Submitted by Melissa Howsam — Correspondent
Monday's blah, but your week doesn't have to be. So, here are some hip haunts and choice events to hit up:
STORYTELLING EVENT: “HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS” It’s not Holly Hunter and Robert Downey Jr. — a bonus considering his slew of convictions aren’t so warm and Christmassy — but this scroll of storied tellers is def worth scribbling up to the soapbox for as they spin the yarn on small-town life. So, hop over to Hillsborough for some homegrown history to include authors Lee Smith, Michael Malone, Randall Kenan, Nancy Demorest and Daniel Wallace, as well as a wine and cheese reception. Proceeds to benefit the Orange County Historical Museum, so you can hear history and make some, too. When: Nov. 27, 8 p.m. $18 in advance; $20 at door. More info | Leland Little Auction and Estate Sales Gallery
CAROLINA BALLET PRESENTS PINOCCHIO: Sure your stomach may be swollen from a little too much Thanskgiving day turkey trappings…but the fact you can fib a little without a swelling schnoz seems something extra to be thankful for. So, loosen some (purse) strings (and probably your belt) and pay homage to the famed pine-wood-puppet as he pirouettes into a real live boy in choreographer Bruce Wells’ charmed Carolina Ballet staging of this fairy tale fav. When: Nov. 24, 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 26, 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 27, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.; Nov. 28, 2 p.m. $20-65. Buy tickets | Raleigh Memorial Auditorium
FOURTH ANNUAL NC BLACK FRIDAY CASK FESTIVAL: This Black Friday, festive means frothy for the fourth consecutive year. Skip the halls of harrowing holiday shoppers-gone-mad on mark-downs and deck your liver by dropping a few pints of homegrown heady goodness instead. Just remember when you’re stuffing your face with that, well, stuffing the day before to leave room for the brews. Tickets include a souvenir glass and variety of NC cask samples, live music and food vendors. When: Nov. 26, 3-8 p.m. $40 at door. Buy tickets | Triangle Brewing Company
SANTA’S HOLIDAY HAYRIDE: Who needs a soaring snowy sleigh led by eight tiny (albeit magical) reindeer, when there’s holiday hayrides to be had. Jump on the wintry wagon as Christmas turns carnival and a tad country with this holly-trimmed hayride through the glistening lit hills of 401 Par Golf. It’s not the North Pole, but it’s par for the Christmas course. Then frolic and play in the Candy Store and get jacked up on jolly goodies. When: Nov. 26, 5:30-11:30 p.m. Adults, $8; 8-and-under, $4; 4-and-under, free. More info
HOLIDAY POPS WITH THE BROADWAY TENORS: Jingle bell time is a swell time when it’s Christmas time in the city as the Broadway Tenors join the NC Symphony and the Concert Singers of Cary in joyful jingle belling and songs of happy cheer at this—the most wonderful time of the year. When: Nov. 26, 8 p.m.; Nov. 27, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. $32-$69. More info | Meymandi Concert Hall
