Events in Durham, NC | Find Festivals, Concerts & Sporting Events

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

Third Friday in the Visitor Info Center - Durham's Historic Sites

Stop by the Visitor Info Center on Third Friday to learn about Durham's three state historic sites! Staff from Bennett Place, Duke Homestead and Historic Stagville will lead crafting activities and share about upcoming programming at the sites. Bennett Place – The home of James and Nancy Bennett, where, in April 1865, surrender papers for Confederate armies in the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida were signed. It was the largest troop surrender of the American Civil...

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Bourbon Sensory Training

Take a professionally led course on the process of tasting and evaluating bourbon. In this immersive experience, you'll have the opportunity to savor an array of Mystic bourbons. Typically, bourbons are evaluated on five characteristics: color, aroma, mouth-feel, flavor, and finish.Learn the process of training your pallet to recognize the common smells and tastes of bourbon whiskey. They will guide you through a spectrum of flavors and aromas, from the smooth and caramel-infused notes to...

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Summer Cocktail Class

Participants get a tour of the distillery, free tastings, and learn hands-on how to make some of your favorite summer cocktails. Must be 21+

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Full Moon Fever Bike Ride

Experience the American Tobacco Trail at night with the Durham Community Trail Watch group. Please note: the ride has two starting times and locations. 7:30 p.m. - Early Start Time: the early start is at 7:30 p.m. in front of Mellow Mushroom (410 Blackwell Street) in downtown Durham. That group will ride down the American Tobacco Trail and meet up with the late group that meets at 8:30 p.m. in front of Bean Traders. 8:3...

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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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Champions for Children Golf Tournament

Now in its 5th year, the Champions for Children Golf Tournament is more than just a day on the green—it's a powerful fundraiser that directly supports youth in underserved communities throughout Durham and beyond. Hosted by the 5K Foundation, this annual event raises critical funds for year-round programming, including mentorship initiatives, academic support, and the Legacy League 7v7 Football League.This tournament brings together professionals from all walks of life—from former NFL and college athletes to...

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OUTSOUTH Queer Film Festival

OUTSOUTH Queer Film Festival celebrates a worldwide glimpse of today’s LGBTQ+ life, helps bring the community together and features entertaining and sophisticated films and filmmaking.

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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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CenterFest Arts Festival

Celebrate Centerfest's 50th anniversary! Since 1974, Durham Arts Council has brought the Durham community together with an annual arts festival in the fall. As Durham’s signature fine arts festival, CenterFest showcases juried visual artists from across the country and fills multiple stages with stand-out local performers. Art shoppers are dazzled by world-class ceramics, paintings, photography, jewelry, fiber art, woodwork, glass, and more. Creators are based in Durham, the Triangle and across the country. CenterFest also...

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The Promise of Peace: Slavery's End in North Carolina

The close of the American Civil War with military surrenders at sites like Bennett Place assured the end of legal slavery in America. On the evening before the 160th anniversary of the Bennett Place surrender, join us as we commemorate and recognize the lives of over 330,000 North Carolinians enslaved during the Civil War. This program highlights experiences of enslaved and newly freed people through storytelling, music, and luminaries.

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Vegfest Expos - Food Fest

This event is all the food. Eat your way through the day while supporting many small businesses. *Free Street Parking *$10 Suggested... Details

National Ice Cream Day at LocoShop

🎉 Mark your calendars for an extra cool party for National Ice Cream Day 🍦☀️ Here’s what’s poppin:  🚒... Details

Sunday Dollar Bin Sale for Charity at Rumors

Rumors Durham will be raising money for various charities every Sunday outside the store front! We will have several bins of $1 items... Details

Public Tour of Duke Chapel

Learn about the history, architecture, and life of Duke Chapel in this tour, which is free and open to the public. The tour begins at 12:15... Details

Open Table TTRPG at Moon Dog Meadery

Game Masters and their groups can enjoy their TTRPGs at Moon Dog with no distractions from other events. . There is no table fee just bring... Details

Karate with Spider-Man

Get ready for an action-packed experience as your child trains alongside the one and only Spider-Man! This exciting event combines the... Details

Hammered Trivia at Durty Bull

Join in every Thursday and Sunday at Durty Bull for Hammered Trivia! Sunday from 2pm-4pm come bring your friends and test your knowledge on... Details

MonsterSaurus Fan Fun | Paint, Costume, And Trivia

Paint and participate in the Gaga Monster costume contest and trivia (prizes will be awarded) Arrive 30 minutes early to order your food &... Details

The Hive Hoedown – The Ultimate Beyoncé-Inspired Fan Experience

The ultimate Beyoncé-inspired fan experience returns to the Bull City, taking over the iconic Motorco Music Hall for another unforgettable... Details

Open Mic

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

Karaoke Night at the bar!

Get ready for a night full of music, laughter, and unforgettable performances at Karaoke Night! Whether you’re a seasoned singer or a... Details

Steve Jansen + Doris Dana + Streak of Tigers + Nathan Taylor

An evening of improvised music and sounds from the outer edge! Steve Jansen is a New Mexico-based sound maker whose experimental music... Details

Durham Events Calendar

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Featured Events