Things to Do in Durham this Week

Weekly Events in Durham

(September 8-14)

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!

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Noteworthy Events in Durham this Week

Brightleaf Concert Series at Brightleaf Square

• Featuring a mix of soul, funk, jazz, indie folk-pop, and Afrocentric rhythms, performed live in Brightleaf Square’s iconic cobblestone courtyard.
  The event kicks off each evening with a DJ set by DJ Boobee, followed by two live band performances designed to showcase regional talent and create an immersive cultural experience for the Durham community.
• Presented by Brightleaf Square, in collaboration with So When Do I Clap? and Sonic Pie Productions
• Event Lineup:
  6:30 PM – DJ Boobee (Opening Set)
  7:00 PM – Chris Sharp & Friends - jazz fusion
  8:30 PM – AFRICA UNPLUGGED – Afrocentric Rhythms Meet International Sound
• Seating is limited — guests are encouraged to bring folding chairs or blankets. Local restaurants and shops will be open for pre-show dining and refreshments.
• Friday, Sept. 12
• 6:30pm
• Free

Live at Boxyard RTP

• Experience art like never before at Live at Boxyard—an interactive event where you can get hands-on, connect with local artists, and watch live demonstrations in action. This isn’t your traditional gallery visit—this is art you can feel, make, and be part of. This year, Live at Boxyard is held in partnership with the team behind Centerfest to showcase some of the area’s most talented artists. Get a behind-the-scenes look at their creative process at Boxyard RTP, then support their work at Centerfest the following weekend.
• Saturday, Sept. 13
• 11:30 am
• Free

Thrift-A-Bull Market at Kotuku Surf Club

• They’ll have all the usual fun stuff, including astrology + tarot readings a la @audhdastrology , chair massage by @416.official , henna by @madanmadeart , food by @lataqueriadominguez plus an amazing selection of all your favorite vintage and crafts vendors! Find some cool stuff to kick off the school year!
• Saturday, Sept. 13
• 11 am
• Free

Family Saturday Series: Africa Unplugged at Carolina Theatre of Durham

• Africa Unplugged will take you on a journey from the deep roots of the Blues in West Africa to the American South and back. With West African Drums as the through line to tell the story. Come experience high energy and engaging music as Africa Unplugged combines the old world with the new.
• Africa Unplugged is led by renowned djembe master, songwriter, and educator, Atiba Rorie. The band combines traditional, west-African percussion instruments with guitar and bass to play traditional rhythms while drawing from global influences. The result is funky, soulful blues that keep you moving as they tell stories from the old world and the new.
• Saturday, Sept. 13
• 11 am
• Admission: $5

15th Annual Durham Oktoberfest at Motorco

• Featuring The Little German Band & Dancers. Enjoy a full day of celebration with music, dancing, and a German food menu.
  
• Saturday, Sept. 13
• 1 pm
• Tickets required

OktoBEERFest at Growler Grlz

• Join an afternoon Oktoberfest party featuring the Rose Galaxy Band and some awesome beers! The Rose Galaxy Band is a female led rock band covering every genre and generation of music with a rock and roll heartbeat. This accomplished group of musicians reimagines and rejuvenates your favorite songs with driving guitars, bass, drums, and rich, powerful vocals.
• Featured Beers:
  Warsteiner Pilsner
  Hacker Pschorr Weissbier
  Highland Clawhammer Oktoberfest Marzen Lager
  Southern Tier Pumking Imperial Pumpkin Ale
  Southern Tier Warlock Imperial Pumpkin Stout
• Saturday, Sept 13
• 4 pm

DOLLYWEIRD 2 Art Show: 100+ Dolly-inspired works, live music, smashburgers at PS37

• The #1 thing heard about DOLLYWEIRD 1? This is SO. DURHAM.
• It's back, Bull City - bigger, bolder, and bustier!
• 100+ Dolly-inspired artworks by local artists
• Live performance by AZUL
• Weird Burgers by Chef B
• Dress Code: whatever makes you sparkle!
• The first Dollyweird sold out, so grab your ticket now!
• Saturday, Sept 13
• 7 pm
• Admission: $25

