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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                    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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            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...
            
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            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...
            
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            Hammered Trivia at Durty Bull 
        
                
        
            Hammered Trivia at Durty Bull every Thursday from 7pm-9pm and every Sunday from 2pm-4pm. Join in on the patio for two hours of fun trivia...
            
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            Eagles Nest Jam featuring NCCU Jazz 
        
                
        
            This Thursday night jazz jam session features Durham's award-winning and internationally recognized NCCU jazz studies program.
            
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            Board Game Night at Moon Dog Meadery 
        
                
        
            Join the Durham Community Board Game night meet up group for a night of board games. All are welcome!
Check out one of Moon Dog's many...
            
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            Thursday Trivia at Baryo 
        
                
        
            A fun, free night of Trivia hosted by Geeks Who Drink. Every Thursday at 7pm.
            
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            Crank Arm Durham Presents:Level up and Sip 
        
                
        
            Tired of the same old weeknight routine? Looking for a fun, relaxed way to connect with friends and fellow game enthusiasts? Then Level Up...
            
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            Trivia Night w/Big Slow Tom 
        
                
        
            Join Clouds Durham for Big Slow Tom's Trivia Night, every THURSDAY at 7:30pm. Win some prizes, drink some beer, & show your smarts. 
Enjoy...
            
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            Music Trivia Bingo with Stormie Daie! 
        
                
        
            Join your Durham neighbors every Thursday night for Music Trivia Bingo with the one and only Stormie Daie! Grab a table with your crew and...
            
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            Queer-Eoke 
        
                
        
            It’s Karaoke but Queer as “F” oh and straight people are always welcome!
So let’s sing, lets drink, lets kiki, lets snack, and let’s make...
            
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            Holiday Cocktails & Treats at The Durham 
        
                
        
            Get in the holiday spirit as you enjoy festive cocktails and house-made treats on the Roof and in the Coffee Bar, all decked out with our...
            
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