Durham Events Calendar
Inspiring FOMO since 1869
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, Durham-grown events per year. Event organizers, small businesses and other organizations put together events like concerts, social gatherings, fund raisers, fairs, festivals and more, all designed for connection and sharing of cultures. 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
Featured Events
Biscuits & Banjos presents: a Day of Free Programming
Free daytime presentations and conversations, followed by the Evening Frolic of music and dance. Tickets are free, advance registration is required.
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Ichiko Aoba
Since Ichiko Aoba’s 2010 debut, “Razorblade Maiden,” the Japanese singer-songwriter-multi-instrumentalist has released seven albums, founded her independent label hermine, and has performed in a growing list of territories worldwide. Her music, often composed on just her classical guitar or a simple synthesizer, is simultaneously intimate and boundless; fragile and unyielding; virtuosic and understated.
With Special Guest: Charlie Martin
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Garmin Marathon Durham
5K, 10K, half-marathon and full-marathon races Course highlights include: Start at the historic American Tobacco Campus Scenic Watts Street with landmark buildings and well-preserved early 1900s homes Runners will jump on the American Tobacco Trail full of culture and history All distances will finish on Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium on the Duke University campus, with all the pomp and circumstance of a regular college dayShuttle services will be provided from the finish line...
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Sunset Paddle on Falls Lake
Enjoy a relaxed evening on the water as you paddle out to watch the sunset. As the sun disappears below the horizon, spend some time soaking in the colors and sounds of the evening before slowly making your way back to shore. Discover the sights and sounds of the early evening hours on this relaxing and fun paddle. Beginners welcome, but a basic knowledge of how to steer your boat is encouraged. Frog Hollow also...
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That Motown Band
That Motown Band brings together a remarkable ensemble of talented vocalists and musicians dedicated to keeping the Motown spirit alive. For years, they’ve been captivating audiences with their incredible performances and timeless music. Come and experience the timeless magic of Motown music like never before!Joining the Motown Band is Garfield Fleming. Garfield is a Soul Singing Vocalist of legendary status having been a member of The Delfonics for 25 years with William Hart. Garfield’s obvious...
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Chelsea Handler
Chelsea Handler is a comedian, television host, and seven-time New York Times best-selling author whose humor and candor have established her as one of the most celebrated voices in entertainment and pop culture. After a strong seven-year run as the host of E!’s top-rated Chelsea Lately, a tenure in which she was the only female late-night talk show host on-air, she launched her documentary series Chelsea Does, followed by her talk show Chelsea on Netflix...
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Letters to America
“Letters to America” is the culminating event of the Durham Symphony Orchestra’s (DSO) 50th Anniversary season. Join them for a landmark event celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and 50 years of the DSO serving the community, promoting music education and uplifting the love and legacy of American Classical Music! The event brings together DSO’s community and arts partners, the Pauli Murray Center, Hayti Heritage Center, North Carolina Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton...
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An Evening with David Byrne
David Byrne returns to the road with a brand-new live show in support of his latest album Who Is the Sky?, Byrne’s first album since releasing the acclaimed 2018 American Utopia, which was later adapted into a hit Broadway musical and HBO film. It was produced by the Grammy-winning Kid Harpoon (Harry Styles, Miley Cyrus), while its 12 songs were arranged by the members of New York-based chamber ensemble Ghost Train Orchestra. Guests include Paramore’s...
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HAMILTON
America's #1 Musical A revolutionary story of passion, unstoppable ambition, and the dawn of a new nation. HAMILTON is the epic saga that follows the rise of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton as he fights for honor, love, and a legacy that would shape the course of a nation. Based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography and set to a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway, HAMILTON has had a profound impact on culture, politics...
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Lizzy Sunshine (Off Broadway Preview Tour w/ post-show Q&A)
Hot off the Edinburgh Fringe festival, this is Liz's tour of the show before her Off-Broadway run at SoHo Playhouse!
This cheerful tornado...
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SatchVai Band Featuring Joe Satriani & Steve Vai
Formed in 2024 after decades of friendship and musical intersections, SATCHVAI brings together two of the most celebrated guitarists of all...
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El Vinyl
🌴El Vinyl - Open Spin Party
A celebration of vinyl and culture.
A night for DJs, collectors, vinyl lovers and people who just...
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Louder Transition Collective
LTC (Louder Transition Collective) was formed to bring intense and political punk to the music scene with subjects ranging from Queer...
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Queer-Eoke
It’s Karaoke but Queer as “F” oh and straight people are always welcome!
So let’s sing, lets drink, lets kiki, lets snack, and let’s make...
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Music Trivia Bingo with Stormie Daie!
Join your Durham neighbors every Thursday night for Music Trivia Bingo with the one and only Stormie Daie! Grab a table with your crew and...
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QueerEoke (Karaoke)
Flex your vocals at Durham's Thursday night QueerEoke. Free bottomless popcorn, amazing cocktails, and all the songs your heart desires!...
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Southern Bites & Nights
Enjoy an unforgettable time filled with delicious eats and great vibes. Savor tasty dishes, enjoy live music, and meet cool folks in...
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House of Heavy at Stanczyks
House of Heavy is a night built for the fans who crave the pit, the riffs, the breakdowns, and the chaos, but are tired of waiting for the...
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Guided Spirits Tasting Tour
Join a brand ambassador from Liberty & Plenty Distillery for a guided tour of the production facility and rickhouse in Downtown Durham to...
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Searows at Motorco
Searows is the project of Pacific Northwest singer-songwriter Alec Duckart, whose work blends intimate indie folk with expansive,...
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