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Plan Ahead: Top November events in Raleigh

Get a sneak peak at what’s to come in November events in Raleigh from holidays activities to can’t miss performances.

RAL Nov. Plan Ahead '24

Get ready for a cheerful + busy season.

Photos provided by Leesville Community Turkey Trot; Red Hat Amphitheatre; RALtoday; Liz Condo Photography; and Precision Race

November is officially here, and it marks the most wonderful time of year for Raleigh. We’ve got the top events you don’t want to miss this month, all lined up and pretty just for you.

Holiday festivities

Diwali Mela, Brier Creek Commons | Saturday, Nov. 2 | This festival of lights has all of the Diwali fun featuring a DJ, henna tattoos, giveaways, and cultural cuisine.

Skate at the Square, Fenton | Friday, Nov. 8-Sunday, Feb. 9 | Have some fun on ice with this seasonal Cary rink in the middle of one of the Triangle’s newest developments.

Chinese Lantern Festival, Koka Booth Amphitheatre | Tuesday, Nov. 12-Sunday, Jan. 12 | Cue the lights. View this Triangle classic + the brightest part of the holidays is back for its annual run.

Raleigh Tree Lighting, Martin Marietta Center | Friday, Nov. 22 | Initiate the holiday season at the lighting of downtown’s tree. Plus, grab photos with Santa and explore the holiday vendor market.

80th Annual Raleigh Christmas Parade, downtown | Saturday, Nov. 23 | Break out the chairs and enjoy the city’s biggest Christmas parade.

North Hills Tree Lighting, Midtown | Saturday, Nov. 23 | Head to midtown for the lighting of its stunning tree + grab a bite afterwards.

THE RINK, Red Hat Amphitheatre | Saturday, Nov. 23-Monday, Jan. 20 | Take a stride on ice at Raleigh’s largest seasonal outdoor ice skating rink.

Arts and music

Livingston: A Hometown Odyssey, Lincoln Theatre | Friday, Nov. 1 | Watch this Texas pop star perform hits like “Shadow” from his latest album.

G-Eazy, The Ritz | Saturday, Nov. 9 | This “No Limit” hip-hop artist is coming to Oak City and bringing acts IDK and Goody Grace along for the ride.

P!NK, Lenovo Center | Monday, Nov. 11-Tuesday, Nov. 12 | See this rockstar perform some of her expansive hits like “So What.”

Maverick City Music, Lenovo Center | Tuesday, Nov. 19 | Watch this contemporary Christian group perform hit songs like “Kingdom.”

Eric Roberson, Raleigh Improv | Wednesday, Nov. 20 | Enjoy an evening of smooth jazz with singer-songwriter Eric Roberson.

Gladys Knight, Meymandi Concert Hall | Saturday, Nov. 23 | Get a taste of the classics as Gladys Knight performs hits like “Midnight Train to Georgia.”

Turkey trots

Raleigh 8K Turkey Trot | Thursday, Nov. 28 | Register to run or be on the sidelines supporting at this annual Turkey Day run.

Trophy Trot | Thursday, Nov. 28 | Kick-off your Thanksgiving morning with a trot at Dix Park and enjoy an afterparty at Trophy Brewing’s Maywood Avenue location.

More local events

Moonlight in the Garden, JC Raulston Arboretum | Various dates | Stroll through a curated garden of lights with different food trucks each night.

THE DESSERTERY, Martin Marietta Center | Friday, Nov. 22-Monday, Dec. 23 | Indulge in this family centered holiday themed dessert cafe experience.

American Indian Heritage Celebration, NC Museum of Natural Sciences | Friday, Nov. 22-Saturday, Nov. 23 | This two-day celebration consists of a virtual education day and an in-person festival that includes historical contributions of American Indian communities in NC.

Shop Small Mall, NC State Fairgrounds | Saturday, Nov. 30-Sunday, Dec. 1 | Have your pick of local makers with 100 to shop with in addition to live music, food trucks, and workshops.