Yahoo Movies Mark your calendars. There’s no shortage of entertainment in the Triangle this October
Fall is here, and so are festivals, museum exhibits, concerts and more.
Here’s a look at some of the highlights this October in the Triangle.
‘Roy Lichtenstein: History in the Making 1948-1960’
Details: Runs through Jan. 8. Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, 2001 Campus Drive, Durham. Free. nasher.duke.edu
Set at Duke’s Nasher Art Museum, this exhibit brings to life the work of the highly celebrated, 20th-century artist Roy Lichtenstein. Known for his pop art and deep sense of humor, Lichtenstein’s art was heavily influenced by the pop culture of the late 1950s and early 1960s. This exhibit, with about 90 works, aims to explore Lichtenstein’s early career, with many on public view for the first time, according to the museum.
‘Drawn to Life: Drawings from the Age of Rembrandt’
Details: Runs through Dec. 31, Ackland Art Museum, 101 S. Columbia St., Chapel Hill. Free. ackland.org
The Ackland Museum is opening its doors to over 70 Dutch drawings from the 17th century. Images include landscapes, seascapes, portraits, biblical scenes and much more. Ackland is also offering a series of events designed to complement this exhibit throughout September and October. The art from the Dutch master is the first major exhibition of the Peck Collection, which was donated to the university art museum by the late Drs. Sheldon and Leena Peck.
Oakwood Cemetery Plays
Details: Sept. 30-Oct. 2, Oakwood Cemetery, 701 Oakwood Ave., Raleigh. Ticket info at burningcoal.org.
Burning Coal Theatre offers audiences a unique theatrical experience with plays set among the cemetery’s headstones and rolling green lawn. The short plays, written by local playwrights, are “based on the lives of people buried in the Oakwood Cemetery, their partners, neighbors, associates and nemeses.” This year’s production includes six plays and serves as a fundraiser for the theater company.
Click Photography Festival
Details: Oct. 1-30, Venues around the Triangle. clickphotofest.org
Triangle venues will become home to a number of photography exhibits throughout October. The N.C. Museum of Art, the Nasher Museum of Art, the Durham Arts Council and smaller galleries will be part of this month-long celebration of photography. Plus, there will be a photo fair Oct. 2 at Durham Central Park with photos and supplies for sale along with food trucks and workshops.
‘Liberté: I Will Have Inhabited Your Dream Until the Last Evening’
Details: Oct. 1, Page Auditorium at Duke University, Durham. Tickets at dukeperformances.duke.edu.
With a blend of song and spoken word, Liberté seeks to connect audiences with the beauty of a light-filled world. The text for this original performance art is based on the work of three resistance writers from across the globe as they tackle themes of anti-colonialism and anti-fascism in the face of community. One of the writers is Felwine Sarr, a Duke professor who was named in Time 100: The Most Influential People in 2021.
Puccini’s ‘Manon Lescaut’
Details: Oct. 2, Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh. Tickets at ncopera.org.
This traditional four-act Italian opera is sure to delight Puccini purists. With stunning arias, this story of love, lust and wealth has been performed frequently since its original staging in 1893. The North Carolina Opera notes that this performance doesn’t have sets, costumes or props. It’s all about the music, with the orchestra and conductor on stage with the soloists and chorus.
Panic! at the Disco
Details: Oct. 2, PNC Arena, 1400 Edwards Mill Road, Raleigh. pncarena.com
The pop-rock sensation from the mind of Brandon Urie is headed to PNC Arena this fall. With long-time fan favorites like “Shut Up and Dance” and “Say Amen (Saturday Night),” Panic! is back on tour to show off their latest album “Viva Las Vengeance.” Marina and Jake Wesley Rogers are opening acts.
Lucy Dacus
Details: Oct. 3, The Ritz, 2820 Industrial Drive, Raleigh. Tickets at livenation.com.
An indie fan favorite, Lucy Dacus’ vivid lyricism and dark humor will be on full display at the Ritz. While not a show for anyone looking for ABBA-like joy, her scathing honesty takes audiences on a cathartic journey through the uncomfortable trials of life as a young queer woman.