Triangle Vegfest Durham Central Park at Durham Central Park

• Always a great time and family friendly.
• Beer fundraiser by The Glass Jug.
• Free Face Painting
• DJ spinning the tunes
• Food trucks and shopping and lots of savory and sweet food options.
• Sunday, Sept 14
• Noon
• Suggested donation

Multi-Day Events

Durham Bulls vs. Norfolk at Durham Bulls Athletic Park

• 9/11 Bark in the Park
• 9/12 Hockey Night, Fireworks
• 9/13 Double Header, Kids Run the Bases, Fireworks
• 9/14 Kids Run the Bases, Fan Appreciation

Beauty and the Beast at DPAC, Durham Performing Arts Center

• Disney’s 30th Anniversary production of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, the breathtaking musical filled with the romance and grandeur audiences know and love.
• This enchanting and timeless tale has been brought to life like never before, with spectacular new sets and dazzling costumes. The show boasts the Oscar®-winning and Tony Award®-nominated score, including the classic songs “Be Our Guest” and “Beauty and the Beast.”
• Reuniting to create this new production are members of the original Tony Award®-winning artistic team, including composer Alan Menken, lyricist Tim Rice, book writer Linda Woolverton, with direction and choreography by Matt West, scenic design by Stanley A. Meyer, costume design by Ann Hould-Ward and lighting design by Natasha Katz.
• September 2-14

Animation Mixtape at Carolina Theatre

• Flying cows, mysterious gods and lyrical pandemonium: Don Hertzfeldt has made “Animation Mixtape” just for you. The dazzling 85-minute program features eleven exciting, animated shorts from up-and-coming filmmakers, Academy Award nominees and classic pieces that originally inspired Don to start making his own iconic work. Including a new animated introduction from Don and never before seen work from famed underground animator Bruce Bickford.
• While over 10,000 short films are made every year by filmmakers at various stages of their career, only a fraction make it into film festivals and are able to be seen in a classic theatrical setting. Once a staple of the moviegoing experience with a short film paired with every feature screening in a cinema, barely any short film gets a theatrical release today. The “Animation Mixtape” is taking 11 short films to theaters across the U.S. and Canada, providing a special, one-time chance for these stylish and unique films to be seen by animation fans on the big screen. Like a concert, Mixtape is a live event by design and will be shown only in cinemas.
• Recommended age: 13+
• Sept 5-9
• 9:30 p.m. except Sunday: 7:10 p.m.
• Admission: $14.99+

Film Screening — God Said Give'Em Drum Machines at PSI Theatre at the Durham Arts Council

• From its birth in the heart of Black American communities in Detroit to its global ascent, this film goes beyond the beats to explore the untold stories, pioneering artists, and profound historical impact of a genre that reshaped modern club music.
• Sept 11-14
• Admission: $13.85

Pick Your Own Muscadine Grapes at Herndon Hills Farm

• Pick Your Own Muscadine Grapes at 200-year-old Herndon Farm in Durham. Muscadines are native to North Carolina and a true Southern treat! They have 10 varieties, all certified organic, all sweet and delicious. Highlight of the fall for anyone interested in Southern food.
• $3.50 per pound
• Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays through Feb. 25, 2026

Kizomba Ladies Ginga and Styling at Triangle Dance Studio - Back Studio

• Join Kimberly Nicole for a 4-week journey designed to help women of all body types and backgrounds explore their unique expression of Ginga——the fluid, feminine movement that lies at the heart of Kizomba and Semba.
• Rooted in the rhythms of Angola, Kizomba is a partner dance that emphasizes musicality, connection, and presence. This series offers a safe and supportive space for women to deepen their movement, develop their personal style, and gain tools to feel more grounded and expressive on the dance floor.
• Ginga is for everybody! Whether you’re new to Kizomba or looking to refine your styling, this series is crafted to help you feel empowered, graceful, and connected to your body.
• August 4-25
• Admission: $75: 4-week class $150 both Ginga + Kizomba Class (Mondays 8:30 - 10pm) combo $20/drop-in class

