Things to Do in Durham this Week

Weekly Events in Durham

(Apr 28- May 4)

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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Music at The Stack at American Tobacco Campus

• The Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle presents Music at the Stack, sponsored by American Tobacco Campus. This FREE CONCERT features pianist Albert Cano Smit, with food and beverage provided by Fullsteam Brewery and Ment Beverage Co.
• Wednesday, April 30
• 6:30-7:30pm
• Free

Beer Hiking Book Release and Party at Ponysaurus Brewing Co.

• Authors Jim Knowles and English Knowles will be celebrating the launch of their new regional guidebook Beer Hiking Virginia, North Carolina, and DC: The Mountains, Beaches, and Breweries from the Blue Ridge to the Outer Banks—which pairs 40 hikes with 40 local breweries, including Ponysaurus! Regulator will be selling copies of their book on site at the brewery.
• A guide to the best hikes and microbreweries around DC, Virginia and North Carolina. Beer lovers and hiking enthusiasts, these 40 Old Dominion and Tar Heel State hikes are for you!
• Thursday, May 1
• 4-7 pm
• Free

PLAYlist Concert Series: Opening Night with Charly Lowry at Durham Central Park

• A musical powerhouse from Pembroke, NC, Charly Lowry is a dynamic singer-songwriter whose sound fuses folk, soul, and Indigenous traditions. As a proud member of the Lumbee/Tuscarora Tribes, she uses her music as a platform for activism, raising awareness about the struggles and resilience of underserved communities.
• Each evening starts with DJ Travis Gales spinning his Friday Night Mix live at the park at 7 p.m. Then the band takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. sharp. All the music is simulcast live through WNCU
• Local food trucks will be on site, as well as craft beer and other vendors.
• There’s lawn seating, so please bring a blanket or lawn chair. Picnics are welcome, but outside alcohol is not allowed. Leashed pets are welcome.
• Friday, May 2
• 7-10 pm
• Free

Strawberry Festival at Old North Durham Park

• This is a child-centered, family run, community fun-focused event for the entire Durham Community hosted by Central Park School for Children. Children’s ingenuity combines with community volunteerism to raise funds for CPSC’s mission of All Children Thriving, all during a trash-free green event! Enjoy a fun-filled family day while raising money for the students. The festival features:
  • Local food, drinks, and strawberry treats
  • Live music & entertainment
  • Activity booths
  • Arts & crafts
  • Community vendors

• Saturday, May 3
• 11 am
• Free

Bull City Bike Stampede and Afterparty at CCB Plaza

• Saddle up for Bike Month 2025 and join the charge as we take over Durham’s streets! This all ages ride is all about strength in numbers, cycling freedom, and unstoppable energy. Bring your bike and best Durham spirit! Arrive at 11:30am at CCB Plaza in the heart of downtown Durham. Welcome and safety announcements will be made at 11:50am, followed by a group photo and roll-out at 12 noon. The ride will be approximately 8 miles through central Durham and Duke's Campus, ending at Crank Arm Brewing (620 Fernway Ave). The street will be closed for the afterparty from 1:00pm - 3:30pm. There will be food trucks, music, and a special guest greeting us when we arrive.
• Saturday, May 3
• 11: 30 am
• Free

Beats n Bars Festival Block Party at American Tobacco Campus

• Enjoy a day filled with music, delicious food, and good vibes. Vendors will be onsite, family friendly games and fun for the kids too!
• This event is FREE to attend, just bring yourself and a good time!
  
• Saturday, May 3
• Noon-3pm

Geek and Grub Market (May the 4th Be With You Edition) at Durham Armory

• Embark on a cosmic adventure at the Geek and Grub Market's special May the Fourth edition! Suit up in your most stellar space-themed costumes, channeling the spirit of legendary space warriors and interstellar explorers. Dive into an array of universal-themed competitions and activities. Begin your adventure at the HQ booth, where little Jedi (or Sith)-loving geeks can receive a free goodie from the treasure chest. Refresh at the Geek Tavern with a selection of non-alcoholic beverages inspired by your Star Wars faves. Blue Milk, anyone?
• Sunday, May 4
• Noon - 5pm
• Free

Multi-Day Events

Kimberly Akimbo at DPAC, Durham Performing Arts Center

• A new musical about growing up and growing old (in no particular order), KIMBERLY AKIMBO is the winner of 5 Tony Awards including BEST MUSICAL. It features Tony Award-winning book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire (Shrek), a Tony Award-winning score by Jeanine Tesori (Fun Home), choreography by Danny Mefford (Dear Evan Hansen) and direction by Tony-nominated director Jessica Stone

• Tue, Apr 29 7:30 PM
• Wed, Apr 30 7:30 PM
• Thu, May 1 7:30 PM
• Fri, May 2 8:00 PM
• Sat, May 3 2:00 PM
• Sat, May 3 8:00 PM
• Sun, May 4 1:00 PM
• Sun, May 4 6:30 PM

Durham Bulls vs. Jacksonville at Durham Bulls Athletic Park

• April 29 - May 4

CIAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships at Durham County Stadium

• May 2-3

Durham Greek Festival at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church

