Durham is where self-made synth beats are created alongside home-grown and international talent.
Where renowned hip hop artists come home to spit with our next generation of performers.

Where there’s no need to wait for Friday night; both large and small festivals and cultural events win the hearts of wandering souls from near and far — all week long.

Each year, 5,000 classes, tours, markets, competitions and performances await you here. The key to your next adventure lies in your own curiosity. Come taste, see, hear and discover.

Annual Events & Festivals The only way through is to do. Learn More

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Featured Events

Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Moon Landing

The Man On The Moon Celebration is the first of several events to commemorate Morgan Imports' 50th anniversary. Family friendly fun will include moon-themed games, face painting and refreshments. Step inside a replica of Neil Armstrong's space suit and imagine being the first human to set foot on the moon. In addition, kids and adults will have an opportunity to create stellar selfies, drink TANG and search for moon rocks. Nearby the Roots Farmers' Market...

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The Bacon Brothers

Award-winning actor Kevin Bacon and his older brother, Emmy-winning composer Michael, play music spanning rock, soul, folk and Americana. Critics have been quick to note that the brothers - Michael on vocals, guitar and cello and Kevin on vocals, guitar and percussion -- along with the band that's been with them since the beginning -- Paul Guzzone (bass, backing vocals), Joe Mennonna (keyboards, accordion), Tim Quick (lead guitar, mandolin and backing vocals) and Frank Vilardi...

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Bull Moon Ride and Run

Bull Moon Ride and Run is a one-of-a-kind, twilight event dedicated to supporting the mission of Habitat for Humanity of Durham, NC. Participants choose to bike (6.5 or 12 miles) or run the 5K Race into the beautiful sunset at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.

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Vintage Base Ball at the DAP

A team representing Duke Homestead (named the Durham Station Lucky Strikes) will take on local sports media personalities, playing by vintage rules. Both teams will play according to 1860 rules and all players will wear uniforms of that time period. Food trucks will be on site, along with a concession stand featuring old fashioned refreshments such as peanuts, cracker jacks, sunflower seeds, and other snacks. Historic children's games will also be played in the stands...

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Get The Led Out - A Celebration of The Mighty Zep

From the bombastic and epic, to the folky and mystical, Get The Led Out (GTLO) has captured the essence of the recorded music of Led Zeppelin and brought it to the concert stage. The Philadelphia-based group consists of six veteran musicians intent on delivering Led Zeppelin live, like you've never heard before. Utilizing the multi-instrumentalists at their disposal, GTLO re-create the songs in all their depth and glory with the studio overdubs that Zeppelin themselves...

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North Carolina Gay and Lesbian Film Festival

The North Carolina Gay and Lesbian Film Festival (NCGLFF) is the second largest gay, lesbian and transgender film festival in the Southeast, attracting thousands of patrons yearly. Since its beginning in 1995, the Festival has featured a diverse array of shorts, documentaries and feature films. The NCGLFF celebrates a worldwide glimpse of today's gay and lesbian life, helps bring the community together and features entertaining and sophisticated films and filmmaking.

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Triangle Vegfest

Triangle Vegfest is coming back to Durham with more vendors than ever to accommodate growing interest in plant-based diets and lifestyles. Saturday will consist of a series of panels and lectures and Sunday will feature 70+ food, clothing, and other vegan and animal welfare vendors from all over the country. There will be everything from clothing to skincare and a variety of information from animal welfare nonprofits. Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge, one of the largest...

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Harvest and Hornworm Festival

In the morning, see demonstrations of historic tobacco harvesting, stringing and curing. In the afternoon, hear the sounds of the only tobacco auction left in Durham. Throughout the day enjoy the hornworm race, MoonPie eating contest, musical entertainment, craft vendors, refreshments and more.

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CenterFest Arts Festival

SAVE THE DATE! The Durham Arts Council is bringing the 45th Annual CenterFest Arts Festival to downtown Durham on Sept 21 & 22, 2019. Visual artists from near and far will showcase their work, and 75 performing arts groups provide continuous music, dance and entertainment throughout the festival including extended Saturday evening entertainment. Add in food courts, hands on activities and Durham’s inspiring nonprofit and government services sectors and you have the best way to...

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Art of Cool Festival

AOCFEST will feature a range of R&B, Neo Soul, Hip-Hop, Jazz, alternative and spoken word performances and speakers at 6 venues. Three-time GRAMMY® award-winning singer-songwriter, New York Times best-selling poet, and critically acclaimed actor Jill Scott will headline the AOCFEST stage on Friday, September 27th. Dreamville Records singer-songwriter Ari Lennox who hails from Washington D.C. will also perform at AOCFEST Friday evening. That same evening, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels will hit the Motorco Music Hall stage...

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American Dance Festival Performance Season

Featuring 38 performances by 25 companies and choreographers in 5 different venues. Details

Art Exhibit – "Godchild"

Divinity and art in the Western world have worked together to create a set of toxic ideals, one in which Whiteness is the sole standard of... Details

Golden Expression: the First Annual Exhibition of Golden Belt Resident Artists

View selections from Golden Belt artists – and visit the studios where these works are created. Details

Art Exhibit - Screenprints, by Kristen DeGree

Print work inspired by nature, on view in the Durham Arts Council Allenton Gallery. Opening reception will be held on Friday, July 19, 6pm,... Details

Art Exhibit - Possibility, by Rachel Kosbab

Abstract paintings inspired by memories of outdoor scenes and environments. Opening reception will be held Friday, July 19, 6pm, as part of... Details

Blunt East Coast Invitational

Enjoy the longest standing youth track meet from July 19-21 at Durham County Memorial Stadium! Established in 2000, the Russell E. Blunt... Details

Art Exhibit – Indoor Picnic

An installation by by Nicole Uzzell featuring paper and the uninvited guests that appear during and after our picnics. Dining outdoors is... Details

Footprints

Featuring works by Martha Graham, Merce Cunningham, and Paul Taylor! Footprints delivers an outstanding presentation of three modern dance... Details

Henna: the Unknown History – an interactive exhibit

This exhibit is a photography series capturing Durham residents enjoying henna. In Durham, henna has become a festival staple and a... Details

Dodgeball Tournament Challenge

Join the fun with your team of five (male, female or co-ed) and sign up by Wednesday, July 17. Details

Overstory Band – Brightleaf Summer Concert Series

Please no outside food, drinks or coolers. Details

Opening Reception for Kennedi Carter: Godchild

Join the opening celebration of Kennedi Carter’s Godchild. The exhibition is located in the Vault Gallery and will be on view until January... Details