Local Things To Do In Raleigh This Weekend – November 12, 2026

Local Things To Do In Raleigh

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, November 12

🎨 Small Works / BIG Treasures at Gallery 20

🗓 11/12–14
Gallery 20 is celebrating the season of giving with an exhibition of large and small original works by its local artists. Find a meaningful gift or discover a new favorite artist. The exhibition remains on view through December 23.
📍 Gallery 20, 20 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh
ℹ️ @gallery20glenwood | More info.
 

🐴 Pony Run at Ponysaurus Brewing

🗓 11/12 | ⏰ 6–8 PM
Choose a 3- or 5-mile route at Raleigh Iron Works, then celebrate with a pint at Ponysaurus. Check-in begins at 6 PM and the run starts at 6:15 PM. All paces are welcome.
📍 Ponysaurus Brewing, 2221 Iron Works Dr., Suite 100, Raleigh
🎟️ Free
ℹ️ @ponysaurusbrewingral | @raleighironworks | More info.
 

😂 Emma Willmann at Goodnights

🗓 11/12–14 | ⏰ Thu 6:30 PM; Fri 7:30 & 9:45 PM; Sat 7:30 & 10 PM
Comedian, actor and podcaster Emma Willmann brings her quick wit and unpredictable storytelling to Room 861 for three nights of stand-up.
📍 Goodnights Comedy Club, 401 Woodburn Rd., Raleigh
🎟️ Tickets required
ℹ️ @goodnightscomedy | More info.
 

🎤 Kyle Kinane at Goodnights

🗓 11/12–14 | ⏰ Thu 7:30 PM; Fri 7 & 9:15 PM; Sat 7 & 9:30 PM
Catch acclaimed stand-up comedian Kyle Kinane for three nights of offbeat observations and distinctive deadpan storytelling.
📍 Goodnights Comedy Club, 401 Woodburn Rd., Raleigh
🎟️ Tickets required
ℹ️ @goodnightscomedy | More info.
 

🤣 Francisco Ramos at Goodnights

🗓 11/12 | ⏰ 8:30 PM
Comedian and actor Francisco Ramos, known for Gentefied and Last Comic Standing, brings his high-energy stand-up to Room 861. Thursday’s performance is in English.
📍 Goodnights Comedy Club, 401 Woodburn Rd., Raleigh
🎟️ Tickets required
ℹ️ @goodnightscomedy | More info.
 

🎬 Five Points Short Film Fest at The Rialto

🗓 11/12
The third annual film festival features eight selected short films and the chance to hear from filmmakers, including local directors. A great night for cinema lovers and neighborhood film fans.
📍 The Rialto Theatre, 1620 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh
🎟️ Tickets required
ℹ️ @the.rialto | More info.
 

Friday, November 13

🛍️ A Vintage Noel Market at the State Fairgrounds

🗓 11/13–15 | ⏰ Fri–Sat 10 AM–5 PM; Sun 10 AM–4 PM (VIP entry 9 AM Fri–Sat)
Shop 130+ curated vendors with vintage treasures, holiday décor, boutique fashion, handmade gifts and one-of-a-kind finds. There’s also live music, food trucks and photos with Santa. The first 25 guests Friday and Saturday receive a free VMD tote, and VIP guests can shop an hour early. Free bag check and porter assistance are available.
📍 Jim Graham Building, NC State Fairgrounds, 4285 Trinity Rd., Raleigh
🎟️ Tickets required; children 12 and under free
ℹ️ @vintagemarketdaysofnctriangle | More info.
 

🌙 Moonlight in the Garden at JC Raulston Arboretum

🗓 11/13–14 | ⏰ Timed evening admission; entries begin 5:30 PM
See the arboretum after dark, transformed by an elaborate lighting exhibition. Wander through illuminated gardens, listen to live music, warm up at the fire pits and explore a rotating lineup of food trucks. Friday features Sugar Snap Peas; Saturday features Tea Cup Gin.
📍 JC Raulston Arboretum, 4415 Beryl Rd., Raleigh
🎟️ Tickets required; choose an entry time
ℹ️ @jcraulstonarboretum | More info.
 

