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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                    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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            Crafternoons 
        
                
        
            Crafternoons - All day event. Free pint with purchase of craft box. Choose from a variety of craft packages available for all ages.
            
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            Nailed It DIY - Build It Event 
        
                
        
            Every fourth Saturday Nailed It reserves time for adults to build the project of the month. Art Tenders will guide you, step by step, to...
            
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            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...
            
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            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...
            
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            Downtown Durham True Crime Walking Tour 
        
                
        
            Hosted by a local historian, the Durham True Crime walking tour will surely capture your curiosity. From a mayoral candidate with a...
            
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            John Scofield Trio featuring Vicente Archer and Bill Stewart 
        
                
        
            Over the last four decades, trio format is John Scofield’s favorite mode of expression. The John Scofield Trio brings together Scofield on...
            
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            Durham Ghost Walk 
        
                
        
            Explore the spooky side of Durham's history on this tour of the city's most haunted locations. From the disgraced sons of tobacco giants...
            
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            Saturday Night Dance Party 
        
                
        
            Join in on the roof in downtown Durham every weekend for a Saturday Night Dance Party with the best DJs in the Triangle! Dance the night...
            
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            Drink, Drag, Dance, Repeat! 
        
                
        
            Every Saturday is a dance party, and every Saturday is a New ERA! Club ERA gives you a new Dj with a drag show, and a good drink to match...
            
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            Jazz Brunch at Lula & Sadie's 
        
                
        
            Experience the vibrant pulse of live jazz music at Lula & Sadie's Sunday Brunch! Every week the soulful melodies and rhythmic beats create...
            
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            Yoga @ The Winery 
        
                
        
            A Great Way To Celebrate The End of Summer. Go for yoga and stay for view, food trucks & refreshments.
 
What to expect
Imagining doing...
            
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            Sunday Dollar Bin Sale for Charity at Rumors 
        
                
        
            Rumors Durham will be raising money for various charities every Sunday outside the store front! 
We will have several bins of $1 items...
            
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