Your Triangle guide to 50+ events, festivals, exhibits, concerts and plays this fall

Fingers crossed. It looks like fall in the Triangle is about to have a packed events schedule.

After a year of cancellations, postponements and virtual experiences, venues and museums are ready to be live and in-person again — at least they hope to.

But with the COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations still ever-present, there is an air of caution. Events could be postponed or moved to new venues or canceled altogether.

When putting together this list of major events, we kept those factors in mind. And then we started marking our calendars.

Fall is the season of festivals, so get prepared to enjoy the vast variety that Raleigh offers. After weekends filled with music and art, this weekend, we turn our attention to the N.C. State Fair.

If festival crowds aren’t your thing, you can join the N.C. Symphony in their return to the stage, or spend an evening with the Carolina Ballet. Plays, art exhibits, and shows are all coming back.

With more than 100 events scheduled in the next few months, we couldn’t make a list that included everything, so here are some of the highlights for the season. This list will be updated this fall.

As with any event, dates and times are subject to change. Check with the venue or event organizers for updates as well as COVID-19 protocols such as required masks, vaccines or negative COVID test results.

OCTOBER

Click! Photography Festival

Details: Through October at venues across the Triangle, including the N.C. Museum of Art, the Nasher Museum of Art, the Durham Arts Council and smaller galleries. clickphotofest.org

Click! is a month-long festival celebrating the medium of photography with exhibits, keynote talks and the Click! Photo Fair. Some of the keynote talks will be presented in-person and on Zoom. The photo fair is Oct. 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Durham Central Park Pavillion, 501 Foster St., with demonstrations, workshops for kids and the works for regional photographers.

Chris Hondros’ ‘Conflict Photography’ and Will Henry Stevens’ ‘Pastels and Drawings’

Details: Through Jan. 9, Gregg Museum of Art and Design, 1903 Hillsborough St., Raleigh. gregg.arts.ncsu.edu. Free.

This twin exhibits will be up all fall, with virtual options for those who can’t make it in-person. Hondros, a graduate of North Carolina State University, was known for his work in photographing and filming conflicts. He was killed in 2011 while on a project in Libya. The photos were gifts of Getty Images, where he worked, and are in the Gregg Museum’s permanent collection. Stevens was an American modernist and impressionist artist, and his works frequently featured rural Southern landscapes. These pieces, which are a contribution to the culture of the South and a celebration of its beauty, were created during a summer stay in Asheville.

‘From Fallujah’

Details: Through Nov. 6. PS118 Gallery & Event Space, 118 West Parrish St., Durham. horseandbuggypress.com/ps118-current-exhibits. See website for hours.

The photography exhibit features works by four emerging Iraqi photographers in a moment that couldn’t be more timely. The photos are curated by retired U.S. Army veteran John Bechtold, who spent two tours in Iraq. The exhibit aims to show Fallujah as more than just a battlefield but a place where Iraqis go about their daily lives — working, going to school and living in peace. “This exhibit can be thought of as a first step to reimagine places damaged or destroyed during the Iraq War,” the gallery says. Bechtold, now a Ph.D. candidate in American Studies at UNC-Chapel Hill, will give a talk on Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. about the war and how he curated the project.

‘Off the Map: The Provenance of a Painting’

Details: Through Jan. 9, Nasher Art Museum, 2001 Campus Drive, Durham. nasher.duke.edu, Free.

Duke’s Nasher Art Museum will host an exhibition featuring the Nasher Museum’s collection: “Portrait of an Artist,” a painting attributed to Joseph Wright of Derby. The exhibit will focus on the history of the painting, including past owners, locations and types of transactions. It will document the painting’s history as it changed hands until it finally landed at Nasher. The exhibit will address the issues of attribution, histories of taste, cultural and monetary value, and the notion of ownership by following Wright’s painting.

‘The Gravitational Pull of Bernice Trimble’

Details: Oct. 1-17, Theatre In the Park, 107 Pullen Road, Raleigh. theatreinthepark.com. See website for ticket prices.

