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

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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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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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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African American Dance Ensemble Kwanzaafest

Kwanzaa Fest is more than just a gathering; it’s a time to honor African American culture and values, including unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. It's also a time for reflection and celebration, with communal feasts and gatherings that bring together family and friends. Performances start at 2:00 pm.

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Branford Marsalis Quartet

Saxophonist Branford Marsalis is one of the most influential and revered figures in contemporary music. The NEA Jazz Master, GRAMMY Award... 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

Trivia at Beer Study Durham

Trivia with alternating hosts Nick & Nikko for categories can include current events, music ID, movies, TV, books, geography, history,... Details

Old School Bingo Night – Every Wednesday Night

Think you’ve got the winning card? Join FREE-TO-PLAY BINGO, every Wednesday at 7pm, where the prizes are real, the drinks are flowin’, and... Details

Guided Tour of Pauli Murray's Childhood Home

Explore the childhood home of a twentieth-century human rights activist, legal scholar, author, labor organizer, poet, Episcopal priest,... Details

Wine Wednesday! Free Wine Tasting

Join wine experts and taste your way through different regions, styles, grapes, & whatever other themes we can create! Each Wednesday Beer... Details

Crank Arm DURHAM Wednesday Night Ride

It's the Wednesday night ride! This is a no drop 10 to 15 mile ride and we ride roughly an hour depending on the route. Please note... Details

Brett Chambers Open Mic

Very limited, properly spaced seating inside.First come, first serve.ALSO will stream on Brett’s Open Mic FB page. Details

Hammered Trivia at Hi-Wire

Weekly trivia at hi wire from 7-9 on Wednesdays Details

Music Mashup Trivia

Music Mashup Trivia by Not Rocket Science Details

Pinball Tournament

Arrive by 6:45pm on the 4th Wednesday of every month to claim your seat to compete in a monthly pinball tournament hosted by the Triangle... Details

Signature Wine Tasting

Join ZincHouse Wine Director, Dave, as he takes you on a journey through five signature wine offerings throughout a 45 minute session. Your... Details

Durham Events Calendar

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Featured Events