Press Release Raleigh 2006 Calendar of Events
Media Contact: Martin Armes; (919) 645-2654
RALEIGH, N.C. (March 2006) – The Greater Raleigh, N.C., area unveils its Calendar of Events for 2005, 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."
MAJOR EXHIBITIONS THROUGHOUT 2006
Current – May 7, 2006
"BRAIN: The World Inside Your Head" at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences: "Brain: The World Inside Your Head" introduces you to an extraordinary organ-the brain. In the exhibit, you'll investigate neurons, synapses and the brain-body connection. You'll also meet people with extraordinary brains, such as Albert Einstein, and explore the mystery of the origin of the mind. You'll learn more about brain disorders and how drugs affect the brain. Then you'll conclude your investigation with an exploration of one of the biggest mysteries of all-the purpose of dreams. Admission ranges $3 - $5. www.naturalsciences.org
Current – July 10, 2006
A Call to Arms at the 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, 2006
Stitched from the Soul: The Farmer James Collection of African American Quilts at the N.C. Museum of History: As home to one of North Carolina's most popular and free 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
March 4 – June 4, 2006
What the World Eats at 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, which 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. Admission $5. www.exploris.org
March 5 – April 30, 2006
Sordid & Sacred: The Beggar's in Rembrandt's Etchings at the N.C. Museum of Art: To celebrate the 400th birthday of famed artist Rembrandt van Rijn, the North Carolina Museum of Art presents a group of etchings by the Dutch master. The exhibition includes prints made from copper plate etchings, which date between 1629 and 1654, and thus correspond with the years when Rembrandt was most actively involved with the medium. With 35 works on display, viewers will have the opportunity to see how Rembrandt experimented with inks, paper, and the reworking of the copper plates to enhance the visual impact of the imagery. Admission free. www.ncartmuseum.org
May 7 – July 16, 2006
Common Ground: Discovering Community in 150 Years of Art at the N.C. Museum of Art:Common Ground brings together over 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
July 11, 2006 - July 15, 2007
The Carolina Mountains: Photography of Margaret Morley at the N.C. Museum of History: Around the turn of the 20th century, Margaret Morley traveled throughout western North Carolina recording scenes of everyday life. Her photographs and writing capture farm chores, women's work, one-room schoolhouses and other aspects of life in a bygone era. The exhibit features more than 50 of Morley's photographs, several of which appear in her 1913 book The Carolina Mountains. Admission free. www.ncmuseumofhistory.org
August 26 – January 7, 2007
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. This edgy and contemporary exhibit, presented during the 5th anniversary of September 11th is a compelling way to create dialogues within the community and further the Exploris mission of engaging people in the world around them. Admission $5. www.exploris.org
September 3, 2006–February 11, 2007
Contemporary North Carolina Photography from the Museum's Collection at the N.C. Museum of Art: The NCMA is actively collecting new works of fine art photography from North Carolina artists, acquiring not single images but a portfolio of each photographer's work. This exhibition presents highlights from the expanding collection and features both color and black-and-white photography by Carolyn DeMeritt, Titus Heagins, John Menapace and David Simonton, among many others. So that visitors may see the variety of the collection, exhibited work rotates three times during the run of the show. Admission free. www.ncartmuseum.org
Sept. 26 - Jan. 7, 2007
The Columbus Code: An Interactive Adventure at the N.C. Museum of History: This traveling exhibit from the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum in Key West, Florida, will engage visitors of all ages. See shipwreck artifacts dating from 1560 to 1860, and learn about "The Great Age of Sail." Follow the adventure in this hands-on history and science exhibition, complete with a mystery to solve. Admission free. www.ncmuseumofhistory.org
October 7 – February 18, 2007
SPACE: A Journey to Our Future at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences
