Events in Durham, NC | Find Festivals, Concerts & Sporting Events

Pictured:

CenterFest - Credit Samantha Everette

Every day in the Bull City, there’s a wide variety of events happening to help you connect with our vibrant community. In fact, our event calendar hosts more than 5,000 visitor-friendly events each year. If you're already here or planning a trip, use our search function below to find events suited to all interests and ages, from festivals and holiday headliners to creative DIY events, trivia nights, art exhibits, makers' markets and more.

Plan a Trip Around Durham's Biggest Annual Events

Durham is home to many homegrown festivals and events that happen annually and are easy to plan a trip around. From beats to barbecue and everything in between, check out our seasonal events page to find the perfect time to visit the Bull City.

Submit an Event to our Calendar

If you're a Durham-based venue or organization and you'd like us to include your event on our calendar, follow the link below to find our submission guidelines and submit your information.

Submit an Event

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

Featured Events

The 8th Annual Rocky Horror Picture Show Halloween Ball

A Retro annual tradition! More than just a movie screening, Retro presents a full-theatrical, FX-driven, light show-blazing, fog-blowing, call-backing, motion picture extravaganza! Fasten your garter belt and come up to the Carolina Theatre’s historic 1000-seat lab and see what’s on the slab! This madcap musical begins when rain-soaked Brad and Janet take refuge in the castle of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a transvestite mad scientist from outer space who is about to unveil his greatest creation! This...

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Thanksgiving: History & Legacy Tours

The modern Thanksgiving holiday stems from a mid-19th century campaign by Sara Josepha Hale for the adoption of a national thanksgiving holiday. President Abraham Lincoln created the federal holiday in 1863 during the American Civil War. So how did our Thanksgiving narrative come to focus on a fantastical meal shared between colonists and American Indians? What messages did Americans hope to convey with the Thanksgiving holiday? What were some popular Thanksgiving foods of generations past...

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2025 Chefs for Change Gala

Enjoy a multi-course dinner prepared by five of North Carolina’s top chefs—Matt Kelly, Gray Brooks, Aaron Benjamin, Michael Lee and Chris McLaurin—along with a live auction led by professional auctioneer Scott Peterson of Custom Benefit Auctions. Most auction items will be exclusive, chef-focused culinary experiences. Proceeds benefit Families Moving Forward, Durham’s primary emergency shelter for families with children.

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NC Comicon

With its creator-focused vision and intimate, all-encompassing atmosphere, NC Comicon is a prime destination for fans and creators of all walks and passions to learn, celebrate, and share in a wide variety of interests and fandoms, from comics to cosplay, gaming, film, animation, design, and more. Regardless of age or experience level, all are invited and welcome at NC Comicon!

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Civil War: Part 2 Airsoft Event

Ultimate Airsoft Event! Choose your side — West Coast Syndicate or East Coast Coalition — and get ready for an unforgettable day of action, teamwork, and adrenaline For ages 8 and up.

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Chocolate & Bourbon Pairing

This luxury class will take you through different Mystic Bourbons and the chocolate pairing that brings out the amazing flavors. Learn about, and taste, all of their spirits along with a classic chocolate pairing.

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Durham Art Walk Holiday Market

Support local artists and help keep Durham’s creative spirit shining bright this holiday season! The Durham Art Walk Holiday Market returns, transforming downtown into a festive marketplace filled with fine art, handmade gifts, live music, and holiday cheer. The Durham Art Walk Holiday Market is a festive fine arts and crafts event that kicks off the holiday season in downtown Durham! The Holiday Market invites art lovers to experience a weekend featuring local artists, live...

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Cigar & Bourbon Pairing

Join a professionally led course on the art of pairing cigars and bourbon. This class is for new cigar smokers and seasoned cigar smokers alike. Get ready to indulge in a unique pairing experience that will tantalize your taste buds and elevate your senses. This course will demonstrate hand-rolling techniques along with proper cutting, lighting and smoking. Then move to the porch to indulge in a guided pairing journey including a trio of bourbons to...

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Durham Holiday Parade

Cheer on dynamic floats, hometown bands, drill teams, schools, and community groups as they make their way down Main Street at the Durham Holiday Parade. The procession will conclude with a guest appearance from Santa. Free EventRain or Shine

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Karaoke Night at the bar!

Get ready for a night full of music, laughter, and unforgettable performances at Karaoke Night! Whether you’re a seasoned singer or a... Details

Film Screening — The New Yorker at100

Full Frame is proud to host a special early screening of THE NEW YORKER AT 100 ahead of the film’s release on Netflix later this year. For... Details

A Drag Queen Christmas

Murray & Peter Present “A Drag Queen Christmas” hosted by Nina West. It’s the longest running drag tour in America. Get ready for your... Details

Guided Tour of Pauli Murray's Childhood Home

Explore the childhood home of a twentieth-century human rights activist, legal scholar, author, labor organizer, poet, Episcopal priest,... Details

Live Music at Hub RTP: DaShawn Hickman

Music is coming to Hub RTP! Help break in the new Hub stage with a performance by DaShawn Hickman, one of today's foremost Sacred Steel... Details

Midday Meander

Join Kavanah Anderson, director of learning and community engagement at Duke Gardens, for a conversational stroll in the garden that... Details

Wine Wednesday! Free Wine Tasting

Join wine experts and taste your way through different regions, styles, grapes, & whatever other themes we can create! Each Wednesday Beer... Details

Duke Football Radio Show and Tailgate Dinner at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club

The Duke Football Radio Show is back at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club, and you’re invited to be part of the action! From now through... Details

Who Let The Dogs In? The Shared Human Canine Microbiome!

You share your life, your walks, your bed, and your food with your best friend, but what else do you share with your dog? Join Dr. Taylor... Details

Prompt & Pour: Writer’s Circle

Wishing you could find time to write? Want a group of people to bounce ideas off of for your writing? Need prompts to get started? Grab... Details

Free RTP Business Rockstar Connect Networking Event

Join an unforgettable evening of connection and opportunity at the Rockstar Connect Networking Event. Hosted by Domenic Battistella, this... Details

Crank Arm DURHAM Wednesday Night Ride

It's the Wednesday night ride! This is a no drop 10 to 15 mile ride and we ride roughly an hour depending on the route. Please note... Details

Durham Events Calendar

Plan a Trip Around Durham's Biggest Annual Events

Submit an Event to our Calendar

Featured Events