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Things to do this weekend in NC

Looking for something to do this weekend in North Carolina? We have your guide for what to do this weekend in Raleigh, Durham, Cary and beyond!

Posted Updated

By
Kathy Hanrahan
, WRAL lifestyle editor
RALEIGH, N.C. — Looking for something to do this weekend in North Carolina? We have your guide for what to do this weekend in Raleigh, Durham, Cary and beyond!

Things to do in Raleigh this weekend

Make plans to attend Nights of Lights at Dix Park - Brighten your holiday season with the Nights of Lights Drive-Thru Light Show at Dorothea Dix Park brought to you by WRAL/Capitol Broadcasting in partnership the City of Raleigh. Nights of Lights is a drive-thru event which includes 1.3 miles of illuminated trees, festival light displays and local art installations. It starts Saturday and runs most nights through Dec. 24. This year's event includes 29 nights, an increase from last year. Less tickets are also being sold per time slot to reduce traffic congestion.
Your guide to Raleigh's 2021 Christmas Parade - The city of Raleigh's famous 2021 Christmas Parade is back again this year in-person after going virtual last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. City officials expect more than 65,000 will attend. Here's your guide for where to park and what events to look out for on Saturday.
North Hills Annual Tree Lighting (North Hills shopping center, Raleigh) - North Hills will host its annual tree lighting event Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m. There will be a craft tent to create homemade ornaments and necklaces. There will also be face painting, a vendor village, live music and food trucks.
Merry Moore Market (Moore Square Park, 200 South Blount Street, Raleigh) - Celebrate the holiday season at the Merry Moore Market at Moore Square with more than 50 local vendors Friday and Saturday night from 5 to 9 p.m.
Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting and Pop-Up Market (Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 East South Street, Raleigh) - Enjoy Downtown Raleigh's annual tree lighting, holiday-themed activities, and shop from tons of local artists makers during this event Friday night from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Lafayette Village Tree Lighting ceremony (Lafayette Village, 8450 Honeycutt Rd, Raleigh) - Lafayette Village in north Raleigh will hold its tree lighting Saturday from 3 to 6 p.m.
Non-holiday events this weekend in Raleigh
CLTure + Transfer Co. Fall Bazaar (Transfer Co. Food Hall , 500 East Davie Street, Raleigh) - This event will feature over 20 local businesses at Transfer Co. Food Hall on Saturday from 2 to 10 p.m. There will be live music on the outdoor patio, in addition to art installations and giveaways. Tickets are $5.
Genesis: The Last Domino? (PNC Arena, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd., Raleigh) - The iconic band will take the stage at PNC Arena on Friday night. This is the first time they have ever played Raleigh.
Pop-Up Raleigh Art and Vintage Market (Trophy Brewing and Taproom (Maywood), 656 Maywood Avenue, Raleigh) - Pop-Up Raleigh is downtown Raleigh's original monthly artisan market. It takes place Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. at Trophy Brewing and Taproom on Maywood Avenue.
Neptunes Comedy Presents: Crafty Comedy (Crafty Beer, Wine & Spirits, 2005 Fairview Rd., Raleigh) - Neptunes Comedy is back at a brand new venue, Crafty Beer, Wine and Spirits in Five Points. The show Saturday night will feature some great local comedians. It is an outdoor event but there will be heaters. Food will be provided by Raleigh Cheesy.
Jurassic Quest's Epic Indoor Event (The Raleigh Convention Center, 500 S Salisbury St, Raleigh) - See more than 100 life-size animatronic dinosaurs and a 50-foot long Megalodon at this event at the Raleigh Convention Center this weekend. Tickets are still available.

Things to do in Durham this weekend

The 2021 Durham Art Walk Holiday Market (Durham Arts Council, 120 Morris Street, Durham) - This art walk and holiday market will be held in downtown Durham on Saturday and Sunday. There will be live music as you stroll to area shops.
ZZ Top (Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 Vivian St., Durham) - The band will take the stage at DPAC on Sunday night.

Things to do in Chapel Hill, Cary and Morrisville this weekend

NC Chinese Lantern Festival (Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary) - Enjoy this annual celebration at Booth Amphitheatre in Cary from Nov. 19 through Jan. 9. There will be new displays and more ticket options.
Thanks + Giving Food Truck Rodeo (Legion Road Open Space, 1714 Legion Road, Chapel Hill) - Local food trucks are teaming up with nonprofits during this community event on Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. PORCH and Inter-Faith Council for Social Service will be collecting winter clothing, toiletries and canned food.
Winter Wonderland (Park West Village Shopping Center, 1508 Village Market Place, Morrisville) - This event will take place this weekend at Park West Village. There will be storytime with Santa, train rides, music and more fun Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 5:30 p.m.

Online events this weekend

APS Tails at Twilight Gala - Beyond The Ballroom (Online) - This virtual event is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Animal Protection Society of Durham serving our community.The event will be held online from 6 to 7 p.m. Saturday. This one-of-a-kind event offers pet lovers and enthusiasts the opportunity to support homeless animals while bidding on some of the most unique items and experience any local auction has to offer.
26th Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration (North Carolina Museum of History, 5 East Edenton Street, Raleigh) - The 26th Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration will be an online experience on Saturday. Engage with American Indians from North Carolina's eight recognized tribes in live presentations and panels, plus enjoy videos that celebrate the history, culture, and continuing contributions of North Carolina's American Indian communities.

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