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

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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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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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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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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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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Fall Flavors Tasting with Dr. LOV

This tasting will be delving into white wines that get a bit more weight and body than the lighter styles enjoyed during the hot summer... Details

Mahjong Lesson

Ever wondered about the game of MahJong? Kickstart your journey into the world of this tile game with a hands-on class designed to build... Details

Blacktoberfest

Black Brew Culture's amazing celebration of beer, food, art and entertainment. This year’s festival features 20 breweries and... Details

Casual Karting, Spooky Edition at Gizmo Brew Works

Four person Mario Kart World casual video game competition, all ages welcome. Featuring a costume contest only for October! Show up in your... Details

SEEDS Fall Festival

Fall Festival & Chili Cook-Off! Celebrate the season with your community! Enjoy an afternoon of: 🍁Homemade chilis... Details

Historic Downtown Durham Guided Walking Tour

The history of Durham is hidden beneath your feet! Join a tour of the history of Downtown Durham: From the Tobacco District to Five Points... Details

"Forever Home-Brew" Beer Release & IAR Dog Adoption Event

Looking for a new furry friend AND a new favorite beer? Then come on out for the release of "Forever Home-Brew" Double IPA and dog... Details

Hallow-Eno

An evening full of fun for the whole family! Designed particularly for children ages 12 and younger, this special event features campfire... Details

The Hellstrom Chronicle (Ed Spiegel and Walon Green, 1971)

The Hellstrom Chronicle(Ed Spiegel and Walong Green, 1971, 90 min, USA, English, Digital)"Perhaps one of the strangest films to ever win... Details

Bull City Boos Fest

Join The MAKRS Society for their 4th annual Halloween Festival at Durham Central Park. Costumes Encouraged! Make sure to read the entire... Details

An afternoon dedicated to the sound, soul, and spirit of D’Angelo. The experience honors Neo-Soul culture with live energy, warm... 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

Durham Events Calendar

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Featured Events