In this performance of Beth Graham’s book, audience members are invited to take a journey with Iris Trimble and her siblings as they explore what their mother’s early onset Alzheimer’s will mean for them and their family. The play, directed by Jesse Gephart, is sure to pull at your heart strings.

‘Persevere’

Details: Through Oct. 31. N.C. Museum of Art. 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh. ncartmuseum.org/exhibition/persevere/

The pandemic was hard for everyone in all kinds of ways. For some, photography helped them get through it. This outdoor exhibition outside the N.C. Museum of Art showcases the photos that we took about this pivotal time in history — the highs and lows as we found new ways to cope. The exhibit is part of the Click! Photography Festival and can be found off the path from the Blue Ridge lot to West Building.

‘Buddha and Shiva, Lotus and Dragon: Masterpieces from the Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection at Asia Society’

Details: Oct. 8-Jan. 9. Ackland Art Museum, 101 S. Columbia St., Chapel Hill. ackland.org

This exhibit features nearly 70 works from a larger collection of Asian art assembled by the Rockefellers with the intent of showing how art associated with Buddhism and Hinduism can transcend international borders. The Rockefellers wanted to show the “capacity of art to facilitate cross-cultural dialogue and to positively influence international relations, with the goal of improving understanding between citizens of the United States and those of Asia,” according to the Ackland. As such, look for Chinese vases, Indian Chola bronzes and Southeast Asian sculptures.

‘Wings of the City’

Details: On display through March at Dorothea Dix Park’s Grove at Dix Park, from Umstead Drive from Lake Wheeler Road to the Chapel Event Center. dixpark.org/wings

Mexican artist Jorge Marín will bring his traveling exhibition to Dix Park. The series of nine bronze sculptures feature “larger than life figures — some winged and poised to take flight, others delicately balanced in acrobatic poses.” The exhibit has toured 20 major cities since 2013, Dix Park says.

Dix Park ready to take flight with first international art exhibit ‘Wings of the City’

‘9 to 5: The Musical’

Details: Oct. 12-17, Duke Energy Center for Performing Arts, 2 East South St., Raleigh. nctheatre.com. See website for tickets.

If you love Dolly Parton, this is the show for you. Based on the film of the same name, “9 to 5” is a story about female empowerment in the workplace. The musical has an iconic and high energy score, written by Dolly Parton herself.

North Carolina State Fair

Details: Oct. 14-24, North Carolina State Fairgrounds, 4285 Trinity Road, Raleigh. Ncstatefair.org. See website for tickets.

The North Carolina State Fair is back with competitions, rides, games and plenty of fair food. New this year is “accessAbility Day” on Sunday, Oct. 17, for those who struggle with being overstimulated by light and noise.

A look at spooky Halloween happenings and fall festivities coming to the Triangle

The Connells

Details: Oct. 15, 7 p.m., Cat’s Cradle, 300 N. Main St., Carrboro. catscradle.com. See website for tickets.

It’s been 20 years since The Connells have released a new album, but there have been glimpses of new music in performances and live-stream shows. After a pandemic delay, the band finally has a new album. “Steadman’s Wake,” which debuted Sept. 24. The Connells, which became a college favorite after forming in 1984 in Chapel Hill, is celebrating with a hometown show at the Cat’s Cradle. “We are thrilled to return to the Cat’s Cradle,” Mike Connell told The News & Observer in an email. “The Connells have played many memorable shows at the Cradle, and with our just released album this promises to be a special night” Joined by their newest members, guitarist Mike Ayers and drummer Rob Ladd, you can expect to hear new music, including single, “Really Great,” along with classics from their “Ring” LP, like “’74- ’75” and “Slackjawed.” The Cat’s Cradle requires proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken 72 hours before the show.

‘More Than Just A Game: The NCCU vs. NC A&T Football Rivalry’

Details: Opens. Oct. 15, Museum of Durham History, 500 W. Main St., Durham. museumofdurhamhistory.org

For 92 years, the annual football game between Durham’s North Carolina Central University and Greensboro’s North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro is an event. This new exhibit explores the storied rivalry and its impact that goes beyond the football field. A free public reception is Oct. 15 at 6 p.m. with retired N.C. Sen. Mickey Michaux and community curators Dr. Charles Johnson (NCCU) & Dr. Arwin Smallwood (A&T).

