Things to Do in Durham this Week

Weekly Events in Durham

(May 25 - May 31)

Welcome to a comprehensive guide of weekly events in Durham – from Broadway shows to intimate performances, serene river paddles to art exhibits, dance parties, food tours and more. Start here to plan your perfect week.

If you’d like to add an event to our calendar, submit an event here. Please check with the event organizers to see if events change due to weather. Have a great week!

Even More Ways to Find Events in Durham

Discover Durham has an app! Now, you can access our event calendar, updated daily, plus curated itineraries, challenges and a handy map to help you find even more things to do, places to eat and drink and more, all from your phone.

Download the App

Noteworthy Events in Durham this Week

Grand Opening of Wye Junction Park at Wye Junction Park

• Celebrate the opening of Wye Junction Park, a new outdoor gathering space and gateway to the future Durham Rail Trail in downtown Durham’s Warehouse District.
• Live outdoor music from 8-Track MindsA free mat Pilates class led by soon-to-open retailer Pilates Addiction from 5-5:30 p.m.
• The unveiling of a 35-foot public art mural by Durham artist BC CrabtreeAn “Ask Me Anything
• Food and drinks from neighboring retailers
  
• Wednesday, May 27
• 5:30 pm
• Free

North Durham Friday Evening Farmers' Market at Soul Sanctuary

• North Durham Farmers' Market is Durham's newest Farmers' Market centering BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and Women-led businesses. Visit every 2nd and 4th Friday evening each month from 3-6pm at Soul Sanctuary.
• Friday, May 29
• 3 pm
• Free

Triangle Drag Night on the Roof at The Durham Hotel

• Triangle Drag Club takes over the Roof on Friday May 29th from 6-9 PM with a night of live drag performance hosted by Izzy A Problem. A rotating cast of 4–6 local queens brings the heat. A DJ sets the tone starting at 6 PM, and the show kicks off at 7 PM.
  
• The Roof’s full bar and small plates menu are available all night. Don’t miss the featured cocktail: Show Me Your Spritz — apricot-infused rum, honey, grapefruit, prosecco, soda, pink glitter. $11.
• This is one of those nights worth arriving early for. The Roof fills up. Bring cash to tip the queens.
• About Triangle Drag Clu. The longest-running BIPOC drag show in the Triangle, Triangle Drag Club spotlights local performers across the region, building community and expanding visibility for artists at every stage of their career.
  
• Friday, May 29
• 6 pm
• Free, but please tip your drag queens!

Running of the Bulls 8K at Old Durham Athletic Park

• Saturday, May 30
  
• 9 am

Flart Market at Artpost

• Flart is an inclusive art market run by Durham's only locally owned art supply store, Artpost. With over 50 local vendors, this free market is a staple in the community.
• Sunday, May 30th
• 11 am
  
• Free

Summer Food Truck Rodeo at Durham Central Park

• Durham Central Park’s Summer Food Truck Rodeo returns on Sunday, May 31 with dozens of local food trucks, craft beverages, family activities, and a new feature inside the Beer Garden: Durham Club Fair for Adults.
• Spend the afternoon exploring food from across the Triangle while discovering clubs, hobby groups, recreational leagues, volunteer organizations, and social communities designed to help adults connect and build community in Durham. Whether you’re looking for a running club, arts group, book club, volunteer opportunity, or just new people to meet, the Club Fair is your chance to find your people.
• The Food Truck Rodeo transforms downtown Durham into a community gathering space filled with local flavor, music, and activities for all ages. Guests can expect:– 40+ food and drink vendors– Local breweries and beverage vendors– DJ Soul throughout the afternoon– Family-friendly activities and games– A Foam Party by the playground from 1-3pm– Community organizations and local businesses– Club Fair for Adults inside the Beer Garden
• The Rodeo is free to attend and open to all ages.

Multi-Day Events

American Dance Festival Performance Season at Various Locations

• The season will feature 49 performances by 26 acclaimed dance companies and choreographers, 9 world premieres, 12 ADF commissions, and 13 company/choreographer debuts. ADF celebrates the breadth of modern dance and the extraordinary artists who are pushing boundaries bringing audiences together to experience art in community with others.
  
