetteville Street as a herd of food truck vendors ride into DTR to flaunt mouthwatering fare and bevs galore. Let’s roll. June 29, shoplocalraleigh.org

The Cocktail Classic
All good stories start with cocktails—and that is def the case for The Cocktail Classic. The event of the year, Raleigh Magazine’s second annual sipping soiree is back and leveling up—giving you the exclusive op to sip ’tails concocted by our 10 Bartender of the Year noms in tandem with top-tier liquor labels. Consider this your sign to join us for this year’s spectacular event. Pro tip: Sign up for our newsletter for early bird ticket opps. Nov. 16, cocktailclassicraleigh.com

Music Director Carlos Miguel Prieto leading the North Carolina Symphony (photo courtesy of NC Symphony)

Live Music & Concerts

Beat It!

Live After 5
A monthly post-work block party Downtown? Say less. DRA’s free concert series is back—and this year, it’s for the girls. So on (fourth) Wednesdays, we gather our best gals (and guys!) and rendezvous at City Plaza for a hip and happenin’ celebration feting women in music via a curated four-concert series in partnership with Deep South Entertainment. Expect live tunes from a mix of cover bands and original artists, local vendors, and food trucks—and, yes, it’s Sip n’ Stroll friendly (cheers to that!). Hey, everybody loves a comeback story! April 24, May 29, June 26, July 31, downtownraleigh.org

Rialto Live Music
The theater isn’t only for movies. Grab your popcorn and ~relish~ in more live music at The Rialto via a duo of throwback artists ready to take you back to your postgrunge era a la The Verve Pipe (May 3) or embrace the feeling of being “a stranger on the bus” with Joan Osborne (Sept. 14). therialto.com

UNC Health Summerfest
Looks like the mirror in the sky has its answer—and love is this alfresco symphonic series. Gather under the stars for masterful rock, pop and classical NC Symphony arrangements, including a program feting Fleetwood Mac, Joni Mitchell, The Rolling Stones and more—NTM high-flying collabs with Cirque de la Symphonie. Out of sight, indeed. May 25–July 13, ncsymphony.org

RM REVEAL Opera in the Park 
Turns out pitches can sway the vibe. Hitting all the high notes this summer, take in operatic faves under the stars beneath the baton of a special guest conductor at NCMA’s Museum Park—or, if you close your eyes, an Italian coliseum. Sept. 12, Joseph M. Bryan Jr. Theater, ncopera.org

RM REVEAL Florencia En El Amazonas
Say hola to NC Opera’s inaugural Spanish-sung opera! Inspired by author Gabriel Garcia Márquez, the melodic journey takes you by steamboat through the Amazon River with renowned opera singer Florencia Grimaldi as she seeks her long-lost beau—while navigating not just the worlds of love and yearning, but storms, a cholera outbreak and more. Will she persevere? Jan. 31, Feb. 2; ncopera.org

Greg Noire

Festivals

Best Fests

Playthrough 
Console yourselves: NC’s largest gaming convention is respawning for yet another bustling event pressing play on tournaments, cosplaying, free-to-play games and more. Sounds out of control! March 15–16, playthroughgc.com

Dreamville Festival
J. Cole’s *dreamy* two-day fest returns to Dix Park to send attendees heads in the clouds—in the best way possible. Join peeps from across the globe to bop back and forth between the Rise and Shine stages for performances from both big names (hey, Nicki Minaj!) and up-and-comers—plus enjoy local food trucks, muralists, artisans and more. Don’t sleep on it (!). April 6–7, dreamvillefest.com

Out! Raleigh Pride
Paint the town rainbow and get loud and proud for Raleigh’s fave pride fest benefiting the LGBT Center of Raleigh. Let us be perfectly queer—there’s no better way to show your pride than this dozen-year-running inclusive + fam-friendly fest feat. live entertainment, artists and vendors, beer garden, food, KidsZone, and more. And stay tuned for parties and drag shows throughout Pride Month. After all, there’s no such thing as being extra in June! June 22, outraleighpride.org

Outlaw Music Festival 
Calling all outlaws…“be groovy or leave, man” as legends Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson & Family, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, and more headline Coastal Credit Union Music Park for “the biggest and best [fest] yet,” according to Nelson. “The life I love is making music with my friends…” Well played, Willie—and we’re here for it. June 23, blackbirdpresents.com

