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

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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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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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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Live Music at Hub RTP: DaShawn Hickman

Music is coming to Hub RTP! Help break in the new Hub stage with a performance by DaShawn Hickman, one of today's foremost Sacred Steel... Details

Wine Wednesday! Free Wine Tasting

Join wine experts and taste your way through different regions, styles, grapes, & whatever other themes we can create! Each Wednesday Beer... Details

Duke Football Radio Show and Tailgate Dinner at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club

The Duke Football Radio Show is back at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club, and you’re invited to be part of the action! From now through... Details

Prompt & Pour: Writer’s Circle

Wishing you could find time to write? Want a group of people to bounce ideas off of for your writing? Need prompts to get started? Grab... Details

Who Let The Dogs In? The Shared Human Canine Microbiome!

You share your life, your walks, your bed, and your food with your best friend, but what else do you share with your dog? Join Dr. Taylor... Details

Free RTP Business Rockstar Connect Networking Event

Join an unforgettable evening of connection and opportunity at the Rockstar Connect Networking Event. Hosted by Domenic Battistella, this... Details

Crank Arm DURHAM Wednesday Night Ride

It's the Wednesday night ride! This is a no drop 10 to 15 mile ride and we ride roughly an hour depending on the route. Please note... Details

Trivia Night

The very popular weekly trivia night hosted by Pickle continues for another season every Wednesday night! Kick it with your friends and... Details

Brett Chambers Open Mic

Very limited, properly spaced seating inside.First come, first serve.ALSO will stream on Brett’s Open Mic FB page. Details

Collage Club

A monthly community gathering. Materials included. 18+. Details

Music Mashup Trivia

Music Mashup Trivia by Not Rocket Science Details

Signature Wine Tasting

Join ZincHouse Wine Director, Dave, as he takes you on a journey through five signature wine offerings throughout a 45 minute session. Your... Details

Durham Events Calendar

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Featured Events