BBQ, Blues & Brews
Nov. 7
Noon to 4 P.M.
Downtown Varina, 801 Durham St.
Don’t miss Fuquay’s smokin’ hot celebration of flavor, where experienced cook teams vie for the best barbecue in town. Enjoy local beer, live music performances, a makers market, and tasting samples.
Holly Springs Autism Acceptance Day
Nov. 7
11 A.M. to 2 P.M.
Sugg Farm Park
Community resources and education, sensory activities, entertainment, and food trucks combine at the 10th annual Autism Acceptance Day Event, presented by The Brady Valcho Autism Foundation. This free inclusive event helps families connect with support and resources and offers a fun escape where children can be themselves.
Fuquay Film Festival
Nov. 13, 6–9 P.M.
Nov. 14, 9 A.M. to 8 P.M.
Fuquay-Varina Arts Center
Returning for the fourth year, Fuquay Film Fest curates short films from across the country in a range of genres. New this year: an All Festival Pass ensures admission to any and all of the workshops, panels, and screenings of your choosing.
filmfreeway.com/FuquayFilmFest
The Embers Holiday Show
Nov. 25
7:30 P.M.
Fuquay-Varina Arts Center
Icons of Carolina beach music take the stage with a holiday show full of feel-good vibes, rhythm & blues, and the spirit of the season.
Fuquay-Varina Chorale Holiday Show: Blessings
Dec. 4, 7:30 P.M.
Dec. 5, 2 P.M. & 7:30 P.M.
Fuquay-Varina Arts Center
The Fuquay-Varina Chorale offers a celebration of community as they transform the Arts Center stage into a winter wonderland of beautiful music and festive tidings. Come for the soaring harmonies, stay for the holiday spirit, sponsored by the United Arts Council of Wake County.
Mushing Mutts Canicross and 5k Race
Dec. 5
9 A.M. Canicross start
10 A.M. 5K start
Sugg Farm Park
North Carolina Urban Mushing brings a dog-friendly 5k and canicross race to Holly Springs for the third year running. In canicross racing — a mashup of canine and cross country — dogs in mushing harnesses connected to their humans via a bungee leash navigate the race trail. A traditional dog-friendly 5k follows, no specialized gear or canine companions required. After the race, enjoy a holiday vendor market featuring businesses that support dog-friendly sports and outdoor fun. Race proceeds support Turtle Pants Farm, an animal sanctuary and rescue organization placing cats and dogs with their forever families.
runsignup.com/Race/NC/HollySprings/MushingMuttsCanicrossDogFriendly5k
Winterfest
Dec. 4, 4–8 P.M.
Dec. 5, 1–3 P.M. (sensory-friendly hours) & 4–8 P.M.
North Main Athletic Complex
Wander the decorated tree trail, witness live performances, shop local artisan vendors, and catch an appearance by Father Christmas himself in this holiday soiree produced by the Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce.
hollyspringschamber.org/events
Market on Tap: Merry and Bright Holiday Fest
Dec. 6
Noon to 5 P.M.
American Legion Post 116, 6400 Johnson Pond Road, Fuquay-Varina
Shop, sip, and support local at Market On Tap’s holiday spree benefiting American Legion Post 116. More than 20 local vendors on offer will wrap up your holiday shopping needs, plus food, drinks, a Christmas tree sale, Hustle & Grind espresso bar, live music, and raffles. Get your Vendor Passport stamped by all vendors in attendance for a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card.
Pints and Paws
Dec. 12
1–4 P.M.
Black Dog Bottle Shop, 140 W. Holly Springs Road, Holly Springs
Adoptable dogs from Pawfect Match Rescue and Rehabilitation join the party at Black Dog Bottle Shop’s Ugly Christmas Sweater Beer Crawl. Meet your new furry family member just in time for Christmas delivery.
Christmas Home Tour
Dec. 12
1–6 P.M.
Downtown Fuquay-Varina
Take a self-guided tour of beautifully decorated homes in historic downtown Fuquay, brought to you by the Fuquay-Varina Woman’s Club. Docents at each home offer historical facts and answer questions. Start the afternoon at Falcon Park Athletic Hut for cookies with Santa and a visit with baby goats. Tickets can be purchased at Falcon Park Athletic Hut or in advance online.
Holly Days Parade
Dec. 12
10 A.M.
Holly Springs Village District
Floats, bands, dancers, decorated vehicles, and marching groups travel Main Street through downtown ushering in plenty of holiday cheer. Come early with blankets, lawn chairs, and hot cocoa to have your pick of spots for spectating.
2Digh4 Live
Dec. 18
8:30–11:30 P.M.
Aviator Hangar Bar, 688 Brewing Drive, Fuquay Varina
Founded by Fuquay natives and brothers Aubrey and Landon Digh, the country rock band 2Digh4 is known for their original songs and variety of covers with unique harmonies and rocking melodies. Sing along to their newest single, “Beat By a Girl,” live at Aviator Hangar Bar before the silent nights of Christmas.