GalaxyCon
The Bat Signal is calling. Step into a galaxy of fun and fandom upon entering into another dimension—er, The Raleigh Convention Center—for a four-day fest flaunting more than your average Comic-Con, from meet-and-greets to cosplay competitions. To infinity and beyond! July 25–28, galaxycon.com

African American Cultural Festival
Back for its 15th iteration, this one-of-a-kind soiree showcases the beauty of African American culture via sounds spanning gospel to jazz, locally and nationally made creations, artisanal fare, and friendly faces. Aug. 31–Sept. 1, aacfestival.org

Hopscotch Music Festival
Make plans to play hooky from work. From can’t-miss day parties to concerts at City Plaza and Moore Square stages to late-night sets and afterparties, DTR’s annual three-day jam sesh never disappoints. Rock on! Sept. 5–7, hopscotchmusicfest.com

BugFest 
Say hello to all the creepy crawlies at a totally buggin’ daylong insect extravaganza guaranteed to weave quite the web—and it appeals to more than just the arach-kids. How fly. Sept. 14, naturalsciences.org

IBMA Bluegrass Live!
I guess that’s why they call it the blues, indeed. We wish we were pulling your strings, but it’s the end of an era as the world’s largest free urban bluegrass fest in the world takes stage for its final Raleigh run (RIP) across a stretch of five blocks and six stages on Fayetteville Street—with bluegrass legends and rising artists taking to the Red Hat Amphitheater main stage each night to boot. We’ll miss you IBMA—and we would ~pick~ you all over again Sept. 29–30, worldofbluegrass.org

capital city clauses jingle ball

Giving Back

Feeling philanthropic? Tell Siri, Alexa, Cortana—or whatever virtual Geoffrey you fancy—to add these do-good do’s to your cal. 

EventWhenWhereWhat BeneficiaryVibe
Holt Brothers Foundation Flag Football & Cornhole TournamentApril 13NC State Football Practice FacilitiesDown, set, hike! Go head to head with other teams, or partake in the cornhole tourney for lighter competition. The Holt Brothers Foundation’s mission to support kids who have a parent or guardian with cancerBring your game face—and be ready to tailgate post-tourney!
Plane PullApril 20RDU International AirportGather a crew to raise money and flex your muscles as you pull an airplane 25 feet.Special Olympics North CarolinaWho will prove they have what it takes to pull a plane the fastest? (Better hit the gym!)
Summer SaluteJune 1North Ridge Country ClubSoak up the sun—plus enjoy live music by The Embers, an island-themed buffet, drinks, games, raffle prizes, a live auction and more.Transitions LifeCare’s commitment to providing end-of-life care for patients and their familiesGet in a summer state of mind—and don’t forget your leis.
Jingle in July/Jingle BallJuly 21; Dec. 13Tap Yard; Marbles Kids MuseumMix, mingle and chill with Kris Kringle to spread the Christmas cheer all year long.Capital City Clauses’ mission to “enrich children’s lives with hope, cheer and joy”Eat, drink and, most importantly, be merry!
Rock Your WorldSept. 8FentonA family-friendly affair feat. live music, a Kids Zone, military tribute, raffles, a silent auction, and food and drinksHope for Haiti Foundation and U.S. Veterans CorpBYO lawn chair to rock out to a full day of live music—plus enjoy a performance by The American Bombshells.
Evening of HopeSept. 11The Pavilion at Angus BarnAn annual charity dinner feat. a celeb keynote speaker, four-course dinner and wine pairings, and live and silent auctionsFoundation of Hope’s funding for mental illness researchPut on your Sunday best for a sophisticated and intimate evening full of, well, hope!
Mighty Giveback ConcertSept. 21Red Hat Amphitheater??Band Together + United Way of the Greater Triangle use the power of music for a great cause.TBD (they select a new nonprofit partner each year)~Band together~ and enjoy tunes from local and national artists. 
Over the EdgeSept. 28150 Fayetteville Street buildingRappel down the side of a DTR skyscraper—if you have the guts—to mirror the adversities individuals with intellectual disabilities encounter daily.Special Olympics North CarolinaThis fundraising challenge is not for the faint of heart!
Turkey BallNovemberMulino Italian Kitchen & Bar*Stuff* yourself with Italian eats + drinks for a good cause.Each ticket provides a turkey to a family in need.Snazz up your ’fit by donning your finest turkey hat. 
Raleigh CarolsDecemberFayetteville StreetJingle all the way as caroling teams battle it out acapella-style (it’s giving a  Pitch Perfect riff off)—plus ring in the season with festive food trucks, holiday kiosks and an appearance from Santa Claus.Wake Tech Community College FoundationTake it from Buddy: “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”
UNC Health Championship

Sports

Game On!

