Your Guide to Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival
4 minutes
Come for the day of live music, arts and crafts, traditional food and community resources and stay to explore Durham for the weekend.
The following event details are from the 2023 Festival; check back in the spring of 2024 for information about next year's event.
The 53rd-Annual Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival is a family-friendly celebration of African and African American culture, history, arts and traditions hosted by the City of Durham.
Festival Highlights
Location: Rock Quarry Park
Date: TBD
Time: TBD
Admission: Free
The event kicks off May 31 with weekday events including a community block party, a teen pool party and a festival-themed version of one of Durham's most beloved regular events, a cypher in CCB Plaza. All this leads up to Saturday, June 3 – the all-day, free event at Rock Quarry Park. For all event information, visit the Durham Parks and Recreation festival details page.
On Saturday, bring your lawn chair or blanket and settle in for a day of music and community on the main stage with local talent like the Alter Egos Band, a live performance of the Durham Anthem from Hezter Boi the Ox & Choppa Boi 3, The Mint Condition Band Tribute, DJ Medley, and star headliners Mr. Cheeks, Petey Pablo, and KRS-One.
Between sets, stretch your legs and take the kids to the Family Fun Zone, featuring drum circles, arts & crafts, storytelling, inflatables, and face painting. The Durham County Library will also be on-site with the Bookmobile where festival-goers can even win free books.
Know Before You Go
- Free parking will be available at the Durham County Stadium parking lots at 750 Stadium Drive. Access the lots via Wisteria Avenue.
- Take the bus! Go Durham has two routes that stop near the festival. Find details here.
- Leave these items at home: pets, coolers, personal tents or canopies. Smoking and alcohol are prohibited.
Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival. Photo: SP Murray / Discover Durham
Where to Stay
If you're coming to Durham for Bimbé, you're going to want to experience more of the culture and community the city has to offer. To stay near the festival, check out Courtyard by Marriott Durham Near Duke University/Downtown or Hampton Inn & Suites Durham/North I-85.
If you'd like to stay near the small businesses, restaurants and bars downtown, try Unscripted Durham where you can lounge by the rooftop pool and people watch over CCB Plaza when you're not at the festival.
The Pool at Unscripted Durham. Photo: Discover Durham / Andrew Cebulka
Experience More of Durham
Let us be your guide as you get to know our city. Here are a few resources to help you plan your trip:
Your Guide to All Things Summer in Durham
Durham's Hottest New Restaurants
Family-Friendly Things to Do
Bars and Nightlife