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

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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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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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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African American Dance Ensemble Kwanzaafest

Kwanzaa Fest is more than just a gathering; it’s a time to honor African American culture and values, including unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. It's also a time for reflection and celebration, with communal feasts and gatherings that bring together family and friends. Performances start at 2:00 pm.

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Jason Isbell

Six-time Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Jason Isbell is one of the most respected and celebrated artists of his generation. The North Alabama native possesses an incredible penchant for identifying and articulating some of the deepest, yet simplest, human emotions, and turning them into beautiful poetry through song. Isbell sings of the everyday human condition with thoughtful, heartfelt, and sometimes brutal honesty. After releasing multiple critically-acclaimed albums, appearing in an Academy Award-nominated film, Killers of the Flower...

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Fall Native plant Swap

Join multiple community partners for a fall community native plant swap! With a special focus on native plants, bring your native... 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

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

Tobacco Road Presents: Screen & Craft

Tobacco Road Festival Summit’s “Screen&Craft” is an exhibition that highlights premiere film showcasings & exclusive discussions, providing... 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

Ms. Full-Figured North Carolina Pageant

Ms. Full-Figured NC Pageant showcases the accomplishments of today's full-figured woman, as well as their commitment to self-love,... Details

Durham Twilight Market

The MAKRS Society presents: Durham Twilight: a night market series. Featuring local vendors, a live DJ, performances by Dakota Fox... Details

Mystic & Magic presents Distilled Deceptions

Enjoy a great night of cocktails and magic! Distilled Deceptions is performed by a trio of professional magicians called the Carolina... Details

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... Details

Outdoor Movie Screening — Drumline

Bring your own picnic blanket or chair. No alcohol or smoking allowed. Part of the Fall Movies in the Park Series. Details

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... Details

Blind Tigers Live Band Karaoke

Think you’ve got karaoke game? Swagger like Mick Jagger swagger? Slay like Beyonce?Well ditch that old digital canned karaoke music, cuz... Details

Durham Events Calendar

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Featured Events