Stanley Cup Playoffs
Bunch of Jerks 🤝 chaos coordinators. Icing their goal to “cause chaos” this season, the Canes are coming off five Eastern Conference Finals appearances and a preseason consensus pick to win the Stanley Cup among sportsbooks. Take warning: This is our year. Say it with us: #LetsGoCanes! 

Panthers vs. Kansas City
Are you ready for it? Super Bowl champs Kansas City Chiefs descend on Charlotte to take on the Panthers for what promises to be a highly anticipated matchup—whether you’re in it for the football (Keep Pounding!) or the eye candy (see Panthers new coach and potential Swiftie spotting).

PPA Tour North Carolina Cup
Relish the pros and amateurs alike as they take the pickleball court for the first time—or sign up to take the court yourself with 1,000+ of your would-be besties at Cary Tennis Park. Hot tip: Stay out of the kitchen—or dill with the consequences. April 2–7, ppatour.com

Diamond Days
Take me out to… the City of Raleigh Museum to celebrate local baseball history—from great teams to players to parks. And don’t forget to load up on Cracker Jacks for fun events like autograph days, a party to watch the MLB All-Star Game, and a re-creation of an old-timey baseball game. Let’s hear it for America’s pastime! Opening April 25, cityofraleighmuseum.org

UNC Health Championship
Post up for the par-tee of the year at this annual fancentric tourney teeing up four days of feel-good fun as part of the Korn Ferry Tour at the Donald Ross-designed Raleigh Country Club to benefit NC Health and community partners. May 30–June 2, unchealthchampionship.com

Ball Out
Football is life—especially with not one but two winner-take-all $1 mill prizes on the line for the Men’s second-year now-48-team tourney + the inaugural Women’s eight-teamer headlined by Heather O’ Reilly’s U.S. Women as part of the expanded World Cup-style tourney at WakeMed Soccer Park June 5–10. And you better ~believe~ they’ll be kicking some grass.

Duke’s Mayo Classic
It promises to be a packed house in Charlotte Sept. 7 as State and Tennessee fight out “which conference is better” on the field in this dynamic regional matchup between two preseason conference titans with uberpassionate fan bases… and “volunteer” to send those Vols back to “home sweet home Rocky Top” with an L. #ACC

U.S. Masters Disc Golf Championships
Risk it or disc it for the debut of the PDGA Tim Selinske championships in Cary showcasing 400+ players over the age of 40 throwing out more than just their backs. It’s sure to be a good time—par none. Sept. 18–22, pdga.com

Comedy

Laugh It Up

Raleigh Comedy Festival: 30 comics. 3 nights. Endless laughs. “Y’all come laugh now” as local comedians Spencer Bland and Jordan Scott Huggins bring the Triangle’s first and only comedy fest to DTR to spotlight the city’s silliest—and no doubt leave audiences in stitches. Oct. 24–26, raleighcomedyfestival.com

Plus headliners we can’t wait to laugh at…

  • David Sedaris | April 8; Nov. 2 @ Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts 
  • David Koechner | April 11–13 @ Goodnights Comedy Club
  • Tracy Morgan | April 12–14 @ Raleigh Improv
  • Adele Givens | April 19–21 @ Raleigh Improv
  • Bruce Bruce | April 26–28 @ Goodnights Comedy Club
  • Duncan Trussell | June 13–15 @ Goodnights Comedy Club
  • Akaash Singh | June 21–22 @ Goodnights Comedy Club 
  • Justin Willman | June 22 @ Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts 
  • Kelsey Cook | July 11–13 @ Goodnights Comedy Club
  • Pauly Shore | July 24–27 @ Goodnights Comedy Club
  • Benedict Polizzi | Aug. 22 @ Goodnights Comedy Club
  • Zoltan Kaszas | Oct. 17–19 @ Goodnights Comedy Club
Feast Wilmington

