Raleigh 2006 Calendar of Events RALEIGH, N.C. (December 2005) – Greater Raleigh, N.C., unveils its Calendar of Events for 2006, including a line-up of major festivals, cultural performances, marquee athletic events and "off-beat" traditions. To receive a free Visitors Guide or more information on 2006 events, visit www.visitraleigh.com or call toll-free, (800) 849-8499. That's "City Life, Carolina Style." January 28
Fifth Annual African American Cultural Celebration at N.C. Museum of History: Enjoy a day of activities, crafts, music, entertainment, and foods in celebration of the state's African American heritage and culture. 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Free admission. www.ncmuseumofhistory.org January 28-29
Astronomy Daysat N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences: A day of astronomical proportions featuring out-of-this world presentations, a cosmic array of exhibits and displays, and a universe of activities that will send guests into orbit! 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Saturday); 12:00 PM - 5 PM (Sunday). Free admission. www.naturalsciences.org January 28 – May 7
Brain: The World Inside Your Headat N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences: This exhibit introduces guests to an extraordinary organ, the brain. Investigate neurons, synapses and the brain-body connection. Meet people with extraordinary brains, such as Albert Einstein, and explore the mystery of the origin of the mind. Learn more about brain disorders and how drugs affect the brain, and conclude the investigation with an exploration of one of the biggest mysteries of all-the purpose of dreams. Admission TBD. www.naturalsciences.org February 25 – March 24
The Rhythm of the Factory: Life and Labor in North Carolina's Textile Mill Communitiesat Historic Oak View County Park: For a hundred years after the Civil War, textile mills made up the backbone of labor in North Carolina's Piedmont region. In the hours not spent working at the mill, workers lived in mill owned housing, shopped in mill run groceries, played in mill sponsored baseball teams, and prayed in churches built by the mill. People living in these communities built a special bond with their neighbors and co-workers that lasted for generations as workers' children and grandchildren began jobs in the mills and lives of their own in textile mill towns. Today, these mill communities are quickly becoming a closed chapter in North Carolina's rich history, and a fading memory passed on in the stories of former mill workers and their families. Admission free. http://www.wakegov.com/locations/oakview.htm March 4 – June 4
What the World Eatat Exploris: This traveling exhibition from COPIA: The Center for Food, Wine and the Arts, presents a unique portrait of the world's people through stunning photographs, that feature each family with a week's worth of food. Internationally renowned photojournalist Peter Menzel, in collaboration with writer Faith D'Aluisio, traveled to 24 countries to portray 30 different families in photographs and words. Tickets range from $5.50 - $7.95. www.exploris.org March 6 - 11
MEAC Basketball Tournament at RBC Center: The MEAC Tournament is held during the first week of March and consists of all 11 members in both men and women's basketball. The tournament also features a host of ancillary events, including the MEAC Cheerleading Championships. Ticket prices TBD. www.meacsports.com March 11
"Reptile and Amphibian Day"at N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences: Celebrate spring with crocodiles, snakes, alligators, lizards, toads, frogs, salamanders and turtles from around the world! 9 AM - 5 PM. Free admission. www.naturalsciences.org March 31 – April 2
North Carolina Spring Antiques Showat N.C. State Fairgrounds: More than 70 specialty antique dealers from several states and North Carolina exhibiting period furniture, fine & estate jewelry, silver, crystal, glass, fine botanical prints, majolica, English porcelain and American folk art. Admission $7. www.ncstatefair.org April 1-2 & 8-9
N.C. Renaissance Faire: Any person wishing to reenact life in the court of Medieval England, from the time of King Arthur through Queen Elizabeth I will have a jolly old time at the North Carolina Renaissance Faire. The celebration will include an ample feast of crafts, entertainment and exotic food and drinks. Admission: $10 adults, $5 children 5-12 and seniors 65+, children under 5 free. www.ncrenfaire.com April 22-24
Southern Women's Showat the N.C. State Fairgrounds: Spend the day doing the things you love! Enjoy a festive atmosphere at the 2006 Southern Women's Show and relax with spa treatments and makeovers, value shop for clothes, jewelry and gifts, learn new ways to improve your lifestyle and much more. Admission $8. www.southernshows.com April 29
8th Annual Triangle Beach Music Festival in Garner: Beach music was born in the Carolinas, and this day features great food, great music (featuring Band of OZ, Coastline Band, Chairmen of the Board, Tams) and tons of fun in the sun! Admission TBD. www.trianglebeach.com May 7 – July 16
Common Ground: Discovering Community in 150 Years of Art at N.C. Museum of Art. Common Ground brings together more than 100 works of art - primarily photography, but also painting, sculpture, mixed media and installations - that explore the universal human experiences of struggle, transcendence and salvation. Organized by the Corcoran Museum of Art in Washington, D.C. and drawn from the collection of Julia Norrell, the exhibition illustrates the essential ties that unite people of all cultures, irrespective of politics, race or religion. Admission free.www.ncartmuseum.org May 20-21
