Plus, outdoor skating at Fenton Square.
11.06.2026 6AM City Subscribe

73° | 85% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 6:41 a.m. | Sunset 5:14 p.m.

 

A message from our team

What do you support? Your friends and family members, probably. A sports team or your favorite restaurant, perhaps. And you likely support an array of other people, places, and causes — where does local news fall on that list? If you agree with our mission of positive, hyper-local news and storytelling, consider making a monthly contribution to support our team.
 
 
 

🎁 Unwrap 90+ gifts with us

 
We're making the holiday season easy with gifts you'll be excited to give — local finds included. | Graphic by 6AM City
 
It's that time of year, Raleigh: our 2026 holiday gift guide is live. We're confident we've covered everyone on your list with this year's guide. Start your shopping early in 3... 2... 1...

Gifts for your significant other

Local pick: Canes Puck Yeah Long Sleeve Shirt | $42 | If your partner is a Canes fan, celebrate last season's Stanley Cup win with this cozy long-sleeve tee.

Sherpa lined flannel | $39.99 | Flannel, cotton, and fleece combine in this ultra-soft, stylish button down. 

Men’s smart posture joggers | $148 | Upgrade their everyday essential to a pair that delivers continuous lower back + lumbar spine support. 

Gifts for retirees

Oh My Mahjong Amethyst mat | $90 | The perfect gift for the mahjong lover in your life, this unique mat “is a whimsical ode to twilight skies and shimmering gemstones.”

Garden kneeler and stool | $49.99 | Gardening’s more fun without the knee and back pain.

Local pick: Tea Flights | $50 | For the one who finally has time to slow down, gift a Raleigh Tea Company tea flight with 10 varieties to sip and savor.

Mystery jigsaw puzzle | $45 | The perfect activity to take on with grandkids, this puzzle includes clues, surprises, and twists. 

Heated lower back massager | $49.98 | This cordless back massager features three heating levels + five vibration massage options. 

Gifts for a cozy winter

Tea bag organizer | $24.99 | This eight-box bamboo compartment with a clear lid will show off their coziest tea bag collection.

Carhartt beanie | $19.99 | Choose their favorite color of this best-selling hat that’s sure to become their winter go-to.

Local pick: Women’s Aurora Sherpa Ombre Mule Crepe Myrtle | $54 | These cozy, handmade sherpa slippers from North Carolina-based Feelgoodz are made with artisan-woven details.
Gifts for crafters, students, and golfers
Asked

What's on your holiday event bucket list?

A. WRAL First Night Raleigh
B. MAKRS Holiday Festival
C. Trophy Trot 5K
D. Raleigh Christmas Parade
Voice your choice
 
Email banner for the North Carolina Symphony
 
 

Events

Friday, Nov. 6

First Friday Friendship Pop-Up | 5-9 p.m. | Blackbird Books and Coffee | Price of purchase

Moonlight in the Gardens | Friday, Nov. 6-Saturday, Nov. 7 | 5:30-8 p.m. | JC Raulston Arboretum | $34+

Freedom Fridays | 7 p.m.-2 a.m. | PBR Cowboy Bar, Cary | Price of purchase

ETSU vs. NC State University Men's Basketball | 7 p.m. | Lenovo Center | $25+

Saturday, Nov. 7

LOVE Raleigh and International Wine and Beer Festival | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Moore Square - Great Lawn | Price of purchase | Editor's Note: There will be a free lunch for veterans from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Barksgiving: A Festival of Fun and Fur | 12-2 p.m. | Compass Rose Brewery | Price of purchase

Duke vs. NC State Football | 12:30 p.m. | Carter-Finley Stadium | $82+

Rawleigh Oyster Fest | 1-5 p.m. | Raleigh Iron Works | $63+

Sunday, Nov. 8

Tongue & Groove Open Mic | 12:30-3:30 p.m. | Artspace | Free

Hug Your Friend in the Park Picnic | 1-3 p.m. | Dorthea Dix Park - Flowers Field | Free
See our full events calendar

Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash

 
 
 

Seasonal

🎄 3 holiday happenings worthy of a weekend road trip

Presented by Onslow County Tourism
 
Photos courtesy of Only in Onslow
 
For us, it’s simple: Fall is for making memories.

And what better way to soak up the season than a fun-filled autumn escape?

With beautiful beaches + beloved holiday traditions, Onslow County on the southern coast of NC offers magical fall experiences right down the road.

