Stay, Eat and Play Guide to the Slingshot Festival

Slingshot Festival returns to Durham October 10–12, transforming The Fruit into the international nexus for electronic music and art. Celebrating its 10th edition and sixth year in Durham, this artist-run, internationally curated event promises three nights of boundary-pushing music, immersive visuals and community-powered dancefloor magic. Expect three days of connection over beats against the backdrop of Durham, NC’s creative, innovative and welcoming downtown. We’ve got all the details you need to make the most of your trip.

Slingshot Festival Highlights

When: October 10-12, 2025
Where: The Fruit, 305 S. Dillard St., Durham

Buy Weekend Passes

What to Expect:

• Performances from international artists across five continents
  
• Genres spanning techno, house, avant-pop, ambient, and experimental
  
• Local and NC-based talent alongside international heavy-hitters
  
• The Fruit: an inclusive hub for art and nightlife voted "The Triangle's Best Place to Dance"
  
• An inclusive, high-vibe atmosphere curated by artists, for everyone
  

Where to Stay During Slingshot

• Durham Marriott City Center Marriott City Center is connected to the Carolina Theatre, offering ease of access to festival activities.
• 21c Museum Hotel Explore the hotel’s art collection and snag a selfie with the 21c mascot – a hot magenta penguin.
• The Durham Hotel A mid-century boutique hotel with a celebrated restaurant and rooftop bar.
• Aloft Durham Downtown Located near the American Tobacco Campus, Aloft offers a modern aesthetic, heated pool, and proximity to plenty of dining and entertainment options.
• Unscripted Durham An eclectic hotel with a rooftop deck, pool, and unique cocktail and cuisine options.
• Springhill Suites Durham City View – enjoy a spacious stay with modern amenities just blocks from the action.

Where to Eat and Drink During the Festival

Let Durham’s award-winning food and drink scene fuel your festival weekend. The Fruit sits in the middle of downtown Durham’s Government Services District, where you can step outside to find several all-day spots, bars and restaurants within a block or two of the festival.

All-Day Coffee, Food and Drink

• Aaktun – a friendly coffee shop with horchata-infused espresso and homemade pastries gives way to a Tulum-inspired lunch, brunch and dinner spot that serves food until late.
  
• Baryo – around the corner from The Fruit is this gathering space for every moment. Coffee by day, plus wine, beer and cocktails until late.
  
• Daily Beer Bar - coffee shop, lunch stop and beer hall, plus retail and a local art gallery
  
• The Durham Hotel – Make yourself comfortable at The Coffee Shop at The Durham, where locals gather for coffee and lunch and stay for snacks and cocktails.

Late Night Eats

• Queeny’s – from 11:45 a.m. to 2 a.m., rely on Queeny’s for a welcoming crowd, sheet pan nachos, sandwiches and snacks.
  
• Lady Gold Tacos at Remy’s Lounge – South Texas tacos served until 1 a.m.
  
• Alley Twenty Six – For a leveled-up late-night experience, try award-winning cocktails alongside caviar and tots, burgers and even a Taylor Ham roll.
  
• Mezcalito – down the street from the venue, find Mexican food and margaritas to serve a crowd until 2 a.m.

In the Neighborhood

Between sets, be sure to check out these neighborhood spots –

• Ponysaurus Brewing – enjoy the fall weather as you grab a beer and a pizza on the expansive lawn.
• Fizzwerks Craft Brewed Seltzer – as the name implies, one of only a few places to enjoy craft-brewed seltzer, highlighting best-of-the-season flavors.
• Peace & Saint – coffee, wine, locally-made pastries and curated hookah selections.

If you’re here for the party and the dining experience, check out our award-winning chefs and restaurants.

While You’re in Durham

Explore more of the Bull City while you’re here using our downtown Durham District Guide.