Your Guide to Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival
Come to Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival for the day of live music, arts and crafts, traditional food and community resources and stay to explore Durham for the weekend.
The 56th-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, 701 Stadium Dr.
Date: May 16, 2026
Time: 1-7 p.m.
Admission: Free
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. Later in the day, enjoy performances from local and touring acts, all leading to a headliner performance from Doug E. Fresh.
Between sets, hear from leaders who have shaped our community as you stretch your legs and take the kids to the Family Fun Zone which features drum circles, arts & crafts, storytelling, inflatables, face painting and a gaming truck. The Durham County Library will also be on-site with the Bookmobile, where festival-goers can even win free books.
Weekday Events
Community Block Party
Date: May 13, 2026
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Location: Holton Career & Resource Center, 401 N. Driver St.
Admission: Free, all ages
Cypher at the Bull
Date: May 14, 2026
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Location: CCB Plaza
Admission: Free, all ages
Teen Skate Party
Date: May 15, 2026
Time: 7 - 10 p.m.
Location: I.R. Holmes, Sr. Recreation Center at Campus Hills, 2000 S. Alston Ave.
Admission: Free, ages 13-17
All this leads up to Saturday, May 16th – the all-day, free event at Rock Quarry Park. For all event information, visit the Durham Parks and Recreation festival details page.
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. Review all the festival rules on the event webpage.
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.
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.
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:
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