This month, enjoy evening soirées, fun runs and culture galore — plus the start of the holiday season with our city’s Christmas parade.
by Addie Ladner

Off to the Races!

“November is Raleigh’s unofficial running season,” says Alex Warren, president of nOG Run Club and owner of community running brand Runologie. “The city comes alive with energy and endorphins. Cooler temperatures finally arrive — just what runners have been waiting for all summer — and our iconic oak canopy makes for the perfect running landscape.” Even if you’re not a seasoned runner, Warren says, it’s a great time to join a casual race either as a runner or a spectator. The City of Oaks Marathon kicks off the month with options for distances from 5K to 26 miles that wind through downtown and the neighborhoods near North Carolina State University (Nov. 2; from $60; starts at 400 Glenwood Avenue; cityofoaksmarathon.com). For beer nerds, Crank Arm Brewing and the North Carolina Brewing Running Series host a fun run 5K that comes with a pint of local beer at the end, plus access to pre- and post-race festivities like food trucks, games and swag (Nov. 8; from $40; course starts at 319 W. Davie Street; crankarmbrewing.com). And for nearly 10 years, the Trophy Trot 5K through Dorothea Dix Park has been popular with both the running community and families. This year, they’ll offer a new course due to the opening of the Gipson Play Plaza. “But it’s still ending with an epic party at Trophy on Maywood,” says Warren, who co-founded the race (Nov. 27; from $40; starts at 1030 Richardson Drive; trophybrewing.com/trophy-trot). Beyond running, there are plenty of festive things to do this month to kick off the holiday season here in the City of Oaks!

See Southern Grammar at Ella West Gallery

Ella West Gallery in Durham is hosting an exhibit called Southern Grammar curated by Raleigh artist Clarence Heyward. “I want to amplify artists who are masters of their craft, yet fairly young in their practices,” says Heyward. “The shared vocabulary born from this common thread of Southern geography manifests in bold, beautiful work.” The exhibit showcases work by Jō Baskerville, a painter who often incorporates silhouettes and typography into his monochrome pieces; Jeremy Biggers, a painter known for his vivid portraits (like the one shown here); and Sam Lao, a fiber and textile artist. Collectively, their work offers a multifaceted look at identity, memory and the cultural truths of the American South, says Heyward: “The artists represent a range of work that speaks volumes across color, texture and scale.” See the exhibit Thursdays through Saturdays from 12 – 5 p.m. or by appointment.
Now – Nov. 21; Free; 104 W. Parrish Street, Durham; ellawestgallery.com 

Hear The New Mastersounds at Lincoln Theatre

British R&B-meets-funk-meets-jazz group The New Mastersounds is coming to downtown’s Lincoln Theatre. The four-piece band, which has played together for more than 15 years, always brings a fun mix of improvisational sounds and soulful vocals. “We are looking forward to having The New Mastersounds back for an epic show!” says Mark Thompson with Lincoln Theatre.
Nov. 5 | 7:30 p.m.; From $31.75; 126 E. Cabarrus Street; lincolntheatre.com

Take a Trip to Peregrine

Chef Saif Rahman’s new restaurant at The Exchange offers a unique, globally inspired menu informed by his travels. Read about it here. 

See Taylor Tomlinson at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts

Award-winning comedian Taylor Tomlinson is making a stop in Raleigh on her Save Me Tour. Tomlinson is known for her quick, often self-deprecatory wit and for turning important, vulnerable personal experiences into comedic fodder. You may recognize her from her three Netflix stand-up specials (Quarter-Life Crisis, Look At You and Have It All) or from her turn hosting CBS late-night show After Midnight in 2024.
Nov. 6 & 7 | 7 p.m.; From $77; 2 E. South Street; martinmariettacenter.com

Hear Shana Tucker at The Rialto

Cellist, singer-songwriter and composer Shana Tucker, who’s known for coining the genre ChamberSoul, is playing at The Rialto Theatre. The multifaceted musician blends folk, jazz, classical and pop into her signature style and has collaborated with other artists including Indigo Girls and Norah Jones, as well as local musicians including Tift Merritt, Nnenna Freelon and Rissi Palmer. At the show, expect Tucker to play tracks from her latest album, Hiding in the Light.
Nov. 7 | 8 p.m.; From $30; 1620 Glenwood Avenue; therialto.com

See the JC Raulston Arboretum Glow at Moonlight in the Garden

Experience the wonders of the JC Raulston Arboretum at night with this annual event that brings magical light installations to the garden. In addition to the artfully highlighted trees, shrubs and flowers, enjoy live music like guitarist Jamey Meeker and funk rock band Peridot Sun, food from local purveyors like Poblano’s Tacos, Donut NV and Barone Italian Grille, s’mores stations, kids activities and photo opportunities. The best part? All proceeds go towards keeping this vibrant community garden thriving and open to the public.
Nov. 7 – 8, 14 – 15, 21 – 22 | 5:30 – 9 p.m.; From $34; 4415 Beryl Road; jcra.ncsu.edu

Check Out our interiors at Birdland Gallery

Raleigh artist Caprice McNeill is showcasing her work in our interiors, a solo exhibit at artist hub Birdland Gallery in Boylan Heights. McNeill says this latest body of work was inspired by a recent monthlong trip to Italy, where her surroundings influenced her inner dialogue. “When I returned, I found that memory and place were intertwined in my process,” McNeill says. “Creating these pieces has been about letting the impressions from my time there shape the color and structure of each work.” Her paintings feature layers of florals, shapes and vintage materials. It kicks off with an opening reception (Nov. 8; 5 – 7 p.m.) and will be on display through the end of the month during Birdland’s hours (Tuesday – Saturday, 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.).
Free; 706 Mountford Avenue; vaeraleigh.org/the-grid-project

Watch the Washington Capitals vs. Carolina Hurricanes on Ice

Canes season is in full swing! Watch our hometown NHL team hit the ice as they take on the Washington Capitals at the Lenovo Center. Players to watch this year? Offender Sebastian Aho, steady defender Jacob Slavin and of course Seth Jarvis, the top scorer last season and a fan favorite.
Nov. 11 | 7 p.m.; From $56; 1400 Edwards Mill Road; nhl.com/hurricanes

Check out Acorn at Raleigh Union Station

Commissioned by GoTriangle, a giant, stainless-steel installation designed by Creative Machines is now up at the Rue Bus Station an an homage to the City of Oaks delighting tourists and locals alike. Check it out here.  

