Broadway the Durham Way

Pop open the champagne. Throw a party. Do a happy dance. You don't have to leave North Carolina to experience a Broadway show. Broadway season is underway at DPAC, Durham Performing Arts Center, and you can finally experience a new season of infectious music, impressive costumes, and riveting choreography at one of the most iconic theaters in the nation, right here in Durham.

One of Durham’s crown jewels, DPAC is annually ranked as a top theater in the country by national publications, bringing programming that keeps you on the edge of your seat and transports you to other worlds. Here’s an overview of some of the productions coming to Durham for the 2025-2026 season, along with hotels and restaurants near DPAC and tips on planning your Broadway weekend ... the Durham way.

Click here for a quick FAQ on things to know before heading out to your DPAC show.

Along with the following list of shows and DPAC FAQs, we also have a guide to all things DPAC for anyone wanting to know more.

2024/2025 Season

Back to the Future: The Musical | May 20-25

A vintage Durham weekend.

Be transported back in time as this new musical brings all your favorite songs from the original. Treat yourself to a dreamy pre-show dinner at NanaSteak, surrounded by abundant natural light. Enjoy drinks and appetizers at the bar or dine from a menu full of steakhouse classics and local North Carolina fare. DPAC and NanaSteak are in the same building, so you won’t have to walk far to see the show.

When the musical finishes and the curtains close, it’s time for post-show cocktails. Stop by Alley Twenty Six for a hand-crafted drink or two at Durham's original cocktail bar, then head to your room at Unscripted for throwback motor lodge vibes and a rooftop pool.

Have a slow morning the next day with coffee and breakfast in the lobby before heading out for the day. Keep the '60s freewheeling vibes going by searching for sequins and Members Only jackets at Gibson Girl Vintage, and stop by Letters Bookshop to check out the selection of books on music and art. Before you leave town, have a lovely dinner at Nanas in Rockwood, an essential Durham restaurant given a second life in the fall of 2023 by chef Matt Kelly.

Some Like It Hot | June 17-22

An iconic Durham weekend.

This incredible adaptation is all things song, dance and classic Broadway.

Start your weekend with classic French country cuisine at Vin Rouge, a Durham staple before heading to DPAC to see the show of a lifetime. To continue your iconic Durham experience, a stay at the historic Washington Duke Inn and Golf Club is a must.

Start with pastries and Ethiopian coffee in the morning at the inviting Gojo in the Brightleaf District. Do a little shopping in Brightleaf Square and at the historic shops like the The Regulator Bookshop and Vaguely Reminiscent, and don't miss gifts and souvenirs at Bull City Fair Trade.

For lunch, Saltbox Seafood Joint is a favorite where you can taste fabulously fresh seafood from James Beard Award-winning Chef Ricky Moore's kitchen. In the afternoon, save a few hours for the Museum of Life and Science, especially if you have kids. Started in 1946, the 84-acre museum property is packed with attractions that inspire wonder and curiosity.

When it's time for dinner, stop by one of the nearby icons–Shanghai Restaurant or Bullock's BBQ–two of the longest continually operating restaurants in Durham.

The Wiz | Aug 5-10

A weekend of Black-owned businesses.

Gather your friends for a taste of Ethiopia in the heart of Durham at Goorsha. Whether you select a communal plate to share or an individual portion, each dish is full of flavor. After dinner, walk a few blocks to DPAC to relive your nostalgic memories as the groundbreaking, soulful twist on The Wizard of Oz returns to the stage for the first time in 40 years with an infusion of ballet, jazz and modern pop in the context of contemporary African American culture.

Following the show, discuss the highlights at Killer Queen, a cocktail bar with speakeasy vibes, before you head to the charming Morehead Manor Bed and Breakfast for a good night’s sleep.

The next morning, savor the extraordinary hospitality proudly offered by Daniel and Monica Edwards at the Inn before taking on the day. Stop at Dame's Chicken and Waffles for a hearty brunch complete with an assortment of Shmeares. Then, head to East Durham for a beer at Proximity Brewing on the corner.

