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 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

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...

Details

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.

Details

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!

Details

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.

Details

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.

Details

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...

Details

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

Details

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.

Details

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...

Details

Crafternoons

Crafternoons - All day event. Free pint with purchase of craft box. Choose from a variety of craft packages available for all ages. Details

Free Wine Tasting

Sample a selection of wines from estate grown, family owned wineries from around the world. These tastings are educational, but also casual... Details

Historic Exhibits Tour

Guided tours for the three historic exhibits. Tours begin in 20-minute increments, with the last tour starting at 1:40 pm. No registration... Details

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... 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

The Witching Hour Fall Concert by the Common Woman Chorus

They'll put a spell on you at this fall concert! Join the Common Woman Chorus for a performance where magic meets music. Expect a cauldron... Details

Messiah Sing-Along

Messiah Sing-Along open to all. Featuring soloists from the chorus and voice studios at Duke and UNC 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

Firepalooza

Get Fired Up for an Unforgettable Night in the Glass Jug beer garden! Join in for a blazing good time as fire performers Vic and Tyler... Details

Durham Bulls FestiBull of Lights

FestiBull of Lights transforms the Durham Bulls Athletic Park into a dazzling winter wonderland! Stroll through thousands of twinkling... 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

Water for Elephants - the North Carolina High School Premiere by Jordan High School Theatre

Jordan High School Theatre is proud to announce its fall production of Water for Elephants. Adapted from Sara Gruen’s acclaimed novel and... Details

Durham Events Calendar

Plan a Trip Around Durham's Biggest Annual Events

Submit an Event to our Calendar

Featured Events