The Durham FRINGE Festival Guide
50 Durham artists. Over 20 downtown Durham venues. Performances you cannot see anywhere else. Durham FRINGE runs Friday, Oct. 30 through Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026. Here's how to plan your week.
About the Durham Fringe Festival
A drag opera about the night white supremacists cut the power to stop a drag show in Moore County. A procession of glowing cardinals moving through Durham Central Park at dusk. Poems sealed inside ceramic you have to smash open. That's Durham FRINGE.
Instead of celebrating the Carolina Theatre's 100year anniversary with a retrospective, the theater has created and presents the inaugural Durham FRINGE. Artist take over the city for 10 days to reward the curious with a showcase of their work.
Fringe festivals began in Edinburgh in 1947, when eight companies turned up uninvited to the official Edinburgh International Festival and performed anyway. What began as an unofficial offshoot on the "fringe" of the festival, it is now the world's largest performing arts festival.
The Fringe form has spread across the world now: no curator deciding what counts, no gatekeeping on who gets a stage. Durham's version takes that to the streets. You'll find performances in alleyways, a bookshop, bars and parks. The Carolina Theatre presents the whole thing and hosts none of it.
Every artist on the lineup is Durham-based. People who live here, work here or came up here. The art forms are limitless. Experience dance, theater, live music, clowning, comedy, poetry, puppetry, visual art, literary art and work that refuses a category. Some pieces run 10 minutes. Some run all day.
And 100% of the base ticket price goes directly to the artists.
Bring your kids to the cardboard painting workshop. Bring your whole flamboyant self to the drag opera.
Durham FRINGE Festival Details and Tickets
Dates: Friday, Oct. 30-Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026
Where: More than 20 venues across downtown Durham
Presented by: The Carolina Theatre of Durham
How Tickets Work
Every ticketed FRINGE event is sold through the Carolina Theatre of Durham. Each schedule listing shows either a purchase link or is free and open to the public. Tickets are tied to a specific performance, date and time. There are no festival passes in this inaugural year, so buy each show separately.
Buy online or in person at the FRINGE Lounge, 113 Orange St. Bring your confirmation and the name on the order to the shows. Purchase your tickets early because many of these works happen in small rooms with hard capacity limits. Free events will fill up too! Arrive at least 15 minutes before showtime.
2026 Durham FRINGE Festival Events
Multiple events happen every day across downtown. This is a selection of performances. See the full daily schedule for every listing, run time and ticket link.
Not every show is for every audience. Check each listing for age guidance and content notes.
Opening Weekend: Oct. 30-Nov. 1
The festival opens Friday, Oct. 30 with Candy Carver's "Find Your Glimmer" at 113 Orange St. This black light installation of affirmations and interactive art for kids is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily through Nov. 8. That same night, Elise Janson and Willie Hinton dance a 10-minute work followed by D'Vorah Dance Arts "B-SIDE" in a recreated 1990s bedroom where the audience picks the next song at Mettlesome Theater. Lennon KC plays the Durham Hotel rooftop free at 7 p.m., and Cameron Wade closes the night at Arcana Durham with "COMMUNION: A Liturgy For Samhain."
On Halloween, CCB Plaza transforms into the TSB THRILLAH Block Party. DJ NABS — Grammy Museum honoree, Durham homegrown hero and the only DJ to tour with Michael Jackson — headlines the show. Wear your costume for this free, monster mash dance party.
Sunday, Nov. 1 brings RECITAL (Ms. Victoria's Version) to Stanczyks at 6 and 9 p.m. — a one-woman variety show with original work by 11 local artists, first come, first served seating.
Free Programming
A large share of the festival costs nothing. Here are some of the Highlights:
"Find Your Glimmer"
113 Orange St.
Daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Interactive art activation that seeks to nurture individual healing through affirmational text and a space where people can feel seen and empowered.
"SunSp.t" by Joseph MacPhail
Golden Belt green space
Nov. 1, 2 p.m. | Durham-take on Arab American fusion music.
