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 2026-2027 season, along with hotels and restaurants near DPAC and tips on planning your Broadway weekend ... the Durham way.

Because with Durham's acclaimed restaurants and bars, legendary hospitality at downtown hotels and accommodations and world-class entertainment all within walking distance, you can plan a night away with everything you'd dream of in a big city vacation right here. And you only have to park your car once.

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.

2025/2026 Season

Stereophonic | March 17 - 22, 2026

Featuring original music by Arcade Fire’s Will 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? Order a woodfired pizza at Pizzeria Toro before 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 and the label that gave Arcade Fire its start.

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 art deco 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.

2026/2027 Season

Buena Vista Social Club | September 22 – 27, 2026

Travel into the heart of Havana with this musical journey through the past. Centered around the life of the legendary Omara Portuondo, the story follows her as she reenters the recording world at the behest of a young record producer with an interesting opportunity. Get ready for a weekend of big dreams and nostalgic tunes.

Start your weekend off right with an Old Havana bowl at Kokí or the Spanglish Cuban sandwich. Then, check into The Durham Hotel for a luxurious weekend stay.

In the morning, grab coffee and breakfast sandos at Aaktun, a Tulum inspired cafe and restaurant, to energize yourself for a tour of Downtown Durham’s art galleries. You won't want to miss the NCCU Art Museum, where you can find both permanent collections and temporary exhibits from Black artists both past and present. Before the show, head to Boricua Soul for Puerto Rican and Caribbean eats. Afterwards, head back to The Durham to sip on cocktails with a rooftop view. If you're lucky, you might catch a live music performance on the roof. Check their event schedule ahead of time to find out.

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. Enjoy your sandwich on one of the outdoor patio tables while you discuss the performance before heading back home.

Maybe Happy Ending | October 13 – 18, 2026

This new, all original musical promises to take your heart for a spin. A tale of love and chance encounters, Maybe Happy Ending explores identity, belonging, mortality and, of course, romance. Prepare for a weekend of spontaneity with this jazz-influenced, Tony Award winning musical.

Pregame this jazz-filled musical with a performance at Sharp 9 Gallery, where you can see jam sessions and shows from local and touring musicians. After the show, mosey on over to SpringHill Suites for modern accommodations to get some shuteye before your big day.

In the morning, embrace the day with a early morning hike around Falls Lake, enjoying the fall colors. After an energizing walk, head to Namu for a Korean-inspired brunch to commemorate the first Korean musical to win the Tony Award for Best Musical.

Next, head downtown to prepare for the show. Stop at Carolina Soul, Downtown Durham's best spot for jazz, soul, funk, hip-hop, reggae records to pick up some new vinyl for your home. 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.

For your last Durham outing, keep the music going with jazz brunch at Lula and Sadie's. Order the "Bird's Nest" Benedict or the "Down Home" Biscuits and Gravy while you enjoy the performance.

Death Becomes Her | November 10 – 15, 2026

Buckle up for a hilarious tale where frenemies collide in Death Becomes her. Actor and author duo, Madeline and Helen, engage in an embittered relationship until Viola Van Horn enters the scene and turns their lives upside down. Based on the 1992 film of the same name, this musical is best enjoyed with a weekend of limelight and laughter with a pinch of spookiness.

Take after Madeline on your first night in town with a nice dinner and delicious cocktails at the MICHELIN Guide Recommended Seraphine. Then, turn in for the night at the luxurious JB Duke Hotel.

In the morning, step into Helen's shoes with a trip to Daughters Coffee and Books. Order a coffee and peruse their shelves for your next favorite read. Once you're sufficiently caffeinated, make your way downtown in search of magic and more at Fate & Folklore. Find metaphysical goods, accessories and more as well as special events hosting experts like astrologers, tarot readers and bone throwers. You might even see Viola Van Horn herself.

Next, walk down the street for lunch specials at M Sushi. Walk over to Durham Vintage Collective to find vintage coats, accessories and more to complete your look for the show. After the performance, grab a bite at Queeny's and discuss the show over one of their signature cocktails.

On your way home for the weekend, drop into Whisk & Rye for one last sweet treat and caffeinated beverage before leaving town.

The Bodyguard | December 8 – 13, 2026

You may want to pre-position yourself on the edge of your seat for this suspense filled thriller. Based on the 1992 film starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, The Bodyguard follows a former secret service agent hired to guard a famous actress and singer from a potential stalker. As the tension of the adventure rises, so does the romance.

Set the mood for the weekend right with some casual cocktails at Liberty and Plenty, a local distillery's cocktail bar. Sit down together and discuss your plan for the weekend before making your way to The Washington Duke Inn for an iconic Durham stay at a historic hotel.