• Make the most of your trip with our Guide to the American Dance Festival.
• May 27-July 25

NCHSAA Softball State Championships at Smith Family Stadium

• The 1A and 3A North Carolina High School Athletic Association Softball State Championships will take place at Duke Softball Stadium on May 30-31.
• 4-8 pm

NCHSAA Women's Soccer State Championships at Durham County Memorial Stadium

• May 28-30

HAMILTON at DPAC, Durham Performing Arts Center

• HAMILTON is the epic saga that follows the rise of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton as he fights for honor, love, and a legacy that would shape the course of a nation. Based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography and set to a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway, HAMILTON has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education.
• May 20-June 14
• Tues-Sat 7:30 p.m., Sun 7 p.m.
• Thu & Sun 1 p.m., Sat 1:30 p.m.

Phone Free Fun at Glass Jug Downtown

• Want to escape the screens? Need desperately to put your phone down but find it too challenging? Take this opportunity to bond with your friends while everyone sets their cell aside - to hang out old school, just like in the 90's. Happening all day every Sunday starting on May 3rd, you just leave your phone with the bartender who will securely keep them safe. Each beverage you purchase, you get a raffle ticket, which enters you into a raffle drawing done on the last Sunday of every month. So by unplugging, you can win in more than one way - come give it a try!
• Every Sunday from May 3 through July 26

Drafts of the Bull: Craft Beer and Food Tour at Entrance of Brightleaf Square

• Discover the heart of Durham’s craft beer culture with an immersive brewery tour that blends rich flavor and local history. Whether you’re a seasoned beer lover or simply curious, this tour offers an authentic taste of the city—full of character, craftsmanship, and that unmistakable Durham charm. Cheers to an unforgettable experience!
• Your tour begins at Clouds Brewing, where they’ve been brewing since 2014 focusing on German-inspired, American-made bold brews and pub fare. From there, you’ll head to Crank Arm Brewing, a place that’s been focused on bikes and beer since 2013. The next stop is Flying Bull Beer Company who is focused on building community here in Durham through warm hospitality, great food and even better beer. The last stop is Atomic Clock Brewing Company known for innovative brews and a focus on perfection.
• By the end of this tour, you’ll have experienced not just Durham’s best brews, but also the passion and creativity that make this city have such an amazing brewery scene. Bring a friend, meet some new ones, and enjoy this wonderful city with us.
• Every Saturday and Sunday
• 1 pm
• Admission: $75

Discovering West Point: Historic Walking Tour at West Point on the Eno

• Have you ever wondered about the lives of the people who were here before you? At West Point on the Eno, explore the complex histories of our own backyard. West Point on the Eno is not your typical historical site. It's not a battleground for major wars, nor the birthplace of presidents. Instead, it's a vivid tapestry of everyday yet extraordinary lives from Durham's past. Here, the routine of mill workers, the creativity of people like photographer Hugh Mangum, and the stories within the historic house are discovered and shared. These are tales of ordinary people whose lives, like yours, are extraordinary in their own right. Discover a different kind of history at West Point on the Eno, where the extraordinary is found in the ordinary. Take a guided walking tour of West Point on the Eno's historic park.
• Tours leave on the hour at 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, and 3 pm. Registration is required. Dogs are allowed on hikes but are not permitted inside historic buildings unless a registered service animal.
• Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through May 31
• Free

Guided Spirits Tasting Tour at Liberty & Plenty Distillery

• Join a brand ambassador from Liberty & Plenty Distillery for a guided tour of the production facility and Rickhouse in Downtown Durham to learn the basics of how spirits are made. Every tour includes a tasting of Liberty & Plenty Distillery's rums, vodkas, gins and whiskies.
• Every Friday at 5:00 PM and 6:30 PM and every Saturday at 2:00 PM and 3:30 PM
• Admission: $20