🩰 Carolina Youth Ballet: The Nutcracker

🗓 11/13–14 | ⏰ Fri 6 PM; Sat 12 PM & 3:30 PM
Young dancers bring Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy and a beloved holiday story to the stage in this festive ballet. Three performances are scheduled across Friday and Saturday.
📍 Fletcher Opera Theater, Martin Marietta Center, 2 E. South St., Raleigh
🎟️ Tickets required
ℹ️ @mmcraleighnc | More info.
 

🎨 Blacklight Pottery Painting with Cozy Panda

🗓 11/13 | ⏰ 6–7:30 PM
Pottery painting gets a glow-up under blacklights at this hands-on creative session with Cozy Panda Event Co.
📍 Carolina Brewing Co., 5 N. Main St., Fuquay-Varina
🎟️ Registration available
ℹ️ @cozypandaeventco | More info.
 

🍷 CRU Beaujolais at Seaboard Wine

🗓 11/13 | ⏰ 7–8:30 PM
Take a guided tour through nine Cru Beaujolais villages with Greg Pfaender of Authentique Vin. The seated tasting includes 10 wines across five flights, plus baguettes and charcuterie, while exploring how each village shapes its wines.
📍 Seaboard Wine at HighPark Village, 1914 Bernard St., Raleigh
🎟️ $75 per person
ℹ️ @seaboard_wine | More info.
 

🐉 NC Symphony: How to Train Your Dragon in Concert

🗓 11/13–14 | ⏰ Fri 7:30 PM; Sat 3 PM
Watch Hiccup and Toothless on the big screen as the North Carolina Symphony performs John Powell’s Oscar-nominated score live alongside the animated film.
📍 Meymandi Concert Hall, Martin Marietta Center, 2 E. South St., Raleigh
🎟️ Tickets required
ℹ️ @ncsymphony | More info.
 

🎪 A Magical Cirque Christmas

🗓 11/13 | ⏰ 8 PM (doors 7 PM)
A high-flying holiday show combines gravity-defying acrobatics, comedy, magic and festive music in a family-friendly theatrical spectacle.
📍 Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, 2 E. South St., Raleigh
🎟️ Tickets required
ℹ️ @mmcraleighnc | More info.
 

Saturday, November 14

🥕 Cary Farmers Market

🗓 11/14 | ⏰ 9 AM–noon
Browse locally grown seasonal produce, humanely raised meats and locally made goods at this downtown Cary market. Families can ask about the Farmers Market Passport and Eat-A-Rainbow program.
📍 160 E. Park St., Cary
🎟️ Free admission
ℹ️ @caryfarmersmkt | More info.
 

🍎 Apex Farmers Market

🗓 11/14 | ⏰ 9 AM–noon
Support local farms and artisans while shopping produce, meats, eggs, baked goods, honey, cheeses and handmade products in downtown Apex.
📍 The Depot Plaza, 220 N. Salem St., Apex
🎟️ Free admission
ℹ️ @apex_farmers_market | More info.
 

🖼️ Quail Hollow ARTwalk

🗓 11/14 | ⏰ 10 AM–2 PM
Explore the Quail Hollow neighborhood on foot, by bike or by car as local artists sell pottery, textiles, jewelry, woodworking, art and gifts from porches, yards and sidewalks.
📍 Quail Hollow neighborhood, near 1105 Hemingway Dr., Raleigh
🎟️ Free admission; rain date 11/15
ℹ️ More info.
 

🧑‍🌾 Midtown Farmers’ Market Winter Market

🗓 11/14 | ⏰ 10 AM–noon
The winter market is primarily a preorder pickup stop for year-round producers, with limited extra inventory when available. Look for fresh foods and Saturday compost drop-off in North Hills.
📍 North Hills Commons, 4191 Main at North Hills St., Raleigh
🎟️ Free admission; preordering recommended
ℹ️ @midtownfarmers | @visitnorthhills | More info.
 

🍽️ Holiday Tasting Fair at Weaver Street Market

🗓 11/14 | ⏰ 11 AM–2 PM
Sample holiday meats, sides, desserts and other festive foods, meet local vendors, shop gifts and enter a drawing for a holiday meal for four.
📍 Weaver Street Market, 404 W. Hargett St., Raleigh
🎟️ Free; RSVP encouraged
ℹ️ @weaverstreetraleigh | More info.
 