"Procession of Cardinals" by Wendy Hower
Durham Central Park
Nov. 2, 5 p.m. | One hundred participants carry glowing laser-cut cardinal puppets through the park and downtown sidewalks to The Durham Hotel at twilight.
"Still Life and Other Stories" by Matt Sandbank's Shadow Factory
The Durham Hotel, 315 E. Chapel Hill St.
Nov. 2 and Nov. 3 at 6:30 p.m. | Comic shadow puppetry that was awarded Best of Fest at Austin's 2020 Frontera Fest.
"Rusk" by Nik Narain
Mettlesome Theater, 800 Taylor St. Ste. 9-156
Nov. 4, 10 p.m. | An hour of stand-up comedy show on LGBTQ+ South Asian youth, science facts and dad jokes, home from sold-out runs in Edinburgh and New York.
"GOOD EFFORT" by Londs Reuter
Durham Central Park
Nov. 4 and 5, 12:30 p.m. | Dancers decide in real time how much effort to give.
"The Language is Asleep" by Chris Vitiello
Five Points Plaza
Nov. 5, 5-9 p.m. | Durham Poet Laureate, also known as the Poetry Fox, writes you a one-line poem on a torn-out dictionary page while language takes a nap.
"Bird Drum Lounge" by Saleem Reshamwala
BOOM CLUB, 600 Foster St. Ste. B
Nov. 6-8 | Remix field recordings of Durham birds on a drum machine. Durham filmmaker Saleem Reshamwala (KidEthnic), musician Phil Cook and other occasional guest musicians will often play alongside visitors.
"Smashable Poems" by Anna Schroeder
Cecy's Gallery & Studios, 417 Foster St.
Nov. 7, 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. | Choose a ceramic object, smash it, read the poem inside.
"REHEARSAL" by COMPANY
E.O.'s Athletic Club, 341 W. Main St.
Nov. 5, 11:45 a.m.-5:30 p.m. | An experimental, durational and site-responsive rehearsal.
"IKIGAI" by Anthony Otto Nelson Jr.
Kingfisher, 321 E. Chapel Hill St.
Nov. 5, 7 p.m. and Nov. 6, 8 p.m. | Japanese shodo calligraphy with live dance and an original score.
"Will Shea, Won't Shea?" by Shea Stanley
Arcana Durham, 331 W. Main St.
Nov. 5, 7:30 p.m. | A queer woman forces her way into a traditional romantic comedy, playing every character.
"Honky Tonk Tales" by Bones & Memory Dance
E.O.'s Athletic Club, 341 W. Main St.
Nov. 6, 6 p.m. | Dance theater hootenanny with live original music.
KT Collective
Museum of Durham History, 500 W. Main St.
Nov. 6 and 7, 4:30 p.m. | Contemporary jazz in the outdoor foyer of a historic bus stop that was once the gateway to downtown.
"Takiri Folclor Latino" by Takiri Academy
Cecy's Gallery & Studios, 417 Foster St.
Nov. 7, 5 p.m. | Folkloric dance plus a fantasy couture runway by Colombian designers.
Theater, Clowning and Comedy
"Babushka and the Boiling Frogs" by Chickenfoot Art Collective
Mettlesome Theater, 800 Taylor St. Ste. 9-156
Nov. 2, noon and 5:30 p.m. | $22.07 | Puppetry, sound and projection on surveillance and community care.
Durham Theatre Workshop by Charlie Probus
Pinhook, 117 W. Main St.
Nov. 2, 8 p.m. and Nov. 3 at 1 p.m. | $16.53 | Three new plays by Andy Li, Nik Narain and Charlie Probus, seen for the first time.
"Black Poetry Theatre: The Adventures of Mystery Green" by Dasan Ahanu
Empower School of Movement, 807 E. Main St. Bldg. 7
Nov. 2 and 3, 7:30 p.m. | $27.60 | Playwright Dasan Ahanu blends humor, cleverness, poetics and soul music into a production of your favorite soulful sleuth (you just found out about) to life.
"Chip Chip Hooray!" by Katie Rebich
Living Arts Collective Ballroom, 410 W. Geer St.
