We’ve got your weekend lineup, Raleigh! Check out these local things to do to keep you busy this weekend!
Every week, we curate a list of local things to do in and around Raleigh. Our goal is to uplift local businesses and connect you with fun, community-driven experiences.
We prioritize events from our Shop Local Raleigh members, offering you the best local experiences. Want to add your event to our list? Consider becoming a Shop Local Raleigh member or contact us for collaboration opportunities.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and X(Twitter) to stay in the loop on all things local. Let’s get out and show some local love to our community!
Thursday, Nov. 27
🏆 Trophy Trot 11/27
Enjoy a morning 5K race through Dorothea Dix Park on Thanksgiving Day followed by an afterparty at Trophy Brewing. Strollers welcome, family encouraged, party mode full speed ahead! 9:00am. More info.
🐶 Freedom Ride Rescue Turkey Day 5K 11/27
The Freedom Ride Rescue Turkey Day 5K is the annual Thanksgiving Day race held in Garner’s White Deer and Lake Benson Parks. Family and friends, both human and canine, gather to enjoy a brisk holiday morning run or walk through the parks to help raise money in support of Freedom Ride Rescue’s mission to help abandoned, neglected and abused animals in North Carolina. More info.
Friday, Nov. 28
🍪 Little Blue Friday Market 11/28
Get your gifts and decorations while supporting locals at Little Blue Bakehouse’s Little Blue Friday Market. They’ll have local vendors, crafts, art, gifts and more. 11am-3pm. More info.
😂 Joe Gatto at Goodnights 11/28-30
Check out Joe Gatto at Goodnights Comedy Club this weekend! Joe Gatto is a comedian best known from the hit TV shows “Impractical Jokers” and “The Misery Index.” Joe has been touring for four years with his stand-up solo shows “Joe Gatto’s Night of Comedy” and “Let’s Get Into It” in sold out theaters across the United States, Canada and Australia. More info.
⛸️ The Rink at Red Hat Amphitheater thru 1/4
Enjoy the thrill of ice skating in a winter wonderland in the heart of Raleigh at Red Hat Amphitheater. Reserve your holiday fun at The Rink today!
Winter Wonderland-themed Ice Rink
Cozy Stations featuring outdoor lounging furniture and heat warmers
Fire pits that are perfect for warming up
20ft Decorated Holiday Tree
Decoration stations for a holiday photo opt, including a 6ft lighted bulb display
Snack Bar to purchase refreshments including hot cocoa, beer, wine, sweet treats, and more
Giant Jenga and cornhole game boards
Special community partner nights with local organizations
Tickets and info.
🎄 Shop Small at Homewood Nursery 11/28-29
Special savings, coffee and sweet treats, Santa and more at Homewood Nursery and Garden Center. More info.
🎄 Meet the Grinch at Quail Ridge Books 11/28
Stop by for an afternoon of photos & stories with the GRINCH! The Grinch will meet with you family and take photos while our booksellers read from the beloved Grinch books. A staff member will be on hand to take photos and videos with your camera. Registration required. One registration includes access to the Meet & Greet line for one family up to four members. Your registration includes a $5 off coupon for any Grinch book purchased in-store at the event. Register now!
🏒 Canes vs. Jets 11/28
The Canes take on the Jets at the Lenovo Center. 5pm. More info.
🎄 A Holiday Affair at Pigfish Lane 11/28
Enjoy the magic of the season while browsing Pigfish Lane’s beautifully decorated store, filled with antiques, gifts, and holiday treasures. Christmas goodies will be served all day!
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Open to All
Enjoy the magic of the season while browsing our beautifully decorated store, filled with antiques, gifts, and holiday treasures. Christmas goodies will be served all day!
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Gentlemen’s Shopping Night
Ladies, make your wish lists! In the evening, we invite the gentlemen to shop in style with the help of our team. Enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and champagne while finding the perfect gifts.
Saturday, Nov. 29
🎁 Small Business Saturday at Hartwell 11/29
This year’s market is bigger and better than ever, with over 35 vendors, live music, food, donuts, baked goods, forever jewelry, Ashe Co. Xmas trees, and of course, SANTA! 🎅🏽 Small businesses need your support more than ever this year. Get all of your holiday shopping done at Hartwell! 620 W South St. 12pm-4pm. More info.
❄️ Origami Styling Small Business Saturday 11/29
Shop small at Origami Styling! They’re offering double rewards points for all rewards members, curated gift bundles ($20–$40), and tons of unique, handpicked finds you won’t get at big box stores. 11:30am-6:00pm. More info.
🎄 Light Up Main in Downtown Garner 11/29
Kick off the holiday season in true Garner style at Light Up Main – an annual celebration packed with festive fun, local pride, and holiday magic for all ages! More info.
🏈 NC State vs. UNC at Carter-Finley 11/29
The Wolfpack take on the Tar Heels at Carter-Finley Stadium. 7:30pm. More info.
😂 Best of Raleigh Showcase at Goodnights 11/29
Check out the best local comics, all on one stage at Goodnights Comedy Club! 7:30pm. More info.
