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

SplatterFlix Film Series

It’s exactly what you think it is: the goriest, scariest horror movies ever made, re-animated by Retro Film Series for screening over a three-day weekend.

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Third Friday in the Visitor Info Center: Beer Tasting with Fullsteam Brewing

Stop by the Visitor Info Center on Third Friday for a free slice of pizza, beer samples from Fullsteam Brewing and expert Durham recommendations. You can also earn another Bull City Beer Challenge check-in!*Pizza and beer samples while supplies last. You must be at least 21 years old to sample beers. Afterwards, continue your night visiting downtown art galleries and other Third Friday events!

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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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Nasher Museum 20th Anniversary Celebration

Help celebrate the Nasher Museum’s 20th anniversary and the grand opening of the Nancy A. Nasher and David J. Haemisegger Family Sculpture Garden! This exciting milestone will feature four special exhibitions on view, including Everything Now All At Once, which highlights bold and innovative works from the Nasher’s contemporary art collection.Guests can enjoy art-making stations, interactive learning experiences, hands-on activities, and special performances throughout the day. A variety of local food and beverage options will...

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Blacktoberfest

Black Brew Culture's amazing celebration of beer, food, art and entertainment. This year’s festival features 20 breweries and collaborators, plus six Black-owned wine and spirits brands. Add to that 30 vendors, food trucks, and a full entertainment stage, and you’ve got the makings of an East Durham block party you won’t want to miss.

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Bull City Race Fest and Food Truck Rodeo

Experience the brand NEW 2025 Race Routes! This festival has something for the fastest runners and families alike. Start and Finish at Diamond View Park at the American Tobacco Campus and choose from the Half Marathon, Five Miler or 1 Mile distances. Enjoy a fall morning of running through downtown Durham, Duke University and surrounding Historic Neighborhoods. After you cross the finish line, enjoy delicious eats from a variety of delicious food trucks! The Bull...

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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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Diana Ross

Diana Ross is a consummate performer, as well as one of the most iconic female singers of all time and one of the most prominent women in popular music history and pop culture of the late 20th century. Diana Ross’ famed and remarkable career spanning almost five decades has resulted in major awards, accolades and music history milestones. Her international achievements were acknowledged by the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors in December 2007 in Washington DC...

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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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Trivia Night

The very popular weekly trivia night hosted by Pickle continues for another season every Wednesday night! Kick it with your friends and... Details

Haunted Honkytonk Party

Put on your best costume and get ready to dance the night away to some creeptastic tunes. Learn some boot scootin’ country dances that’ll... Details

Frail Talk @ Rubies

Frail Talk, squiggly indie band, with Emma Geiger Formed in the foothills of Northern Colorado in early 2020, Alex Woodchek and Cor... 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

Twilight in Concert

Experience the legendary romance saga with this epic film-to-concert event – featuring the original movie accompanied by a sensational live... Details

Ally J on the Roof

The Durham is hosting performances from Durham’s own Ally J on the Roof once a month, March through October. The Roof is open from 5-11pm... Details

English Country Dance

Beginners welcome; all dances taught; no partner necessary.Live music on 2nd & 4th Wednesdays.Gender-free calling.Bring non-street shoes or... Details

Karaoke at Moon Dog Meadery

Join Moon Dog Meadery and Host Leo Flounoy for a night of judgement-free karaoke! Details

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... Details

An Evening with Nnenna Freelon: Conversation and Book Launch

Join Durham’s beloved jazz vocalist Nnenna Freelon for the launch of her new memoir, Beneath the Skin of Sorrow: Improvisations on Loss... Details

KCBC Tap Spotlight

Kings County Brewers Collective (KCBC) began when a motley crew of Brooklyn-based brewers decided to join forces to create a new brewery &... Details

Opening Reception — Human Landscapes, the Mystery of the Mark

Join an immersive opening celebration. Guests will have the rare opportunity to meet Dr. Kelly, view interactive light and sound... Details

Durham Events Calendar

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Featured Events