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

'Twas the Night Before...

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE… is Cirque du Soleil’s first holiday show, based on the classic poem “A Visit from Saint Nicolas” by Clement Clarke Moore. Memorable lines from this cherished classic inspired Cirque’s story about a jaded young girl who rediscovers the magic of the holidays. A festive flurry of love and cheer created especially for families, ‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE… features thrilling acrobatics, lovable characters - and a soundtrack including holiday classics re-invented by...

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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. Stop by the Visitor Info Center at 212 W. Main St. for free cider, Santa hats and more. Saturday, December 14, 2024, 10 a.m. Downtown Durham - Main Street Free EventRain or Shine

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Durham Patchwork Holiday Market

The Patchwork Market is a market in Durham that features makers and vintage vendors. This market gives the community a chance to meet the makers who create the goods that you buy. There will be over 70 vendors at the market, so this will be a great chance to do your holiday shopping and support local artisans and businesses.

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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...

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A Christmas Carol

The Triangle's Favorite Holiday Tradition returns! Ira David Wood III’s musical comedy adaptation, A Christmas Carol, returns to DPAC for six performances on December 18 - 22, 2024. Cited as "one of the most successful shows in North Carolina theater history," this wonderful holiday classic is brought to life with great songs and tremendous heart. Celebrating over 50 years, this Broadway quality production turns the tale of Scrooge into a joyous musical comedy, packed full...

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A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland

“Jingle Jigs, Reels a Treat.” Ken Longworth – The Newcastle Herald Direct from its Off-Broadway season, A Taste of Ireland - The Irish Music & Dance Sensation, presents its holiday spectacular, A Celtic Christmas. Prepare to be enchanted with some of the world’s ﬁnest Irish dancers and musicians bringing the spirit of Christmas to life, in a show that will make you laugh, cry, and sing into the night. After captivating audiences across New York...

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African American Dance Ensemble Kwanzaafest

Join the African American Dance Ensemble for their 39th Kwanzaa celebration! The focus will be on the principle of Imani, which represents Faith. It’s a time to wholeheartedly believe in community and the justness of community struggles. Kwanzaa is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate African American culture and values, such as unity, self-determination, collective responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. It’s also a moment for reflection and joy, featuring communal feasts and gatherings that...

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NC MLK Black History Month Parade

Marching bands, step/dance teams, sororities/fraternities, antique cars, mascots, and more! Elaine O'Neal will be the Grand Marshal.

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Solstice: A Winter Circus Experience

Embark on an acrobatic journey with “Solstice: a Winter Circus Experience.” This captivating circus show unfolds the story of a character who has lost his inner light, plunging him into a wondrous and surreal world where memories come to life and the ordinary becomes ‘extra’ordinary. “Solstice” blends over 8 acrobatic acts with lighting, costumes, music, scenery, and snow to create a unique blend of poetry and circus in a 75-minute show! “Solstice” is an unforgettable...

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Biscuits & Banjos Festival

GRAMMY & Pulitzer Prize-winning artist Rhiannon Giddens’ new festival is dedicated to the celebration and exploration of Black music, art and culture in her home state of North Carolina. Biscuits & Banjos is a 3-day festival to exchange ideas, expand conversations, uplift traditions, and trace the musical and geographical connections of old time, country, Americana, folk, jazz and blues to highlight their complicated origins. The festival will champion Black artists and creators, offering robust musical...

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Cosmic Baseball Takeover Tour

'Twas the Night Before...

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE… is Cirque du Soleil’s first holiday show, based on the classic poem “A Visit from Saint Nicolas” by Clement Clarke... Details

A Special Festive Dinner Before the Show!

Celebrate the season with an elevated holiday-inspired menu featuring festive red-and-green touches throughout. This special three-course... Details

Scrap Paper Shakespeare presents: Arabella

This delightful new play by Claire F Martin adapts Charlotte Lennox's 1752 novel, The Female Quixote, into a fabulous, funny, and feminist... Details

Freaky Friday Dance Party!

One thing about it, is you know you are the baddest “B around, so why not tip toe through Durham’s sexiest Queer nightclub with that killer... Details

Drive Thru Christmas

Looking for a fun, safe, beautiful, and inspirational Christmas experience? Christian Assembly Church in Durham presents Drive-Thru... Details

Holidays in the Park

Enjoy a memorable stroll with your loved ones through some of the Museum of Life + Science outdoor and indoor spaces on evenings in... Details

Durham Community Day

On Durham Community Days, Durham County residents get in free with current proof of residence. All adults must have Durham residency to get... Details

Tasting at Ten

Tasting at Ten is a free coffee tasting hosted by Counter Culture Coffee at the roastery, every Friday at 10am. A new coffee is featured... Details

Holiday Model Train Show

Watch as ten model trains travel through the State Fair, Winter Town, Spooky Town and more! Details

$1.50 Oysters at Alley Twenty Six

Durham’s Alley Twenty Six is now offering $1.50 raw oyster special from 4-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays. A selection of oysters are sourced from... Details

Christmas by Candlelight at Duke Homestead (Night 2)

Kick off your holiday season with this annual favorite on December 1st! Enjoy live Christmas music, dancing, singing, holiday cookies, and... Details

Friday Night Live: Dub Lorenzo

Dub Lorenzo plays pulsating instrumental dub reggae influenced by Jamaican classics, rhythmic jazz and melodic pop alongside their hypnotic... Details

Durham Events Calendar

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Featured Events