Events in Durham, NC | Find Festivals, Concerts & Sporting Events

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

Third Friday in the Visitor Info Center - Durham's Historic Sites

Stop by the Visitor Info Center on Third Friday to learn about Durham's three state historic sites! Staff from Bennett Place, Duke Homestead and Historic Stagville will lead crafting activities and share about upcoming programming at the sites. Bennett Place – The home of James and Nancy Bennett, where, in April 1865, surrender papers for Confederate armies in the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida were signed. It was the largest troop surrender of the American Civil...

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Bourbon Sensory Training

Take a professionally led course on the process of tasting and evaluating bourbon. In this immersive experience, you'll have the opportunity to savor an array of Mystic bourbons. Typically, bourbons are evaluated on five characteristics: color, aroma, mouth-feel, flavor, and finish.Learn the process of training your pallet to recognize the common smells and tastes of bourbon whiskey. They will guide you through a spectrum of flavors and aromas, from the smooth and caramel-infused notes to...

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Summer Cocktail Class

Participants get a tour of the distillery, free tastings, and learn hands-on how to make some of your favorite summer cocktails. Must be 21+

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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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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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Champions for Children Golf Tournament

Now in its 5th year, the Champions for Children Golf Tournament is more than just a day on the green—it's a powerful fundraiser that directly supports youth in underserved communities throughout Durham and beyond. Hosted by the 5K Foundation, this annual event raises critical funds for year-round programming, including mentorship initiatives, academic support, and the Legacy League 7v7 Football League.This tournament brings together professionals from all walks of life—from former NFL and college athletes to...

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OUTSOUTH Queer Film Festival

OUTSOUTH Queer Film Festival celebrates a worldwide glimpse of today’s LGBTQ+ life, helps bring the community together and features entertaining and sophisticated films and filmmaking.

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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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CenterFest Arts Festival

Celebrate Centerfest's 50th anniversary! Since 1974, Durham Arts Council has brought the Durham community together with an annual arts festival in the fall. As Durham’s signature fine arts festival, CenterFest showcases juried visual artists from across the country and fills multiple stages with stand-out local performers. Art shoppers are dazzled by world-class ceramics, paintings, photography, jewelry, fiber art, woodwork, glass, and more. Creators are based in Durham, the Triangle and across the country. CenterFest also...

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The Promise of Peace: Slavery's End in North Carolina

The close of the American Civil War with military surrenders at sites like Bennett Place assured the end of legal slavery in America. On the evening before the 160th anniversary of the Bennett Place surrender, join us as we commemorate and recognize the lives of over 330,000 North Carolinians enslaved during the Civil War. This program highlights experiences of enslaved and newly freed people through storytelling, music, and luminaries.

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The Wiz

THE WIZ returns “home” to stages across America in an all-new Broadway tour, the first one in 40 years. Baltimore Sun raves “Powerhouse... Details

Max Roach at 100

Composer, multi-instrumentalist, and 2024 Pulitzer Prize winner Tyshawn Sorey and his all-star trio—pianist Aaron Diehl and bassist Harish... Details

Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band

Led by the celebrated vocalist and luminary Julia Keefe (Nez Perce), the Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band brings charisma, passion, and... Details

Marc Ribot: Reframing Dylan

Marc Ribot will perform re-interpretations and re-framings of Bob Dylan’s mid 1960s-era visionary poetry, the poetic environment from which... Details

John Scofield Trio featuring Vicente Archer and Bill Stewart

Over the last four decades, trio format is John Scofield’s favorite mode of expression. The John Scofield Trio brings together Scofield on... Details

Marcus Anderson Jazz AND Coffee Escape

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Lyle Lovett and his Acoustic Group

4x Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and actor Lyle Lovett has unveiled new dates for his 2025 tour—this time with his Acoustic... Details

Steve Jansen + Doris Dana + Streak of Tigers + Nathan Taylor

An evening of improvised music and sounds from the outer edge! Steve Jansen is a New Mexico-based sound maker whose experimental music... Details

Diana Ross

Diana Ross is a consummate performer, as well as one of the most iconic female singers of all time and one of the most prominent women in... Details

Jazz Brunch at Lula & Sadie's

Experience the vibrant pulse of live jazz music at Lula & Sadie's Sunday Brunch! Every week the soulful melodies and rhythmic beats create... Details

Jazz Brunch at Lula & Sadie's

Experience the vibrant pulse of live jazz music at Lula & Sadie's Sunday Brunch! Every week the soulful melodies and rhythmic beats create... Details

Jazz Brunch at Lula & Sadie's

Experience the vibrant pulse of live jazz music at Lula & Sadie's Sunday Brunch! Every week the soulful melodies and rhythmic beats create... Details

Durham Events Calendar

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Featured Events