Artsplosure 2005: Spring Jazz & Art Festival in Downtown Raleigh: Jazz, pop and country music ring throughout downtown Raleigh as North Carolina celebrates its largest and most diverse arts festival. More than 150 arts & crafts booths are showcased, while interactive sculptures and a visual artists market provide educational fun for the whole family. Free admission. www.artsplosure.org July 4
Fourth of July Open House at Joel Lane Museum House: Built in 1770 as the home for Joel Lane, prominent statesman and patriot, this house is fully restored and furnished to reflect the way he lived on his home plantation. Throughout the day costumed docents will provide tours of the house and gardens, Revolutionary War re-enactors will march and drill in the yard to demonstrate how our militia won our Independence, and games and crafts will be offered for children of all ages. Admission free. July 4
Capitol's July 4th Celebration at N.C. State Capitol: Celebrate our country's freedom with a bang as you watch live bands, chow down on some good "home-cooking" and view craft demonstrations in North Carolina's State Capitol Building and Capitol Square. Free admission. www.dcr.state.nc.us July 20-26 & 27-30
"The Amistad Saga: Reflections" at African American Cultural Complex: A compelling outdoor drama which reenacts the mutiny scene of Cinque and African hostages designed to preserve the history of African-Americans; performed at the AACC amphitheater. Admission ranges $2 – 10. www.aaccmuseum.org August 26
Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival in Cary: Over the past 29 years, the Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival has become one of the South's premier festivals. An estimated 60,000 people gather in downtown Cary for the best in arts and crafts, food, and entertainment. Admission free. www.townofcary.org August 26 – January 7
The Enemy Within: Terrorism in America 1776 to Today at Exploris: Powerful. Provocative. Thought-provoking. This new traveling exhibit from the International Spy Museum in Washington, DC, provides visitors with an historic perspective on acts of terror that have taken place on American soil – and how the country has responded. Each visitor will feel compelled to answer two fundamental questions: "How far would you be willing to go to further your beliefs, and what rights would you be willing to give up for your security?" This edgy and contemporary exhibit, presented during the 5th anniversary of September 11, is a compelling way to create dialogues within the community and further the Exploris mission of engaging people in the world around them. Admission ranges $5.50 - $7.95. www.exploris.org
Raleigh Calendar 2006/Page 5
September 16
BugFest at N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences: Open your mind, eyes, and mouth to the curious world of bugs. The N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences' ninth annual BugFest! creeps into downtown Raleigh. As the nation's largest single-day bug event, BugFest! offered quirky bug-filled fun for adventurous people of all ages. BugFest! 2006 celebrates swarming insects, in honor of the "Brood X" cicada, billions of which swarm sections of the eastern United States throughout the month of June. In addition to learning about insects, arachnids, and crustaceans from around the world, BugFest! visitors can even taste them as the main ingredients of the delectable gourmet dishes at Cafe Insecta and the BugFest! critter cook-off. If your mouth starts watering, you can sample some of their buggy wares or grab some "grub" of your own at the Museum's signature Cafe Insecta. Admission TBD. www.naturalsciences.org September 23 – 24
Raleigh Street Painting Festival: This family friendly festival takes place in front of the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Raleigh and explores a different theme relating to North Carolina each year. Admission free. www.vae.org September TBD
La Fiesta del Pueblo at N.C. State Fairgrounds: La Fiesta del Pueblo is the largest Latin American festival in the Carolinas, providing a fun, low-cost, family-friendly environment that values building bridges, cross-cultural understanding, and educational opportunities. The festival features dance and music performances on four stages, typical Latin American food, Cafe Teatro, special guests Remi the Puerto Rican clown, Harry the Dragon, and Ronald McDonald, and children's games. This alcohol-free festival costs $1 for adults and is free for children under 12.
www.elpueblo.org
September TBD
North Carolina Gourd Arts and Crafts Festivalat Dorton Arena at N.C. State Fairgrounds: This is the country's longest-running gourd festival, featuring more than 80 growing, crafting, and artistic competitive categories, as well as workshops and vendors of gourd crafts and supplies. Admission charged. www.ncstatefair.org October 15 – January 14
Monet in Normandy at N.C. Museum of Art: Monet in Normandy presents more than 40 paintings by beloved Impressionist master, Claude Monet. The exhibition takes a unique look at Monet's work and presents paintings he created in the coastal province of Normandy. The exhibition includes some of Monet's most celebrated works - his paintings of haystacks, his garden at Giverny, and the Rouen cathedral. The exhibit is drawn from collections around the world. Admission TBD. www.ncartmuseum.org October 13-22
North Carolina State Fair: Approximately 700,000 people attend the State Fair each year, making it the largest annual event in North Carolina. The 10-day extravaganza features livestock, agricultural, arts and cultural exhibitions, an amusement midway and nightly nationally acclaimed musical performances. Admission: $6 adults, $2 children 6-12, seniors 65+ and children under 5 free. www.ncstatefair.org November 3-5
International Festival at the NC St. Fairgrounds: This festival features international foods, cultural exhibits, demonstrations, a world bazaar, ethnic dancing and music and the Biergarten.
