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

SplatterFlix Film Series

It’s exactly what you think it is: the goriest, scariest horror movies ever made, re-animated by Retro Film Series for screening over a three-day weekend.

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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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Third Friday in the Visitor Info Center: Beer Tasting with Fullsteam Brewing

Stop by the Visitor Info Center on Third Friday for a free slice of pizza, beer samples from Fullsteam Brewing and expert Durham recommendations. You can also earn another Bull City Beer Challenge check-in!*Pizza and beer samples while supplies last. You must be at least 21 years old to sample beers. Afterwards, continue your night visiting downtown art galleries and other Third Friday events!

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Nasher Museum 20th Anniversary Celebration

Help celebrate the Nasher Museum’s 20th anniversary and the grand opening of the Nancy A. Nasher and David J. Haemisegger Family Sculpture Garden! This exciting milestone will feature four special exhibitions on view, including Everything Now All At Once, which highlights bold and innovative works from the Nasher’s contemporary art collection.Guests can enjoy art-making stations, interactive learning experiences, hands-on activities, and special performances throughout the day. A variety of local food and beverage options will...

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Blacktoberfest

Black Brew Culture's amazing celebration of beer, food, art and entertainment. This year’s festival features 20 breweries and collaborators, plus six Black-owned wine and spirits brands. Add to that 30 vendors, food trucks, and a full entertainment stage, and you’ve got the makings of an East Durham block party you won’t want to miss.

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Bull City Race Fest and Food Truck Rodeo

Experience the brand NEW 2025 Race Routes! This festival has something for the fastest runners and families alike. Start and Finish at Diamond View Park at the American Tobacco Campus and choose from the Half Marathon, Five Miler or 1 Mile distances. Enjoy a fall morning of running through downtown Durham, Duke University and surrounding Historic Neighborhoods. After you cross the finish line, enjoy delicious eats from a variety of delicious food trucks! The Bull...

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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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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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The 2025 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Football Championship

The road to the championship ends here! The top teams in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) battle for the 2025 CIAA... 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

The 9th Annual Liberty Arts Iron Pour

Liberty Arts is proud to announce the 9th Annual Iron Pour. The Iron Pour is one of Durham’s largest events and is always free and open to... Details

Annual Liberty Arts Iron Pour

Get ready for a fiery spectacle in Durham Central Park! This FREE event promises to dazzle audiences with its unique blend of art, fire,... Details

Lightning Strikes XVI ProAm Kickboxing & Muay Thai Fight Night

Get ready, Durham! Triangle Kickboxing Promotions proudly presents Lightning Strikes XVI – the must-see ProAm Kickboxing & Muay Thai event... Details

Downtown Durham True Crime Walking Tour

Hosted by a local historian, the Durham True Crime walking tour will surely capture your curiosity. From a mayoral candidate with a... Details

Is It Thursday Yet?

Is It Thursday Yet? is a stunning tapestry of dance, live music, and home video footage that invites audiences into the unique complexities... Details

Moon Dog Comedy Night

A hilarious and fun Stand Up Comedy Show. This show will feature the best up and coming local talent in North Carolina. Put together by the... Details

Durham Ghost Walk

Explore the spooky side of Durham's history on this tour of the city's most haunted locations. From the disgraced sons of tobacco giants... Details

Saturday Night Dance Party

Join in on the roof in downtown Durham every weekend for a Saturday Night Dance Party with the best DJs in the Triangle! Dance the night... Details

Drink, Drag, Dance, Repeat!

Every Saturday is a dance party, and every Saturday is a New ERA! Club ERA gives you a new Dj with a drag show, and a good drink to match... Details

BOOM Club: The Rail Residency

Durham, NC — BOOM Club, a new Arts Organization dedicated to providing resources for electronic musicians, is excited to announce the... Details

Durham Events Calendar

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Featured Events