Pre-Theatre Menu at Alley Twenty Six

• Durham’s Alley Twenty Six offers a Pre-Theatre Menu from 4-5:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays. The three-course menu includes appetizer, entree, and dessert. An example menu includes a mandatory green salad or chilled crab rangoon dip for the first course; ricotta gnocchi or shrimp roll for the second course; and for dessert, Mexican chocolate pot de crème or St. Angel Triple Crème Cheese. Price: $40. The menu and prices change based on season and ingredient availability.
• Through June 30th

$1.50 Oysters at Alley Twenty Six

• Durham’s Alley Twenty Six is now offering $1.50 raw oyster special from 4-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays. A selection of oysters are sourced from North Carolina and often Canada, Virginia or elsewhere along the East Coast and served with cocktail sauce, Mignonette sauce and lemon. Bar seats are available first come, first serve or make a reservation at alleytwentysix.com.
• Through June 30th

Durham Beer Garden Monday Specials .75c Chicken Wings & 32 oz Kona Big Wave Mugs at Durham Beer Garden

Monday, May 25

5 p.m.

Arts & Drafts at Beer Study Durham

6 p.m.

Silent Reading Club at The Glass Jug Downtown

6:30 p.m.

Disc Golf Putting League at The Glass Jug Beer Lab - RTP

Trivia Night at Ponysaurus Brewing Co.

Crunk Club DRM presents: Crank Arm Durham RUN at Crank Arm Brewing Durham

7 p.m.

Trivia at W XYZ bar at Aloft Hotel

Board Game Night at Moon Dog Meadery

7:30 p.m.

The MOST Open Mic (Monday Moans) at West End Wine Bar

8 p.m.

Permaculture Immersion at Hawk’s Nest Healing Gardens

Tuesday, May 26

5 p.m.

Free Wine Tasting at Wine Authorities

6 p.m.

Pints & Pups Adoption Event at Ponysaurus Brewing Co.

Vinyl Night with DJ Deckades at Gizmo Brew Works

Adult Coloring Night at Hi-Wire Brewing

Gentle Yoga Flow at ReCity Network

Music Bingo Night at Glass Jug Downtown

BYOV w/ Jaffar (Bring Your Own Vinyl Night) at Rubies on Five Points

6:30 p.m.

Pony Ride with Ponysaurus Brewing Co. at The Bull in CCB Plaza

Beginners Line Dancing Class at Mystic Farm & Distiller

7 p.m.

Karaoke Night at the bar @DBCo

Trivia at Beer Study Durham (back room)

Not Rocket Science Trivia at DSSOLVR Durham

Video Game Night at Moon Dog Meadery

Wednesday, May 27

11:30 a.m.

Shuffle: Mellow Swells at Hub RTP Stage

3 p.m.

Durham Farmers’ Market at Pavilion at Durham Central Park

4 p.m.

Seafood Omakase at Dashi

5 p.m.

Wine Wednesday! Free Wine Tasting at Beer Study Durham

5:30 p.m.

Grand Opening of Wye Junction Park at Wye Junction Park

6:30 p.m.

Crank Arm DURHAM Wednesday Night Ride at Crank Arm Brewing Durham

Trivia Night at The Glass Jug Beer Lab - RTP

7 p.m.

Arts on East: Meltdown Rodeo at Duke University East Campus

Cake Art Night at Ment Beverage

Collage Club at The Fruit

Hammered Trivia at Hi Wire brewing

Signature Wine Tasting at Zinc House Winery & Brewery

Trivia Night at Mystic Farm & Distillery

Music Bingo at Ponysaurus Brewing Co.

Music Bingo at the bar @DBCo

Brett Chambers Open Mic at The Blue Note Grill

8 p.m.

Karaoke at Moon Dog Meadery

Sip & Sketch: Shibari Figure Drawing Edition at Zeitgeist Gallery & Bar

Blends With Friends (Open Decks) at The Pinhook

Thursday, May 28

6 p.m.

Vinyl Night with DJ Deckades at Gizmo Brew Works

6:30 p.m.