N.C. Symphony presents Dvorak New World Symphony

Details: Oct. 15-16, 8 p.m., Meymandi Concert Hall, Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh. Ncsymphony.org. See website for tickets.

Directed by David Danzmayr and featuring George Li on piano, this performance features “Danzas de Panama,” Rachmaninoff’s “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini,” and Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9 “From the New World.” Dvorak’s piece was written as a reflection on the United States during his visit during the 1890s.

‘Exquisite Creatures: The Art of Christopher Marley’

Details: Oct. 16-March 20, N.C. Museum of Natural Science, 11 West Jones St., Raleigh. naturalsciences.org. See website for tickets.

This exhibition features the work of Oregon-based artist Christopher Marley. From vibrant colors on beetle’s carapaces, or the color of feathers, Marley’s work explores the overwhelming diversity of life and repetitive patterns found in it. All of the vertebrates used in these works are reclaimed.

Elvis Costello & The Imposters

Details: Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m. Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh. dukeenergycenterraleigh.com. See website for tickets.

There’s a general consensus that Elvis Costello is a legend and that most of his songs are classics, right? A concert featuring songs like “Veronica,” “Oliver’s Army” and “Alison” plus any number of the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer’s catalog would be part of any book we’d write. The venue says Costello will “see the first stage performances of songs from the future, as the band time-travel in all directions.” Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours is required.

Film Fest 919

Details: Oct. 18-24, at the Silverspot Cinema and Drive-in at Carraway Village in Chapel Hill. Individual tickets and movie passes on sale. filmfest919.com

The film festival, in its fourth year, takes full advantage of its slogan: “Catch the films before they catch on.” In addition to “Spencer,” starring Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana, the festival also will screen “King Richard,” starring Will Smith as the father of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams, and “C’mon C’mon” starring Joaquin Phoenix as an uncle with a “transformative” relationship with his nephew. There will be conversations with filmmakers and a laser tribute show to award-winning songwriter, Diane Warren, as well as an appearance by Warren herself.

Film Fest 919 gives movie fans chance to see Oscar-worthy films before they hit theaters

‘Tootsie’

Details: Oct. 19-23. Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 Vivian St., Durham. dpacnc.com. See website for tickets.

It’s been years since Dustin Hoffman delighted audiences in the film, “Tootsie,” where he played an actor who adopts the identity of a woman to find work. The 1982 award-winning film has now been transformed into an award-winning Broadway musical and is set on a soap opera, rather than Broadway. Proof of COVID-19 vaccine or negative COVID-19 test required as well as masks.

N.C. Symphony presents Mendelssohn & Brahms

Details: Oct. 22-23, 8 p.m., Meymandi Concert Hall, Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh. ncsymphony.org. See website for tickets.

This cultural masterpiece will feature Villa-Lobos’s “Bachianas Brasileiras” No. 9, Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto, and Brahm’s Symphony No. 1. This thrilling lineup also features Simone Porter on the violin. She has debuted with the New York Philharmonic and the Philadelphia ,among others. Her first solo debut was at age 10. She is known for her impassioned energy during her performances.

Wiley and the Hairy Man

Details: Oct. 22-24, Pure Life Theatre, 3801 Hillsborough St. Suite 100, Raleigh. Purelifetheatre.com. See website for tickets and times.

Delve deep into the Tombigbee swamp in a classic tale of a very young girl with a very big fear, the Hairy Man who haunts Wiley’s days and dreams. Follow Wiley as he explores the magic of the swamp to jazz legend Harry Pickens’ music and lyrics with Suzan Zeder’s lyrics and storytelling.

‘Alphonse Mucha: Art Nouveau Visionary’

Details: Oct. 23-Jan. 23. N.C. Museum of Art. 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh. ncartmuseum.org/mucha. See website for tickets. Closed Monday and Tuesday.

