Orange County Open Studio Tour

Where: Throughout Orange County (find a map here and further information on their website)

When: Sat & Sun, Nov 2, 3; Sat & Sun, Nov 9, 10

“The Orange County Artists Guild is a non-profit organization of ‘artists supporting artists,’ seeking to increase the visibility and recognition of area artists and craftspeople.” The Open Studio Tour is the main project of the guild and functions to help raise interest and awareness for local artists. Over 90 artists will open their studios to the public (for free). The event is a great opportunity to see artists working spaces and interact with the artists themselves.

 

Moonlight in the Garden

Where: JC Raulston Arboretum, Raleigh

When: Thu – Sat, Nov 7-9 and Thu – Sat, Nov 14-16 at a range of times

“Moonlight in the Garden returns with more lights this November. Food trucks, live music, marshmallows and fire pits—they’re all back. Don’t miss the only opportunity to experience the JC Raulston Arboretum after dark. We’ll open our gates each evening for you, your family and friends to explore this nighttime wonder custom designed and installed by John Garner and his team at Southern Lights of Raleigh.”

 

NC Comicon and Comiquest Film Festival

Where: Durham Convention Center

When: Fri – Sun, Nov 8 – 10

Started in 2010, NC Comicon now takes place twice a year, once in Raleigh in March and again in Durham in November. NCC, as it’s known, has become one of the most prestigious “cons” in the country, drawing fans and aspiring creators from around the world and regularly featuring all-star creators and guests. 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 including comics, film, gaming, animation, design, and more. Purchasing a pass to the Comicon also gets you a free pass to the Comiquest Film Festival. The film fest takes place at the same time and will screen cult classics such as Akira and Tron. Check the full film schedule here.

Carrboro Film Festival

Where: The ArtsCenter, Carrboro

When: Fri – Sun, Nov 15-17

“Now in its 14th year, Carrboro Film Fest has an established history as a dynamic event that brings filmmakers and audiences together for a heartfelt celebration of independent cinema.” The non-competitive festival will screen films produced in the South, focusing on Southern culture and its many intricacies and manifestations. The event aims to further facilitate a renaissance in Southern cinema.

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

Where: Koka Booth Ampitheatre, Cary

When: Sat, Nov 22 – Jan 12, 2019

Koka Booth Ampitheatre and Regency Lake will be transformed into a sparkling and glowing display of lights and colors. There will be over 15,000 LED lights and 20 displays!

Raleigh Christmas Parade

Where: Starts on Hillsborough Street and ends on Fayetteville Street (see map here)

When: Sat, Nov 23, Starts at 9:30 am

The Raleigh Christmas Parade is the largest Christmas parade between Washington D.C. and Atlanta. The parade was originally put on in November by local businesses in order to get locals thinking about the holiday season. It still focuses on buying local and is put on by the Greater Raleigh Merchants Association’s Shop Local Raleigh initiative.

 

American Indian Heritage Celebration

Where: NC Museum of History, Downtown Raleigh

When: Sat, Nov 23, 11 am – 4 pm

A “Top 20 Event” according to the Southeast Tourism Society, the event will feature musicians, dancers, artists, storytellers and authors from North Carolina’s 8 recognized tribes. There will also be crafts, activities, food and more.