Nov. 4, 8 p.m. | $27.60 | A solo clown show about death, coming of age and potato chips.
"A Third Space of My Own" by Lormarev Jones
Empower School of Movement, 807 E. Main St. Bldg. 7
Nov. 4, 7 and 9 p.m. | $22.07 | A solo play examining the intersections of labor, marriage, homeownership and healthcare.
"The Royal Treatment: A Jester's Court of Fun" by Erim Akpan
Living Arts Collective Ballroom, 410 W. Geer St.
Nov. 8, 6:30 p.m. | $22.07 | Ages 5 and up. Spend an evening as royalty and get ready to take part in the show.
Dance and Movement
"RED" by Anna Maynard
The Durham Fruit, 305 S. Dillard St.
Nov. 1 and 2, 7 p.m. | $22.07 | A contemplative composition and live improvisation performance that follows the ways we move toward one another, lose our bearings and find ourselves changed through contact.
"An Undiscovered Room" by Michela Dwyer and Indigo Cook
The Durham Fruit, 305 S. Dillard St.
Nov. 3 and 4, 7 and 8:30 p.m. | $16.53 | The audience travels through a maze of stitched-together curtains while the performance moves around them.
"THE BLACK PALIMPSEST" by Tristian Griffin
NorthStar Church of the Arts, 220 W. Geer St.
Nov. 5, 6 p.m. | $27.60 | Site-responsive work on ancestral memory and what the land remembers.
"Offering" by Gerri Houlihan and Tanu Sharma
Mettlesome Theater, 800 Taylor St. Ste. 9-156
Nov. 6, 6 p.m. | $27.60 | Classical Kathak meets modern dance, performed by artists challenging assumptions about age and artistry.
"Mapping the Movement" by Empower School of Movement
Provident1898, 411 W. Chapel Hill St. Ste. C2
Nov. 7, 7 p.m. | $27.60 | Durham's Black artistic legacy, staged inside the historic North Carolina Mutual tower.
Music, Poetry and Variety
"How Glory Goes" by Micaela Shanyce Bundy
NorthStar Church of the Arts, 220 W. Geer St.
Nov. 4, 7 p.m. | $33.15 | A theatrical concert on artistic inheritance and the repertoire of Audra McDonald.
"Lucky Strip Burlesque" by Ivy Sublime
Zeitgeist Bar, 725 N. Mangum St.
Nov. 5, 8 and 10 p.m. | $27.60 | A cabaret and variety show celebrating the art of the tease with dance, music, comedy and a little razzle dazzle.
"I Went Down to the Quasar" by Kelvin Scopey Moseley
Living Arts Collective Ballroom, 410 W. Geer St.
Nov. 7, 7 p.m. | $27.60 | Improvisational blues and storytelling set in an imagined Durham of 3026.
Soul Understated featuring Mavis "SWAN" Poole
NorthStar Church of the Arts, 220 W. Geer St.
Nov. 7, 8 p.m. | $27.60 | Soul, jazz, gospel, funk and protest music from a vocalist who has shared stages with Prince and Lauryn Hill.
"PLAN|A The Coming of… (Ego Death)" by Austin "Royale" Copeland
Club Era, 305 S. Dillard St.
Nov. 7, 9 p.m. | $22.07 | A live performance of his debut album plus the premiere of a documentary five to seven years in the making.
"Everything Is Coming Up Beaver" by Beaver Lodge Local 1504
Stanczyks, 1007 W. Main St.
Nov. 8, 5 p.m. | $16.53 | The Beaver Queen Pageant crew after dark. Adults only.
Bring the Kids
Cardboard Kids Program inside "Find Your Glimmer"
113 Orange St.
Nov. 1, 1 p.m. (ages 5-8) and 3 p.m. (ages 9-12) | $27.60 |Paint an upcycled wall sculpture in neon. Drop in for 30 minutes or stay the full 90.
"Squirrel of Silayville: A Drag Opera" by Tori Grace Nichols
The Durham Fruit, 305 S. Dillard St.
