If you’re the outdoorsy type

• Bee Downtown | As a corporate leader, sign your team up for the Bee Downtown Corporate Hive Program to learn how to save bees + what all the buzz is about.
• Preservation NC | Donate or volunteer to help save places in NC with significance. Volunteer opportunities include taking pictures + helping with special events.
• The Great Raleigh Cleanup | Help our city stay litter free by signing up for, or hosting, a local cleanup.
  

If you want to help your neighbors in need

• Green Chair Project | Transform the living spaces of those in need by dropping off or scheduling a furniture pick up.
• Note in the Pocket | Volunteer as a group or individual to sort and fold clothes at this nonprofit providing quality clothing to homeless and impoverished children + families.
• Oak City Cares | Provide food for upcoming holiday dinners or become a weekend host for neighbors experiencing homelessness.

If you live and breathe Raleigh

• A Place at the Table | Clock in and join the weekly volunteer schedule at Raleigh’s first pay-what-you-can cafe.
• Dix Park Conservancy | Lend a hand at community events or participate in stewardship opportunities at one of Raleigh’s largest parks.
• Family Promise | Help families experiencing temporary homelessness achieve safe, affordable housing by assisting with maintenance projects and providing emergency shelter as a host.

• A Harry Potter Holiday — NC Symphony | Wednesday, Nov. 22-Friday, Nov. 24 | Times vary | Meymandi Concert Hall at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh | $50-$70 | Listen to the NC Symphony perform magical selections from “Harry Potter” films — show up early to visit with Santa.
• Edmonton Oilers vs. Carolina Hurricanes | Wednesday, Nov. 22 | 7 p.m. | PNC Arena, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd., Raleigh | $35-$50 | Get loud for the Canes as they take on the Oilers on home ice.

• Freedom Ride Rescue Turkey Day 5K | Thursday, Nov. 23 | 7 a.m.-12 p.m. | White Deer Park, 2400 Aversboro Rd., Garner | $20-$38 | Help raise funds for this foster-based nonprofit while getting active at White Deer + Lake Benson Parks in Garner — costumes, strollers, and well-behaved pups are encouraged.

• Martina McBride — The Joy of Christmas Tour 2023 | Friday, Nov. 24 | 7:30 p.m. | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh | $58-$88 | Listen to this country music icon perform Christmas classics.

• Small Business Saturday | Saturday, Nov. 25 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Raleigh Iron Works, 1101 E. Whitaker Mill Rd., Raleigh | Free | Shop from new vendors like Beatniks and The Holiday Shop while listening to live music.
• NC State Football vs. North Carolina | Saturday, Nov. 25 | 8 p.m. | Carter-Finley Stadium, 4600 Trinity Rd., Raleigh | $120-$395 | Cheer on the Pack or Tar Heels during this Tobacco Road football matchup.

• Visit and take professional photos with Santa
• Sip + stroll with complimentary hot cocoa
• Take part in a kids Santa letter making station
• Enjoy live seasonal tunes from musicians and roaming holiday carolers
• Visit the Weston Farms Pop-Up
• Give to win a gift card
• Knock out your holiday shopping

• Celebrity chef and restaurateur Bobby Flay is flying into RDU with a new burger joint. Bobby’s Burgers, known for serving classic + inventive offerings like the Crunchburger, topped with potato chips, plans to open its 10th location at RDU by the end of 2024. (The News & Observer)

• Keep your eyes — and ears — peeled for Leesville Road High School student Naomi Eley during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade this Thursday, Nov. 23. Eley plays trombone in the school’s marching band and will soon show off her music abilities in NYC while walking in stride as a member of the Great American Marching Band. (WRAL)

• Wool E. Bull’s Winter Wonderland opens today at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Running through Dec. 31, the baseball field has been transformed with a sledding hill, igloos on the infield, large light installations, and more. General admission starts at $11.

• Purchase a fresh wreath from the JC Raulston Arboretum during its annual holiday wreath sale. Wreaths are $75 with pickups scheduled for Friday, Dec. 1 and Saturday, Dec. 2.

• The Joel Lane Museum House is hosting a free Christmas open house on Saturday, Dec. 2. Learn about Raleigh’s oldest residence, talk to costumed volunteers, and let your kiddos make crafts from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• The City of Raleigh has opened applications for the 2024 Environmental Awards. Raleigh residents can nominate community members for an environmental stewardship award + art contests — applications will close March 1, 2024.

• According to RentCafe, Raleigh is ranked 30th among the most attractive cities in the US for apartment hunters. This new study shows the City of Oaks as the most sought after city for renters in NC, jumping 41 spots from last month. If you’re in the market, take a peek at our Raleigh apartment hunting guide.

• Hosting family or friends for Thanksgiving? Pro tip: You’ll be doing plenty of cooking — let Lowes Foods help with some ready-to-go breakfasts and lunches. Looking at you, bagel tray.*

• I scream, you scream, we all scream for Creamed, the very first Cereal-Infused Ice Cream Bar in the Raleigh-Durham area. Mix, match, and experience these sweet + nostalgic flavors yourself at the flagship truck, located on the lower level of Crabtree.*

• Have an active loved one on your shopping list? Upway delivers rigorously inspected, certified, and 99% pre-assembled ebikes from top brands (think: Specialized, Aventon, and Super73) directly to your doorstep. Get up to $1,200 off for Black Friday, and score free express shipping with code TREE.*

• City Club Raleigh | $40 per kids turkey ticket, $100 per adult turkey ticket, $125 per turkey + sparkling wine ticket | Be first in line at this buffet featuring traditional favorites like roast turkey while taking in the best views in town.
• Il Faló at The Westin | $45 per adult, $22 per child 12 and under | Enjoy an Italian-inspired, buffet-style Thanksgiving meal this Turkey Day and fill your plate with carved meats, a pasta station, dessert, and more.
• Irregardless | Pricing varies | Dress up to dine-in on menu items like smoked prime rib ($47) and roasted eggplant dip ($12).
• Peck & Plume | $65 per adult, $30 per child | Dine on a three-course feast with dishes like butternut squash soup + braised beef short ribs, plus, there will be a dessert table filled with house-made goodies.