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
Handel’s Messiah
Since 1933, Handel’s Messiah has been the fulcrum of the Chapel’s concert life and a cherished Duke holiday tradition. Handel’s masterwork traces the history of humanity’s divine redemption through Christ’s birth, death, and resurrection, in music that is both treasured and timeless. This year Messiah will be performed with period instruments and Baroque-era tuning, as Handel himself would have heard it. Each performance will last approximately two hours and fifteen minutes with intermission. Seat cushions...
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Holiday Cookie & Cocktail Pairing Class
Explore complementary flavors and aromas in the world of cookies and cocktails. Learn to create harmonious and balanced combinations that bring out the best in both! Each participant will also get a tour of the distillery.
Must be 21+
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Holiday Cocktail Class
Participants get a tour of the distillery, free tastings, and learn hands-on how to make some of your favorite holiday cocktails.
Must be 21+
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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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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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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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Jason Isbell
Six-time Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Jason Isbell is one of the most respected and celebrated artists of his generation. The North Alabama native possesses an incredible penchant for identifying and articulating some of the deepest, yet simplest, human emotions, and turning them into beautiful poetry through song. Isbell sings of the everyday human condition with thoughtful, heartfelt, and sometimes brutal honesty. After releasing multiple critically-acclaimed albums, appearing in an Academy Award-nominated film, Killers of the Flower...
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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...
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Cosmic Baseball Takeover Tour
Karaoke at Moon Dog Meadery
Join Moon Dog Meadery and Host Leo Flounoy for a night of judgement-free karaoke!
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Air Hockey Tournament
Arrive by 7:45pm Wednesdays to claim your seat to compete in a weekly air hockey tournament.
It’s FREE to play.Must be 21+Prizes will be...
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The Art of Eggnog @ JB Duke Hotel
Join JB Duke Hotel General Manager and bon vivant Don Ball for a festive evening at the AAA Four Diamond property’s stylish Lobby Lounge....
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Holiday Music Series: Al Strong
Enjoy a special Holiday Edition of Al Strong Presents, featuring Durham’s own two-time Grammy-nominated trumpet player, composer, recording...
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Triangle Youth Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker
A hometown tradition since 1995, the Triangle Youth Ballet presents “The Nutcracker.” Featuring a cast of over 100 and live music by the...
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Holiday Tea @ Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club
Each guest enjoys a personal pot of loose-leaf tea from The Republic of Tea, with blends such as Earl Grey, Rose Petal and Blueberry...
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Dark Side of Delirium
Delirium is back, baby, for a turn to the darkside.
Glass Jug will be featuring the seasonal trilogy lineup on draft:
Delirium Nocturnum...
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Durham Holiday Night Market
Holiday Shopping under the iconic Lucky Strike water tower.☃️💃🏽DrinksFull Steam...
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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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Durham Bulls FestiBull of Lights
FestiBull of Lights transforms the Durham Bulls Athletic Park into a dazzling winter wonderland! Stroll through thousands of twinkling...
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Holiday Art Swap
A free and exciting gathering for artists and art enthusiasts to come together, connect, and share their creativity. Bring a piece of your...
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Date Night DIY
Couples are invited to the studio for some time together doing a project or making home decor. They have lots of great couple-themed items...
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