Nov. 7, 2 p.m. and Nov. 8, 7 p.m. | $27.60 | All ages, all families, all genders. The more sparkly, the better. Inspired by events in 2022 in which white supremacists took out the power in Moore County, North Carolina to stop a drag show. This work seeks to flip the script.
Neon Dance Party
113 Orange St.
Nov. 7, 8 p.m. | $16.53 | Four hours with DJ Crillmatic inside the glowing installation. Wear neon or grab accessories at the door.
Know Before You Go
Getting Around and Parking
FRINGE happens across downtown Durham, not in one building. Venues sit within walking distance of each other, but check the address and travel time before you stack two shows back to back. Downtown parking decks on Corcoran, Morgan and Chapel Hill streets put you within a few blocks of most of it.
Accessibility
All Durham FRINGE venues are ADA accessible and accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices. For accessibility questions or accommodation requests, email efan@carolinatheatre.org.
Durham Weather in Late Fall
Late October and early November in Durham usually mean afternoons in the 60s and evenings dropping into the 40s. Several FRINGE events happen outdoors. Layer up and wear shoes you can walk and stand in. If weather threatens an outdoor event, the festival will post changes on their Instagram.
A Few More Things
- Run times vary from 10 minutes to all-day drop-in installations.
- Recording of any kind is prohibited unless arranged in advance with the artist or producer.
- Food and drink policies change by venue. Some shows happen in bars and restaurants; others don't allow either in the performance space.
- Schedules and locations can change. Confirm on the festival site before you head out.
- Some works ask you to move through a space, stand or participate. On-site staff will tell you what's optional.
Plan Your Durham FRINGE Festival Week
Ten days. Fifty-plus artists. Make a weekend of it, or a week. Luckily FRINGE sit among the restaurants, bars, galleries and lodging properties you'd want to visit anyway. Purchase your tickets, book your room, build a schedule and leave room in it for the thing you stumble into.
Durham FRINGE Festival Map
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Mettlesome TheaterThis Durham based performance and production collective is the perfect spot to catch some improv, a theatrical production, or attend a…
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The Roof at The DurhamA year-round gathering spot with unbeatable panoramic downtown views, plus a seasonal food and drink menu. The mid-century modern rooftop overlooks…
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Arcana Bar and LoungeYou'll be rewarded with a good time once you make your way to this hidden gem in Durham, which is recognized…
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Cecy’s Gallery & StudiosExplore downtown, strolling across painted crosswalks toward Durham Central Park and Cecy’s Gallery & Studios, a multi-artist art gallery with a…
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CCB PlazaStroll to CCB Plaza to pose with an icon of the city — Major The Bull, a 10-foot tall bronze sculpture…
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Letters Community BookshopPeruse new and used books at downtown shop Letters Bookshop and don't miss the second floor where you can find books…
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Golden Belt CampusCombining a vibrant local arts community, airy loft living, and modern offices, the Golden Belt Campus is one of Durham’s latest…
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Stanczyks Music BarWelcome to Downtown Durham's newest music venue. Stanczyks offers an mid sized setting for intimate live performances, fun filled dance parties…
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The FruitAn inclusive performance, art and live music venue for artists by artists in Durham, NC. Formerly known as the Durham Fruit…
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Durham Central ParkMake your way to Durham Central Park, a five-acre green space overflowing with public art. Numerous murals dot the park and…
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The PinhookAt this gritty, intimate venue downtown, you're equally likely to see a popular band up close and personal, discover your new…
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NorthStar Church of the ArtsNorthStar is located at 220 W. Geer St. in the former Ephphatha Church, a Gothic Revival church constructed in 1930. The…
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E.O.‘s Athletic ClubLooking to hit Main Street and catch the game? E.O.'s is your spot. "A sports bar for (E)very (O)ne," E.O.'s Athletic…
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KingfisherAn instant classic, Kingfisher gained national acclaim as one of the best new cocktail bars in the country in 2019, and…
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Zeitgeist Bar & GalleryIf you love creative vibes, creative people and creative drinks, you’re going to love the vibe at Zeitgeist, a new gallery…
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Museum of Durham HistoryTake in exhibits at the Museum of Durham History, a 21st-century museum that uses stories about people, places, and things to…
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Boom ClubBOOM Club is Durham's electronic music incubator and creative hub. Explore synths, recording gear, workshops, events, and a welcoming artist community.
