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, Durham-grown events per year. Event organizers, small businesses and other organizations put together events like concerts, social gatherings, fund raisers, fairs, festivals and more, all designed for connection and sharing of cultures. 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
Biscuits & Banjos presents: a Day of Free Programming
Free daytime presentations and conversations, followed by the Evening Frolic of music and dance. Tickets are free, advance registration is required.
Details
Ichiko Aoba
Since Ichiko Aoba’s 2010 debut, “Razorblade Maiden,” the Japanese singer-songwriter-multi-instrumentalist has released seven albums, founded her independent label hermine, and has performed in a growing list of territories worldwide. Her music, often composed on just her classical guitar or a simple synthesizer, is simultaneously intimate and boundless; fragile and unyielding; virtuosic and understated.
With Special Guest: Charlie Martin
Details
Garmin Marathon Durham
5K, 10K, half-marathon and full-marathon races Course highlights include: Start at the historic American Tobacco Campus Scenic Watts Street with landmark buildings and well-preserved early 1900s homes Runners will jump on the American Tobacco Trail full of culture and history All distances will finish on Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium on the Duke University campus, with all the pomp and circumstance of a regular college dayShuttle services will be provided from the finish line...
Details
Sunset Paddle on Falls Lake
Enjoy a relaxed evening on the water as you paddle out to watch the sunset. As the sun disappears below the horizon, spend some time soaking in the colors and sounds of the evening before slowly making your way back to shore. Discover the sights and sounds of the early evening hours on this relaxing and fun paddle. Beginners welcome, but a basic knowledge of how to steer your boat is encouraged. Frog Hollow also...
Details
That Motown Band
That Motown Band brings together a remarkable ensemble of talented vocalists and musicians dedicated to keeping the Motown spirit alive. For years, they’ve been captivating audiences with their incredible performances and timeless music. Come and experience the timeless magic of Motown music like never before!Joining the Motown Band is Garfield Fleming. Garfield is a Soul Singing Vocalist of legendary status having been a member of The Delfonics for 25 years with William Hart. Garfield’s obvious...
Details
Chelsea Handler
Chelsea Handler is a comedian, television host, and seven-time New York Times best-selling author whose humor and candor have established her as one of the most celebrated voices in entertainment and pop culture. After a strong seven-year run as the host of E!’s top-rated Chelsea Lately, a tenure in which she was the only female late-night talk show host on-air, she launched her documentary series Chelsea Does, followed by her talk show Chelsea on Netflix...
Details
Letters to America
“Letters to America” is the culminating event of the Durham Symphony Orchestra’s (DSO) 50th Anniversary season. Join them for a landmark event celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and 50 years of the DSO serving the community, promoting music education and uplifting the love and legacy of American Classical Music! The event brings together DSO’s community and arts partners, the Pauli Murray Center, Hayti Heritage Center, North Carolina Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton...
Details
An Evening with David Byrne
David Byrne returns to the road with a brand-new live show in support of his latest album Who Is the Sky?, Byrne’s first album since releasing the acclaimed 2018 American Utopia, which was later adapted into a hit Broadway musical and HBO film. It was produced by the Grammy-winning Kid Harpoon (Harry Styles, Miley Cyrus), while its 12 songs were arranged by the members of New York-based chamber ensemble Ghost Train Orchestra. Guests include Paramore’s...
Details
HAMILTON
America's #1 Musical A revolutionary story of passion, unstoppable ambition, and the dawn of a new nation. HAMILTON is the epic saga that follows the rise of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton as he fights for honor, love, and a legacy that would shape the course of a nation. Based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography and set to a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway, HAMILTON has had a profound impact on culture, politics...
Details
Durham African American History Guided Tour
Durham is the home of a litany of African American historic sites. Whether you want to learn about architects, artists, athletes, or...
Details
Vaat - a musical conversation
Leela Foundation Presents: Vaat - A Musical Conversation with Hardik Chauhan
“Vaat”—the Gujarati word for conversation is more than a...
Details
Beer Garden Concert Series - featuring Joe Hero
Ready to rock out in the beer garden? Don't make it "Everlong" until you go to Glass Jug RTP!
Joe Hero is the ultimate Foo Fighters...
Details
Young at Heart Gala & Auction
The Young at Heart Gala is a celebration of the joy, connection, and vitality that keep Durham’s older adults thriving. Join us for an...
Details
Killer Keyz Dueling Piano Dinner @ Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club
For one night only, the Killer Keyz Dueling Pianos will take the stage at the AAA Four Diamond Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club for an...
Details
Downtown Durham True Crime Walking Tour
Hosted by a local historian, the Durham True Crime walking tour will surely capture your curiosity. From a mayoral candidate with a...
Details
Music on Mangum feat Island Moons at Durham Beer Garden
Free. Family Friendly. Live music at Durham Beer Garden every Saturday 6-9pm on the lawn.
Details
Symbiosis Jazz Duo at Ramblers
Symbiosis Jazz Duo (saxophone and upright bass) will perform.
Details
House Party ft. Advanced Study Short Form Improv Students
House Party features a cast of improvisers as they bring your suggestions to the life for a hilarious good time. (Don’t worry, they’ll...
Details
An Evening With: Victor Jones
Victor Jones is a dance rock singer/songwriter based in Brooklyn, NY. He plays music for mental breakdowns that can only be resolved with a...
Details
Bett Padgett LIVE @ Sacred Grounds Coffeehouse, Durham
“Bett Padgett is an award-winning songwriter and a true “edutainer,” fusing history and music to tell stories with wit, heart, and...
Details
The NC Youth Tap Ensemble live at the Carolina Theatre with Star Dixon
Join the North Carolina Youth Tap Ensemble and special guest Star Dixon for Resonance, an exploration of sound, movement, and legacy....
Details