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

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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Steve Hackett: Genesis Greats, Lamb Highlights & Solo North American Tour 2025

Over the course of crafting a 29-album catalog and architecting 40 Billboard #1 singles as a keyboardist, songwriter and producer, Brian... Details

Terror Tuesdays: Halloween Movie Nights at Ponysaurus Brewing Co

Every Tuesday in October | 8pm Tuesday nights get spooky at Ponysaurus Brewing Co. with Terror Tuesdays, our Halloween movie series all... Details

Old School Bingo Night – Every Wednesday Night

Think you’ve got the winning card? Join FREE-TO-PLAY BINGO, every Wednesday at 7pm, where the prizes are real, the drinks are flowin’, and... Details

Whiskey Omakase at Dashi

Step in the izakaya for a five-course omakase designed around one of Dashi's greatest passions: whiskey! Each dish is crafted by their... Details

Take a walk on The Broadside: A Durham Walking Tour

Celebrate the launch of WUNC’s newest walking experience! Join in at WUNC Durham Studios for the kickoff of Walk on the Broadside:... Details

Whiskey Wednesday

Every Wednesday, the team at Alley Twenty Six chooses a different bottle of whiskey to serve at a break-even price. It’s a chance for... Details

Durham Community Day at the Museum of Life and Science

Durham Community days, Durham County residents get in free with proof of Durham address. All adults must have Durham residency to get in... Details

Halloween Storytime on the Roof

It’s our spookiest Storytime of the year! Come in costume for Halloween Storytime on the Roof, Wednesday October 29 at 10:30 AM. Durham... 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

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

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

Antepasados: Taller de Elaboración de Velas y Narración de Aromas

ANTEPASADOS: Un taller de elaboración de velas y narración de aromas Acompáñanos en un taller íntimo que honra a las generaciones que nos... Details

Durham Events Calendar

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Featured Events