Experience the Chinese Lantern Festival at Koka Booth

The grounds of the Koka Booth Amphitheater will be transformed by thousands of handmade lanterns during the annual Chinese Lantern Festival, now a decade into its existence. You’ll find dozens of large-scale, glowing installations, from a traditional-style red dragon to an ocean scene filled with whimsical fish and underwater plants. Also enjoy Chinese food and crafts from local vendors, entertainment each night and a kids’ play zone with interactive light installations. There are many ways to enjoy the festival: purchase single tickets that can be used anytime, get group deals or visit on the sensory-friendly night, which will have lower-volume music and smaller crowds.
Nov. 15 – Jan. 11 | Various times; From $17; 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary; boothamphitheatre.com

Celebrate Local Creativity at Art Bash 2025

Support creative studio and gallery Artspace at its annual fundraiser, Art Bash. The glamorous evening will feature a curated silent auction, rollicking live art bid, delicious food and all-around good times. Themed Carolina Kaleidoscope, A Celebration of Culture + Color, the night will also showcase their annual Carolina Roots exhibition, which highlights NC artists from rural areas. Among the Triangle-based artists whose work will be up for auction are earthcast artist Thomas Sayre, painter Lamar Whidbee and textile artist Caitlin Cary. The evening is hosted by honorary co-chairs Shawn Brewster, a curator with The Mahler Fine Art, and collector Kaleah Smith. “Your support ensures Artspace can continue to inspire positive community impact through art,” says Artspace president and CEO Carly Jones.
Nov. 15 | 6 – 10 p.m.; From $150; 201 E. Davie Street; artspacenc.org/art-bash

Keep up the Gardening

This month in your yard, look for opportunities to move and divide perennials — and don’t forget to water your plants writes Helen Yoest in our November issue.

Forest Park Art Walk

The charming neighborhood of Forest Park is hosting its annual art walk, where resident artists (ranging from 10 to 92 years old) open their home galleries to the public. Some participants include photographer David Cross, painter Julie Holmes, painter Abie Harris, potter Zoe Foote and printmaker Pam Van Dyk. For folks wanting a more intimate viewing experience, five artists will open their studios for a preview event on Saturday (Nov. 15; 1 – 5 p.m.).
Nov. 16 | 1 – 5 p.m.; Free; near Forest Drive and Park Road; forestparkartwalk.com

Head to the American Indian Heritage Celebration at NCMA

The North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs, the North Carolina American Indian Commission, the North Carolina Museum of History and the North Carolina Museum of Art are coming together to host the annual American Indian Heritage Celebration. Held at the art museum, the day will bring together all eight of our state’s recognized Indigenous tribal communities for a celebration with hands-on activities, storytelling, performances and presentations.
Nov. 22 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Free; 2110 Blue Ridge Road; ncartmuseum.org

Watch the Raleigh Christmas Parade

The ABC11 Raleigh Christmas Parade, presented by Shop Local Raleigh, is the largest holiday parade between Washington, DC and Atlanta — and a more than 80-year tradition in Raleigh. The 1.4-mile parade route starts at the intersection of Hillsborough and St. Mary’s streets, heads east towards the State Capitol, then goes down Fayetteville Street. Get there early for prime curbside viewing, and be sure to pack a chair and blanket to stay comfortable for the two-hour event.
Nov. 22 | 9:30 a.m.; Free; downtown Raleigh; grma.org/christmas-parade

Check out the NC State Holiday Crafts Fair

A niche crafts fair is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year: NC State University’s Craft Center (inside Thomson Hall) gathers work by its students, teachers and studio members for sale, just in time for the holidays. There, you’ll find unique, handmade items from glassworks and ceramics to jewelry, wood and fiber art.
Nov. 22 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Free for students and children, $3 for adults; 210 Jensen Drive; crafts.arts.ncsu.edu

Take a Trip through North Carolina’s History

Five residences across the state offer a beautiful and nuanced window into the lives of their residents and how our society has evolved. Read about them here to pan a trip.

Bring your Friends to Pullen Park for Merry and Bright at Pullen Park

No kids allowed at Pullen Park during Merry and Bright: An Enchanted Holiday Evening for Grownups! Grab your friends and don your gaudiest sweater for a full-on holiday soirée hosted by the City of Raleigh. Have your fun on the rides, including the train and carousel, walk around the lake or jive to the live music coming from local jazz band Sidecar Social Club. Food trucks and breweries will be on-site and Pullen Cafe is swapping its usual concession fare for beer, wine and other bites. All proceeds go towards the city’s Play it Forward program, which provides financial assistance to make sure all children in Raleigh can participate in recreational programs.
Nov. 29 | 7 – 10 p.m.; $35; 520 Ashe Avenue; raleighnc.gov 

This article originally appeared in the November 2025 issue of WALTER magazine.