The exhibit, described as the Mucha Trust collection’s first major U.S. tour in 20 years, features the celebrated and iconic art of Alphonse Mucha, the Czech-born artist whose career flourished in Paris during the 1890s. While his style is recognizable through posters, advertising, illustrations and other ornamental objects, less is known about the “theoretical aspects of his style, which evolved as a language for communication with the wider public,” according to N.C. Museum press notes. The exhibit also will feature his photography and sculptures while the museum will feature Parisian-inspired dishes and cocktails at its East Cafe.

‘Dressing the Abbey’

Details: Oct. 23-Jan. 17. N.C. History Museum, 5 E. Edenton St., Raelgih. Ncmuseumofhistory.org. See website for tickets.

If you’re a fan of “Downton Abbey,” this exhibition is for you. Featuring 35 original costumes worn by stars of the popular TV show, the exhibition showcases the style of the aristocracy and their servants from 1912 to 1923. They’re striking enough to please even Dowager Countess Crawley.

Comeback Fest with Khruangbin

Details: Oct. 23, 5:30 p.m. Red Hat Amphitheater, 500 S. McDowell St., Raleigh. Sold out. bandtogethernc.org/comeback-fest

Band Together, known for staging concerts and raising a ton of money for charitable causes, is ready for live music again. This year’s show features Khruangbin with Lee Fields & The Expressions and Big Daddy Kane. This year, funds will go to the United Way of the Greater Triangle with the goal of raising $2 million to help those most affected by the pandemic. Concert-goers will need to show proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test taken 48 hours before the event. Rapid tests will be available at Red Hat Amphitheater at 4 p.m. for $20. Proceeds will go to nonprofit partners.

Elephant & Piggie’s ‘We Are in A Play’

Details: Oct. 23-31, Raleigh Little Theatre, 301 Pogue St., Raleigh. raleighlittletheatre.org. See website for tickets.

Based on the “Elephant & Piggie” books by Mo Willems, this play will be an incredible experience for young audiences. As they follow the story of friends Gerald and Piggie, they will learn forgiveness and the value of their friendship. The play will be directed by Laura Jernigan with music by Deborah Wicks La Puma.

N.C. Symphony presents Star Wars & More

Details: Oct. 28-30, Meymandi Concert Hall, Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh. ncsymphony.org. See website for tickets.

If you’re a Star Wars fan or just love epic movie scores, this concert is for you. The North Carolina Symphony will be kicking off Halloween with John Williams’ famous scores, including “Jurassic Park,” “Harry Potter,” “E.T.” and “Star Wars.”

Inter-Tribal Pow Wow

Details: Oct. 30, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Big Field at Dorothea Dix Park. Free. dixpark.org/powwow

Pow wow organizers hope to bring together members from all eight tribes recognized in North Carolina, including Haliwa-Saponi, Lumbee and Waccamaw-Siouan. Look for dancing, a tribal dance competition, music and vendors that will shine a spotlight on the state’s Indigenous communities.

Pink Martini featuring China Forbes

Details: Oct. 31, 8 p.m. N.C. Museum of Art. 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh. ncartmuseum.org. See website for tickets.

The sprawling Pink Martini band — with a dozen musicians — is a favorite of the NCMA outdoor concerts with its upbeat mix of multilingual songs. Singing in 25 languages, Pink Martini blends genres of classical, jazz and pop. Concert-goers must show proof of COVID-19 vaccine or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the event.

NOVEMBER

The Second City

Details: Nov. 4 at 8 p.m. Carolina Theatre, 309 W. Morgan St., Durham. carolinatheatre.org. See website for tickets.

It’s safe to say that we could all use a good laugh every now and again. For an extra bit of unpredictability, the Second City will bring its renowned improv troupe to Durham with new material and improvised bits. Proof of COVID-19 vaccine or negative COVID-19 test required. Masks required.

‘Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill’

Details: Nov. 5-14, A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater, 2 E. South St., Raleigh. nctheatre.com. See website for tickets.

This play recounts the life and unmaking of Billie Holiday, one of the greatest jazz singers of all time. Interlacing personal stories with musical numbers, Lady Day presents a portrait of the artist in the months before her death.

N.C. Symphony presents ‘The Firebird’

Details: Nov. 5-6, 8 p.m., Meymandi Concert Hall, Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh. ncsymphony.org. See website for tickets.