Start with pastries and Ethiopian coffee in the morning at the inviting Gojo in the Brightleaf District. Let the romantic tension build while you do a little shopping in Brightleaf Square at the shops like Indio, Hamilton Hill or The Borough. Swing by Sol House Wines for a tasting or a bottle for the hotel room later that night. 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. Then, let the excitement build before the show with some axe throwing at Urban Axes or a little friendly competition on the arcade games at Boxcar. Once you're done, walk across the street to Geer Street Garden for dinner before the show.

After the show, keep the excitement going under the stars on the rooftop bar or on the dance floor at The Velvet Hippo. If you're lucky, the DJ might even play some of Whitney's hits from the film.

Have a slow morning at the hotel to gear up for your trek back home. After you've lounged a bit in the room, head downstairs for The Washington Duke Inn's amazing breakfast. Enjoy a smoked salmon crepe or açai smoothie bowl while you discuss your favorite parts of the performance.

Wicked | March 31 – April 18, 2027

Step into the magical land of Oz, where anything can happen. Elphaba, a woman born with emerald-green skin meets Glinda, a bubbly blonde, and what follows is a tale of friendship, identity, disappointment and perseverance. Look deeper in what it really means to be good or evil with this heartfelt musical.

Start your magical weekend with an underground cocktail and snacks at Conniption Bar & Lounge, sister bar to Durham Distillery, named in equal measure to the classic cocktail and to the location’s history as a coffin shop. Turn in for the night at the Residence Inn, where you can get a good nights sleep before officially starting your big Wicked weekend.

Keep the magic going with breakfast at Guglehupf, 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, go defy gravity at OC Aerial, an indoor adventure park where you can fly on the zip line and take a plunge on the leap of faith.

Making your way back towards downtown, sit down for a fun, group dinner at Szechuan Mansion Hotpot. After the show, book a room at K-Mix Karaoke & Bar and sing along to all your favorite Wicked tunes with your friends.

In the morning, grab a coffee and pastry at Cloche Coffee and make your way down Ninth Street for a little shopping. Grab a shirt or a mug to commemorate your trip at Hometown Apparel then see if you can't find some musical soundtrack vinyl at Hunky Dory.

Operation Mincemeat | May 11 - 16, 2027

Watch in both horror and delight as allied forces gamble the war on a stolen corpse and a love letter. Based on the true story of WWII British deception plot, Operation Mincemeat is the best-reviewed show in West End history. Fast-paced and full of laughs, this spy -thriller musical will have you entertained from beginning to end.

Begin the weekend with a lovely dinner at Nanas in Rockwood, an essential Durham restaurant given a second life in the fall of 2023 by chef Matt Kelly. After dinner, retire to the AC Hotel by Marriott to rest up before an adventurous weekend.

In the morning, sneak your way over to Escape On Purpose to live like a spy, using your wit and sleuthing skills to evade catastrophe. After you've made your escape, keep things on theme with a mediterranean lunch at Nikos, a MICHELIN Guide recommended spot. Fully refreshed, take to the streets to flex your history buff muscles with a tour of Durham's historic locations. Check out The Carolina Theatre, where countless WWII troops from Camp Butner were entertained. Walk through The American Tobacco Campus, which stayed busy during the war supplying the troops with cigarettes.

Finally, 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. Afterwards, mosey on down to West End Billiards to discuss the performance over drinks and a game of pool or darts.

In the morning, head to Elmo's Diner for breakfast before leaving town. Their Eggs All The Way dish is about as close as you can get to a Full English Breakfast on this side of the pond.

The Phantom of the Opera | May 26 – June 6, 2027

One of the most beautifully haunting productions is back and its better than ever. Watch "jealousy, madness and passion collide" as The Phantom falls deeper and deeper in love with Christine. This musical is best paired with a weekend of romance and French cuisine.

Start your 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 Rose & Lee Collective 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 Rouge 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.

Just in Time | July 13 – 18, 2027

Walk alongside singer Bobby Darin on his journey from "teen idol to global sensation." This jukebox musical is filled with Darin's biggest hits like “Mack the Knife,” “Splish Splash,” and “Dream Lover." Filled with electric performances and an exciting score, Just in Time is best paired with a weekend of music and adventure.

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 rock n' roll musical. Then, head to your room at Unscripted for throwback motor lodge vibes and a rooftop pool (we'll spare you the Splish Splash pun).

Start the next day with an all American breakfast at Big Bad Breakfast before heading out for some vintage shopping. Keep the '60s freewheeling vibes going by searching for some old school threads at Gibson Girl Vintage, and stop by Letters Community Bookshop to check out the selection of books on music and art. As the sun dips down, it's time to head towards DPAC for 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. The next morning, head to Grub for brunch. Finish your weekend with some of the best chicken biscuits in town in this old gas station turned hip Southern eatery.

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.