Latinos & Latinas Run Club at Glass Jug Downtown

Line Dance Class & Open Dance Night at Mystic Farm & Distillery

Decolonizing Yoga at Duke Park

Pony Run at Ponysaurus Brewing Co.

Sapphic Happy Hour at Zeitgeist Gallery & Bar

7 p.m.

Al Strong Presents: Jazz on the Roof at The Durham Hotel

Bulldog Ensemble Theater presents: Laughs in Spanish at Mettlesome Theater

Thursday Trivia at Crank Arm Durham

Thursday Trivia at Baryo

Trivia Night at Beer Tooth Taproom

Board Game Night at Moon Dog Meadery

Hammered Trivia at Durty Bull Brewing

7:30 p.m.

Trivia Night w/Big Slow Tom at Clouds Brewing Brightleaf Square

8 p.m.
Music Trivia Bingo with Stormie Daie! at The Velvet Hippo

9 p.m.

QueerEoke (Karaoke) at Club ERA

Friday, May 29

Events at Club Era

• 7-10 p.m. - Pregame Fridays!
  
  
• 10 p.m. - 2 a.m. - Freaky Fridays

10 a.m.

Tasting at Counter Culture Coffee

12 p.m.

Discovering West Point: Historic Walking Tour at West Point

3 p.m.

North Durham Friday Evening Farmers' Market at Soul Sanctuary

4 p.m.

Bull City Cocktails Tour at Durham Distillery

5 p.m.

Smoked Drink Night at Ment Beverage

6 p.m.
Triangle Drag Night on the Roof at The Durham Hotel

The Duke Street Dogs at The Blue Note Grill

8 p.m.

Open Mic Comedy Night at Durty Bull Brewing Company

9 p.m.

Broadway Rave at Stanczyks

Hush Hush Improv Comedy at Mettlesome Theatre

Karaoke at Flying Bull Beer Company Taproom

Saturday, May 30

Guided Walking Tours with Triangle Adventures

• 2 p.m. - Historic Downtown Durham Walking Tour
• 4 p.m. - Durham African American History Tour
• 6 p.m. - Downtown Durham True Crime Tour

8 a.m.

parkrun Durham at Southern Boundaries Park

9 a.m.

Running of the Bulls 8K at Old Durham Athletic Park

Durham Farmers’ Market at Pavilion at Durham Central Park

10 a.m.

Self-Guided Tours of Pauli Murray's Childhood Home at Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice

Jazz Brunch at Lula & Sadie's

Walk-In Saturday at Welcome Tattoo

11 a.m.

Flart Market at Artpost

Guided Tour of Pauli Murray's Childhood Home at The Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice

Drop-In Make Your Own Body Fragrance at Bright Black.

12 p.m.

Discovering West Point: Historic Walking Tour at West Point on the Eno

Crafternoons at Gizmo Brew Works

Free Wine Tasting at Wine Authorities

1 p.m.

Nailed It DIY - Build It Event at Nailed It DIY Studio Durham

Drafts of the Bull: Craft Beer and Food Tour at Entrance of Brightleaf Square

1:45 p.m.

Downtown Durham Food Tour with Taste Carolina at Visitor Info Center

3 p.m.

Screamin’ Bridge at ATC Tower

4 p.m.

Bull City Cocktails Tour at Durham Distillery

8 p.m.

Durham Ghost Walk at Fate & Folklore

9:30 p.m.

Saturday Night DJ Dance Party! at The Velvet Hippo

10 p.m.

Drink, Drag, Dance, Repeat! at Club ERA

Sunday, May 31

10 a.m.

Jazz Brunch at Lula & Sadie's

11:30 a.m.

Yoga @ The Winery at Zinc House Winery & Brewery

12 p.m.

Summer Food Truck Rodeo at Durham Central Park

Sunday Dollar Bin Sale for Charity at Rumors Durham

12:15 p.m.

Public Tour of Duke Chapel at Duke University Chapel

12:30 p.m.