N.C. Symphony will be hosting Aaron Diehl on piano, Aaron Kimmel on drums, and Paul Sikivie on double bass to present works by Barber, Williams, Ravel and Stravinsky. Diehl, an American pianist, is known for his complex and artistic touch. Kimmel is a jazz musician and is a freelance drummer in New York City as well as a graduate of the Juilliard School. Paul Sikivie is a double bass player and composer.

N.C. Gourd Arts & Crafts Festival

Details: Nov. 6-7, North Carolina Gourd Society, at the N.C. State Fairgrounds, Raleigh. ncgourdsociety.org. Tickets are $3.

The Gourd Society will hold its 79th annual festival celebrating the mighty gourd. The festival is the perfect place to get fall-themed decor, experiment with gourd craft or buy seeds to grow your own. There will be competitions for the biggest, heaviest and longest gourds.

Ben Folds

Details: Nov. 6, 8 p.m. Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh. dukeenergycenterraleigh.com

The North Carolina native, who has been hunkering down in Australia since the pandemic began, is finally touring live again. And he’s bringing his “In Actual Person Live For Real Tour” tour home to North Carolina to present his hits as well as songs he wrote during lockdown in Australia. Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours is required.

‘Storybook Ballet’

Details: Nov. 6, 3-5 p.m., Halle Cultural Arts Center, 237 N. Salem St., Apex. thehalle.org. See website for tickets.

Watch as Infinity Ballet presents its annual “Storybook Ballet,” a production featuring their students. In the past, the troupe has performed renditions of beloved fairy tales like Cinderella.

‘Escape to Margaritaville’

Details: Nov. 9-13, Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 Vivian St., Durham. dpacnc.com. See website for tickets.

Jimmy Buffett gets the jukebox musical treatment as his hits are woven together into a musical about a bartender who falls for a tourist who came to Margaritaville to “get away from it all.” As cool temperatures arrive outside, the musical will be nothing but sunny, beachy vibes inside. Proof of COVID-19 vaccine or negative COVID-19 test required as well as masks.

Noche Flamenca

Details: Nov. 12, 7:30 p.m., Fuquay-Varina Arts Center, 123 E. Vance St., Fuquay-Varina. Fuquay-varina.org. See website for tickets.

Come out for a night of Spanish music featuring Edward Stephenson and musicians from Spain, Venezuela, Cuba, the United States and Canada. Combining elements of dance and music, the company works to evoke vivid passions and emotions that define “Flamenca.”

N.C. Opera presents Ludwig van Beethoven’s ‘Fidelio’

Details: Nov. 14, 2 p.m., Meymandi Concert Hall, Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh. ncopera.org. See website for tickets.

In a return to the classics, N.C. Opera will be presenting Beethoven’s only opera. Based on a true story from the French Revolution, the story portrays a message of hope and liberation from tyranny.

Mike Wiley in ‘One Noble Journey’

Details: Nov. 16, 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 5:30 p.m., Fuquay-Varina Arts Center, 123 E. Vance St., Fuquay-Varina. fuquay-varina.org See website for tickets.

Follow the story of Henry “Box” Brown, an African American born into slavery who escaped the South by sealing himself in a wooden box enroute for Philadelphia. Brought to life by actor Mike Wiley, the show is aimed at portraying pivotal moments in African-American history.

‘Unique Departures/Innovative Variations’

Details: Nov. 18-21, Memorial Auditorium, Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh. carolinaballet.com. See website for tickets.

The Carolina Ballet will present innovative variations on their classic repertoire, produced by their own choreographers Robert Weiss, Jenny Palmer and guests Lynne Taylor-Corbett and Mariana Oliveria. Originally produced for the Milwaukee Ballet, Oliveria will stage a company premiere of Pagliacci, a story following a clown’s descent and exposing human frailty behind artistry. Masks required. Proof of vaccination or negative test required.

A Conversation with Stacey Abrams

Details: Nov. 18, 7:30 p.m. Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 Vivian St., Durham. dpacnc.com. See website for tickets.

The voting rights activist and author from Georgia comes to Durham for a “candid conversation and insights on politics, leadership, entrepreneurship and social justice.” The event will be moderated by writer/host Melissa Harris-Perry. Proof of COVID-19 vaccine or negative COVID-19 test required as well as masks.