Later in the day, stop by the Hayti Heritage Center, a cultural enrichment and arts education facility that preserves and advances the African American experience through programs that benefit the broader community. End the day with cocktails and small plates at Ekhaya on the American Tobacco Campus.

2025/2026 Season

Beauty and the Beast | September 2 - 14, 2025

Disney’s 30th Anniversary production of Beauty and the Beast is a perfect weekend performance for a girl’s trip looking to revive your sense of childhood wonder. Join this tale as old as time for enchanting songs, beautiful new sets and captivating costumes.

Start your magical weekend off by reserving a table at Rue Cler downtown for authentic French dishes and delicious beignets. Then, check into your room at Morehead Manor just outside downtown for elegant accommodations and personalized hospitality.

Enjoy breakfast at Morehead Manor before heading out to explore downtown. Take yourself on a Downtown walking tour to experience all of the amazing architecture the Bull City has to offer. Time your self-guided tour so you can reach the American Tobacco Campus around lunch time for an old-world bistro experience at Press Coffee, Crepes, & Cocktails. Continue on with your tour or finish the afternoon with some shopping at stores like Vert & Vogue and Jewelsmith before heading to DPAC. If you missed dinner before the show, grab a late night bite and a finely crafted cocktail at Bar Virgile, which stays open until 11 on weekends.

End your weekend with a bang by heading to Vin Rogue for brunch. This bistro’s menu is filled with classics like gruyere omelets, crepes, Croque Madame and French toast. The Art Deco design of this restaurant will have you driving home feeling like you just had brunch on the Champs Elysees.

The Outsiders | December 2 - 7, 2025

Take a trip through time to Tulsa, Oklahoma, 1967, and revisit this childhood classic. Join back up with old friends Ponyboy and Johnny as they embark on their quest for belonging.

Start your weekend with a woodfired pizza at Hutchins Garage, and let the industrial decor of the converted garage space set the tone for a weekend of Greaser-inspired rebel spirit. Then, check into The Durham Hotel and head up to the rooftop bar where you can get a scenic aerial view of downtown.

The next morning, fuel up with a hearty Southern breakfast at True Flavors Diner. Then, hop in the car for a drive around tour of Durham’s inspiring public art, which will take you to downtown, Lakewood and UHill. Grab a late lunch at King’s Sandwich Shop, an old school walk-up sandwich spot that’s been one of Durham’s staple establishments since the 40s. After the show, walk on over to Queeny’s, a neighborhood bar that values community, serving good drinks and tasty food until 2 in the morning.

Wrap up your weekend with brunch at Grub, a southern eatery built in a space that once housed an old gas station. Grub’s retro setting and authentic southern biscuits will be the perfect close to an Outsiders weekend.

Water for Elephants | December 16 - 21, 2025

Watch Sara Gruen’s bestselling novel come to life on stage with Water for Elephants. A young man jumps a train in an act of desperation, only to find a new family in the form of a traveling circus. Join him on his journey of starting over in what the New York Times calls “stunning, emotional, heart-filled and gorgeously imaginative.”

Begin your weekend similar to the main character’s journey: by the train station, grabbing dinner at It’s a Southern Thing — just don’t hop any trains. After dinner, check into your hotel at Unscripted and pop up to the rooftop bar for a drink at the pool before heading to bed.

Meet the day with breakfast and coffee at Isaac’s Bagels. Here, you can grab a simple bagel and cream cheese or a more involved bagel sandwich to-go as you head on the day’s adventure. Pregame the musical's circus vibes with a visit to see the animals at The Museum of Life and Science. After the show, ponder its lessons of love and purpose under the stars on the rooftop bar at The Velvet Hippo.

Spend your last day in town with a coffee from Liturgy in hand, perusing the best vintage stores in Durham. Head home with a little piece of the past from Dolly’s Vintage or Middle of May Thrift and Design.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child | December 28, 2025 - January 17, 2026

Experience theatrical magic in this extension of the Harry Potter Universe. Join Harry and Draco’s sons as they embark on a journey of friendship and adventure to change the past and the future.