🍁 Fall Family Fun Day at the City of Raleigh Museum

🗓 11/14 | ⏰ 11 AM–2 PM
Spend an afternoon at the City of Raleigh Museum with seasonal family activities, crafts and hands-on fun.
📍 City of Raleigh Museum, 220 Fayetteville St., Raleigh
🎟️ Free
ℹ️ @cormuseumfriends | More info.
 

🎉 Rolesville Fall FunFest

🗓 11/14 | ⏰ 11 AM–4 PM
A full afternoon of family fun fills Redford Place Park and the surrounding street with inflatables, yard games, music, fire truck photos, local vendors, food trucks and more.
📍 Redford Place Park and Redford Place Drive, Rolesville
🎟️ Free festival admission
ℹ️ @rolesvillencpr | More info.
 

🏈 NC State vs. Syracuse at Carter-Finley

🗓 11/14 | ⏰ Noon
The Wolfpack takes on Syracuse in a Saturday afternoon ACC matchup at Carter-Finley Stadium, with Senior Day celebrations.
📍 Carter-Finley Stadium, 4600 Trinity Rd., Raleigh
🎟️ Game tickets required
ℹ️ @packfootball | More info.
 

🛍️ Cary Vintage Market

🗓 11/14 | ⏰ Noon–5 PM
Hunt for vintage clothing, jewelry, records, accessories, homewares and holiday gifts. This final market of the year also features food, drinks and live music, and is family- and dog-friendly.
📍 West End Biergarten, 510 Old Apex Rd., Cary
🎟️ Free admission
ℹ️ @caryvintagemarket | More info.
 

🎧 Morgan Street Sessions

🗓 11/14–15 | ⏰ Noon–5 PM daily
Local and regional DJs bring feel-good house sets to the Morgan Street Food Hall patio. Pair the music with brunch cocktails and food from the hall’s many vendors.
📍 Morgan Street Food Hall, 411 W. Morgan St., Raleigh
ℹ️ @morganstreetfoodhall | More info.
 

👽 Raleigh Geek & Grub Market: Cryptid Edition

🗓 11/14 | ⏰ Noon–4 PM
Bigfoot and Mothman fans, this one is for you. Shop geeky merchandise from local artisans, try themed drinks, join the cryptid scavenger hunt and look out for giveaways.
📍 LeRoy Martin Magnet Middle School, 1701 Ridge Rd., Raleigh
🎟️ Free admission
ℹ️ @geekandgrubmarket | More info.
 

🍿 NCMA Movies at Moore Square: Wicked: For Good

🗓 11/14 | ⏰ Food trucks 1 PM; activities 1:30 PM; movie 3 PM
Follow the yellow brick road to Moore Square for an outdoor screening of Wicked: For Good, with food trucks and themed activities before the film.
📍 Moore Square, 200 S. Blount St., Raleigh
🎟️ Free
ℹ️ @ncartmuseum | More info.
 

🍸 Good Day Good Night Cocktail Experience

🗓 11/14 | ⏰ 3–5 PM
Get behind the bar and learn to make three signature cocktails with guidance from bartenders. Includes premium ingredients, chef-selected light bites, take-home recipe cards and a gift bag.
📍 Good Day Good Night at The Casso, 603 W. Morgan St., Raleigh
🎟️ $65 per person; booking through OpenTable
ℹ️ @gdgn_raleigh | More info.
 

🎄 Lighting of the Tree at Lafayette Village

🗓 11/14 | ⏰ 3–6 PM; tree lighting at 6 PM
Kick off the holiday season with live music, festive entertainment, two horse-drawn carriage rides, and shopping in Lafayette Village’s boutiques. The holiday tree lights up at 6 PM.
📍 Lafayette Village, 8480 Honeycutt Rd., Raleigh
ℹ️ @lafayettevillage | More info.
 

🎨 Pottery Painting with Cozy Panda at Trophy Maywood

🗓 11/14 | ⏰ 5–6:30 PM
Pick a pottery piece and get creative with Cozy Panda Event Co. during a relaxed painting session at Trophy Maywood.
📍 Trophy Maywood, 656 Maywood Ave., Raleigh
🎟️ Registration available
ℹ️ @cozypandaeventco | More info.
 

