Cask Festival, burlesque show lead our weekend best bets

RALEIGH, N.C. — It is officially the holiday season and we have more than enough events to help you get into the spirit. 

The North Carolina Symphony presents its annual Holiday Pops concerts Friday night and Saturday afternoon at the Duke Energy Center in Raleigh. The show features your favorite holiday songs, audience sing alongs, "snow" and a visit from Santa. Special guests this year include WRAL's David Crabtree and the Capital City Girls Choir. Tickets start at $40.

Triangle Brewing Company is giving you an alternative to hitting the mall on Black Friday. The 7th Annual NC Black Friday Cask Festival will feature beer from more than 25 North Carolina breweries. Tickets are $35 in advance and $45 at the door. The price includes a tasting glass and samples. The event will also include food trucks, music and local vendors. The even runs from 3 -8 p.m.

The North Carolina State Fairgrounds Exposition Center in Raleigh is the site of the annual Fine Designer Crafts Show this weekend. Shop for holiday gifts from more than 100 craft artists and their handmade pottery, jewelry, glass, sculpture and more. The event kicks off Friday evening and runs through Sunday. Day passes are $7 and a weekend pass is $11.

Motorco in Durham hosts a Vaudevillian Review and Burlesque show Saturday night. Funk/rock video-game cover band, Eight Bit Disaster, will provide music. The show is 21 and over and tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door.

 

Singer-songwriter Edwin McCain plays the Carolina Theatre of Durham on Saturday night. Tickets start at $26. 

 

Michael McDonald plays a special holiday show at the DPAC on Sunday. Tickets start at $45.