Islands in the Alley at Alley Twenty Six

• Durham's Alley Twenty Six kicks off its annual summertime cocktail pop-up on July 1. For two months, the James Beard-nominated craft cocktail bar is bedecked with vacation-themed decor and offers an evolving food and drink menu celebrating far flung destinations and adventure.
• June 30-August 31

Lutra Brunch Pop-up at Cheeni

• Lutra Cafe and Bakery, the popular Durham-based bakery known for its sweet and savory buns, will host a weekly Sunday brunch at Durham's Cheeni restaurant. The brunch pop-up at Cheeni will give diners a chance to taste Lutra's expanded cafe menu months before chef-owner Chris McLaurin opens Lutra's counter-service restaurant at American Tobacco Campus by the end of 2025. Sunday brunch will be offered from 8-11 a.m. The brunch menu includes the sweet and savory buns, breakfast sandwich, biscuits and gravy, bread pudding, granola bowl, 100-layer hash browns and more.
• Sunday Brunch | June 8- September 28
• 8am-11am

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

$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.
• July 26-Sept 30

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 chicken-fried cauliflower for the first course; farro risotto or steamed mussels for the second course; and for dessert, Mexican chocolate pot de crème or St. Angel Triple Crème Cheese. The menu and prices change based on season and ingredient availability.
• July 26-Sept 30

Studio Ghibli Film Series at Carolina Theatre

• For decades, Studio Ghibli has created breathtakingly beautiful movies that have captivated and inspired audiences for generations through masterful storytelling and stunning visuals. Experience the wonder of these groundbreaking, beloved animated films.
• July 30 -Dec 13

Monday, September 8

4:30 p.m.

Dancefulness for Kids! at Durham Arts Council

5 p.m.

Arts & Drafts at Beer Study Durham

5:30 p.m.

Cocktails and Cornices Walking Tour at Ticket Pickup at Preservation Durham Headquarters

6 p.m.

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

6:30 p.m.

Trivia Night at Ponysaurus Brewing Co.

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

7 p.m.

Howard Jones at The Carolina Theatre

Board Game Night at Moon Dog Meadery

7:30 p.m.

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

The Devines Intervention Comedy Open Mic at Devine's Restaurant and Bar

Tuesday, September 9

5 p.m.

Yaki Tuesday at Dashi

Free Wine Tasting at Wine Authorities

5:30 p.m.

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

6 p.m.

“Artful Evenings” Artist in Residence Series @ JB Duke Hotel at JB Duke Hotel

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

Glass Jog Run Club - Spring Series at The Glass Jug Beer Lab

Women on the Wall at Triangle Rock Club - Durham

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

6:30 p.m.

Trivia at Durham Food Hall

7 p.m.

Trivia at Beer Study Durham (back room)

Not Rocket Science Trivia at DSSOLVR Durham

Video Game Night at Moon Dog Meadery

8 p.m.

Quintron and Miss Pussycat / Atomwrec Bob’s Fixed Pomeranians at The Pinhook

Tower of Power at The Carolina Theatre

Wednesday, September 10

10:30 a.m.

Storytime on the Roof with Durham County Library at The Durham

11 a.m.

Pauli Murray Center Guided Tour at Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice

12 p.m.

Brick Endurance Summer Triathlon at Rolling View Recreation Area

3 p.m.

Durham Farmers’ Market at Pavilion at Durham Central Park

6 p.m.

The Secret Life of Lichens and Other Fungi! at Durham County Main Library

“Artful Evenings” Artist in Residence Series @ JB Duke Hotel at JB Duke Hotel

6:30 p.m.

Pauli 101: a 5 Week Course start date at Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice

Duke Arts at American Tobacco Campus

Crank Arm DURHAM Wednesday Night Ride at Crank Arm Brewing Durham

Trivia Night at The Glass Jug Beer Lab - RTP

7 p.m.

