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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Saint Luke’s Pumpkin Patch
Kids of all ages love A PUMPKIN PATCH. Treat your kids and yourself to a good time at St. Luke’s Pumpkin Patch which runs from October 4th...
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Jenny Blazing: Beyond
5 Points Gallery is pleased to present "Jenny Blazing: Beyond" an exhibition of abstract landscapes where edges become places of change,...
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History Exhibit: Made in the Triangle: The Story of RTP
This exhibit explores Research Triangle Park’s evolution from its founding to future plans, highlighting key milestones, community...
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Art Exhibition - Sam van Strien: Traces of Displacement
Durham Art Guild presents Traces of Displacement, an exhibition of works by Sam van Strien, developed during his 2024–25 residency at...
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Art Exhibition — Human Landscapes, the Mystery of the Mark
North Carolina Central University (NCCU) and the Eric Kelly Museum are proud to announce a major exhibition celebrating the extraordinary...
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Sip and Scare: Halloween Drinks Week
Desiring something different to drink? Get spooky with Halloween Drinks Week! Go for the cocktails and stay for the Halloween vibes....
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SIX
From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a...
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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...
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Walking Club with Bull City Strollers
Join The Bull City Strollers every Thursday for a beer and a walk! Meet at the Jug at 5:30pm then go for a 30-40 minute stroll downtown...
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Magick Makers Pop-Up
Calling All Witches, Mystics & Magical Souls 🔮✨
Whether you practice year-round or get a little extra magical around Halloween —...
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Boos, Books, and Cigars
A Halloween Fundraiser – A night of cocktails, small plates, rooftop cigar lounge, costumes, fun & spooky charm supporting literacy.
Step...
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Durham Arts & Culture Candidates Forum
Hear from local mayoral and city council candidates as they share their views on arts funding, public art, cultural equity, youth programs...
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