SPACE: A Journey to Our Future brings visitors face to face with amazing discoveries and explorations from the past, and introduces them to today's explorers who are shaping our future destiny in the universe. SPACE reintroduces audiences to generations of dreamers and thinkers, demonstrating how they have at times risked their lives to give the world a better understanding of who we are and how we fit into the universe around us. Most importantly, visitors will meet today's explorers, and learn how these people are working to understand more about the planet, how to protect it, and how to increase our understanding of the beginning of the universe and what life exists beyond Earth. Highlights include opportunities to touch pieces of the Moon and Mars and to visit a simulated scientific base camp on the Martian surface. Admission TBA. www.naturalsciences.org
October 15 – January 14, 2007
Monet in Normandy at the N.C. Museum of Art: The NCMA presents the blockbuster exhibition, Monet in Normandy which presents more than 50 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
2006 SPECIAL EVENTS & FESTIVALS
March 31 – April 2
North Carolina Spring Antiques Show at the N.C. State Fairgrounds: Over 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, plus more. Admission $7. www.ncstatefair.org
April 1-2 & 8-9
N.C. Renaissance Faire at the N.C. State Fairgrounds: 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 18-23
Mama Mia! Broadway Series South: A mother. A daughter. 3 possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you'll never forget! Writer Catherine Johnson's sunny, funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise On the eve of her wedding, a daughter's quest to discover the identity of her father brings 3 men from her mother's past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. The story-telling magic of ABBA's timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, and every night everyone's having the time of their lives! Admission $27-$74. www.broadwayseriessouth.com
April 22
Great Grapes! Wine Arts & Food Festival at Koka Booth Amphitheatre: Three years young and aging like a fine wine, the Great Grapes! Wine, Arts & Food Festival is a grand celebration of wine, food and live music. Don't miss this opportunity to master the art of wine tasting while attending gourmet cooking demonstrations and shopping amongst unique artists. The celebration is only ONE day so make sure your taste buds are prepared for sampling a variety of vintages and gourmet treats! Bring home gifts, goodies and wine for all your friends and family to enjoy! Admission ranges $10 - $17. www.uncorkthefun.com
April 22-24
Southern Women's Show at the N.C. State Fairgrounds: Spend the day doing the things you love! Come 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
Raleigh World Beer Festival at Moore Square: The World Beer Festival is the largest celebration of national and international specialty beers in the Southeast...300 beers from 130 breweries, and is a benefit for charity. This year's festival will benefit Pop the Cap, an organization whose mission is to promote craft beer in the state of North Carolina and educate people on the responsible enjoyment of quality beer. So, come out sample some beer, try food from a local restaurant, and listen to the homegrown music while supporting a good cause. Admission $25. www.allaboutbeer.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
April 29-May 7
South Pacific – North Carolina Theatre: Can a Naval nurse from Arkansas find love with a mysterious Frenchman she fell in love with one "Enchanted Night?" Rogers and Hammersteins story of love and prejudice during World War II on an island paradise will have you wondering, "Is there anything like a dame?" Admission $23 - $68. www.nctheatre.com
May 6
Brookhill Steeplechase: For the 14th year, the Raleigh Jaycees will replace grazing cows with galloping horses and nearly 12,000 spectators when the group holds its Brookhill Steeplechase on May 6th. The Brookhill Steeplechase is the only nationally sanctioned steeplechase organized entirely by volunteers. As the Triangle's premier sporting and entertainment event, the steeplechase attracts nearly 50 jockeys and horses each year and is the only steeplechase held in this area. Spectators and participants come from all over the Southeast to be a part of the Brookhill Steeplechase and the traditional tailgate before the event. It's the perfect way to get together and is suitable for people of all ages families, groups of friends, young professionals and retirees. Admission $15. www.brookhillsteeplechase.com
May 6 – 7
Historic Oakwood Garden Tour: Historic Oakwood, one of Downtown Raleigh's most historic neighborhoods, celebrates spring with the annual Historic Oakwood Garden Tour showcasing seven unique gardens. Admission $10.
