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.

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

Featured Events

Diana Ross

Diana Ross is a consummate performer, as well as one of the most iconic female singers of all time and one of the most prominent women in popular music history and pop culture of the late 20th century. Diana Ross’ famed and remarkable career spanning almost five decades has resulted in major awards, accolades and music history milestones. Her international achievements were acknowledged by the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors in December 2007 in Washington DC...

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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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Earlie E. Thorpe Lecture: Dr. Torren Gatson

The North Carolina Central University Department of History and Historic Stagville invite you to the annual Earlie E. Thorpe Lecture,... Details

Dancefulness for Kids!

After-school series for kids 8-12. Mondays through 11/24. Participants will be introduced to the practice of mindfulness through simple... Details

Open Mic

Hosted by Deb Aronin. Comedy, Music, Poetry, Ventriloquism and whatever other talents and performance skills you might have. All are... Details

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

April, 2025, marked the 32 year anniversary of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s remarkable arrival onto the music scene. Since its formation in the... Details

Candy & Mead/Cider Pairing Event

Adults love candy too and what goes best with candy but locally-made dellicious mead & cider? No tricks, only treats, our week of this... Details

Arts & Drafts

Arts & Drafts Durham is a creative arts community meet-up where people get together to work on their crafts while chatting and supporting a... Details

Trivia Night at Ponysaurus Brewing Co.

Show off your smarty pants at Ponysaurus Brewing's weekly Trivia Night! They'll test your knowledge of the useless information you learned... Details

This is a co-creative meditation space designed to foster a sense of belonging and nurture meaningful connections for people who identify... Details

Crunk Club DRM presents: Crank Arm Durham RUN

It's Crunk the Crank Arm Run club in Durham! Join in Monday for the weekly run club. Run starts at 6:30PM with 3-5 mile routes or make... Details

Mallarme Music: The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari - silent film with live chamber music accompaniment

Mallarmé Music and The Carolina Theatre’s Retro film series presents “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” with original chamber music composed by... Details

Not Rocket Science Trivia

Because trivia shouldn't be rocket science. General knowledge, Gift Card Prizes, rooftop views Details

Board Game Night at Moon Dog Meadery

Join the Durham Community Board Game night meet up group for a night of board games. All are welcome! Check out one of Moon Dog's many... Details

Durham Events Calendar

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Featured Events