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Durham Performing Arts Center

4.8

123 Vivian Street
Durham, NC 27701
Phone: (919) 680-2787
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Google Reviews

Photo of Tayler T Tayler T
Jan 15, 2024 4

Came to see the Nutcracker for a Christmas present. It was a well put on show, beautiful costumes and sets. The doors opened about 10 min later than it said so that felt a little frustrating as it became more of a mad dash frenzy to get to seats. However everything is clearly marked, so it was easy to find where you were supposed to go. The staff was friendly and attentive, happy to help and answer questions. It was nice that DPAC sent out quite a few emails in the days before the show regarding parking and traffic with specific rates and locations. I’m sure we could’ve found some free street parking, but we used one of the parking garages for $10 and it was safe and easy to get in and out.

Photo of Noelia Bautista Noelia Bautista
Jan 10, 2024 5

I went to see The Grinch The musical and everything was awesome! I really enjoyed watching an amazing performance. Please be kind and explain to children that it is rude to kick those sitting in front of you. Educate your children before you take them to an event. And don't start getting in the way when the performers are still on stage, I was impressed to see how many people started to leave when the performers were saying goodbye.

Photo of Phil Grilli Phil Grilli
Dec 13, 2023 5

The DPAC is an amazing venue. I have never been to a better sounding place to enjoy a concert. Unbelievable thank you so much for the experience I will return

Photo of Neha Patel Neha Patel
Dec 3, 2023 4

Got great tickets to the jinx and dela holiday show. The show was right up my alley, a parody about religion, politics, consumerism, climate, miserable conflict, and people forgetting to look out for others... everything that make people appear and be ignorant. DPAC staff are super pleasant and helpful, crowd is fun and eclectic, and the view is pretty good from the lower levels, even the side section 4/Q/213. There seems to be complimentary coffee and tea. Bathrooms are big and clean. Multiple entrances and exits. The venue holds a huge crowd. The volume is a little too loud so that some of the singing numbers are difficult to understand and distinguish. Parking is nearby for $12, but honestly you can find street parking free just a few blocks around. It's nice to arrive to park around 45 minutes before the show, though this one started 10 minutes late, and lasted a total of 1 hr. 45 min.

Photo of Jared NoneYa Jared NoneYa
Nov 28, 2023 5

This marked my inaugural visit to the DPAC, driving from Greensboro to catch the performance by Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith. Despite having secured tickets months in advance, a curveball came our way when my wife required foot surgery just 1 1/2 weeks prior to the concert. Concerns loomed over logistical challenges, including drop-off/pick-up and navigating her limited mobility at the venue. Our apprehensions swiftly dissipated thanks to the extraordinary assistance of Nancy, an outstanding parking attendant. Addressing all my questions, she guided us to optimal parking to ensure proximity to the front door. Even before entering, multiple staff members inquired about our needs, offering to provide a wheelchair or any necessary assistance. Upon entering, we were efficiently ushered to the elevator and directed to our seats. Enter Donna – truly exceptional! She engaged with us, discussing options to enhance my wife's comfort and guiding us to the most convenient route to the restroom. I cannot praise her enough for the stellar service provided. From beginning to end, it felt like a Red Carpet experience. And, of course, the show was nothing short of amazing in this fantastic venue. :)

Photo of Karen Warrick Karen Warrick
Nov 4, 2023 5

I personally feel it isn't a bad seat in this facility. I sat in the Grand tier for this event. I have truly enjoyed all the events I've gone to here. The staff is awesome. Here are some pics of Dru Hill from the Ladies R&B Kickback Concert Part 2 last night.

Photo of Abby Normal Abby Normal
Oct 27, 2023 5

DPAC is a nice venue, the staff is friendly and everything moved smoothly before we were seated. They offer drinks and simple snacks, there are alcoholic beverages from beer to a bar as well as a coffee station. The seats were nice and the bathrooms were clean. My husband and I really enjoyed our experience!

Photo of E M E M
Oct 24, 2023 5

Great venue, not a bad seat in the house. Very affordable garage parking $7, they didn’t take cash 10/14/23. Coming back, only one elevator was working and the line was long. If you are using the elevators at the theater, usually a long line, and it may take 4-5 waits until you can board, so plan the extra time. Staff are always friendly and helpful. Used the vending machine to get soda, 20 ounce bottle, charged $5. And don’t forget to visit the box office if buying tickets to other shows to save the extreme handling online fees from TM.

Photo of Kerrie Grant Kerrie Grant
Oct 5, 2023 5

DPAC is a fantastic venue. We have been lucky enough to have season tickets to the Broadway Series. We've had an opportunity to sit in all of tiers. The sound is incredible no matter where you sit. Great venue and a wonderful variety of shows.