May 9-14
Dr. Dolittle – Broadway Series South: An American premiere! Journey to the far corners of the world with the incredible Doctor Dolittle - and a host of amazing animals - in this big, boisterous family musical. World-renowned veterinarian, Doctor Dolittle and his ability to "talk to the animals" takes audiences on one extraordinary adventure after another. Based on the Oscar-winning movie by Leslie Bricusse (Jekyll and Hyde, Victor/Victoria), this fun and fanciful tale entertains children and adults alike with delightful melodies and impressive special effects. Admission $17-$67. www.broadwayseriessouth.com
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
June 9-11
Raleigh Bazaar Arts & Crafts Show at the N.C. State Fairgrounds: This show will feature exhibitors from around the country bringing their expertise in extraordinary handcrafted collectibles for the entire family! 200 artists and craftsmen will be displaying works of art. Enjoy beautiful handmade jewelry, eclectic glassware, hand-painted furniture, pillows, handbags, children's clothing, special sauces, dips and more! Admission $5. www.carolinachristmas.com
June 17-18
Raleigh Antique Festival at the N.C. State Fairgrounds: The Mid-Atlantic's largest antiques markets for discriminating buyers are presented at the N.C. State Fairgrounds. Quality dealers from 15 states offering period and country furniture, silver, jewelry, art glass, pottery, textiles, fine art and collectibles of all era at affordable prices. Admission free. www.damoreproductions.com
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 8-16
Wizard of Oz – North Carolina Theatre: Come join Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man and the Lion on the other side of the rainbow as they embark on a quest to see the Wizard before the Wicked Witch of the West catches up to them! We invite you to remember why "There's no place like home". Admission $23-$68. www.nctheatre.com
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 Downtown 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
September 9-10
La Fiesta del Pueblo at the 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 9-10
North Carolina Gourd Arts and Crafts Festival at the 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
September 15-October 22
The Lion King – Broadway Series South: Experience the phenomenon of Disney's "The Lion King." Marvel at the breathtaking spectacle of animals brought to life by award-winning director Julie Taymor, whose visual images for this show you'll remember forever. Thrill to the pulsating rhythms of the African Pridelands and an unforgettable score including Elton John and Tim Rice's Oscar-winning song "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" and "Circle of Life." Let your imagination run wild at the Tony Award-winning Broadway sensation Newsweek calls "a landmark event in entertainment." Raleigh's most eagerly awaited stage production ever will leap onto the Raleigh Memorial Auditorium stage this Fall. Admission $31 - $126. www.broadwayseriessouth.com
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. 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
October 13-22
North Carolina State Fair at the N.C. State Fairgrounds: 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
October 16
Diwali: Indian Festival of Lights at Koka Booth Amphitheatre: Thousands of Indian families across the Triangle area will gather together at Cary's Koka Booth Amphitheatre to Celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights and start of the Hindu New Year. One of India's most popular festivals, Diwali is a time for Indians around the world to celebrate their culture and share it with others. Learn more about India's progress and promise through this year's theme "Pragati: An Ode to Modern India", through exhibits showcasing the tradition of assimilation and democracy, Indian industry and economy and the Indian Diaspora. Enjoy the day with great classical/folk music, dance shows and skits all put together by local Triangle residents. Join us in the festivities to savor a variety of Indian flavors from Mysore Dosa to Tandoori Chicken. Go shopping for handmade crafts, clothing and jewelry in the special bazaar. Admission free. www.boothamphitheatre.com
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
November 3-12
Music Man – North Carolina Theatre: The Music Man follows fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill, as he cons the people of River City, Iowa, into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys' band he vows to organize- despite the fact he doesn't know a trombone from a treble clef! His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian the librarian, who transforms him into a respectable citizen. Admission $28-$63. www.nctheatre.com
November 17-19
N.C. Fall Antique Show at the NC State Fairgrounds
Over 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, plus more. Admission $7 (three day pass). www.womansclubofraleigh.org
November 20-December 26
Nutcracker – Carolina Ballet: This year marks the sixth annual production of Carolina Ballet's spectacular Nutcracker, the timeless holiday tradition that delights the inner child in us all. With magnificent sets and costumes, Drosselmeyer's spellbinding magic and the company's brilliant dancing to the fame Tchaikovsky score and live orchestra this triangle favorite continues to astound. Admission TBD. www.carolinaballet.com
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
The Greater Raleigh CVB is a non-profit agency that promotes Raleigh and Wake County 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 (800) 849-8499; visit www.visitraleigh.com, or e-mail visit@visitraleigh.com. That's "City Life, Carolina Style."
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