Events are selected for a mix of geography, price points, and interests, with a focus on community. This post is updated throughout the month with new events and details.
🎙️ Old North State Storytelling Festival (November 6-7): As of November 3, only tickets remain for the smaller, sensory-friendly Saturday morning showcase. Acclaimed storytellers will share tales in a collective on-stage event at The Cary Theater.
📽️ Downtown Cary Park Movie Night: “Minions” (November 6): A free showing of the animated prequel to “Despicable Me” (rated PG) will be at the Great Lawn at Downtown Cary Park. Lawn seating setup (BYO blankets and chairs) starts at 5 p.m. The movie will begin at 7:30 p.m. Food trucks will be on site. It’s the last outdoor movie of the season!
🥡 Taste of China Food and Culture Festival (November 7): The event with the Chinese-American Friendship Association of North Carolina includes a wealth of food vendors, performances, and more from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Downtown Cary Park.
🌳 150th Commemorative Tree Planting Ceremony (November 14): Holly Springs is continuing the celebration of its 150th year with the planting of a 14-foot American sycamore at Sugg Farm. Attendees can write a message to the future for a time capsule. 11 a.m.
🛍️ Sweetwater MAKRS Market (November 14): A makers market will be held at the Sweetwater development in Apex, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
🀄 Mahjong and Mingle (November 19): Sign up for open play outdoors in The Backyard at Fenton (next to Brewery Bhavana in the Cary development). Don’t know how to play? Sign up for a lesson. 6-8 p.m.
🍁 Fall Into Downtown (November 20): The Downtown Apex event will have a Jazz & Jive Night theme, with live music by Peter Lamb and the Wolves, jazz ensembles, and a dance area. 5-8 p.m. The epicenter of the event is in The Depot parking lot, but continues throughout Downtown Apex. While you’re there, take in a performance at the Halle Cultural Arts Center. On The Steps: Kate McGarry & Keith Ganz, a ticketed show, features Grammy-nominated jazz artists.
🎶 Live and Local!: Triangle Youth Jazz Orchestra and Triangle Youth Jazz Ensemble (November 21): Catch a free showcase of the nationally recognized youth bands performing “big band classics and modern jazz standards” from 3-4:45 p.m. at Downtown Cary Park.
🎄 Light the Square (November 21): The holidays kick off at Fenton with a tree lighting event, 3-7 p.m. Besides the live stage show beginning at 6 p.m., you can shop at a Christmas Market with local vendors, a kids’ area with crafts and games, ice skating, and more.
☕ Espresso Reads in Morrisville (November 21): Readers unite! Read silently together from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the historic Pugh House in Morrisville, then enjoy a coffee drink with others.
🐉 North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival (opens November 21): For the 11th year, the festival returns to Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary. Walk through displays of Chinese artist-created lanterns at twilight or after dark for a unique, illuminated experience. The festival is open every night, except Christmas Day, from November 21 to January 10, 2027. Pro tip: “Twilight session” tickets give you earlier, less crowded access to the festival, starting at 4:30 p.m. Regular nightly passes are 6-10 p.m.
This list will be updated as more info becomes available.
What types of events do you want to see? Email line@theassemblync.com to share your thoughts.
