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

Every day in the Bull City, there’s a wide variety of events happening to help you get involved in our vibrant community. If you're already here or planning a trip, use our search function below to find events suited to all interests and ages.

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.

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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.

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

Featured Events

Full Moon Fever Bike Ride

Experience the American Tobacco Trail at night with the Durham Community Trail Watch group. Please note: the ride has two starting times and locations. 7:30 p.m. - Early Start Time: the early start is at 7:30 p.m. in front of Mellow Mushroom (410 Blackwell Street) in downtown Durham. That group will ride down the American Tobacco Trail and meet up with the late group that meets at 8:30 p.m. in front of Bean Traders. 8:3...

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Champions for Children Golf Tournament

Now in its 5th year, the Champions for Children Golf Tournament is more than just a day on the green—it's a powerful fundraiser that directly supports youth in underserved communities throughout Durham and beyond. Hosted by the 5K Foundation, this annual event raises critical funds for year-round programming, including mentorship initiatives, academic support, and the Legacy League 7v7 Football League.This tournament brings together professionals from all walks of life—from former NFL and college athletes to...

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OUTSOUTH Queer Film Festival

OUTSOUTH Queer Film Festival celebrates a worldwide glimpse of today’s LGBTQ+ life, helps bring the community together and features entertaining and sophisticated films and filmmaking.

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Third Friday in the Visitor Info Center - End-of-Summer Bucket List

Stop by the Visitor Info Center on Third Friday to gain inspiration for your end-of-summer bucket list and enjoy a free hot dog from QueDogs! Staff from OC Aerial, Durham’s ultimate all-in-one indoor adventure park for all ages, will be on-site to share about their attractions. Continue your night visiting downtown art galleries and other Third Friday events! Looking for more summer inspiration? Check out our Family-Friendly End-of-Summer Bucket List blog for additional recommendations. **Hot...

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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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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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CenterFest Arts Festival

Celebrate Centerfest's 50th anniversary! Since 1974, Durham Arts Council has brought the Durham community together with an annual arts festival in the fall. As Durham’s signature fine arts festival, CenterFest showcases juried visual artists from across the country and fills multiple stages with stand-out local performers. Art shoppers are dazzled by world-class ceramics, paintings, photography, jewelry, fiber art, woodwork, glass, and more. Creators are based in Durham, the Triangle and across the country. CenterFest also...

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The Promise of Peace: Slavery's End in North Carolina

The close of the American Civil War with military surrenders at sites like Bennett Place assured the end of legal slavery in America. On the evening before the 160th anniversary of the Bennett Place surrender, join us as we commemorate and recognize the lives of over 330,000 North Carolinians enslaved during the Civil War. This program highlights experiences of enslaved and newly freed people through storytelling, music, and luminaries.

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Raphael Saadiq: No Bandwidth!

Fresh off back-to-back sold-out nights at the legendary Apollo Theater in New York City, Los Angeles’ historic United Theater on Broadway, and two homecoming nights at Oakland’s Fox Theater, Raphael Saadiq’s No Bandwidth Tour will see him extending his run after garnering widespread acclaim. Praised by NPR’s KQED as “a masterclass in intimacy, vulnerability, and musical excellence,” the one-man-show offers a powerful blend of storytelling and emotionally evocative experience, with Saadiq guiding audiences through his...

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Bull City Race Fest and Food Truck Rodeo

Experience the brand NEW 2025 Race Routes! This festival has something for the fastest runners and families alike. Start and Finish at Diamond View Park at the American Tobacco Campus and choose from the Half Marathon, Five Miler or 1 Mile distances. Enjoy a fall morning of running through downtown Durham, Duke University and surrounding Historic Neighborhoods. After you cross the finish line, enjoy delicious eats from a variety of delicious food trucks! The Bull...

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3rd Friday: Mix & Mingle

It's 3rd Friday at Zeitgeist! They are open at 5pm, meet and greet is from 6-10pm & then open until midnight! Swing by, meet some artists,... Details

2025 Group Exhibit. 5 Artists, Many mediums

Join Bull City Art & Frame for their first employee showcase. Five different artists, many mediums. Light refreshments. Details

Third Friday in the Visitor Info Center - End-of-Summer Bucket List

Stop by the Visitor Info Center on Third Friday to gain inspiration for your end-of-summer bucket list and enjoy a free hot dog from... Details

Reception: June Merlino Retrospective

Double exposures, plastic camera, and pinhole photography. Details

The Beagles sing The Beatles!

If you love The Beatles, this show is a can't miss! Join another Friday concert in the beer garden featuring The Beagles band. The Beagles... Details

The Duke Street Dogs

The Duke Street Dogs are a four-piece acoustic band out of Durham, NC. They play songs written by Dog Michael Borstelmann, as well as... Details

Durham Bulls vs. Nashville

8/14 'Augtoberfest with beer & stein package; 8/15 Stranger Things Night; 8/15 & 8/16 Fireworks Details

Brightleaf Concert Series

Featuring a mix of soul, funk, jazz, indie folk-pop, and Afrocentric rhythms, performed live in Brightleaf Square’s iconic cobblestone... Details

Live Vinyl Spinning by PhDJ Every 1st & 3rd Friday!

A favorite local DJ comes to spin records every FIRST and THIRD Friday of the month with a variety of vinyl offerings. Anything from funk... Details

Swing Dance Class at Mystic

Get ready to “cut a rug” with Joel & Jackie Plys from Retro Rhythm. They specialize in Swing Era dancing from the 1920s-50s. Swing Dancing... Details

Pregame Fridays!

Every Friday at Club Era they pick a spotlight artist playlist. All you need to do is show up on the dance floor with your moves and vibes! Details

Dashi x The Floor Izakaya Sessions

Marshall Jones and thefacesblur bring deep grooves to Dashi’s izakaya — live and streaming on DanceGruv Radio. Stop through for Third... Details

Durham Events Calendar

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