Travel

5 Events Worth Hitting the Road For

Feast Wilmington
Taste, sip, celebrate! Bring your appetite and wear your stretchy pants for Wilm’s second-annual food and drink festival showcasing the area’s top culinary and mixology talent over three days and four unique events—think a chef + brewery pairing experience, elevated brunch affair, and pier party with live music to boot. We’re serious about those stretchy pants… March 29–30, 2025, feastwilmington.com

Lovin’ Life Music Fest
Forget stick season. You’ll be loving spring—and life—indeed at Charlotte’s inaugural three-day multigenre fest featuring a star-studded lineup of 40+ renowned artists, including Noah Kahan, Stevie Nicks, Post Malone, Mt. Joy, Young the Giant, The Avett Brothers and many more (really, what’s not to love?!). When you’re not jamming, enjoy free activities and F&B and retail vendors. May 3–5, lovinlifemusicfest.com

Good Moon
Wear your sunglasses at night for Durham-based electronic pop duo Sylvan Esso’s inaugural two-night music festival. As the sun sets and the moon rises, Sylvan Esso, Fleet Foxes, Hippo Campus, Dehd, Reyna Tropical and Truth Club will take stage at Durham Bulls Athletic Park for a vibey music-filled evening, followed by afterparties feat. DJ sets. A good (moon) night, indeed! May 31–June 1, goodmoonnc.com

Dinner in the Meadow
Say “yes, chefs” as the region’s finest food talent whips up delectable dishes using ingredients sourced from local farms and artisans, with Franklin County’s Meadow Lane Farm serving as a gorgeous backdrop for feasting. Bonus: The annual farm-to-table dinner benefits the Leonard-Mobley Small Farm Fund, which aims to champion and nurture small farms
 in NC. We’ll eat to that! Sept. 15, dinnerinthemeadow.org

NC Holiday Flotilla
We’ll all float on okay. … Snag a primo viewpoint on the docks as decked-out vessels show off over-the-top holiday lights and decor through the Banks Channel via Wrightsville Beach’s festive nighttime boat parade—then vote for your fave by text and enjoy a stunning fireworks show. Think of it like snow on the beach (*wink wink*). Nov. 30, ncholidayflotilla.org

Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting
DTR Tree Lighting

Tried + True

Stamp your Raleighite card with these recurring can’t-miss calendar items. Let’s run it back!

Art in Bloom
Yet again rising to the occasion is a blooming oasis of flora—and fundraising—worth fawning over. March 19–23, ncartmuseum.org

Artsplosure
It’s always an artsplosion at this vast culture and creativity mecca amping up all kinds of artisan pieces. May 18–19, artsplosure.org

DRA Tree Lighting 
Holidays are pine indeed when oohing and aahing at DTR’s sparkling tree, noshing on food-truck fare and snapping shots with Santa. November, downtownraleigh.org

Krispy Kreme Challenge
Pro tip: ~Doughnut~ throw up. Do consume a dozen hot ones and race to the finish during this hourlong 5-miler. February, krispykremechallenge.com

Got to Be NC Festival
Homegrown is hot—and the op to bag a smattering of locally made/grown products is sure to keep you feeling rooted. May 17–19, gottobenc.com

Dix Park Fireworks + Sunflowers
Feelin’ sparks? America’s bday stays bangin’ in the open air at Dix with fireworks + food truck fare. And keep July vibes on high as the sunflowers bloom for summertime petal season in the park. dixpark.org

NC State Fair
Deep-fried everything combined with high-flying rides is always a good idea at NC’s most massive annual event. Oct. 17–27,  ncstatefair.org

Chinese Lantern Festival
It might get dark early—but the 40+ lit Chinese lantern displays + performances keep the glow on each winter. Mid-November–early January, boothamphitheatre.com

80th Raleigh Christmas Parade
Holidaze stay in step with the 80th iteration of DTR’s festive procession—the most massive parade spanning DC and Atlanta. Nov. 23, grma.org

The Christmas Carol
The ghost of Christmas future says the show will continue to go on via this classic holiday tale told with a twist. December, theatreinthepark.com

The Nutcracker 
Get cracking at another magical rendition merging a classic tale—with a few fresh twists. Go nuts! Dec. 12–24, carolinaballet.com

First Night Raleigh
Drop that Downtown acorn like it’s hot, er—like it’s 2025—to the backdrop of fireworks and fun once the clock strikes midnight. Dec. 31,  firstnightraleigh.com