Wanda Sykes
Details: Oct. 6, Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 Vivian St., Durham. dpacnc.com
After decades in the spotlight, the Emmy winner, actress, Oscar host and standup is household name. This fall, she is bringing her stand-up tour to the DPAC. Phones are prohibited at this evening of laughs. Guests who bring them will be required to secure them in a locked pouch provided by the venue.
Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance
Details: Oct. 6-9, Shakori Hills Community Arts Center, Pittsboro. Tickets at shakorihillsgrassroots.org.
This family-friendly festival features a full weekend of music, dance and camping in Pittsboro. This year’s lineup includes Hiss Golden Messenger, Andy Fresco & The U.N., Eric Krasno Trio and dozens more. Camping options are available.
Brandi Carlile
Details: Oct. 7, Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 Vivian St., Durham. dpacnc.com.
High-energy may be the rage for some shows, but the Grammy Award-winner is bringing an intimate evening concert to Durham. The recent writing and release of her debut book “Broken Horses” inspired her new 10-song album. Audiences can join Carlile as she channels her heroes and icons on Oct. 7.
Slingshot Festival
Details: Oct. 7-9, Durham. The Fruit, 305 S. Dillard St., Durham. Tickets at slingshotfestival.com.
For electronic music lovers, Slingshot Festival in Durham is the perfect place to catch new and exciting acts “highlighting a range of dance, electronic, forward-thinking pop, and experimental music,” according to the festival website. This three-day festival, which got its start in Athens, Ga., will feature performances from Leon Vynehall, Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith, Julianna Huxtable and plenty more.
N.C. Symphony presents Cirque Dances with Troupe Vertigo
Details: Oct. 7-8, Duke Energy Center for Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh. ncsymphony.org
Troupe Vertigo is pairing up with the North Carolina Symphony to create a spell-binding evening of aerial acts, acrobatics, contortions and beloved classical music. Set to scores of Mussorgsky and Tchaikovsky, among others, this performance is sure to wow audiences with seemingly impossible stunts.
Inter-Tribal Pow Wow
Details: Oct. 8, The Big Field at Dix Park, 101 Blair Drive, Raleigh. Admission is free, but visitors are requested to RSVP on https://bit.ly/dixparkbowwowtickets
Visitors will be treated to music, vendors and a tribal dance competition featuring tribes from across North Carolina.The event is hosted in partnership with indigenous community organizers, Triangle Native American Society, NC Museum of History, City of Raleigh Museum, Dix Park Conservancy and the City of Raleigh.
N.C. Museum of Art Reimagined
Details: Oct. 8-9, North Carolina Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh. ncartmuseum.org
The North Carolina Museum of Art is reopening with a whole new look. After an extended closure, the museum’s permanent collection, known as the People’s Collection, has been shuffled and reorganized in new ways. Organized by theme, rather than geography, the galleries aim to offer visitors new ways of interpreting art. That includes ways to better understand the cultures and artistic influences. The museum will host a weekend of events to celebrate the reopening, including a block party, tours, workshops and more. The Music at the Museum Festival on Oct. 8 will showcase Chatham County Line, Rissi Palmer, Diali Cissokho & Kaira Ba, Lakota John and ¡Tumbao!.
The opening exhibit, on display through Jan. 22, is “ A Modern Vision: European Masterworks from The Phillips Collection” with works from some of the most acclaimed artists of recent history, including Edgar Degas, Vincent van Gogh, Édouard Manet, Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso and Paul Cézanne.
NC Museum of Art celebrates its reopening with free events, concerts and plenty of art
Hum Sub Diwali Festival
Details: Oct. 8, Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary. Free. boothamphitheatre.com
To commemorate the Hindu festival of lights, Booth Amphitheatre will host the annual Diwali celebration. Visitors can expect delicious food and plenty of entertainment.