🗺 Downtown Raleigh Treasure Hunt at Sir Walter Coffee 11/29
Use your treasure map to follow clues, solve puzzles, and crack codes on this unique walking scavenger hunt through Downtown Raleigh! Sir Walter Coffee. 145 East Davie St. More info.
🛍 The Raleigh Market at the State Fairgrounds 11/29-30
Find anything and everything at NC’s largest flea market! Vintage, collectible, antique, handcrafted, home grown, new, used, local, you’ll find it at The Raleigh Market! Each weekend, hundreds of indoor and outdoor vendors showcase an incredible range of items, from high-end antiques to power tools and everything in between. A rotating array of food trucks, fair food, and farm stands ensures you won’t leave hungry! Sat. and Sun. 9am-5pm. More info.
🧑🌾 Midtown Winter Market at North Hills 11/29
Join the Midtown Farmers’ Market in the Commons at North Hills for the Winter Market. This mini market will feature a variety of fresh produce, meats, and baked goods. Whether you’re picking up your CSA or just browsing, there will be plenty of extra products available for purchase. The Commons, 4191 Main at North Hills Street. 10am-12pm. More info.
🛍️ Thankful For Local Market 11/29
A fun-filled day featuring live music, local vendors, and endless creative vibes! Here’s what Cozy Panda Event Co. has waiting for you:
🎨 Pottery painting
🔥 Build-your-own s’mores bar
🎅 Ornament painting + Craft stations
🐾 Dog-friendly fun
💫 Free temporary tattoos (while supplies last)
🧡 Free entry
Support local makers, make memories, and kick off the holiday season with a thankful heart. Trophy on Maywood. 12pm-4pm. More info.
📚 Book Fair at Raleigh Iron Works 11/29
Spend Small Business Saturday with stacks of stories, local makers, and all the cozy chaos book lovers dream of at Raleigh Iron Works. They’ll have 95+ vendors and authors. 12pm-5pm. More info.
🦃 Turkey Chase 11/29
It’s time to burn off the turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and pie at Fit & Able’s Turkey Chase! With three distances – including a 5K, 10K, and 13.1 – you can choose your challenge! More info.
Sunday, Nov. 30
☃️ Vintage Nook Holiday Fest 11/30
Vintage Nook Holiday Fest is coming to downtown Apex! Shop from 30+ small businesses as they take over The Studio. The event features:
🎄Vintage Men’s & Women’s Clothing
🎄Vintage Decor & Houseware
🎄Vintage Jewelry & Watches
🎄Vintage Accessories
🎄Vintage Records & CDs
PLUS
🎄Complimentary Wine Bar (12pm-3pm)
🎄Candles, Ornaments, Crochet items
🎄Other handmade items at The Studio
And more!!
Created by the same people who bring you The Cary Vintage Market, this event is a smaller, family-friendly, boutique-style event. 12pm-4pm. More info.
🏒 Canes vs. Flames 11/30
The Canes take on the Flames at the Lenovo Center. 5pm. More info.
🐶 Paint, Pet & Sip with Unleashed 11/30
Let your dog or cat unleash their inner artist at Unleashed locations across the Triangle. The Unleashed staff will add paint to a canvas, cover it with a plastic bag, and let your dog or cat lick peanut butter or wet food off the top to reveal their one-of-a-kind work of art! All supplies provided. 2pm-5pm. More info.
🐱 Cat Cafe x Maid Cafe Pop Up at Meow City 11/30
Spend a fun, relaxing afternoon with Meow City! Their cute in-character Maid staff will serve you drinks and snacks, and provide entertainment with games and a dance performance as your hosts for a (boba) tea party! Treat yourself to some japanese snacks, try out some new teas, and play with the cats from Facilitate Rescue while enjoying the entertainment provided by Galaxy Dreams Maid Cafe! 12pm-3pm. More info.
🐲 NC Chinese Lantern Festival at Koka Booth thru 1/11
The North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival is back! From November 15 through January 11, immerse yourself in a world of wonder with thousands of handcrafted, illuminated lanterns showcasing various themes. This walk-through experience also features captivating cultural performances, a variety of concessions, and interactive elements that delight both children and adults. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this enchanting tradition! More info.
🎅 Sippin’ Santa at Wye Hill thru 12/28
Sippin’ Santa is BACK and serving up island vibes with tropical-influenced drinks and unforgettable festivities alongside the regular food menu at Wye Hill. This tropical transformation for the holidays features tiki cocktails, over-the-top decorations, and loads of holiday spirit on their beloved patio and in the taproom. Secure your tables early at Wye Hill. More info.
Live Shows
11/28 Duck w/ Young Bull, Mellow Swells, Del Ward & The Leftovers at Lincoln Theatre – Tickets
11/28 Crimewave at The Pour House – Tickets
11/29 Toubab Krewe & Funk You at Lincoln Theatre – Tickets
11/29 Lauren Moore w/ M. Roomie, Nolen Durham at The Pour House – Tickets
