This month we've got seasonal events heralding the onset of the holiday season, exciting museum exhibits, performing arts options for every age, and diverse movie releases to tell you about. Let's get started!

SEASONAL EVENTS

The 65th Annual Greater Raleigh Merchant's Association's Christmas Parade is Nov. 21 in Downtown Raleigh
The 2009 Raleigh Christmas Parade will begin on Hillsborough Street at St. Mary's Street
Nov. 21 at 9:30 a.m. It  proceeds to the State Capitol, turns right onto Salisbury Street, left onto Morgan Street, right onto Fayetteville Street and right onto Lenoir Street where it will end. Click here for more information.

'Holiday Springs and Sprockets - Art That Moves' by Steve Gerberich Returns to the Museum of Life and Science Nov. 21
Steve Gerberich's large scale, holiday-themed sculptures and installations return to the Museum of Life and Science Nov. 21. Gerberich's unique creations make use of scientific principles that keep kids and adults coming back year after year. Click here to learn more about the exhibit, which will remain at the museum until Jan. 3. Also, Santa Train tickets will go on sale to museum members Nov. 16 and to non-members Nov. 18. Visit the museum's website for details.

Enjoy Fall Foods and Activities at the Wake Forest Farmers Market and the Museum of Life and Science This Month

Enjoy fall foods harvested at local farms, then learn how to milk a cow, make a greenhouse and plant seeds at the Wake Forest Farmers Market's "Taste of the Market" event Nov. 14. Click here to learn more. If you're closer to Durham, check out the Museum of Life and Science's "Fall Harvest" event that same day. Meet local growers and learn more about sustainable farming. Watch how cheese is made and how apples are pressed to make cider. Learn more here.

The N.C. State Farmers Market Fall Craft Fair is Nov. 13-15
Check out the food, fun and crafts at the fall N.C. State Farmers Market Craft Fair Nov. 13. This is a great time to shop for memorable holiday gifts. Click here for directions and information. 

MUSEUM EVENTS & EXHIBITS

Marbles Kids Museum and Carolina Ballet Present 'Hooray for Ballet' Nov. 21
Marbles Kids Museum and Carolina Ballet have teamed up to present "Hooray for Ballet"
Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. "Step Up to the Barre" to learn basic ballet positions, take a "Curtain Call" donning ballet slippers and a beautiful ballet dress, become your favorite "Nutcracker" character during "Stars of the Show" and make gingerbread ornaments to take home during this fun event. Learn more here.

The N.C. Museum of History Opens a 'New Deal' Exhibit and Hosts a Variety of Children's Events This Month
The N.C. Museum of History presents "In Search of a New Deal: Images of North Carolina, 1935-1941" Oct. 29 through Jan. 31. The photos in this exhibit document daily life in rural North Carolina during the Great Depression. The museum has also planned plenty of activities for kids in November. "Time for Tots" will take place Nov. 3 and 10 from 10 to 10:45 a.m., and "History Corner: Aw Nuts!" is Nov. 5 from 10 to 11 a.m. "Make It, Take It: Army Dog Tags" is scheduled for Nov. 7 from 1 to 3 p.m. Learn more about all of these events here.

Local Art Museums Plan Special Family Activities This Month
Nov. 2 is Free Family Day at the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University in Durham. Families are invited between noon and 4 p.m. to explore the "El Greco to Velazquez" exhibition. Limited free tickets will be available at the door only.
Learn more here.
     In Raleigh, the N.C. Museum of Art will host "Family Fun Saturday: A Mummer's Play" Nov. 13 at 10 a.m. Families can create projects and learn about art together during this free event. Pre-registration is required. Call (919) 664-6828 or
click here to learn more.
      Just down the road in Chapel Hill, the Ackland Art Museum will host "Drawing for Kids" for children age 9 to 12 Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to noon. Participants will practice techniques such as contour drawing, linear perspective, shading and drawing people. Materials will be provided, but registration is required and limited. Email bas5705@email.unc.edu or call (919) 962-0479 to learn more. This event is free to members and $5 for non-members.
      Also, don't miss Community Day at the Ackland Museum of Art Nov. 27 from 10 a.m. to
4 p.m. Enjoy a day of free activities, storytelling and art from around the world during this free event. Learn more here.

PERFORMING ARTS

Miley Cyrus Rocks Charlotte and Greensboro Nov. 22 and 24
The Miley Cyrus 2009 North American Tour featuring special guest Metro Station stops at the Greensboro Coliseum Nov. 22 and Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte Nov. 24. Paperless tickets are on sale now at this link. Don't miss it!

Raleigh Little Theatre Presents 'Snoopy' Nov. 6-22

Larry Grossman and Hal Hackady's musical comedy "Snoopy!!! The Musical" is being presented by Raleigh Little Theatre and follows "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown." The performance contains 15 songs performed by Charlie Brown, Lucy, Sally, Linus Peppermint Patty, Woodstock and of course, Snoopy. It takes place in the
Gaddy-Goodwin Teaching Theatre and seating is general admission. Tickets are on sale now from etix.com or at the theater's box office at (919) 821-3111. Click here for more information.

'Phantom of the Opera' Comes to the Durham Performing Arts Center Nov. 26-Dec. 20
This classic play written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and directed by Harold Prince features lavish sets, costumes and special effects. The tragic love story of a beautiful opera singer and young composer ashamed of his physical appearance may be more appropriate for older children. Learn more about the show schedule and tickets here.

Carolina Ballet's 'Messiah' Returns to Raleigh Nov. 26-30
Carolina Ballet Director Robert Weiss' crowning achievement, "Messiah," returns to Raleigh Memorial Auditorium after a five-year absence from the reportory. The performance just completed a successful run in Philadelphia by Pennsylvania Ballet. Access schedule and ticket information here. And don't forget, "Nutcracker" begins Dec. 18! Learn more about that here.

EDUCATION

PAGE Super Saturday is Nov. 7 at NCSU Talley Student Center
Partners for the Advancement of Gifted Education (PAGE) of Wake County hosts its biannual Super Saturday event Nov. 7 at N.C. State University's Talley Student Center. The event consists of courses covering a wide range of academic subjects targeting acedmically gifted students and is offered during two sessions: 10 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Many students participate in both sessions, while others attend the one that suits their schedule best. Learn more and/or register for Super Saturday here.

Durham Public Schools Magnet, Middle and High School Fairs to Take Place in Mid-November at Hillside High School
Durham Public Schools will offer two fairs in mid-November to inform parents and students of the elementary magnet schools and year-round programs available to them, as well as the middle and high schools operating in the school system. The elementary magnet school and year-round program fair will occur Nov. 14 from 9 a.m. to noon, and the middle and high school fair will take place Nov. 15 from 1 to 4 p.m. Click here for additional details.

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