3 we have our eyes on

🌟 Mike's Farm Festival of Lights | Hayrides + private wagons wandering through 1.5 miles of twinkling lights and holiday music. 

🎁 Christmas Town at ELJ Farms | Glowing tractors, giant toy soldiers, and more family-friendly fun.

🌊 Swansboro Christmas Flotilla | A spectacular parade of lights right on the waterfront.
10+ more seasonal events
 
 
 

News Notes

News Notes image
Skate the Square at Fenton is officially open for its 2026-2027 season. | Photo courtesy of Fenton.

Open

Lace up your skates and head to Fenton Square for the 2026-2027 Skate the Square season. Cary's outdoor rink is open today through Feb. 7. Tickets start at $18 and season passes are available for $90. I hear there's a Y2K on Ice event coming soon.

Raleighite

Raleigh Fire Department Capt. Christian Christopoulos took first place at the City of Oaks marathon, with a finishing time of 2:40:25. The 12-year department veteran has participated in at least 20 marathons since 2014, but this hometown victory alongside family and friends was especially meaningful.

Weather

Raleigh's primary water source is under pressure as drought conditions worsen around the state. Falls Lake has fallen more than 6 feet below its conservation pool, while 39% of the state is now in extreme drought. Meteorologists say more than 12 inches of rain is needed to begin recovery. (WRAL News)

Cause

Serve up some support at the annual Footprints on the Court fundraiser, hosted by the Abilities Tennis Association from 6 to 9 p.m. at Carolina Country Club. The evening will feature live music, hors d'oeuvres, a raffle, and auctions. Proceeds support free, accessible tennis programs for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Ranked

No. 4. That's where the Raleigh-Durham ranks among US real estate markets to watch in 2027, according to PwC and the Urban Land Institute. Advanced manufacturing, technology, and semiconductors are extending our growth beyond life sciences, marking the area as a national economic powerhouse. (BisNow)

Free Friday

In celebration of Military Appreciation Month, military families in the Triangle can enjoy a day of child care on the house through Dec. 31, courtesy of KinderCare Learning Centers. Check out participating locations and plan a date night for the holidays.

The Word

The word on the block? Peacock's "Love Island USA" is looking for Raleigh-Durham based singles to join its ninth season premiering in summer 2027. Applications are open, and if you know of a local single who's ready to find love in Fiji, you can nominate them too.

Travel

This week’s Southward newsletter rounds up 25 recommendations for visiting Savannah, GA. Get it free every Thursday.

Finance

With Groundfloor, you could earn $2,850 on a $30,000 investment in 12 months — nearly five times the national average CD rate. There are zero fees, so what you see is that you earn. Learn more and get started.*

Shop

As fall’s cold, dry air settles in, this best-selling therapeutic repair lotion is a must-have for keeping skin soft and hydrated. Formulated with pure macadamia nut oil, it helps soothe, repair, and restore even the driest skin while visibly improving its appearance. Shop now.*
 
 
 
 

Civic

💚 Wake County shines a (green) light on local veterans

 
Wake County joins a national effort to recognize local veterans and connect them with resources with Operation Greenlight | Wake County Government
 
What's that green beacon in the sky? You may ask yourself this question as you walk by the Justice Center.

Wake County illuminated the building on Nov. 4 and it will remain this way until Veteran's Day on Nov. 11. The new hue on the horizon is part of a national initiative called the Operation Greenlight. Led by the National Association of Counties, the initiative encourages communities to display green lights as a visible show of appreciation for veterans.

Beyond the gesture, Wake County Veterans Services — a team of veterans and trained allies — helps veterans and their families navigate the Department of Veterans Affairs systems, including benefits, disability claim, housing, and employment resources. Appointments can be scheduled online.

Get involved

You can take part in the Operation Greenlight. Residents, businesses, and organizations can display a green light at their home or business Nov. 4-11. A single green bulb can spark a conversation, raise awareness, and remind veterans in our community that their service is not forgotten.
 

The Buy

Bombas’ top-rated sherpa slippers. We love that they have a memory foam footbed, durable outsole, and ultra-warm and soft design. Choose your favorite color, from dusty purple to apricot beige.
More worth The Buy
Games Module
 
 
 
 
 

The Wrap

My training for the City of Oaks 2027 marathon begins today. Though I've never run more than a mile without stopping for air, I think I could give Christian Christopoulis a run for his money next year. My first course of action will be the 2026 Trophy Trot.
 
The Wrap image
 
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