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 2023-2024 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.

MJ The Musical | Oct. 10 - 23

A weekend for music lovers.

Durham's Broadway season starts with the singular moves, signature sound, creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status as it follows the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour. A night with MJ 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, you might be able to take in a piece of Durham's local jazz scene before you head off to bed – or the dance party – at Unscripted. Check our event calendar for gigs around town as you plan your trip.

The following day, start with breakfast at Beyu Caffé, a downtown coffee shop and music venue. For a little sightseeing, check out the Vince and Ethel Simonetti Historic Tuba Collection, the world's largest privately-held collection with 300+ instruments. The towering Duke University Chapel is famous not only for its Collegiate Gothic architecture style, but for its world-class organs and carillon. The Chapel is open to the public from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily, and visitors are invited to listen to open organists' rehearsals from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. If you're more inclined to dig through the crates for vintage treasures, 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.

If you're in the mood hone your dancing skills, sign up for a class at Ninth Street Dance, Empower Dance Studio or at the American Dance Festival's ADF Scripps Studios, where dancers of all levels are welcome to join. Finish your day at an iconic Durham restaurant that has been around since MJ's 1992 Dangerous World Tour, Parizade. If you're here on a Sunday, plan for Jazz Brunch at Alley Twenty Six, where you can enjoy the fall weather in the alley with live music, cocktails and eggs bene.

Funny Girl | Nov. 7 - 12

A weekend of women-led businesses.

Leave the kids at home. This is a weekend for you and your girlfriends. Before the show, reserve a table at Plum Southern Kitchen & Bar, a women-led restaurant wowing the community with Southern flavors and fresh, seasonal ingredients. Wash down your meal with a glass of wine at Killer Queen Wine Bar, and watch the indomitable Fanny Brice make her dreams of becoming a star come true.

After the show, take off those heels and make your way to your room at 21c Museum Hotel, a multi-venue contemporary art museum full of art displays, event space, and luxurious guest rooms. Get pampered at the in-house spa and wake up ready to explore more of Durham. Have a hearty, Southern breakfast at Grub before shopping scents at Bright Black Candles or for a new designer wardrobe staple at Vert & Vogue. If you're in town on the weekend, maximize your theater time by checking out a show at the woman-led Mettlesome Theater at Golden Belt. End with a nightcap at Corpse Reviver, the woman-owned art deco bar–the sister business to Durham Distillery.

Mean Girls | Nov. 24 - 26

A teen and tween-approved weekend.

Nothing has ever been more relatable to a teen or tween than the trials and tribulations of Cady Heron navigating high school friend dynamics with the likes of Regina George. After shopping at Parker & Otis, let the kids be the envy of their friend group with dinner at the newly opened Seraphine, located in American Tobacco Campus near DPAC. After the show, replay the musical over ice cream dipped in crunchy marshmallows, cookies, cereal, and more at Simons Says Dip This. Rest your heads at Hilton Garden Inn Durham Southpoint, one of the top 10 family-friendly hotels on Trip Advisor.

Start the morning with brunch at Press Coffee, Crepes and Cocktails before soaking up vibrant, bigger-than-life murals on a stroll through UHill Walls, a dense, walkable art experience with over 40,000 square feet of murals on 15 contiguous acres. Choose from numerous lunch options at UHill and let your teens shop for souvenirs at The Streets of Southpoint Mall or one of the shopping centers nearby.

Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas | Dec. 5 - 10

A weekend of holiday cheer.

Invite your mom, besties, coworkers, or whole family for weekend full of festive activities that that will leave you feeling like anything but a grinch. Grab dinner near DPAC at Pizzeria Toro, then stroll through the lights downtown to the theater, where your heart might just grow two sizes.

After the show, keep the party going with drinks from the always-decked-out Ponysaurus Brewing Co. or one of the other restaurants and bars open late. Stroll through the American Tobacco Campus to see the dazzling holiday lights or check out Wool E. Bull's Winter Wonderland of sledding, igloos, festive beverages and a winter marketplace on the field at Durham Bulls Athletic Park (check dates for availability) before you retreat to your hotel near DPAC, Aloft Durham Downtown, for hot cocoa and room service.

Girl From The North Country | Jan 2 - 7

A dreamy weekend.

Start the new year strong by immediately crossing a few items off your Durham bucket list, starting with tickets to the "profoundly beautiful" new work featuring the music of Bob Dylan. 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, Arcana Bar & Lounge or Kingfisher for a hand-crafted drink or two, and then head to your room at The Durham Hotel, a modern and upscale luxury hotel in the heart of downtown. 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 with a little vintage shopping downtown at Durham Vintage Collective, 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 Nana's in Rockwood, an essential Durham restaurant given a second life in the fall of 2023 by chef Matt Kelly.

On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan | Jan 17 - 18

A weekend of Latino-owned businesses.

