Raleigh International Festival

Where: Expo Center at the State Fairgrounds, Raleigh

When: Friday – Sunday, Nov 3 – 5, 9 am – 6 pm

The International Festival is a celebration of the many cultures in our area and will feature a holiday market, amazing food, and variety of performances. Check the organizers website for a list of participating vendors and performers.

Orange County Open Studio Tour

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

When: Sat & Sun, Nov 4, 5; Sat & Sun, Nov 11, 12

“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 9 – 11 and Thu – Sat, Nov 16 – 18 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.”

Fool’s Faire

Where: Pluck Farm, 6901 NC-54 West, Mebane 27302

When: Saturday, Nov 11, 12 – 8 pm

Steel String Brewery is collaborating with Beer Study and Honeygirl Meadery to host a renaissance festival filled with great drinks, medieval food vendors, feats of strength, a cosplay contest and medieval themed crafts.

Carrboro Film Festival

Where: The ArtsCenter, Carrboro

When: Fri – Sun, Nov 17 – 19

“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 screens 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: Friday, Nov 17 2023 – Sunday, Jan 14, 2024

Koka Booth Ampitheatre and Regency Lake will be transformed into a sparkling and glowing display of lights and colors by Chinese group Tianyu Culture & Arts. There will be over 15,000 LED lights and 20 displays!

28th Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration

Where: Friday online, Saturday at the North Carolina Museum of History

When: Friday, Nov 17, Saturday, Nov 18

With a virtual Education Day on Friday and an in-person festival on Saturday, multiple demonstrations, presentations, and performances will highlight the traditional and contemporary artistic, scientific, historic, and cultural contributions of American Indians in North Carolina.

Raleigh Christmas Parade

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

When: Sat, Nov 18, Starts at 9:30 am

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

Durham Art Walk Holiday Market

Where: Throughout Downtown Durham

When: Sat, Nov 18, 10 am – 5 pm; Sun, Nov 19, 1 – 5 pm

“The Durham Art Walk Holiday Market is a festive fine arts and crafts event that kicks off the holiday season in downtown Durham! The Holiday Market invites art lovers to experience a weekend featuring local artists, live music, world-class restaurants, and great shopping, at easily strollable venues in the Durham city center.”