🍹 Raleigh Magazine’s Cocktail Classic

🗓 11/14 | ⏰ 5–9 PM
Raleigh Magazine’s 10 Best Bartender nominees put their spin on classic cocktails at The Exchange. Your ticket includes unlimited craft cocktails, Southern bites, DJ sets and opportunities to see live mixology demos and vote for a People’s Choice favorite.
📍 The Exchange Raleigh, 1000 Social St., Raleigh
🎟️ Ticketed; 21+
ℹ️ @raleighmagazine | More info.
 

Sunday, November 15

🖌️ Pottery Painting with Cozy Panda at Compass Rose

🗓 11/15 | ⏰ 3–4:30 PM
Wind down the weekend by painting a piece of pottery with Cozy Panda Event Co. at Compass Rose Brewery.
📍 Compass Rose Brewery, 3201 Northside Dr., Suite 101, Raleigh
🎟️ Registration available
ℹ️ @cozypandaeventco | More info.
 

😂 Christian Johnson at Goodnights

🗓 11/15 | ⏰ 7 PM
Stand-up comic Christian Johnson, known for his viral Uncle Nathaniel character and upbeat, clean comedy, takes the Goodnights stage.
📍 Goodnights Comedy Club, 401 Woodburn Rd., Raleigh
🎟️ Tickets required
ℹ️ @goodnightscomedy | More info.
 

🕺 ELVIS: In Person — Starring Matt Stone

🗓 11/15 | ⏰ 7 PM
Elvis is back in the building—at least for one spectacular evening. Matt Stone recreates the King in his prime in a theatrical concert backed by an all-star band.
📍 Fletcher Opera Theater, Martin Marietta Center, 2 E. South St., Raleigh
🎟️ Tickets required
ℹ️ @mmcraleighnc | More info.
 

🎙️ Jonathan van Halem at Goodnights

🗓 11/15 | ⏰ 7:30 PM
Close out the weekend with stand-up comedian Jonathan van Halem in an evening of live comedy at Goodnights.
📍 Goodnights Comedy Club, 401 Woodburn Rd., Raleigh
🎟️ Tickets required
ℹ️ @goodnightscomedy | More info.
 

Live Music

🎸 The Elovaters at The Ritz

🗓 11/12 | ⏰ Doors 6 PM; show 7 PM
The Elovaters bring their breezy, reggae-infused sound to The Ritz, joined by Wax, DJ Hoppa and Dylan Cotrone.
📍 The Ritz, 2820 Industrial Dr., Raleigh
🎟️ Tickets required
ℹ️ @ritzraleigh | More info.
 

🔊 Level Up at The Ritz

🗓 11/13 | ⏰ Doors 7 PM; show 8 PM
Electronic artist Level Up brings a bass-heavy night to The Ritz, with Flozone, STVSH and Machaki on the lineup.
📍 The Ritz, 2820 Industrial Dr., Raleigh
🎟️ Tickets required
ℹ️ @ritzraleigh | More info.
 

🪕 An Evening with Shadowgrass at Lincoln Theatre

🗓 11/13 | ⏰ Doors 7:30 PM; show 8:30 PM
Catch progressive bluegrass band Shadowgrass in an evening of high-energy picking and harmonies at Lincoln Theatre.
📍 Lincoln Theatre, 126 E. Cabarrus St., Raleigh
🎟️ Tickets required
ℹ️ @lincoln919 | More info.
 

🤠 Orville Peck at The Ritz

🗓 11/14 | ⏰ Doors 7 PM
Masked country singer Orville Peck brings the Man Turned Mule Tour to Raleigh, with opening act Abbie Callahan.
📍 The Ritz, 2820 Industrial Dr., Raleigh
🎟️ Tickets required
ℹ️ @ritzraleigh | More info.
 

🎹 Plus Dueling Pianos at Lincoln Theatre

🗓 11/14 | ⏰ Doors 7 PM; show 8 PM
A crowd-powered night of dueling pianos puts favorite songs, requests and sing-along moments front and center.
📍 Lincoln Theatre, 126 E. Cabarrus St., Raleigh
🎟️ Tickets required
ℹ️ @lincoln919 | More info.
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