Genesis: The Last Domino?

Details: Nov. 19, 8 p.m., PNC Arena, 1400 Edwards Mill Road, Raleigh. Pncarena.com. See website for tickets.

In perhaps the event of the season, Genesis will be returning to the stage in Raleigh on their first U.S. tour since 2007. As one of the most successful rock bands of all time, they have sold more than 100 million albums and were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2010.

Watchhouse

Details: Nov. 19-20, 8 p.m. Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 Vivian St., Durham. dpacnc.com. See website for tickets.

After years of performing and recording, the Chapel Hill duo known as Mandolin Orange made the dramatic decision this year to rename themselves. In August, they released their debut album under the new name, and it hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Bluegrass Albums Chart. They’ve been on the road to showcase their new music and are coming to the Triangle for two hometown shows. Proof of COVID-19 vaccine or negative COVID-19 test required as well as masks.

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

Details: Nov. 19-Jan. 9, Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary. boothamphitheatre.com

After a pandemic break, the popular lantern festival is back for a fifth time to light up the Cary sky for seven weeks. The 20 displays feature thousands of LED lights in both whimsical and dazzling creatures. This year features additional programming, including “twilight tickets” (for admission 90 minutes before opening when it’s less crowded); Very Important Panda tours (learn how the displays are made); and Light up your Learning (for educational materials about Chinese culture).

Tchaikovsky’s ‘Pathétique’

Details: Nov. 19-20, 8 p.m., Meymandi Concert Hall, Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh. ncsymphony.org, See website for tickets.

Watch as the N.C. Symphony, with conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto, brings Schumann’s Symphony No. 4 and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 “Pathétique” to life. The symphony is Tchaikovsky’s last, and is known as “Pateticheskaya” in Russian, a word reflective of concurrent suffering. It received its premiere nine days before the composer died.

Jurassic Quest

Details: Nov. 19-21, Raleigh Convention Center, 500 S. Salisbury St., Raleigh. jurassicquest.com/events/raleigh-nc. See website for tickets.

Step back in time as 100 life-like dinosaurs take over the Raleigh Convention Center. There are rides, shows, interactive activities and a “Triceratots” play area for young children. Beware, though, as visitors may face off against a life-size, 50-foot-long megalodon that moves.

2021 Raleigh Christmas Parade

Details: Nov. 20, Begins on Hillsborough Street and St. Mary’s Street, Raleigh. shoplocalraleigh.org. Free

After a year with a virtual parade, the Greater Raleigh Merchants Association will welcome the holidays with an in-person event in Downtown Raleigh. The parade can also be live-streamed or seen on TV.

Be Loud! ‘21: Be Loud! Calling

The Details: Nov. 20, 8 pm. Cat’s Cradle, 300 E. Main St., Carrboro. beloudsophie.org/be-loud-21. See website for tickets.

The annual Be Loud! benefit concert is back with a mission to support adolescent and young adult cancer patients and their families. This year’s lineup celebrates the delayed 40th anniversary of The Clash’s double album, “London Calling.” Four bands will divide up each side of the album. The groups are Preeesh!, Pipe, John Howie Jr. & The Rosewood Bluff and Snatches of Pink. The Cat’s Cradle requires proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken 72 hours before the show.

DECEMBER

Old Crow Medicine Show

Details: Dec. 2-3, 8 p.m. Carolina Theatre, 309 W. Morgan St., Durham. carolinatheatre.org. See website for tickets.

While the band got its start in New York, they ultimately found their footing in North Carolina while playing at MerleFest. They’ve racked up awards, including Grammys, and have been inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. And let’s not forget that their version of “Wagon Wheel” came years before Darius Rucker gave the song his own spin.

Brandenburg Concert No. 3

Details: Dec. 3-4, Meymandi Concert Hall, Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh. Ncsymphony.org. See website for tickets.

Featuring one of the most famous concertos ever written by legendary composer Johann Sebastian Bach, the N.C. Symphony will have quite the lineup for their December concert. Beyond the “Brandenburg” Concerto No. 3, the Symphony will be performing Stravinsky’s “Pulcinella” Suite, and Prokofiev’s “Classical Symphony,” under the direction of Stephanie Childress.