Admission charged. www.ncstatefair.org
2006 HOLIDAY EVENTS
(Dates To Be Determined) Executive Mansion Holiday Open House: Take a break from the Christmas shopping to see North Carolina's version of a larger-than-life gingerbread house. Home to Governor and Mrs. Mike Easley, the Executive Mansion features natural decorations and live entertainment. Free admission. www.ah.dcr.state.nc.us/sections/capitol/exec/exectour.htm Civil War Christmas Encampment at N.C. State Capitol: Re-enactors representing the Confederate 6th North Carolina regiment will camp on Capitol Square to recreate war-time holiday celebrations of long ago. Visitors can witness troops receiving mail from home, test their hand at crafting period Christmas ornaments, dip candles, and even participate in Civil War drill routines for free. (919) 733-4994. Christmas Tour at Joel Lane Museum House: Decorated in traditional colonial greenery and fruit, the Joel Lane Museum House, circa 1770, will showcase ways in which our colonial ancestors celebrated the holiday season. Raleigh's oldest home is now fully restored to its appearance when it served as the residence of Joel Lane, a prominent statesman and patriot. Free admission. (919) 833-3431. Mordecai Historic Park Holiday Tours: Visitors will experience the sights and sounds of Christmas past when they tour the historic Mordecai plantation house and grounds, all decked out for the holidays in period decorations including evergreens and fruit displays. Admission is charged for the one hour tour. www.capitalareapreservation.org/park.html. Historic Oakview Christmas Open House & Self-guided Candlelight Tour: Just four miles east of downtown Raleigh, this antebellum farmstead is lit with luminaries for the holiday open-house. Guests can tour the 1855 Greek Revival house and visit with Santa in the living room, devour freshly baked cookies in the plank kitchen, and explore the cotton gin house museum, 1870s gazebo, and a Farm History Center. Sleigh rides will be given around the pecan grove, snow or shine. Free admission. (919) 250-1013. Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour: The 34th annual tour of this 19th Century Victorian neighborhood provides a glimpse inside several 19th century private homes and inns, elegantly decorated for the holidays. Admission charged. www.historicoakwood.org
SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS APPEARING THROUGH 2006
Current – March 19
The Potters Eye: Art & Tradition in North Carolina Pottery at N.C. Museum of Art: The North Carolina Museum of Art houses 5,000 years of art created by many of the world's greatest painters and sculptors. On display through March 2006 is The Potter's Eye: Art & Tradition in North Carolina Pottery. Masterpieces from the state's 19th-century pottery tradition and the works of six distinguished N.C. potters are featured in this show, including Vernon and Pam Owens, Ben Owen III, Mark Hewitt, Kim Ellington and Dave Stuempfle. Exemplary pieces from South Carolina, New England, Great Britain, Germany, China, and Japan demonstrate connections among N.C. pottery and other traditions. Admission $5. www.ncartmuseum.org Current – April 30
Planes, Trains & Automobiles at Raleigh City Museum: This exhibit will explore the history of transportation in the Greater Raleigh area from the earliest modes of travel by stagecoach, horse or buggy to the advent of the railroad, the airplane and the automobile. While the exhibit will utilize historical photographs, interpretive text panels and donated artifacts to illustrate the social and economic impact of transportation in Raleigh and its development over the past 200 years, local stories will also be documented through an oral history project that will be published in a separate companion catalog. Admission free. www.raleighcitymuseum.org Current – July 10
A Call to Arms at N.C. Museum of History: Artifacts in the exhibit represent various aspects of Operation Iraqi Freedom: the army of Saddam Hussein, insurgent forces, N.C. National Guard soldiers and the new Iraqi regime. The exhibit also traces the lineage of the 30th Heavy Separate Brigade back to World War I, when North Carolina Guard units became part of the 30th Infantry Division. Admission free. www.ncmuseumofhistory.org Current – August 2
Stitched from the Soul: The Farmer James Collection of African American Quiltsat N.C. Museum of History: As home to one of North Carolina's most popular museums, the North Carolina Museum of History showcases Stitched from the Soul: The Farmer James Collection of African American Quilts, a powerful exhibit providing the chance to see 61 quilts stitched by African Americans. Each quilt was crafted using a variety of different cloths, giving each quilt a different shape, texture and meaning. This exhibit lets you feel the passion for Southern folk art that was created from the Civil War to World War II. Admission free. www.ncmuseumofhistory.org Current-May 29
"Pioneers of Aviation" at N.C. Museum of History: Orville Wright's inaugural flight at Kill Devil Hills in 1903 launched the age of aviation. "Pioneers of Aviation" celebrates this monumental event and highlights other Tar Heel aviators and aviation innovators. Admission free. www.ncmuseumofhistory.org Current-June 12
"Treasures Unearthed: North Carolina's Spectacular Gems & Minerals"at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences: Experience the largest collection of North Carolina's gems and minerals ever displayed, from emeralds to rubies to sapphires, and a walk-through gold mine. Admission charged. www.naturalsciences.org The Greater Raleigh CVB is a non-profit agency to enhance the economic growth and
development of Raleigh and Wake County by increasing visitor and convention business.
For a free visitors guide or more promotional information, call toll-free (800) 849-8499; visit
www.visitraleigh.com, or e-mail visit@visitraleigh.com. That's "City Life, Carolina Style."
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