Craft Night - Punk Pride Pins with Ria "Air" Garcia at Redhead Hemp

Blood Orphans / Berrybuenobrigade / Airport Baby at The Pinhook

Thousand Below : Buried in Jade Tour at Motorco Music Hall

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

Old School Bingo Night – Every Wednesday Night at DSSOLVR

8 p.m.

Air Hockey Tournament at Boxcar Arcade

Karaoke at Moon Dog Meadery

11 p.m.

Virgo Vibes: A Roy Ayers Birthday Tribute at Rubies on Five Points

Thursday, September 11

5 p.m.

Guest Bartender Series @ JB Duke Hotel at JB Duke Hotel

5:30 p.m.

Walking Club with Bull City Strollers at Glass Jug Downtown

6 p.m.

Vinyl Night with DJ Deckades at Gizmo Brew Works

Date Night DIY at Nailed It DIY Studio Durham

6:30 p.m.

“A Toast to the West Coast” Wine Dinner at Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club

Grief Ceremony hosted by Circle of Healing at People's Solidarity Hub (white building)

AfterHours: Science of the Season at Museum of Life and Science

Sapphic Happy Hour at Zeitgeist Gallery & Bar

Boulders & Brews Meetup at Triangle Rock Club - Durham

7 p.m.

God Said Give 'Em Drum Machines at Durham Arts Council - PSI Theater

Live Music + Cocktails with Sonder at Kingfisher

Crank Arm Durham Presents: Level up and Sip at Crank Arm Brewing Durham

Trivia Night at Beer Tooth Taproom

Board Game Night at Moon Dog Meadery

Eagles Nest Jam featuring NCCU Jazz at Missy Lanes

Hammered Trivia at Durty Bull Brewing

7:30 p.m.

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

8 p.m.

Boldy James at The Fruit

Music Trivia Bingo with Stormie Daie! at The Velvet Hippo

Friday, September 12

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.

Friday Co-Working Social at The Glass Jug Downtown

6 p.m.

Duke Volleyball v. Utah Valley at Cameron Indoor Stadium

Evening Eno Exploration Paddle at Eno River Durham

Basic Hand-block Carving and Printing Workshop at Rustic Passport Studio

Spirits & Syrups Tasting Event at Redhead Hemp

6:15 p.m.

Rainbow Collective for Change Sunset Float at Falls Lake Durham

6:30 p.m.

Brightleaf Concert Series at Brightleaf Square

7 p.m.

Film Screening — The King of Comedy & A Fish Called Wanda at Carolina Theatre

Line Dance Party! at Mystic Farm & Distillery

7:30 p.m.

Revolution by Brett Neveu presented by RedBird Theater Company at Shadowbox Studio

8 p.m.

Night of Fire and Bass at The Glass Jug Beer Lab - RTP

Open Mic Comedy Night at Durty Bull Brewing Company

9 p.m.

Hush Hush Improv Comedy at Mettlesome Theatre

Karaoke at Flying Bull Beer Company Taproom

Well Seasoned - comedy at Mettlesome Theatre

10 p.m.

The [Friday] Night Shift at The Velvet Hippo

Saturday, September 13

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.

Modapalooza Bus Tour of Homes at Location not found

Durham Farmers’ Market at Pavilion at Durham Central Park

parkrun Durham at Southern Boundaries Park

9 a.m.

HBOT4Heroes - Run 4 Their Lives 5k at American Tobacco Trail – White Oak Church Road Access

9:30 a.m.

Women's Introduction to Standup Paddleboarding at Falls Lake Durham

Roller Derby Double Header at Wheels

10 a.m.

Durham Grown: The Durham County Library Garden Club at Durham County Main Library

Building with Cob at Hawk’s Nest Healing Gardens

Open Saturdays at The Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice

Durham Community Day at Museum of Life and Science

11 a.m.

Thrift-A-Bull Market at Kotuku Surf Club

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

11:30 a.m.

Live at Boxyard RTP

12 p.m.

Bourbon Blending Class at Mystic Farm & Distillery

Crafternoons at Gizmo Brew Works

Free Wine Tasting at Wine Authorities

1 p.m.