Start your magically spooky weekend with an underground cocktail and snacks at Corpse Reviver, sister bar to Durham Distillery, named in equal measure to the classic cocktail and to the location’s history as a coffin shop. After the show, try a smoked cocktail at The Waiting Room along with a sweet treat from the dessert menu. Keep the mansion Hogwarts vibe going by turning in for the night at the Residence Inn.

Keep the magic going with breakfast at Guglhupf, a German bakery with architecture that feels like traveling to a different land. Sit under the canopy and sip on coffee while you treat yourself to breakfast sandwiches and pastries. After filling up on old world ambiance, satisfy your craving for adventure and mystery at Bull City Escape.

Schedule a candle pouring workshop at The Raw Edition in East Durham and imagine you’re sitting in alchemy class, mixing potions and elixirs. Then, enjoy a subterranean dinner at M Sushi. In the evening, explore the supernatural side of Durham by arranging a Dark & Mysterious Ghost Walk with Tobacco Road Tours.

Hell’s Kitchen | February 17 - 22, 2026

In this hit Broadway Musical from global superstar Alicia Keys, 17 year old Ali finds freedom and belonging through the power of piano in 90s New York City. Equal parts coming of age journey and mother-daughter love story, this production will have you laughing, crying, and dreaming.

Begin your weekend by reserving a table at Emmy Squared, which got its start in NYC just like Ali. After dining on delicious pizza and award-winning burgers, walk on over to Missy Lane’s Assembly Room. Here, you can set the tone for the weekend with a night of fantastic, intimate musical performances.

In the morning, head to The Can Opener for a bustling food truck park overlooking one of Durham’s infamous landmarks: the Can Opener Bridge. Head inside to the brick-and-mortar building for a coffee then back outside to take your pick from the eclectic collection of eats. Once you’re all filled up, take to the city streets for a tour of Downtown Durham’s art galleries. Make sure you visit Ella West Gallery, the state’s only Black woman-owned gallery, for a look at the work of local artists’ and underrepresented artists from around the country. Before the show, head to Boricua Soul for Puerto Rican and Caribbean eats. One of the owners, Serena, was born in New York, and her multicultural inspired menu mirrors the themes you’ll see play out in Hell’s Kitchen.

After the performance, head down the steps of Kingfisher for classy, ground-to-glass cocktails and speakeasy vibes. Wind down for the night with a drink and conversation about your favorite parts of the musical.

Finish the weekend off with brunch from Ideals Sandwich & Grocery, a busy sandwich and grocery that has some of the best handhelds to-go in town. It has a fast-paced, NY deli air to it that will keep the weekend mood alive all the way home.

Stereophonic | March 17 - 22, 2026

Featuring original music by Arcade Fire’s Win Butler, Stereophonic transports you to the 1976 music scene. As a fly-on-the-wall in a recording studio, witness a rock band struggle through the obstacles of rising to fame. As the most Tony Award-nominated play of all time, Stereophonic pairs perfectly with a weekend exploring Durham’s iconic music scene.

Catch dinner and a show at The Blue Note Grill, where you can enjoy an eclectic lineup of live music on any given night and a menu of barbecue and Southern staples before heading over to DPAC. When the show lets out, head off to bed at Aloft Durham Downtown. Make sure to take a look at the vintage DPAC show posters as you enter the lobby. Check our event calendar for gigs around town as you plan your trip.

The following day, start with breakfast at Ninth Street Bakery, a longstanding Durham institution serving coffee, pastries and other delicious breakfast fare. Make your next stop at Durham Vintage Collective, where you can browse the racks for Diamond-inspired vintage finds. For even more rock & roll memorabilia, there are several top-tier record stores to check out – hang out with a beer at Hunky Dory or find a new vinyl treasure at Carolina Soul. Spending one more night in town? Sit down to dinner at Littler where you can enjoy the soundtrack of vintage LPs played on the restaurant’s record player. End your night at Motorco Music Hall to catch a rock show in an intimate venue. If you’re lucky, you might catch an act that’s signed to Merge Records, a local indie label and 2024 North Carolina Music Hall of Fame inductee.

