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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makegroup

Tuesday, July 22 at 7:30 pm Wednesday, July 23 at 5:00 pm Thursday, July 24 at 7:30 pm Friday, July 25 at 5:00 pm Saturday, July 26 at... Details

Kids Night Out

Let the Museum take the kids for an evening! Drop your little ones off for a kids-only evening of hands-on fun. They’ll eat pizza, play... Details

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... Details

Friday Night Live Music on the Lawn at Bull McCabe's

Enjoy family friendly live music every Friday night from 6-9pm! There's never a cover! Each week we feature different local artists from... Details

Durham Bulls vs. Jacksonville

Meet the Budweiser Clydesdales on 7/25. 7/25 & 7/26 Fireworks. Details

Scapegoat Initiative presents "Keely and Du"

This summer, Durham welcomes a new theatrical company, Scapegoat Initiative. Founded by Durham-based actor and activist Arin Dickson,... Details

Dashi x The Floor Izakaya Sessions

Marshall Jones and thefacesblur bring deep grooves to Dashi’s izakaya—live and streaming on DanceGruv Radio. Head through for sharp... Details

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... Details

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! Details

Chilled Reds & Pizza

Eat in the outside, tented courtyard space for a laid-back evening of summer sipping and wood-fired pizza perfection. They’re spotlighting... Details

Dayton Contemporary Dance Company & Paul Taylor Dance Company

Friday, July 25 at 7:30 pm *Post-Performance Discussion Saturday, July 26 at 12:00 pm *Children’s Matinee Saturday, July 26 at 5:00 pm... Details

Bullish: A Mettlesome Sketch Comedy Show

Snag your seat for this limited run showcase where some of Mettlesome’s best performers and writers team up with Saturday Night Live Senior... Details

Durham Events Calendar

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Featured Events