‘The Nutcracker’

Details: Dec. 3-5, Halle Cultural Arts Center, 237 N. Salem St., Apex. nc-apex.cividplus.com. See website for tickets.

This is just one of several Nutcracker performances this holiday season. Join Infinity Ballet Theatre as they present their version of the holiday classic. The friday performance will be preceded by Halle’s annual Christmas Tree and Wreath Exhibit, and the Town Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. Saturday’s performance comes shortly before the Apex Christmas Parade, so grab a cup of hot chocolate and a cookie after the show before you watch the parade.

Rissi Palmer

Details: Dec. 8, 8 p.m. Stewart Theatre, Talley Student Union, N.C. State University. live.arts.ncsu.edu. See website for tickets.

Rissi Palmer infuses her country music with R&B and soul. And while she has been a performing artist for years — one of the few Black women in country music — she has gained recent attention for her Apple Music radio show, “Color Me Country.” Palmer seeks to highlight Black, Indigenous and Latinx artists, sharing how their stories are intertwined with roots and country music. She will be performing on Dec. 8. On Nov. 18, she will host a live taping of “Color Me Country” at Hunt Library on campus with Charly Lowry and Roger Dale. Admission is free for the taping, but registration is required.

Holiday Pops by the N.C. Symphony

Details: Dec. 10-11, Meymandi Concert Hall, Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh. ncsymphony.org. See website for tickets.

Join the N.C. Symphony as it celebrates Christmas with the annual Holiday Pops concert. Featuring holiday songs you know and love, the symphony will welcome vocalist Yolanda Rabun to bring these traditional favorites to life. Raybun is a North Carolina-based vocalist who sings in a variety of styles and has received acclaim for her performances alongside Tony Award-winning actors.

‘The Nutcracker’ by the Carolina Ballet

Details: Dec. 17-24, Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, 2 E. South St. Raleigh. , carolinaballet.com. See website for tickets.

After last year’s virtual performance of “The Nutcracker,” Carolina Ballet is poised to bring back this Christmas classic, live and in-person. Loosely based on a story written by E.T.A. Hoffman, follow Clara Stahlbaum as she dreams of a nutcracker prince who defeats the Mouse King with seven heads, all to the tune of Tchaikovsky’s classic musical accompaniment.

‘The Hip Hop Nutcracker’

Details: Dec. 26, Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 Vivian St., Durham. dpacnc.com. See website for tickets.

If you’re a fan of “The Nutcracker” but want a twist on the classic, this holiday mash-up is for you. The contemporary dance spectacle will be set to Tchaikovsky’s music, but the production will be performed by a dozen dancers, a DJ, a violinist and MC Kurtis Blow, one of hip-hop’s founding fathers.

Disney on Ice presents ‘Mickey’s Search Party’

Details: Dec. 8-12. PNC Arena, 1400 Edwards Mill Road, Raleigh. pncarena.com. See website for tickets.

Mickey Mouse and friends are on a mission to find Tinker Bell, and this group includes a who’s who of Disney favorites. Look for Elsa, Belle, Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Jessie, Moana, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, and finally Captain Hook. Will Tinker Bell be found? It will be an entertaining journey on our way to find out.

On Campus

Area universities have rescheduled in-person performances and reopened museums. Learn more at the following websites:

▪ Carolina Performing Arts: UNC’s performing arts organization continues to host “The Spark,” virtual discussions hosted by Tift Merritt. In-person performances with music, dance and more begin in late 2021. carolinaperformingarts.org/current-season

▪ Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University has reopened museum exhibits, including “In Relation to Power: Politically Engaged Works from the Collection,” that explores how artists have presented political commentary through visual media. nasher.duke.edu

▪ Duke Performances at Duke University is embracing the return of the performing arts with the “Welcome Back Live!” series. dukeperformances.duke.edu

▪ NC State LIVE kicked off the season with free outdoor concerts and will continue to host indoor shows with pre-show discussions. live.arts.ncsu.edu/fall-2021