Note: Authored by David Menconi, this piece has been produced in partnership with Raleigh Arts. Menconi's latest book, "Oh, Didn't They Ramble: Rounder Records and the Transformation of American Roots Music," was published by University of North Carolina Press. His podcast, Carolina Calling, explores the history of the Tar Heel State through music.
With cooler fall temperatures on the way (promise!), this is the season when Raleigh’s entertainment options start transitioning and moving indoors—with various annual holiday-themed events also looming down the road a bit. Here’s a sample of what’s coming our way during autumn 2026.
Oct. 3, Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
The Grammy-winning folk-rock duo of Amy Ray and Emily Saliers has been a performing unit since the mid-1980s, selling millions of albums. Their latest tour brings them to Raleigh Memorial Auditorium in the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, with Linda Perry from the group Four Non Blondes as an opening-act bonus.
Oct. 6, Lincoln Theatre
Although it’s billed as “This Is Not The Last Tour,” there’s no telling how many more chances you might have to see UK punk/new-wave legends Public Image Ltd (featuring Sex Pistols frontman John Lydon) on these shores. Also on tap at the Lincoln Theatre this fall, the latest Band Together “Mighty Giveback” fundraiser with swamp-rock band JJ Grey & Mofro on October 10.
Oct. 15-Nov. 1, Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
Highlighting Carolina Ballet’s fall schedule is this two-act world premiere of “Dracula,” a gothic version of the fabled Bram Stoker classic – perfect for Halloween. Also coming from Carolina Ballet this season are George Blanchine’s Jewels November 19-22, and of course the perennial favorite holiday evergreen “The Nutcracker” December 10-24.
Oct. 16 and 18, Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
Although it scandalized 19th-century European audiences, Georges Bizet’s four-act French opera “Carmen” has become one of the most beloved works in the canon. Performed in French with English translations on a screen above the stage.
Oct. 18, Theatre Raleigh Cabaret Theatre
Theatre Raleigh’s popular Cabaret Series takes up the catalog of the Broadway legend who gave the world iconic musicals like “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Cats” and “The Phantom of the Opera.” Dressing up as your favorite character is not required, but encouraged. Also on Theatre Raleigh’s fall schedule, a Halloween-season “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors” October 21-November 1.
Oct. 23, Red Hat Amphitheater
The days grow short for the original version of downtown Raleigh’s 16-year-old Red Hat Amphitheater, which is scheduled to open in its new spot for the 2027 concert season. R&B/soul singer/songwriter Steve Lacy is set for the final date, capping a closing stretch that includes latterday punks Amyl and the Sniffers on Oct. 5 and Americana stars Turnpike Troubadours on Oct. 10.
Oct. 23-Nov. 8, Gaddy-Goodwin Teaching Theatre
Tom Stoppard’s “Hamlet” dark-comedy spinoff turns 60 years old in 2026, and it has worn well, playing Raleigh Little Theater this fall. And of course, it would not be the holidays without RLT’s annual rendition of “Cinderella,” coming December 4-20. This year’s model is the 42nd edition.
Nov. 13-14, Meymandi Concert Hall
One of North Carolina Symphony’s more intriguing crossover offerings this fall will be its performance of John Powell’s Oscar-nominated score to a screening of the acclaimed 3D cartoon “How to Train Your Dragon,” Nov. 13-15 at the symphony’s Meymandi home base. It’s part of a busy fall schedule for the symphony, including the music of Pink Floyd with The Machine October 2-3, Halloween at Hogwarts on October 31 and Handel’s Messiah December 4-5.
Nov. 22, Lenovo Center
Between hockey and basketball games, Raleigh’s big arena has plenty of entertainment offerings this fall highlighted by standup comic Gabriel Iglesias’ “The 1976 Tour” on November 22. Other upcoming Lenovo Center offerings include “The Gathering” on November 22, a choice triple bill of Weezer, The Shins and Silversun Pickups; and the November 30 “Christmas Together” Christian pop tour featuring Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and CeCe Winans.