‘Sister Act’
Details: Oct. 11-16, Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh. Tickets at nctheatre.com
This hilarious feel-good musical, complete with disco tunes and Catholic humor, is taking over the NC Theater stage. In a slight reimagining of the 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg, audiences follow the story of a Reno lounge singer who is forced to go into hiding as a nun in the local convent. In adjusting to her new life, she resurrects the failing convent choir.
Carolina Hurricanes
Details: Oct. 12, PNC Arena, 1400 Edwards Mill Road, Raleigh. pncarena.com
The Carolina Hurricanes start their 25th NHL season this year, and the throngs of Caniacs seem to continue to grow. Mark your calendars for Oct. 12, the first home game of the regular season. And don’t miss the Canes in the NHL’s Stadium Series outdoor game on Feb. 18 against the Washington Capitals at N.C. State’s Carter-Finley Stadium.
‘Dracula’
Details: Oct. 13-30, Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh. Tickets at carolinaballet.com
Join the Carolina Ballet for a treat during the Halloween season. In a balletic retelling of a classic tale, Lynne Taylor-Corbett’s Dracula is filled with spooky imagery perfect for a chilly October night.
North Carolina State Fair
Details: Oct. 13-23. North Carolina State Fairgrounds, Raleigh. Tickets at ncstatefair.org.
An event that needs no introduction, the NC State Fair is back for another year of deep-fried food, fun and fantastic people-watching. Visitors will be treated to a slew of competitions, rides, live music, animals and shows all week long.
‘James Cameron — Challenging the Deep’
Details: Oct. 15-May 7. N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W. Jones St., Raleigh. Tickets at naturalsciences.org. Free for museum members.
Journey into the depths of the ocean for a look at one of history’s most famous ships. This exhibit will take visitors through the sinking of the Titanic and the rediscovery of its wreckage that eventually led to the iconic James Cameron film of the same name. Beyond the Titanic, the exhibit offers an immersive look at how Cameron used special technology to explore a world beneath the surface. As a bonus, there are film props and costumes from “Titanic,” (including the Heart of Ocean diamond) and “The Abyss.”
Steve Martin and Martin Short
Details: Oct. 16, Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 Vivian St., Durham. Tickets at dpacnc.com.
Recently seen together in their Emmy-nominated hit Hulu ‘whodunnit’ series “Only Murders in the Building,” comedy legends Steve Martin and Martin Short are headed to the Triangle. With decades of experience and an even longer friendship, the iconic pair will do what they do best: riff off each other and make us laugh. This performance will feature frequent Martin collaborator, The Steep Canyon Rangers, and musician Jeff Babko.
‘Annie’
Details: Oct. 18-23. Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 Vivian St., Durham. Tickets at dpacnc.com.
The popular national tour of “Annie,” the wholesome story of the optimistic orphan seeking a permanent home, is ideal for the whole family. In a time marked by uncertainty and loss, this show is a perfect reminder that the sun will indeed come out tomorrow.
Film Fest 919
Details: Oct. 19-23, Silverspot Cinema, 201 South Estes Drive, and The Lumina Theater, 620 Market St., Chapel Hill. filmfest919.com.
Planning for the fifth Film Fest 919 is well underway. While films have not been announced as of press time, the annual event is known for showcasing prestige movies hot off the film festival circuit, but before they hit wide release. Previous festival films have gone on to win Academy Awards and other prizes, including “Spencer,” “King Richard,” “Nomadland” and “Minari.”
DakhaBrakha
Details: Oct. 21, Stewart Theatre at Talley Student Union, 2610 Cates Ave., Raleigh, on NC State campus. Tickets at live.arts.ncsu.edu.
From Kyiv, Ukraine, this folk band loves to blend tradition and theatricality. The quartet’s name, DakhaBrakha, is a Ukrainian phrase meaning “give-take.” Their culturally diverse music takes on new relevance as war continues to rage in their homeland. The group first came to Raleigh in 2014. A Ukrainian-inspired meal will be offered before the concert for an additional fee. Reservations are required.
