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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Yaki Tuesday
In Japanese, “yaki” means grilled or fired, and these vegetable and meat skewers are a favorite. Cooked over a coal-fired grill and made...
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Gentle Yoga Flow
Join You Call This Yoga for a no cost gentle mat class that is a full body practice for functional movement and stress management. You will...
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BYOV w/ Jaffar (Bring Your Own Vinyl Night)
Want to share your dope taste in music with fellow audiophiles? Love hearing new music from area music geeks with eclectic tastes? Hang...
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The Glass Jog Run Club - Winter Series
The weather has cooled off, but Run Club is just warming up! Meet at the the Parkwood Ballpark parking lot and join your fellow runners for...
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Women on the Wall
This 1-hour meetup will explore the adventure of climbing in a close and supportive atmosphere. Learn to focus your attention on your...
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Adult Coloring Night
Grab a drink from the bar and swing by the art table to grab a page and fill a cup with the supplies you need. It's totally FREE and...
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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...
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Trivia at Beer Study Durham
Trivia with alternating hosts Nick & Nikko for categories can include current events, music ID, movies, TV, books, geography, history,...
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Not Rocket Science Trivia
🤙 Get ready to kickstart an epic weekly trivia sesh, my friends! 🤙
DSSOLVR Durham's Weekly Trivia is about to blast off,...
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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...
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Video Game Night at Moon Dog Meadery
Calling all Gamers! Hang out and play some video games (Rock Band, DDR, Retro Games, Fighting Games and more!), and sip on some delicious...
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Time to break the boring cycle.
Join in every Tuesday for fun and exciting trivia game with Hammered Trivia at Crank Arm DURHAM. There...
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