Your go-to weekend cheat sheet for Raleigh. Think of it like having a well-informed friend pointing out the coolest shows, food popups, and reason-to-get-out-of-bed plans — all tailored to what’s happening locally this weekend.
We’re doing things differently this month to spread a little extra cheer to our community—and you get to help! Instead of a giveaway, we want you to choose where we donate $100 on Wednesday, Dec. 31. Here are the options: The Women’s Center, Friends of Wake County Animal Center, Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, Read and Feed, and CASA.
Or, if you have a favorite local cause, suggest your own! Cast your vote and help us make an impact in our community this holiday season.
Embrace the chill and bundle up for The Rink—an outdoor, winter-wonderland ice rink at Red Hat Amphitheater! Glide across the ice during a 2-hour skate session (skates included), or grab a seat and enjoy the winter vibes from the stands. Want to level it up? Private igloo lounges and the “Glide and Gather” group space make it perfect for cozy hangouts. Can’t make it this weekend? No worries—it’s open through early January!
📍 Location: Red Hat Amphitheater — 500 S. McDowell St., Raleigh
🗓 Dates: Friday, Dec. 5–Sunday, Jan. 4 (sessions vary—see site for times)
💸 Cost: $15 + fees for skaters (includes skates), $6 + fees for spectators
Step into the magic of the season with A Christmas Carol presented by Theatre in the Park! This beloved holiday classic comes to life with spirited performances, music, humor, and heart as Ebenezer Scrooge is guided through past, present, and future on a journey of redemption. It’s a timeless story filled with warmth, wonder, and just the right dose of holiday cheer—perfect for a festive night out with family, friends, or a holiday date.
📍 Location: Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts — 2 E. South St., Raleigh
🗓 Dates & Times: Fri, Dec. 5 | 7 p.m., Sat, Dec. 6 | 2 p.m. & 7 p.m., Sun. Dec. 7 | 2 p.m.
💸 Cost: Tickets range from $46-$135; prices vary by seating (advance purchase recommended)
Downtown Raleigh turns into a festive outdoor marketplace with MAKRS Holiday Fest! Hosted by The MAKRS Society, this one-day holiday pop-up features 200+ local vendors, food trucks, live music, and plenty of holiday cheer. It’s the perfect spot to knock out your holiday shopping while soaking up the downtown buzz.
📍 Location: Fayetteville Street, Downtown Raleigh
🗓 Date & Time: Saturday, Dec. 6 | 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
💸 Cost: Free
The beloved Boylan Heights ArtWalk returns for another vibrant afternoon of local creativity and community charm! Stroll the historic streets as front yards and porches transform into open-air galleries filled with paintings, pottery, jewelry, woodwork, and more. With festive neighborhood energy and dozens of local artists, it’s the perfect way to get out of the house while shopping small and supporting the creative community.
📍 Location: Boylan Heights, Raleigh
🗓 Date & Time: Sunday, Dec. 7 | 12–5 p.m.
💸 Cost: Free
Get ready for a monthly dose of swing, soul, and savory comfort food—Sidecar Social Club is back with a residency at Figulīna! Catch their eclectic, high-energy sets from 5–8 p.m. on the first Sunday of every month, starting this Sunday, Dec. 7!
Spanning jazz, R&B, ’50s rock-and-roll, and funk, their sound is made for dancing, mingling, and soaking up vintage lounge energy. Pair the music with the special Lasagne Lounge menu by Chef David Ellis, featuring two types of lasagne and a curated selection of aperitivo bites—plus a full bar to keep the night flowing. 🕺
📍 Location: Figulīna — 317 S Harrington St., Raleigh
🗓 Dates: First Sunday of every month: Dec. 7, Jan. 4, Feb. 1, March 1 | 5–8 p.m.
💸 Cost: $10 at the door; reservations recommended but not required
Happy Thanksgiving, Raleigh friends! We’re sliding into your inbox early this week because, let’s be real—by Friday, most of us are going to be fully checked out (and honestly, we hope you are). Whether you’re in a food coma, road-tripping to see family, or strategically avoiding the sink full of dishes, the last thing you need is a newsletter arriving while you’re already mentally in sweats.
So yes, I’m one of those people too. I’ll be shopping, snacking, and pretending I’m “just browsing,” thank you very much. With that energy in mind…without further ado, here is your Friday Five—early!
Still have no idea? No worries! The Raleigh Food & Wine team rounded up a handy list of restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 27—so whether you’re craving the full turkey-and-trimmings spread or just want someone else to handle dinner, you’ve got options. Skip the kitchen chaos and check out every Raleigh spot serving on Turkey Day.