Open Table TTRPG at Moon Dog Meadery

1 p.m.

The Sunday Chill with Carter: Carter Minor & Lindsay Rosebrock at The Blue Note Grill

Drafts of the Bull: Craft Beer and Food Tour at Entrance of Brightleaf Square

2 p.m.

Crank Arm Durham Sunday Dog Walk at Crank Arm Durham

Hot Wax on Tap, Drop-In Candle Making at Bright Black.

Hammered Trivia at Durty Bull Brewing Company

3 p.m.

Craft Club & Supply Swap at Glass Jug Downtown

4 p.m.

Sunday DRIFT Rooftop DJ Series at The Velvet Hippo

6:30 p.m.

Open Mic at Moon Dog Meadery

7:30 p.m.

Sunset Float at Falls Lake

8 p.m.

Beer Study Film Club: Featuring The Weird World Of Cult Cinema at Beer Study Durham

Running Art Exhibits

We Built This: Profiles of Black Architects and Builders in North Carolina at Research Triangle Park

• Many of North Carolina’s most treasured buildings were designed and built by Black craftsmen, builders and architects, yet their stories have often gone untold.
• We Built This, a traveling exhibition by Preservation North Carolina brings these stories to light. Through a series of profiles, the exhibit highlights the skill, innovation and lasting impact of African American builders who helped shape the state’s historic landscape across generations.
• Spanning more than three centuries, the exhibition connects past and present, from slavery and Reconstruction to the growth of Black institutions, businesses and civic life, offering a fuller understanding of the places we inhabit today.
• April 7-June 12
• Weekdays, 9am-5pm
• Free

Kerry Burch: 5 Points Gallery Featured Artist at 5 Points Gallery

• 5 Points Gallery is pleased to present a nature-inspired exhibition of abstract paintings by Kerry Burch. Drawing from nature’s shapes, contours, and earthy tones, her work combines bold color and layered texture to evoke shifting pathways and quiet moments found in the landscape.
• Join the Third Friday Opening Reception on May 15 from 6-9pm to meet the artist and experience this new body of work. Enjoy the varied creations of our ten Triangle-based artists working in painting, sculpture, fused glass, mixed media, and finely crafted furniture. The exhibition runs from May 14 through June 13. Image: Kerry Burch, The Forest Floor, Acrylic and Pastel, 30 x 20 inches
• Visit 5 Points Gallery in person or online. All work from the exhibition is available for shipping or pickup. Gallery hours: Thursdays and Fridays 5–9pm, Saturdays 1–9pm. Artists are available to talk about their work.
• May 14-June 13
• Free

Art Exhibit — Dis/orient: Contemporary Art of the Asian Diaspora at Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University

• A focused exhibition that examines how artists of Asian descent confront long-standing stereotypes embedded in the word “Orient.” Rooted in Western imperialism, the term historically enforced a sense of distance and “otherness” that continues to shape cultural perceptions today. Dis/orient brings together artists who use humor, memory, tradition, and personal narrative to challenge this legacy and illuminate the richness and multiplicity of the Asian diaspora.
• “Dis/orient invites viewers to look beyond the flattened idea of a single ‘Orient’ and instead appreciate the complexity, humor, and emotional depth that define contemporary Asian diasporic art,” said Julianne Miao, curatorial associate at the Nasher Museum. “Each artist brings a distinct perspective, reminding us that identity is never monolithic. It is lived, questioned, and continually reshaped.”
• Tu-Sa 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Su 12-5 p.m.
  
• January 4- July 19

Art Exhibition — Labor&Materials and The Intuitionist at 21c Museum Hotel Durham

• 21c Durham is unveiling two new exhibitions with Labor & Materials and The Intuitionist. The exhibitions feature a thematic group exhibition of 67 multi-media artworks by 40 artists from across the globe exploring the evolution of industry and labor in the 21st century and a two-person exhibition of paintings by Atlanta-based artist Xavier Daniels and Toronto-based artist Natia Lemay.
  
• June 12- May 31
• Free