Blacktoberfest
Details: Oct. 22, Suite Four at Durham Bottling Co., 506 Ramseur St., Durham. Tickets are $55 at blacktober-fest.com
This beer festival is coming to Durham to celebrate Black-owned breweries, wineries and distilleries, including Durham’s Melanated Wine. Look for all kinds of craft beer, food and music.
‘Weird Al’ Yankovic
Details: Oct. 23, Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh. dukeenergycenterraleigh.com
Fueled by satire, humor and a taste for the peculiar, long-time comic “Weird Al” Yankovic is returning to live performances, not long after the release of his biopic “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story.” (Daniel Radcliffe plays the entertainer.) His love of the accordion, upbeat songs and clever wordplay have drawn crowds for years. Yes, he’s been around for decades, but Weird Al is also having a moment where he can be the star that he is.
‘Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812’
Details: Oct. 26-Nov. 6. Theatre Raleigh Arts Center, 6638 Old Wake Forest Road, Raleigh. Tickets at theatreraleigh.com
Set in 19th century Russia, this musical reimagines a 70-page segment of “War and Peace” with a stunning operatic and EDM score. Yes, those are opposite genres but it works. The story follows the life of two aristocratic families as they navigate love, lust, adultery and death. This hauntingly beautiful piece will be presented at Theatre Raleigh’s North Raleigh location, launched in 2020, on a new stage that opened this summer.
‘The Power of Women in Country Music’
Details: Oct. 28-Feb. 26, N.C. Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh. Tickets at ncmuseumofhistory.org.
This new exhibit, curated by the Grammy Museum, shines the spotlight on women in country music — its past, present and future. Using clothing, memorabilia and instruments, visitors will learn how country music’s most famous women — Dolly Parton, Shania Twain, Taylor Swift, among others — transcended Nashville to become icons. Throughout the run of the exhibit, look for Southern Songbirds concerts with some of North Carolina’s country, roots and Americana crooners, including Tift Merritt, Rissi Palmer, Alice Gerrard, Charly Lowry, Caitlin Cary and H.C. McEntire.
Marcus Mumford
Details: Oct. 28, Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 Vivian St., Durham. dpacnc.com
Fresh off the release of his new solo album, the Mumford & Sons frontman is stepping out for his first solo tour. And while he may not be with the rest of his band, his signature sound is instantly recognizable.
Moonchild: Celebrating the Life & Music of Yusuf Salim
Details: Oct. 28-29, Hayti Heritage Center, 804 Old Fayetteville St., Durham. Tickets at dukeperformances.duke.edu.
Join Duke students and faculty as visitors celebrate the life of jazz pianist and composer Yusuf Salim. The long-time Durham resident was widely known for his contributions to the jazz community in North Carolina and beyond. Grammy-nominated vocalist Nnenna Freelon is scheduled to perform both nights, first with a big band, then with a smaller ensemble with other Triangle-based artists. The weekend also includes a panel talk about “Moonchild,” a documentary in production about Salim’s life.
Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company: ‘What Problem?’
Details: Oct. 28-29, Memorial Hall, 114 E. Cameron Ave., on UNC-Chapel Hill campus. Tickets at carolinaperformingarts.org.
With the power of dance and movement theater, “What Problem?” seeks to explore themes of identity, class struggles, community and sexual politics. This performance is unique to the Triangle and will include locally based performers.
Jonathan Van Ness
Details: Oct. 29, Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 Vivian St., Durham. Tickets at dpacnc.com.
Known for his overwhelming positivity and quick wit on Netflix’s “Queer Eye,” Jonathan Van Ness is now wowing audiences with cheerful, honest stand-up comedy. He blends his storied upbringing with a late-in-life love for gymnastics in his show-stopping act.
Mummenschanz
Details: Oct. 30, Page Auditorium at Duke University, Durham. Tickets at dukeperformances.duke.edu.
This troupe of Swiss mimes has been bringing its whimsical act to audiences across the globe for over 50 years. Armed with bizarre, yet mostly friendly puppets, these performers truly will present something out of the ordinary.
