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 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.

Submit an Event

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

Featured Events

Pumpkin Patch Express

All aboard the Pumpkin Patch Express! Join in Saturdays and Sundays through October 26 to celebrate the arrival of autumn at one of the Museum's most popular family-friendly events. Pick the perfect pumpkin to decorate, race through the hay maze, and enjoy a variety of games, photo-ops, and activities inspired by the season. Then climb aboard the train for a relaxing ride back to the station on the Ellerbe Creek Railway!

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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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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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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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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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African American Dance Ensemble Kwanzaafest

Kwanzaa Fest is more than just a gathering; it’s a time to honor African American culture and values, including unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. It's also a time for reflection and celebration, with communal feasts and gatherings that bring together family and friends. Performances start at 2:00 pm.

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Jason Isbell

Six-time Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Jason Isbell is one of the most respected and celebrated artists of his generation. The North Alabama native possesses an incredible penchant for identifying and articulating some of the deepest, yet simplest, human emotions, and turning them into beautiful poetry through song. Isbell sings of the everyday human condition with thoughtful, heartfelt, and sometimes brutal honesty. After releasing multiple critically-acclaimed albums, appearing in an Academy Award-nominated film, Killers of the Flower...

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2025 Walk in Their Shoes

Registration is FREE - however, registering at the $45 level or more entitles you to one free T-shirt and swag bag! On-site registration,... Details

UCAN’s Harvest Festival & Boston Butt Fundraiser

UCAN’s Third Annual Harvest Festival & Boston Butt Fundraiser is back! Enjoy a fun-filled day for the whole family at the farm! Enjoy... Details

Drop-In Make Your Own Body Fragrance

Bright Black invites you to a drop-in perfume making experience every Saturday, from 11a - 5p. Experiment with dope scents and great vibes,... Details

Free Wine Tasting

Sample a selection of wines from estate grown, family owned wineries from around the world. These tastings are educational, but also casual... Details

Crafternoons

Crafternoons - All day event. Free pint with purchase of craft box. Choose from a variety of craft packages available for all ages. Details

The Ciompi Quartet: Cultural Crossroads: Dvořák in America

Join Duke University’s resident Ciompi Quartet for Cultural Crossroads: Dvořák in America—a free multimedia concert exploring the influence... Details

NCCU Football vs Norfolk State

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A Midlife Summer’s Dream (OdysseyStage’s NextAct Festival)

Twenty years after A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the marriages once blessed by magic are fraying. Shakespearean romance collides with Groucho... Details

Historic Downtown Durham Guided Walking Tour

The history of Durham is hidden beneath your feet! Join a tour of the history of Downtown Durham: From the Tobacco District to Five Points... Details

Preservation Durham and Pauli Murray: Queer History of Durham Fundraiser

Preservation Durham and the Pauli Murray Center are hosting a Queer History of Durham Tour fundraiser! Learn more about the numerous... Details

Durham African American History Guided Tour

Durham is the home of a litany of African American historic sites. Whether you want to learn about architects, artists, athletes, or... Details

Elodie Farm Dinner

Enjoy an unforgettable evening with a mouthwatering 5-course meal, crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and expertly prepared by... Details

Durham Events Calendar

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Featured Events