The Great Gatsby | May 5 - 10, 2026

Experience the roaring '20s on the stage in all its opulence and style. Tap your foot to the jazz-centric score while you watch the chaotic story of Nick and Gatsby unfold with life and energy. Literature fans especially won’t want to miss this one.

Start your weekend off by checking in to a luxurious stay at the 21c Museum Hotel. Housed in a building designed by Shreve, Lamb & Harmon, the same NYC architecture firm responsible for designing the Empire State Building, this hotel will get your roaring ‘20s weekend kicked off in style. The weekend is just beginning, so you can take it easy, old sport. Stick around the hotel’s in-house museum and peruse art till you get peckish. Then, drop down to the Counting House restaurant and bar. Make sure you snap a pick down in the original bank-vault-turned-lounge space downstairs.

Start off the next morning with a walk down to Fare&Fellow, housed in the old NC Mutual building. Grab a coffee on the go or sit down and order off the scrumptious breakfast menu complete with bowls, sandwiches and salads.

End your trip with a visit to Lula & Sadie’s for their Sunday Jazz Brunch. Sweet or savory, take your pick: they’ve got it all here. Order a round of Harry & Harlem’s Donut Holes for the table while you peruse the menu. Then, dine on eggs benedict and biscuits and gravy before letting the jazz tunes carry you all the way home.

The Notebook | July 14 - 19, 2026

Bring the tissues, because Allie and Noah’s story will bring the tears. Follow these two lovers from different worlds through a love story for the ages with music by Ingrid Michaelson. A story of romance, perseverance and endurance, The Notebook performance will have you every bit as captivated as its iconic film counterpart.

For a romantic weekend to accompany this romantic musical, make a reservation at one of the many short term rental homes in Durham that match your desires. For a casual first night, have dinner at Parts and Labor, where the old-school garage setting will remind you of Noah’s working class world. After dinner, step into the old barber shop that is now Delafia Wine Bar for an intimate night of drinks with your partner.

Give yourself a moment for breakfast to settle then make your way to Sarah P. Duke Gardens. Walk with your sweetie through the flowers at the terraced gardens or meander along the paths of the Blomquist Garden of Native Plants. As dinner time approaches, enter the romantic glow of Mateo Bar de Tapas for an exquisite dining experience. Their seasonally changing menu features items like celeriac au poivre and charred escarole. Now, you’re ready to head to the performance.

End your night with drinks at The Bar Beej, where you can enjoy creative cocktails in a Bollywood inspired speakeasy. This James Beard Award Semifinalist is the perfect spot to spend the last night of a romantic weekend.

Grab breakfast at Yonderlust Cafe before heading out for one more romantic walk outside with your honey. Ask someone in the retail section for advice on which picturesque trail to hit at Eno River State Park before packing up and heading home for the weekend.

DPAC FAQs

About DPAC

DPAC is one of Durham's biggest attractions, located in downtown Durham's American Tobacco Campus district near many restaurants, bars and hotels.

Where is DPAC Located?

123 Vivian Street., next to the Aloft Hotel and Durham Bulls Athletic Park.

Where Can I Park Near DPAC?

Get all the details on parking options on our guide to parking for Durham's attractions.

Is DPAC Accessible?

DPAC meets or exceeds ADA standards. Read more about its accessible seating and other services on its accessibility guide.

How Can I Purchase DPAC Tickets?

Purchase tickets via the DPAC website. Mobile tickets are preferred, and the use of DPAC's mobile app makes storing and organizing your tickets easy.

What are DPAC's Age Requirements?

Children under six are not allowed at most DPAC performances and teens under 16 are required to have a chaperone.

Can I Bring a Bag to DPAC?

All guests and their bags are subject to inspection before entry. Small bags are recommended.

Yes, it’s all in Durham, on stage at DPAC! Preview the complete list of upcoming shows and plan your visit today.