Photo of Rachel Stackle Rachel Stackle
Sep 25, 2023 5

Intimate venue. Nice seating. Handicap accessible. Have special seating for handicap people. Easy to get around. Paid parking deck close by. No traffic getting there or when leaving. Amazing show! I loved it.

Photo of Sharon Martinek Sharon Martinek
Sep 24, 2023 5

Saw Wicked here. Great show, beautiful theater. No bad seats. Parking is reasonable. Not sure why we couldn't sit in our seats til 30 minutes before the show tho. Food and drink are crazy expensive of course, but they have water coolers so you can get a sip to drink or take medicine. Overall excellent experience

Photo of Sunshine Jimenez Sunshine Jimenez
Sep 20, 2023 5

DPAC is a beautiful theatre. It's clean and has a welcoming atmosphere. The staff is always friendly and helpful. The only concern is that some of the seats have an obstructed view. I don't recommend buying a Row A seat at the balcony. Overall, it is always a great experience here at DPAC.

Photo of Crystal Love Holley, RN Crystal Love Holley, RN
Sep 16, 2023 5

This was my 3rd time at the DPAC! Such an amazing place to be! I always feel like I step into another world whenever I’m here!! We saw the Wicked play here, and it was phenomenal… Can’t wait to come back soon!!

Photo of Martha Martel Martha Martel
Sep 11, 2023 5

Beautiful venue. Parking was so easy. They had all kinds of snacks, clothing apparel for WICKED. We went with a group. Seating was very comfortable. Staff was Amazing.

Photo of Lysa Britt Lysa Britt
Sep 1, 2023 5

Convenient and they have the most amazing acts that come to perform never disappointed! We just saw Wicked, it held up to performances I've seen in New York. Can't wait for our next adventure there.

Photo of Loni Aycock Loni Aycock
Aug 31, 2023 5

This is such a nice venue. There really is NO bad seat in this place! We sat in Section 10, Row A which was the 2 level balcony for the musical WICKED. It was fantastic. The parking deck was very close to the venue with only a short walk. And checking in was seamless.

Photo of Chris Meehan Chris Meehan
Jul 15, 2023 5

Absolutely love DPAC. The theatre is well run, parking is easy, it’s a convenient location in downtown Durham, the off-Broadway shows are 5-star and they have a great variety, lights and sound are impeccable, ushers are friendly, ticket and security checks are efficient, and prices are fair (definitely less than Broadway). One of my favorite places, anywhere! They sent this update recently via email: “DPAC is nationally recognized as the #1 theater in the U.S. by VenuesNow in their recently released 2023 mid-year rankings. DPAC was also ranked as the #2, #3 and #5 theater in the nation by Pollstar and Billboard Magazine.” The rankings are well deserved!!

Photo of Michal Schmitt Michal Schmitt
Jul 3, 2023 5

I have been to a number of DPAC shows and have always been impressed with the experience. Each year they have a variety of excellent shows featuring top talent. There isn't a bad seat in the house. The facility is always clean and the staff is friendly and helpful. There are a few paid parking decks in the area but arrive with plenty of time since it can get quite congested.

Photo of Soulful Archer Soulful Archer
Jun 16, 2023 5

I was there for the recent STYX concert and my family and I have no complaints. The staff was extremely kind and helpful. We were pretty much escorted to my handicap spot and my wife and son were shown the seats in front of me. Heck, I even had one of the staff, a bubbly, cheerful woman on the second floor interior of venue help me pull on my concert t-shirt I bought. I usually have to complain about handicapped service because it's just not very good most places. Here I felt just like another concert goer. They saw me the person and not the guy in a wheelchair.

Photo of Tiffany Anderson Tiffany Anderson
May 17, 2023 5

This was my first time seeing a musical. I didn't know what to expect. This place is super nice and so clean! The lone tends to build during intermission but it went pretty quickly. They direct you which stall to go to and have hygiene products available. We were were on the third row on the balcony and we loved our seats! We could see everything. There were a few moments when I couldn't hear the audio. The cast and music was phenomenal. One thing to note about the stairs: they can be hard to maneuver. I am an aptuee and they made me nervous. Not unsafe... Just nervous. Wonderful time and sweet staff! Huge range of snacks and drinks. Highly recommend. I am getting a pretzel next time! They looked SO good.

Photo of Veronika Klubnica Veronika Klubnica
May 17, 2023 5

Always a lovely and friendly experience. I wish they had Broadway lotteries more often and offered student rush tickets. Some shows are quite empty. Why not sell out, even if at a lower price.

Photo of Lori Fenty Lori Fenty
May 7, 2023 5

Saw Moulin Rouge the Musical on 5/7. Was completely blown away by the performers, singing, dancing and backgrounds. Costumes were gorgeous and beautiful. Loved the show and highly recommend seeing it.