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 events each year. 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
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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Thanksgiving: History & Legacy Tours
The modern Thanksgiving holiday stems from a mid-19th century campaign by Sara Josepha Hale for the adoption of a national thanksgiving holiday. President Abraham Lincoln created the federal holiday in 1863 during the American Civil War. So how did our Thanksgiving narrative come to focus on a fantastical meal shared between colonists and American Indians? What messages did Americans hope to convey with the Thanksgiving holiday? What were some popular Thanksgiving foods of generations past...
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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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Civil War: Part 2 Airsoft Event
Ultimate Airsoft Event! Choose your side — West Coast Syndicate or East Coast Coalition — and get ready for an unforgettable day of action, teamwork, and adrenaline
For ages 8 and up.
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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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Trivia Night w/Big Slow Tom
Join Clouds Durham for Big Slow Tom's Trivia Night, every THURSDAY at 7:30pm. Win some prizes, drink some beer, & show your smarts.
Enjoy...
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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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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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Freaky Friday Dance Party!
One thing about it, is you know you are the baddest “B around, so why not tip toe through Durham’s sexiest Queer nightclub with that killer...
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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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Tasting at Ten
Tasting at Ten is a free coffee tasting hosted by Counter Culture Coffee at the roastery, every Friday at 10am. A new coffee is featured...
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Kids Night Out
Need a night to yourselves? Drop your little ones off for a kids-only evening of hands-on fun a the Museum of Life and Science! They’ll eat...
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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...
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SunSets Evening Rooftop DJ Sets!
From the mind of Jorden The DJ comes a new way to unwind after work and get your weekend started off on the right note. Every 2nd and 4th...
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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!
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Doric String Quartet
Program
Bach: Four fugues from The Art of the Fugue, BWV 1080
Haydn: Quartet, F minor, Op. 20 #5
Beethoven: Quartet, C Major, Op. 59 #3...
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