"The Rhythm is Gonna Get You" at "On Your Feet!" the inspiring true story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan's heart, heritage and talent that led them to international stardom. Before the show, start your evening with upscale nostalgic comfort food from the palate of first-generation, Mexican-American Chef Oscar Diaz at Little Bull. Once you're fully in the spirit to do the conga, make your way over to DPAC for the show. Afterward, stop for a nightcap and maybe a snack at La Mala, a Mexican bar with authentic street food near DPAC.

The next morning, start your day with coffee and pastries at Cocoa Cinnamon. Pro tip: if you visit the Lakewood location, you can enjoy freshly made churros before you cross the street for a moment of zen in the El Centro community garden– beautifully adorned with a stunning mural by Mexican-American artist Cornelio Campos. When you're ready for lunch, you're in luck because you're just down the street from one of Durham's best taquerias (of many excellent choices), Taqueria La Vaquita. Later, feed your craving for a taste of Puerto Rican cuisine with a Southern inflection with dinner at Boricua Soul, or if authentic Cuban cuisine is what you're craving, make a stop at Copa.

Ain't Too Proud The Life and Times of The Temptations | Feb. 6 - 11

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 watch the extraordinary story of The Temptations' journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, topping the charts with 14 number-one hits along the way.

Following the show, discuss the highlights at Glori, 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 Mike D's BBQ Smokehouse & Retail for a hearty lunch of award-winning barbecue. While you're in the area, keep an eye out for Proximity Brewing on the corner, slated to open in Fall 2023. 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 – from the owners of Zweli’s Kitchen.

Peter Pan | Feb. 27 - Mar. 3

A weekend of high-flying fun.

Create your own Neverland with a weekend of adventure in Durham paired with a night of thrills at Peter Pan's DPAC show. Start your evening with a rooftop cocktail at The Velvet Hippo followed by bowls of steaming ramen at Dashi before you walk a few blocks to DPAC. After the show, try a smoked cocktail at The Waiting Room before you end the evening with an unparalleled experience at one of Durham's top short-term rental properties.

In the morning, fuel your day with breakfast sandwiches and pastries with a side of retail shopping for your next outdoor adventure at Yonderlust Café before heading off for adventure. At OC Aerial, you'll find hours of indoor adventure with a ninja course, zipline and even a 21-foot slide. For outdoor fun, the suspension bridge at Eno River State Park is an iconic Durham stop that leads to miles of wooded trails. For adventure near downtown, stop by the skate park in Durham Central Park or make an appointment at Bull City Escape. Along the way, order lunch from the eclectic selection of local vendors at Durham Food Hall.

Mrs. Doubtfire | Mar. 19 - 24

A family-friendly weekend.

Everyone's favorite Scottish nanny is making a visit to DPAC for the feel-good comedy that will keep the whole family laughing. Before the show, head to Hutchins Garage, a casual and family-friendly spot that serves wood-fired Neopolitan-style pizza, salads, craft beer, wine and cocktails.

After the show, head to the Hilton Garden Inn Durham/University Medical Center and take a late-night swim in the indoor pool. Spend the next day exploring the Museum of Life and Science, and then grab dinner at Elmo’s Diner, a family-friendly restaurant that serves breakfast all day, as well as spaghetti, fajitas, and barbecue. For dessert, walk or drive a few blocks from Elmo’s Diner to Locopops for creamy melt-in-your-mouth Mexican-style popsicles, known as paletas.

The Lion King | May 15 - June 9

An iconic Durham weekend.

When you've got tickets to one of Broadway's most iconic shows, experiencing some of Durham's most well-loved spots is a must. 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 longest continually operating restaurants in Durham.

Mamma Mia! | July 30 - Aug. 4

A very Mediterranean weekend.

Prepare for your heart to be swept away to a Greek paradise when you come to DPAC to see Mamma Mia! You'll want to carry the theme all weekend after you see the show, and we've got the spots that will keep the Mediterranean vibes going. Start with a pre-show dinner at Nikos in Brightleaf Square, where you'll find Greek cuisine and a seaside atmosphere. After dinner, you'll be close enough to DPAC to walk a few blocks to the show. Afterward, walk over to The Durham Hotel, where you can enjoy the rooftop breeze while you enjoy a cocktail.

In the morning, start with pastries and coffee from Loaf Bakery before donning your sun hats and snagging a spot at The Patio at Unscripted—lounge for a while before ordering a poolside lunch. In the afternoon, get cleaned up and take a self-guided walking tour of downtown, where you can learn about our city's history and architecture. Along the way, feel free to stop and shop at retailers and make your way to Napoli Pizzeria and Gelateria in the Food Hall for a scoop of authentic gelato.

After all that walking, an aperitivo will be calling your name. Mothers and Sons Trattoria is a perfect stop for an aperol spritz and a plate of fritto misto, and you can even ask for your drink to go within Durham's Social District (read more about how to enjoy the social district in our blog post), so you can make it a progressive dinner of European coastal cuisine around downtown. Stops at Cucciolo Osteria, Rue Cler and Mateo Bar de Tapas will all fit the bill.

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 to 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 to 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.