15th Annual Durham Oktoberfest at Motorco

Durham History Paddle at Falls Lake Durham

2 p.m.

Film Screening — Monty Python’s Life of Brian at Carolina Theatre

3 p.m.

Music Magic A Cappella Concert at Durham Technical Community College

4 p.m.

OktoBEERFest at Growler Grlz

SONAM and Duke Chorale Kick-Off Concert at First Presbyterian Church of Durham

5:30 p.m.

Opening of Loteria: A Photographic Study of Latino Contributions to Our Community at Golden Belt Gallery, Durham Arts Guild

Durham Nights at Golden Belt Campus

6 p.m.

NCCU Football v. Fayetteville State at O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium

Mystic & Magic Presents: Distilled Deceptions at Mystic Farm & Distillery

*Free* Music on Mangum *Jet Horse* at Durham Beer Garden

Elodie Farm Dinner at Elodie Farms

7 p.m.

DOLLYWEIRD 2 Art Show: 100+ Dolly-inspired works, live music, smashburgers at PS37

The Cajammers--Cajun, Zydeco, Swamp Pop at Succotash Southern & Creole Kitchen

Chappell Roan vs The World at Rubies on Five Points

Redbird Theater Company Presents: "Revolution" at Shadowbox Studio

7:30 p.m.

Outdoor Movie Series @Crank Arm Durham Saturdays at Crank Arm Brewing DRM

8 p.m.

The Monti: Missed Connections at Carolina Theatre

9:30 p.m.

Saturday Night Dance Party at The Velvet Hippo

10 p.m.

Drink, Drag, Dance, Repeat! at Club ERA

11 p.m.

Sacudir | Latin Night (18+) at Club Era

Sunday, September 14

Events at Moon Dog Meadery

• 12:30-6 p.m. - TTRPG Open Table Day
• 6:30-9 p.m. - Open Mic Night

9:30 a.m.

Kayaking 101 at Falls Lake Durham

10 a.m.

Jazz Brunch at Lula & Sadie's

11:30 a.m.

Yoga @ The Winery at Zinc House Winery & Brewery

12 p.m.

Triangle Vegfest Durham Central Park 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

1 p.m.

Fall Book Fair at Lakewood Social

Savory Sunday - Bloody Marys with ALL the Fixins at Liberty & Plenty Distillery

1:30 p.m.

Duke Women's Soccer v. Alabama at Koskinen Stadium

2 p.m.

Chocolate & Bourbon Pairing Class at Mystic Farm & Distillery

Film Screening — Monty Python’s Life of Brian at Carolina Theatre

Hammered Trivia at Durty Bull Brewing Company

3 p.m.

Mallarme Music Flute Fems at Nelson Music Room

God Said Give 'Em Drum Machines (Classroom Cut) at Durham Arts Council - PSI Theater

4 p.m.

David Arcus Organ Recital: All Arcus! at Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church

4:30 p.m.

Sunday Supper at The Durham Hotel

6 p.m.

DPW Wrestling — Carolina Classic at Durham Armory

7 p.m.

Welcome to Night Vale: Murder Night in Blood Forest at Carolina Theatre

8 p.m.

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

Running Art Exhibits

Bullish On Art: 5 Points Gallery Members Showcase at 5 Points Gallery

• 5 Points Gallery proudly presents Bullish on Art, a Members Showcase celebrating the creative force of Durham’s vibrant art scene. Virtually all of their artists live in Durham, and all have deep ties to the region. Their work reflects a broad range of contemporary perspectives shaped by life in the South. The exhibition features paintings, sculpture, fused glass, mixed media works, and finely crafted furniture by ten Triangle-based artists. Join in for the Third Friday Reception on August 15, 6–9pm.
• August 13- September 13
• Free

