JAMES CAMERON CHALLENGING THE

Deep

All month | See websites

Famous for directing blockbusters like The Terminator, Titanic and Avatar, James Cameron is also an environmentalist and deep-sea diver — he’s even made a record-setting dive to the bottom of the Challenger Deep in the Pacific Ocean. The traveling exhibition Challenging the Deep at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences shares his explorations. Get up close with artifacts and specimens Cameron has collected over the years, like a jar of crustaceans collected from the Mariana Trench. Learn about the underwater technologies used on his expeditions and enjoy mesmerizing imagery from his travels. And don’t worry, Titanic fans: There will also be props and costumes from the film, including the iconic Heart of the Ocean “diamond.” From $16; 11 W. Jones Street; naturalsciences.org

Fall Candle Making

Nov. 13 | 4 - 6 p.m.

Learn how to make a hand-poured candle — perfect for gifting this time of year! — with local candle maker Stacy Ahua of Usu Co. inside the North Carolina Museum of Art. Themed “Finding Gratitude,” the event includes the candle workshop, sips and small bites, an after-hours tour of the museum gallery and private shopping at the Museum Store. “This is more than just making a candle,” says Ahua. “It’s a chance to design a scent and make memories that are unique and special, while getting an up close seat to how the worlds of fragrance and art come together.” From $55; 2110 Blue Ridge Road; usucompany.com

A Taste Of France

Nov. 16 | 6:30 p.m.

The grand finale of Vidrio’s “Taste Tour of the Mediterranean” monthly dinner series is an opportunity to eat your way through France during an exclusive multicourse dining experience. Hosted by the 2021 NCRLA Chef of the Year, Saif Rahman, the meal will showcase the rustic cooking he’s known for, using top-notch yet simple ingredients and cooking techniques. Guests can expect to savor dishes inspired by the classic culture and produce found in local French markets. Vidrio’s in-house sommelier will expertly pair four French wines throughout the meal. $200 per person; 500 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 100; vidrioraleigh.com

BEETHOVEN: SYMPHONY NO. 9

November 17 - 20 |

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In the early 1820s, Ludwig van Beethoven composed his last masterpiece, Symphony No. 9, his ‘choral’ symphony, with more than an hour of powerful scores topped off with vocalists singing Ode to Joy. Carolina Ballet will bring the iconic music to life at the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts with choreography by troupe founder Robert Weiss and music by a chamber orchestra and the North Carolina Master Chorale. From $37; 2 E. South Street; carolinaballet.com

Raleigh Christmas Parade

Nov. 19 | 9:30 a.m.

What better way to kick off the holiday season than to make a pot of hot chocolate, bundle up the kids and grab your portable chairs to watch the 78th annual Raleigh Christmas Parade? Past years have included cameos from giant balloons of Kermit the Frog and Shrek, marching bands, dozens of dancers, twirlers and more. Use the parade — which is presented in partnership with Shop Local Raleigh — as an excuse to make a day of it downtown and support a nearby small business. Pop into DECO, Read with Me or Father & Son Antiques to get a head start on holiday shopping, or get downtown early to grab a coffee and breakfast from Morning Times or Jubala. If you prefer to stay in your sweatpants in the comfort of your home, ABC11 will be streaming the entire thing. Just don’t miss the chance to see Santa! Free; downtown Raleigh; grma.org/christmas-parade

The Rink At Red Hat

Starting Nov. 19 | See website

MULINO’S TURKEY BALL

Nov. 17 | 6 - 9 p.m.

Want an easy and fun way to give back around Thanksgiving? Purchase a ticket to Italian restaurant Mulino’s annual Turkey Ball, a tradition started in 2018. At this fundraising event, wine will be flowing alongside Italian-inspired eats, with proceeds benefiting the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle. Last year the ball raised $6,000 for charity and helped 200 turkeys grace folks’ holiday tables in Wake County. $45; 309 N. Dawson Street; mulinoraleigh.com

American Indian Heritage Celebration

Nov. 18 - 19 | See website

Experience the culture of our state’s native peoples at the annual American

Indian Heritage Celebration at the North Carolina Museum of History. With a virtual education day on Friday and in-person festival on Saturday, demonstrators from around the state will discuss the themes, symbols and artistry that contribute to American Indian culture and tradition. The festival will include hands-on activities like beadwork demonstrations and a sweet sorghum syrup tasting, as well as drumming and dancing presentations, and will take place both inside the museum and outside on the Bicentennial Plaza. Free; 5 E. Edenton Street; ncmuseumofhistory.org

Red Hat Amphitheater is trading its amps for ice skates: It’s paving over the pit in front of the stage with ice to create THE RINK at Red Hat, which will be open weekdays and weekends through the winter so folks can glide outdoors while enjoying the skyline. Surrounding the ice, there’s room to thaw out on a roomy turf lounge area, complete with comfy chairs, fire pits, games, snacks and beverages (for both kids and adults). Ice skates and skate mates are available for rent. From $6; 500 S. McDowell Street; redhatamphitheater.com.