Illuminate
Let’s get frosted! Head into the holidays via this year’s installment of Illuminate Art Walk, lighting up the DTR streets via large-scale interactive and light-based art pieces. It promises to be #lit. Winter, downtownraleigh.org

Carolina Ballet The Nutcracker
Carolina Ballet’s The Nutcracker (photo by Armes Photography)

Arts, Theatre & Exhibits

Alice in Wonderland
“We’re all mad here.” … Play your cards right by grinning big and heading down the rabbit hole for an experience through the looking glass with Alice, the Mad Hatter, the Queen of Hearts—and all the Wonderland crew. Hats—and heads?—off! March 13–30, carolinaballet.com

Jane Eyre
Pro female before there was feminism (aka protofeminism), this best of the Brontë sisters (hey, Charlotte!) classic brings its five-Tony legacy and timeless tale of love, loss and morality. May 29–June 9, theatreraleigh.com

Mamma Mia
Here we go again! Unleash your inner dancing queen and tag along with Sophie as she tries to reveal who her real father is in this emotional yet feel-good musical based on ABBA’s smash hits that promises to be the time of your life. July 30–Aug. 4, dpacnc.com

Jekyll & Hyde
If you thought your ex-best friend was two-faced… buckle up. Come to grips with the duality of humanity via the original dark side story following a man truly split (personality) between good and evil—set to live music and fresh composition. It’s sure to be straight barres. Oct. 17–Nov. 3, carolinaballet.com

Cinderella
We’re ready for the ball—where’s our carriage? Making midnights popular before their T Swift prime (“At tea time, everybody agrees”), Raleigh Little Theatre’s classic staging is back with our fave fairy tale moment. If the shoe fits… Dec. 6–22, raleighlittletheatre.org

Amazing Pollinators
Oh, honey! Buzz on by NCMNS for a game-based survival adventure diving into the importance of pollinators and the critical work they do for people and the planet. How sweet. Starting June 15, naturalsciences.org

Kinky Boots 
These boots were made for saving the family business! Follow protagonist Charlie Price as he embarks upon a journey to revive his dad’s struggling shoe biz—while finding an unlikely ally/entertainer who happens to be in search of some fab new footwear. Ready for some sole searching? June 7–23, raleighlittletheatre.org

Akeelah and the Bee 
Let us spell it out for you: Nab a seat for some inspiration via the story of a young girl creating a bit of buzz in her community as she utilizes her knack for spelling to compete at the National Spelling Bee. Yes, queen! Feb. 7–23, raleighlittletheatre.org

Grand Horizons 
The golden years can be filled with many things—even divorce! When two seniors elect to split after 50 years of being hitched, their grown-up kids don’t want to take no for an answer. Ah, gotta love family! May 17–June 1, honestpinttheatre.org

Bull Durham, A New Musical 
Fun fact: Scenes from the Academy Award-winning Kevin Costner- and Susan Sarandon-starring film were shot in Raleigh at Mitch’s Tavern. Now bringing the baseball classic back home is this “new musical” based on the MGM film; the Bulls (natch); and America’s two fave pastimes, baseball and love. It’s all about that base… Sept. 10–22, theatreraleigh.com

The 39 Steps
I spy a silly parody show with ridiculous personalities and a quickly moving plot sure to keep you on the edge of your seat—and who doesn’t love a classic whodunit? Sleuths at the ready! October, theatreinthepark.com

Dueling Dinosaurs
Cue the Jurassic Park theme song and stomp over to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences for the long-awaited exhibit opening April 27. Channel your inner Ross and go way back in time—think 67 million years ago—for a roaring good time digging into the mysteries of the tyrannosaur and triceratops. And that’s the tea (rex)… duelingdinosaurs.org

Journey to Space 
Prepare for blast off! Childhood goals met via this interactive exhibit allowing you to (finally) live out your Neil Armstrong dreams by hypothetically traveling to, living and working in space—including facing the challenges of astronauts, engineers and scientists. It promises to be out of this world. Nov. 2–April 27, naturalsciences.org

Good Mythical Tour with Rhett & Link
The ultimate dynamic duo, these bodacious Buies Creek-bred besties rose to acclaim for simply being chaotic and sampling snacks online—thus providing a new dream career for teenage boys all over. Now, the two are going beyond the web views for their first-ever tour. May the mythical mayhem begin! June 7, martinmariettacenter.com