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Provident1898Black-centric coworking community and resource hub, inspired by the legacy of Durham’s Black Wall St. Located in the historic NC Mutual…
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Club ERADurham has entered its club era. Naomi Dix, of Durham’s beloved drag House of Coxx, has opened Durham's first gay, queer…
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NanaSteakNanasteak is a cherished and well-respected restaurant perfect for a special occasion. Serving steakhouse classics in an upscale setting, plus an…
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Little BullChef Oscar Diaz refined his cooking skills at Alizé, a Michelin-starred French restaurant in Las Vegas, before making his mark in…
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Mateo Bar de TapasMateo has had a Spanish heart with a Southern soul in downtown Durham since 2012. The first solo venture from James…
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Night School BarNight School Bar is democratizing education by offering donation-based evening classes in the arts and humanities in a casual, social setting…
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ViceroyStop in for modern Indian cuisine and craft cocktails. As a highly upvoted, recent Reddit review listed: Start with the Jeera…
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Queeny’sA uniquely Durham gathering place with casual vibes, serving good food and drinks until late – one of the few Durham…
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Geer Street GardenGeer Street Garden is a locally focused restaurant and bar located in the former Fletcher’s Gulf Station on the corner of…
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Delancey TavernBrought to you by the owners of Bull McCabe's and Hutchins Garage, Delancey Tavern serves elevated American cuisine with a creative…
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DashiDashi, a Japanese ramen shop and pub, will make all your ramen dreams come true. Don’t forget to ask for their…
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Eve DurhamTucked away on Parrish Street, Eve is more than just a cocktail bar. It's a place for community. The walls of…
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SeraphineEnjoy Louisiana-style cuisine at Seraphine. The restaurant includes a cozy patio with ironwork details in the heart of American Tobacco Campus…
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The Durham HotelThe Durham Hotel is a beautiful backdrop for any group event. With multiple event spaces available, floor-to-ceiling windows, AV technology, and…
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21c Museum HotelStanding tall and proud in the center of downtown Durham, 21c Museum Hotel is a multi-venue contemporary art museum offering a…
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Durham Marriott City CenterExperience a blend of comfort and cosmopolitan style at Durham Marriott City Center. Set in the heart of Durham, this hotel…
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Aloft Durham DowntownWhether you’re visiting DPAC for a show, catching a Durham Bulls game, or taking in the downtown vibe, we are located…
Where to Eat & Drink in Durham
Several FRINGE venues double as places to drink: Zeitgeist Bar, Pinhook, Kingfisher, Arcana, E.O.'s, Stanczyks and the Durham Hotel rooftop all host festival programming. Find our downtown guide with restaurants in walking distance or book a table at these award winning establishments.
Where to Stay for the Durham FRINGE Festival
Stay downtown and skip the car entirely. The Durham Hotel hosts FRINGE programming on its rooftop and in its lobby, which makes it the most obvious choice on the list. 21c Museum Hotel Durham puts contemporary art in the lobby and a rooftop over Main Street. The Durham Marriott City Center connects to the convention center. Unscripted Durham and Aloft Durham Downtown keep you steps from the venues and the bars.
Things to Do in Durham During the FRINGE Festival
Your schedule will be packed with great art and food, but if you have time, check out these places and events.
Start at the Museum of Durham History, a FRINGE venue in its own right, tells diverse stories of Durham's past and present. The Carolina Theatre itself turns 100 this year and is worth the detour to learn about the theater's history, including the Confronting Change exhibit about the segregation, and desegregation, of the Carolina Theatre. The Durham Arts Council is a block away and has four exhibit spaces showcasing visual art from local artists.
Durham Events During FRINGE
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