From pecan-picking to flea market browsing to watching movies under the stars, here are events and activities to do in the Triangle this month.
by Addie Ladner and Isabella Sherk
This November, take a break from staring at your computer screen to get out and about in the Triangle. Walk through an exhibit at North Carolina Botanical Gardens, catch an outdoor movie or even see a comedy show. Even if you don’t feel like doing anything in particular, you can take inspiration from Raleigh resident Henry Schaffer and get outside for a contemplative walk—you may find yourself learning a little history while you’re at it. Enjoy this fall weather—November is lovely in the City of Oaks!
1. Shop the flea market
The Raleigh Market, known to most as the flea market, is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the N.C. State Fairgrounds. There you can find unique antiques, handmade items such as candles and soaps and much more. “We’ve got it all,” says market spokesperson Kimberly Benou.
2. Pick pecans
Every year, Historic Oak View Park hosts its’ Pecan Pickin’ Days, where visitors can gather pecans from their 10-acre farm. Perfect for your yearly pecan pie or other seasonal dishes, you won’t want to miss out. Mondays – Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 – 5 p.m; free; 4028 Carya Drive.
3. Watch an outdoor movie
Food Truck Flix is a non-profit that is hosting outdoor movies with food trucks at various parking lots around Raleigh this November. Order you food and reserve your ticket in advance for the perfect socially-distanced movie night — the proceeds go to local charities! Gates open at 5:30 p.m, movies start at 7:30 p.m.; from $25; see website for locations.
4. Go apple picking
Take a day trip to Ramseur, N.C. to visit Millstone Creek Orchard. There you can go apple-picking and try their famous apple cider that even comes in slushie form, a fan favorite.
5. Expand your mind with Lump Gallery
At home, watch Lump gallery‘s Fäque Knews, a video show on their website that allows artists to express themselves in this digital world, or check out their Hit List series, which features curated films, books and albums that inspire Lump’s artists. In person, check out N.C. photographer Lindsay Metiver and Warren Hick’s exhibit, Opulence Decadence, at the Blount Street gallery.
6. See art in nature
North Carolina Botanical Gardens presents Sculpture in the Garden, an annual exhibit which features the work of local artists. This year there are 61 installations by 41 local artists — check it out!
7. Make a mandala
Visit Dorothea Dix Park on Saturday, November 7 to join to celebrate Diwali in vibrant colors. Register ahead of time to take part in a small, socially-distant group effort to create mandala chalk art in the streets of the park, or visit the park on Sunday, November 8 to see the finished artwork. Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is an ancient Indian tradition to celebrate the victory of good over evil and hope over despair,
8. Take a walk and “pay attention”
Take a note from Henry Schaffer, featured in our November issue, and go for an aimless walk. Schaffer has been exploring, really exploring, the area he has been living in for years for the first time since the onset of the pandemic—and he advises us all to get outside this November and take a second look at what surrounds us.
9. Visit the Gregg
The Gregg Museum of Art & Design is showcasing two exhibitions this November; All Is Possible – Mary Ann Scherr’s Legacy in Metal and Objects of Intention, which includes art pieces by Stephen Althouse. Tap into your artistic side and explore the museum this month. See website for hours.
10. Shop locally
Visit the Midtown Farmers Market this month to enjoy fresh produce from Cedar Grove’s Nourishing Acres, meats from Walk Ahead Farms and much more. Saturdays from 8 a.m. -12 p.m. through Nov. 7; 4160 Main at North Hills Street.
11. Listen to live music
Glass Jug Beer Lab is hosting an outdoor music series this month. On Nov. 5, John K & Christy is scheduled to play. Enjoy some live music and drinks at this November event. See website for additional dates and details.
12. Go on a picnic
PICNIC Durham provides custom-designed coolers containing all the barbecue and fixings you’ll need for a picnic outside this November. You can pick the coolers up at PICNIC in Durham every day or order it from PICNIC and pick it up in Raleigh at the forthcoming Wyatt’s Barbecue location every other Thursday.
13. See the symphony, virtually
Tune in on Nov. 7 & 13 to watch the North Carolina Symphony, along with violinist James Ehnes, honor Beethoven for his 250th birthday this month. These streamed performances will launch the symphony’s LVB250 festival. See website for times, $20; virtual.
14. Enjoy outdoor theatre
This November, Raleigh Little Theater presents Balloonacy, a family series production that features one performer. The performance, which runs through Nov. 7-15, will take place outside and socially-distanced in the Stephenson Amphitheatre. Tickets are on sale now. See website for details.
15. See a comedy show
Actor, comedian and writer Michael Colyar is performing a solo show at Good Nights Comedy Club from Nov. 13-15. Tickets are being sold by table in order to ensure social distancing practices. Prepare to have your temperature checked at the door. See website for times; from $44 for two tickets; 861 W Morgan Street.
16. Peek inside someone else’s home
Ready for a change of scenery? NC Modernist is continuing its Trickle Tours series with tours of modern homes in Raleigh and the Triangle on Nov. 14, 21, and 28. These super-small-group tours offer a glimpse into the best in North Carolina modern architecture, and you can visit one or three homes as part of your visit.
17. Celebrate American Indian heritage
Enjoy the 25th American Indian Heritage Celebration this year virtually on Nov. 20 & 21. “Artists, performers, scholars, historians and other representatives from North Carolina’s eight state-recognized tribes and four Urban Indian Organizations will share their skills, knowledge and cultural heritage,” says Marcie Gordon, the North Carolina Museum of History community engagement director. See website for times; free; virtual.
18. Go to a tree lighting
Enjoy Lafayette Village’s Holiday Market & Lighting of the Trees this year on Nov. 21 & 22 to embrace the holiday spirit. This year, Lafayette Village has two trees and two days to come and enjoy the tree lighting in order to respect social distancing practices. See website for details.
19. Plan your Thanksgiving dinner
Take inspiration from Matt Register’s family Thanksgiving and shop for ingredients for his Southern American meets Southern Italian dishes, like antipasto, pork belly sweet potato hash and buttermilk fried chicken. These recipes are certain to liven up your holiday menu.
20. Take a mountain getaway
Visit one of western North Carolina’s small mountain towns for a quick getaway this November. The fall foliage and natural scenery will be a welcome break from tthe time you spend behind your laptop screen.
21. Give back
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, consider giving back give back however you can in this month of gratitude. Donate money to one of these 25 big-impact organizations in our community or even use services like Activate Good to find organizations to volunteer for.
