Events
Inspiring FOMO since 1869
Every day of the year, there’s a festival, show, concert, book reading, sporting event, or something incredible happening in the Bull City.
Durham is where self-made synth beats are created alongside home-grown and international talent.
Where renowned hip hop artists come home to spit with our next generation of performers.
Where there’s never a need to wait for Friday night; both large and small festivals and cultural events win the hearts of wandering souls from near and far — all week long.
Each year, 5,000 classes, tours, markets, competitions and performances await you here. The key to your next adventure lies in your own curiosity. Come taste, see, hear and discover.
We know many people are looking for things to do and ways to stay engaged with the Durham community. Check out the events below or head to the blog for safe and creative ways to remain connected to Durhamites, our local partners, and other Durham-based groups.
If you have any questions, please email eventcalendar@discoverdurham.com .
Featured Events
Taylor Tomlinson
The New York Times opines, comedian Taylor Tomlinson “demonstrates tight joke writing, carefully honed act-outs and a ruthless appetite for laughs” in her second hour-long special, Look At You, now streaming on Netflix. New York Magazine adds, “Watching Tomlinson gives you the same comfort as a Swift concert or a Broadway show that’s been on for years. This is a professional. This performance will be ultra-produced. You do not need to be anxious,” and the...
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The Legacy of Love: Spring Oratorio
The performance will include three masterful contemporary compositions for choir and organ with themes of sacrifice and offering. The composers featured are Gerald Finzi, Arvo Pärt, and Kenneth Leighton.
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Les Misérables
Cameron Mackintosh presents the acclaimed production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, Les Misérables. This brilliant staging has taken the world by storm and has been hailed as “Les Mis for the 21st Century” (Huffington Post), “a reborn dream of a production” (Daily Telegraph) and “one of the greatest musicals ever created” (Chicago Tribune). Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams...
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Paperhand Puppet Intervention
For over twenty years, Donovan Zimmerman and Jan Burger have used paper-mâché, cardboard, bamboo, old house paints, cloth, and other “junk” to create incredible giant puppets, masks, shadow plays, and spectacular performances for all ages. This presentation of art, and the magic of masks and puppetry through award-winning puppeteers/artists will deliver super fun exploration of movement and an interactive engagement for all ages. The puppets are brought to life in a synergy of multiple art...
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Beetlejuice
He earned his stripes on Broadway… now the ghost-with-the-most is coming to DPAC. It’s showtime! Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. With an irreverent book, an astonishing set, and a score that’s out of this Netherworld, BEETLEJUICE is “SCREAMINGLY GOOD FUN!”...
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David Spade
David Spade has announced the 2023 dates of his ongoing comedy tour, Catch Me Inside. The comedian, actor, and television personality will be hitting cities across the country with his hilarious set. David Spade became a household favorite during his five-year stint as a cast member on NBC’s Saturday Night Live and was named the “Hot Stand-Up Comedian of the Year” by Rolling Stone Magazine. He is best known for his memorable characters including the...
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157h Anniversary Surrender Commemoration
Spirit in the Land: An Afternoon at Historic Stagville
Gather at Horton Grove at Historic Stagville for a commemorative and ecological guided walk with Vivette Jeffries Logan and Justin Robinson. The Nasher Museum and Historic Stagville co-present an afternoon of tours for all ages, inspired by the exhibition Spirit in the Land. Free Spirit in the Land postcards will be available to take home. Vivette Jeffries-Logan (Kanahabnen Tabunitckia translation: “Morning Star”) is an enrolled member of the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation, the...
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Druski
“It’s a dream come true to headline my own comedy tour,” Druski said. “I’ve been fortunate to tour alongside several of the biggest musicians in the world and get valuable experience, but now I’m ready to take the next step in my career. I’m coming off my most successful year in comedy and it’s time to show the world my growth as an entertainer.” Most recently, Druski served as the opener for Chris Brown and...
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Resurgence! A Celebration of New Music at Hayti
The Durham Symphony Orchestra and Maestro William Henry Curry will present an exciting program of four world premieres by North Carolina composers. Featured soloists will be LaToya Lain (soprano) and Maria Serkin (horn). Though representing a wide variety of styles, moods, and genres, each of these post-pandemic premieres grapples in its own way with darkness and moves toward spiritual resilience and resurgence. The program will open with the winning work from the Durham Symphony's first...
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Bill Maher
For more than twenty-five years, Bill Maher has set the boundaries of where funny, political talk can go on American television. First on “Politically Incorrect” (Comedy Central, ABC, 1993-2002), and for the last nineteen years on HBO’s “Real Time,” Maher’s combination of unflinching honesty and big laughs has garnered him 41 Emmy nominations. Maher won his first Emmy in 2014 as executive producer for the HBO series, “VICE.” In addition, Maher has written five bestsellers...
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Travis Tritt
Thirty years after Travis Tritt launched his music career, the Southern rock-influenced artist continues to sell out shows and stay true and relevant to country music fans across the globe. Continuously performing shows and withholding a heavy appearance schedule, Tritt is proving to be unstoppable. The highly abbreviated Tritt timeline started when the young Marietta, Georgia native incorporated his lifelong influences of Southern rock, blues, and gospel into his country during a honky-tonk apprenticeship that...
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South Durham Farmers' Market
The market strives to support new and growing farms and vendors in the greater Durham area, and they are also home to some of the most...
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Red Global MX is excited to bring you their first 5k Run for their Future at beautiful Herndon Park.
Red Global MX Chapter Raleigh is a...
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parkrun Durham
What is Durham NC parkrun?
A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it's up to you!...
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Little Leapers: Playtime with purpose
LEARN AND GROW THROUGH DIFFERENT TYPES OF PLAY
Little Leapers is a fun, high-energy play trampoline adventure created for parents and...
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26th Annual NCCU First Lady's Walk and Health Fair
The fun-filled morning will include a fundraising walk on the university's trails followed by opportunities for free health screenings and...
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Egg Hunt at Campus Hills Park
Egg hunters wanted! Egg Hunt begins promptly at 10:15 a.m.! Children will be divided into groups according to age. Find the golden egg to...
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Hayti Walking History Tour
So, how do you pronounce H-A-Y-T-I ? What are the Hayti Neighborhood's connections to the island of Haiti? ...to Black Wall St.? ...to the...
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Egg Hunt at West Point on the Eno
Egg hunters wanted at our 36th Annual Egg Hunt at West Point on the Eno. Children 0-12 will be divided into groups according to their age...
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Durham Master Gardener Volunteers Plant Festival
Join Durham County Cooperative Extension and other community partners for a fun and educational day. Learn about native plants, composting,...
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30×30: Art, Nature & Science
A juried art show inspired by the 30×30 global initiative. This exhibit showcases more than 40 works of art submitted to celebrate the ways...
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Zen Garden Workshop
Nailed It DIY Durham is partnering with R3 Wellness to offer zen gardens! Guests will build a 9"x9" framed solid wood piece and R3 Wellness...
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Dog-Gone Egg Hunt
Don't let your canine companion miss out on this spring tradition! Bring your dog to West Point on the Eno, where they will experience an...
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