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.

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

Full Moon Fever Bike Ride

Experience the American Tobacco Trail at night with the Durham Community Trail Watch group. Please note: the ride has two starting times and locations. 7:30 p.m. - Early Start Time: the early start is at 7:30 p.m. in front of Mellow Mushroom (410 Blackwell Street) in downtown Durham. That group will ride down the American Tobacco Trail and meet up with the late group that meets at 8:30 p.m. in front of Bean Traders. 8:3...

Details

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.

Details

Bourbon Sensory Training

Take a professionally led course on the process of tasting and evaluating bourbon. In this immersive experience, you'll have the opportunity to savor an array of Mystic bourbons. Typically, bourbons are evaluated on five characteristics: color, aroma, mouth-feel, flavor, and finish.Learn the process of training your pallet to recognize the common smells and tastes of bourbon whiskey. They will guide you through a spectrum of flavors and aromas, from the smooth and caramel-infused notes to...

Details

Summer Cocktail Class

Participants get a tour of the distillery, free tastings, and learn hands-on how to make some of your favorite summer cocktails. Must be 21+

Details

Champions for Children Golf Tournament

Now in its 5th year, the Champions for Children Golf Tournament is more than just a day on the green—it's a powerful fundraiser that directly supports youth in underserved communities throughout Durham and beyond. Hosted by the 5K Foundation, this annual event raises critical funds for year-round programming, including mentorship initiatives, academic support, and the Legacy League 7v7 Football League.This tournament brings together professionals from all walks of life—from former NFL and college athletes to...

Details

OUTSOUTH Queer Film Festival

OUTSOUTH Queer Film Festival celebrates a worldwide glimpse of today’s LGBTQ+ life, helps bring the community together and features entertaining and sophisticated films and filmmaking.

Details

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...

Details

CenterFest Arts Festival

Celebrate Centerfest's 50th anniversary! Since 1974, Durham Arts Council has brought the Durham community together with an annual arts festival in the fall. As Durham’s signature fine arts festival, CenterFest showcases juried visual artists from across the country and fills multiple stages with stand-out local performers. Art shoppers are dazzled by world-class ceramics, paintings, photography, jewelry, fiber art, woodwork, glass, and more. Creators are based in Durham, the Triangle and across the country. CenterFest also...

Details

The Promise of Peace: Slavery's End in North Carolina

The close of the American Civil War with military surrenders at sites like Bennett Place assured the end of legal slavery in America. On the evening before the 160th anniversary of the Bennett Place surrender, join us as we commemorate and recognize the lives of over 330,000 North Carolinians enslaved during the Civil War. This program highlights experiences of enslaved and newly freed people through storytelling, music, and luminaries.

Details

Giant Robot Fight Club

Giant Robot Fight Club is exactly what it sounds like. Regular people dress up in cardboard and duct tape robot suits and fight for cash,... Details

First Friday Latin Nights at The Velvet Hippo!

Head out to a favorite tropical escape in Downtown Durham for First Friday Latin Nights! Every month, DJ Synko heats up the dance floor,... Details

Karaoke at Flying Bull Beer Company

Sing karaoke with your friends, guaranteed good time! Details

Hush Hush Improv Comedy

Join Hush Hush for a special comedy show full of deep laughs and true revelations. Each show, audience members add their anonymous... Details

Freaky Fridays

Every Friday when the clock strikes 10pm Club ERA turns into Durhams only Gay, Queer, Trans nightclub and Bar. So get your slippers on and... Details

Downtown Durham Food Tour with Taste Carolina

Durham is about cutting edge culture and fantastic food. Taste Carolina food tours highlight the restaurants, shops and people that are... Details

Casual Chaos: 4 Person Silly Smash Bros. Ultimate Casual Video Game Competition

Play or spectate, hop in and out as you please, and try out a game you might not have at home. No matter your age, identity, or skill level... Details

Storytime at Barnes and Noble

All ages are welcome! Brief activity to follow. Usually 11 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. Call or check the schedule. Details

The Brunch Society

Every weekend, Missy Lane’s curates a high-style gathering of sound, flavor, and soulful connection. Welcome to The Brunch Society—where... Details

Guided Spirits Tasting Tour

Join a brand ambassador from Liberty & Plenty Distillery for a guided tour of the production facility and rickhouse in Downtown Durham to... Details

Durham Farmers’ Market

The Durham Farmers’ Market offers locally grown fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, cut flowers, artisanal cheeses and breads, home-baked... Details

Cars and Coffee

One of the Southeast's largest & most prestigious monthly auto events. As always, all cars, trucks, and motorcycles are welcome. Details

Durham Events Calendar

Submit an Event to our Calendar

Featured Events