Art Exhibition — Southern Grammar at Ella West Gallery

• A compelling new group exhibition curated by Raleigh-based painter Clarence Heyward featuring work by Jō Baskerville, Jeremy Biggers, and Sam Lao, Southern Grammar explores the legacy, evolution, and unapologetic spirit of the Black South through powerful visual storytelling.
• From Baskerville’s cinematic black-and-white silhouettes, to Biggers’ hyperreal portraits of defiance and dignity, to Lao’s joy-filled tufted works bursting with color and texture—each artist brings a distinct voice to the conversation. Together, their work offers a multifaceted look at identity, memory, and the cultural truths of the American South.
• The exhibition marks Heyward’s curatorial debut and reflects both his eye for emerging excellence and his deep roots in Southern artistic practice.
• Gallery Hours: Thursday–Saturday, 12PM–5PM and by appointment
• August 17-November 15
• Free

Art Exhibition — Beverly McIver’s “Notes to Self: Personal Work 1994-2025” at Craven Allen Gallery

• Notes to Self features a selection of new work, as well as seminal paintings, prints and collages on view for the first time. These works were created as part of Beverly Mclver’s personal practice, exploring themes and techniques that would later appear in some of her most recognizable paintings.
• Beverly McIver lives and works in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Known for her expressive self-portraits and intimate family narratives, her work is held in major collections including the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, the North Carolina Museum of Art, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. She has received numerous honors, including a Guggenheim Fellowship, the Rome Prize, and, most recently, election as a National Academician by the National Academy of Design. McIver was the subject of the Emmy®-nominated HBO documentary Raising Renee and in 2022 was celebrated with Full Circle, a traveling retrospective organized by the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. She is currently developing an artist residency program, Renny’s Place, in honor of her sister.
• Monday–Friday 9:30 – 6, Saturday 10 – 4
• Reception 9/3, 5-8 p.m.
• Sept. 3-Nov. 15

Miler Lagos: The Merx Tree at Rubenstein Arts Center Gallery

• This site-specific installation by Colombian artist and engineer Miler Lagos is made of cardboard boxes collected on Duke’s campus, stacked and carved to resemble the base of a Ceiba tree—an ancient and sacred symbol in Mesoamerican and Amazonian cultures. By reshaping discarded cardboard to its pre-processed arboreal form, Lagos confronts viewers with the hidden cost of commerce.
• With the title, Merx, Latin for “merchandise” and derived from the Roman god Mercury (patron of commerce and communication/divination), Lagos imbues his work with a multi-leveled significance. The reclaimed cardboard evokes global systems of trade and transformation. And the Cieba tree connects the shamanic practice of bridging realms by inserting tobacco leaves into its bark to Duke’s historical entanglement with tobacco as a commodity. In this context, The Merx Tree becomes both a reflection of the global impact of distribution, and a monument to the invisible, often spiritual, networks embedded within it.
• Sept 7- Nov 25
• Free

Lotería: A Photographic Study of Latino Contributions to Our Community at Golden Belt Gallery of th Durham Art Guild

• The Durham Art Guild will host Lotería: A Photographic Celebration of Latino Contributions to Our Community just in time for National Hispanic Heritage Month. This exhibit features the work of local photographer, Anthony Garza, and brings dynamic portraits of members of our community into the visual world of lotería, an iconic game played throughout most of Latin America and the Caribbean. Through the portraits and accompanying profiles of the people featured in Garza’s work, from carpenters, lawyers, doctors, homemakers, authors, and rock stars, exhibit participants can explore the many ways that these community member’s complex histories and Latino identities bring richness, joy and deep commitment to our lives and our state.
• On Friday, September 19, they will be hosting a lotería game night from 5:30-6:30pm and the mariachi group Viva México playing at 7:00pm.
• Sept 7- Oct 5
• Free

Coming into Focus: A Snapshot of Photography at Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University

• Recently the Nasher has added over 2,000 photographs to its collection, including works by the best-known practitioners from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, such as Edouard Baldus, Ilse Bing, Henri Cartier-Bresson, André Kertész, Arthur Rothstein, Nadar, and Edward Weston. Coming into Focus: A Snapshot of Photography at the Nasher celebrates these gifts and other acquisitions, highlighting a sampling of gems and
  illuminating a bright future of continued collecting and presenting of photography in innovative and ambitious ways.
• July 28- January 1
• Free

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