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 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

If you have any questions, please email eventcalendar@discoverdurham.com.

Featured Events

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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Durham Art Walk Holiday Market

Support local artists and help keep Durham’s creative spirit shining bright this holiday season! The Durham Art Walk Holiday Market returns, transforming downtown into a festive marketplace filled with fine art, handmade gifts, live music, and holiday cheer. The Durham Art Walk Holiday Market is a festive fine arts and crafts event that kicks off the holiday season in downtown Durham! The Holiday Market invites art lovers to experience a weekend featuring local artists, live...

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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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Thirst4Architecture Happy Hour

Enter GOLDEN on the form. Details

Durham Bulls FestiBull of Lights

FestiBull of Lights transforms the Durham Bulls Athletic Park into a dazzling winter wonderland! Stroll through thousands of twinkling... Details

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... Details

Vinyl Night with DJ Deckades

BYO Vinyl DJ Night & Record Pop-Up Shop. Hosted by DJ Deckades (@djdeckades) a Durham based vinyl DJ Record Pop Up Shop by Three Count... Details

Boulders & Brews Meetup

Show up and climb at TRC Durham, then head over to Hi-Wire for some brews! Bouldering begins at 6:30pm. Don't worry if it's your first time... Details

Water for Elephants - the North Carolina High School Premiere by Jordan High School Theatre

Jordan High School Theatre is proud to announce its fall production of Water for Elephants. Adapted from Sara Gruen’s acclaimed novel and... Details

Sapphic Happy Hour

Enjoy a relaxed evening of creativity, connection, and community at Durham’s newest gallery-bar hybrid in Old Five Points. What you can... Details

Decolonizing Yoga

All decolonizing yoga classes are pay what you can. Bring a yoga mat if you have one. Meet at the entrance to Duke Park on Knox St. With... Details

Unisong: Guided Song Circle

What medicine does your heart need? Perhaps your soul cries out to sing and clap in joy, to grieve trom your very depths, to shout in anger... Details