Every day of the year, there’s a festival, show, concert, book reading, sporting event, or something incredible happening in the Bull City.

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 never a 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

Submit An Event Take the bull by the horns. Learn More

We know many people are looking for things to do and ways to stay engaged with the Durham community. Check out the events below or head to the blog for safe and creative ways to remain connected to Durhamites, our local partners, and other Durham-based groups.

If you have any questions, please email eventcalendar@discoverdurham.com.

Featured Events

Chris Isaak

Over the course of his three-decade plus career, Platinum-selling and GRAMMY-nominated singer & actor Chris Isaak has performed to sold-out crowds across the globe with his longtime band Silvertone. His music and film credits include nine critically acclaimed studio albums, twelve chart-topping singles along with several motion pictures, such as “The Silence of the Lambs” and “That Thing You Do!”. His work has also taken him behind the scenes, creating music for multiple film soundtracks...

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Arrival From Sweden The Music of ABBA

Since 1995, Arrival from Sweden The Music of ABBA has brought some of ABBA’s greatest pop hits to life all over the world. Arrival from Sweden The Music of ABBA will be performing at DPAC on Friday, October 29, 2021. Arrival from Sweden “The Music of ABBA” has sold out arenas and venues all over the world since 1995 and is the absolute best and most authentic ABBA show there is. Hits like: Dancing Queen...

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John Hiatt & The Goners Featuring Sonny Landreth

A master lyricist and satirical storyteller, John Hiatt delivers songs filled with tales of redemption, relationships and surrendering on his own terms. Hiatt’s finest album is 1987’s “Bring the Family;” other catalog highlights include the pop and rock of 1983’s “Riding with the King,” the rough-hewn blues-rock of 2008’s “Same Old Man,” and 2021’s “Leftover Feelings.” His lyrics and melodies have graced more than 20 studio albums, have been recorded by Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris...

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BLK Biz Summit

The theme for this one-day summit is Digital Dollars Make Sense. Entrepreneurs will understand and develop a strategy that aids in cost-effective marketing. Learn how to branch out online to provide the tools to build a sustainable and prosperous business. The BLK BIZ SUMMIT will be held at the Durham Tech Small Business Center in the Chesterfield Building. August is National Black Business Month black-owned businesses are recognized across the country. Historian John William Templeton...

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Family Farm Animal & Harvest Day

Celebrate North Carolina farming culture and history at Duke Homestead! This event will feature many old favorite activities, along with some visiting animal friends. They’ll be harvesting our tobacco straight out of the field, and make sure you don't miss the looping contest!

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Black August in the Park

An event to creatively inspire and connect people of African descent to assert their value and engage in social and cultural change. They will have music, activities for all, and feature organizations doing work to get people of African descent free. Black August in the Park is a space created specifically for people of the African Diaspora--their joy and healing.

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Jo Koy

Due to overwhelming demand, Comedian Jo Koy will bring his Funny is Funny World Tour to DPAC. As one of today’s premiere stand-up comics Jo Koy has come a long way from his modest beginnings performing at a Las Vegas coffee house to now selling out the world’s most prestigious venues. The hugely relatable comic pulls inspiration from his family, specifically his son. The comedian has had five highly-rated and successful stand-up specials on Comedy...

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Triangle Vegfest

Roadshow Summer Series: Mama Bears

“Once you know how important fighting for your kid is, you can’t do anything else but fight for them,” is the statement that begins Daresha Kyi’s poignant documentary about a group of conservative Christian women that call themselves the “Mama Bears.” In seeking to avoid the ostracization, homelessness, conversion therapy, or suicide that often befall queer youth from conservative families, these Mama Bears chose to affirm their LGBTQ+ children. They became fierce advocates for this...

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PLAYlist Concert Series: Gaby Moreno

Gaby Moreno’s music is a celebration of Song across the Americas. This Grammy-nominated Guatemalan native is bringing a beautifully spirited mix of genres that has no boundaries to Durham Central Park. Each evening starts with DJ Travis Gales spinning his Friday Night Mix live at the park at 7 p.m. Then the band takes the stage at 8 p.m. sharp. All the music is simulcast live through WNCU. There are restrooms at Durham Central Park...

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Evening Eno Exploration Paddle

One of the most magical times on the water is the time during the hours directing around sunset. Birds do their final calls of the night. Frogs begin to sing. Fireflies light up the trees. Owls begin their calls and activity. Everything gets just a little bit stiller. Spend this magical time exploring the creeks and coves of the lower Eno River as it flows into Falls Lake. Paddle lasts approximately 2 hours and all...

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Durham Central Park Food Truck Rodeo

The rodeo features many food trucks and local breweries. The event is free to attend. You simply pay for what you decide to eat from the trucks’ menus–from savory and stick-to-your-ribs to sweet treats. Dogs are allowed at the Food Truck Rodeo on regular (not retractable) leashes. Food Truck Rodeos are rain or shine. Most trucks accept credit cards but an ATM machine is on site as well. Free parking is available in nearby lots...

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Art Exhibit — "Helen Frankenthaler: Un Poco Más (A Little More)"

Helen Frankenthaler (1928–2011) is most known for her bold, colorful abstract paintings. She was a trailblazer in Abstract Expressionism,... Details

Art Exhibit — "Beyond the Surface: Collage, Mixed Media and Textile Works from the Collection"

This exhibition includes approximately 40 works, primarily from the Nasher Museum’s collection. With a focus on collage, mixed media and... Details

Art Exhibit — Tell All The Truth But Tell It Slant

New Zealand native Rachel Campbell paints and shows her work all over the world, but makes her home in Durham. With the pandemic curtailing... Details

History Exhibit — "Down Home: Jewish Life in North Carolina"

Over 10 panels, this exhibit features a four-century timeline of Jewish history in North Carolina, focusing on topics such as family, being... Details

Durham Bulls Home Game

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Durham City of Medicine Walking Tour

The Bull City, the City of Medicine; Durham North Carolina. A delightful 90-minute downtown Durham orientation walking tour. Founded by... Details

Alley Twenty Six’s Islands in the Alley

They are decking out the bar and alleyway with plenty of tropical kitsch. You can expect culinary favorites like coconut shrimp and the Big... Details

Women on the Wall

This 1-hour meetup will explore the adventure of climbing in a close and supportive atmosphere. Learn to focus your attention on your... Details

Paint & Sip: Lemon Lovers

Wine & Design is not your typical Paint n' Sip class. Be prepared to listen to music, laugh and let go of stress. Bring a guest or come... Details

Mysti Mayhem Second Tuesdays Residency

Blues guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter Mysti Mayhem continues her Second Tuesdays residency at The Oak House Durham. All full pours on... Details

Daryl Hall and the Daryl’s House Band

Daryl Hall is a modern-day renaissance man, an inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the best-selling duo of all time, the star... Details

Tuesday Blues Jam

Be part of one of the longest running open blues jams in the triangle. Share the stage with other blues musicians in the area. They provide... Details