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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Halloween Weekend Beer Brat Grill Out at Ponysaurus Brewing Co.
They're firing up the grill for a special Halloween weekend! 🎃🌭 Friday, October 31, and Saturday, November 1, starting at...
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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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BooFest
Feeling brave? Celebrate BooFest at the Museum of Life and Science, if you dare! Monstrous science explorations, creepy crafts, themed...
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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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Artist Talk: Peter Schmid at Hamilton Hill Jewelry
Pre-game your HHalloween at Hamilton Hill Jewelry in Brightleaf Square!
Join a lively conversation with artist-designer Peter Schmid of...
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Friday Co-Working Social
Join in for a fun-filled Friday Co-Working and Networking Social at The Glass Jug Beer Lab - Downtown Durham! You've made it to Friday,...
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Trick-or-Treating at the Lakewood Shopping Center
(EARLY) Trick-or-Treating at the Lakewood Shopping Center Is Back Y’all!
Join in for some spooky, sweet fun! Seven of your favorite...
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Book or Treat with Book Harvest
Get ready for a spine-tingling afternoon of Halloween fun!
Join an unforgettable celebration featuring free books for all ages,...
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Boxcar Halloween Party
It's giving trick-or-treat, on repeat! Get your ghoul gang together for a celebration of all things spooky & sweet - the ghoul times roll...
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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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Grace Church Fall Festival
Enjoy a family friendly festival that offers fun for all ages! The evening will offer games, rides, food, a family movie, "Trunk or Treat",...
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Delta Zeta Sigma - Trunk or Treat
Join the Delta Zeta Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. for their annual Trunk or Treat on the campus of W.G. Pearson Magnet...
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