• Enjoy authentic Greek food and fabulous desserts in the dining tent or for take-out. Admission is FREE and the festival will be held rain or shine. Continuous Greek music and regular folk dance performances. Opa! The Taverna offers Greek wines and beer. The Marketplace features Greek grocery items, artwork, jewelry, home decor, Greek ceramics and souvenirs, Ukrainian crafts and more, plus the award-winning community cookbook THE GRECIAN PLATE (over 50,000 copies sold!). Our Attic Treasures Sale offers collectibles and other treasures for all budgets. Tours of the landmark Byzantine-style, domed church highlight our newly completed iconography. A portion of festival proceeds benefit Ukraine and western NC relief.
• May 3-4
• 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 Tuesdays through Sundays. The three-course menu includes appetizer, entree and dessert. A recent menu includes 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 creme or St. Angel Triple Creme Cheese. The menu and price changes based on season and ingredient availability.
• Tue, Apr 1 - Sun, Jun 29
• 4-5:30 p.m.
• $40

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.
• Mon, Mar 31 - Sat, June 21
• Select Wednesdays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays at 11:30 a.m.
• $12+; $10+ children 12 and under; $40+ for series

Monday, April 28

5 p.m.

Arts & Drafts at Beer Study Durham

6 p.m.

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

Queer Death Cafe at Arcana

6:30 p.m.

Crank Arm Run Club at Crank Arm Brewing Company

Trivia Night at Ponysaurus Brewing Co.

7 p.m.

Board Game Night at Moon Dog Meadery

7:30 p.m.

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

Tuesday, April 29

5 p.m.

Adult Coloring Night at Ment Beverage Co.

Yaki Tuesday at Dashi

Free Wine Tasting at Wine Authorities

6 p.m.

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

Queer Rope Night at Arcana

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

7:30 p.m.

BEERthoven at Atomic Clock Brewing Co.

Derek Gripper at Hayti Heritage Center

Wednesday, April 30

3 p.m.

Durham Farmers’ Market at Pavilion at Durham Central Park

4 p.m.

Botany Spotlight: Mosses of Duke Forest at Duke Forest

Whiskey Wednesday at Alley Twenty Six

5 p.m.

Wine Study: Free Wine Tasting at Beer Study Durham

6 p.m.

Dice & Drafts at Ment Beverage Co.

6:30 p.m.

Music at The Stack at American Tobacco Campus

Chess Night and Tarot with Joy at Arcana

7 p.m.

ZincHouse Laughs Comedy Show at ZincHouse Winery & Brewery

Karaoke Night at Mavericks Smokehouse

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.

Trivia Night at Bull McCabe's Irish Pub

Air Hockey Tournament at Boxcar Arcade

Karaoke at Moon Dog Meadery

9 p.m.

Last Wednesdays: Velvet Disco DJ Sets with Lex Nell at The Velvet Hippo

Thursday, May 1

4 p.m.

Beer Hiking Book Release and Party at Ponysaurus Brewing Co.

5 p.m.

Thirsty Thursdays at Dashi

5:30 p.m.

Walking Club with Bull City Strollers at Glass Jug Downtown

6 p.m.

StepUp Durham's 10th Anniversary IMPACT Fundraiser at Durham Armory

Taurus Night and Tarot with Virginia at Arcana

Dungeons n' Drafts at DSSOLVR Durham

Vinyl Night with DJ Deckades at Gizmo Brew Works

6:15 p.m.

Pony Run with Fleet Feet at Ponysaurus Brewing Co.

6:30 p.m.

Decolonizing Yoga at Bullitanica

Boulders & Brews Meetup at Triangle Rock Club - Durham

R&B Yoga Class at Hayti Heritage Center — Baba Chuck Dance Studio

7 p.m.

1st Thursday Comedy Improv with Stolen Identity! at Succotash Southern & Creole Kitchen

Trivia Night at Beer Tooth Taproom

Eagles Nest Jam featuring NCCU Jazz at Missy Lane's Assembly Room

Board Game Night at Moon Dog Meadery

7:30 p.m.

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

8 p.m.

Queer-Eoke at Club ERA

Music Trivia Bingo with Stormie Daie! at The Velvet Hippo

Pins and Needles w/ Joey Zen / Nikias / Nobody / DJ Big John at Pinhook

Friday, May 2

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

6 p.m.

The Duke Street Dogs at The Blue Note Grill

Ashley Virginia and Tarot with Virginia at Arcana

7 p.m.

Live Vinyl Spinning by PhDJ Every 1st & 3rd Friday! at Beer Study Durham

PLAYlist Concert Series: Opening Night with Charly Lowry at Durham Central Park

Free Live Performance with Jorden the DJ at Liberty & Plenty Distillery

Love on the Clock: A Curated Speed Dating Experience at Legaxy Studios

8 p.m.

The October Nights: Calling All Lovers Tour featuring October London, Tamar Braxton, and Ro James at DPAC, Durham Performing Arts Center

Open Mic Stand-Up Comedy at Durty Bull Brewing Company

9 p.m.

First Friday Latin Nights at The Velvet Hippo Bar & Lounge

Hush Hush Improv Comedy at Mettlesome Theatre

Karaoke at Flying Bull Beer Company Taproom

Saturday, May 3

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

7 a.m.

St. Luke’s Giant, Annual, Spring Fling Yard Sale (Rain or shine!) at Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church

Bull City Madness 2025 at Long Meadow Park (Pending)

8 a.m.

Cars and Coffee at Page Rd. and Miami Blvd.

Durham Farmers’ Market at Pavilion at Durham Central Park

parkrun Durham at Southern Boundaries Park

9 a.m.

2025 Komen Triangle Race for the Cure at Boxyard RTP

'She's THAT Girl' Conference at Holton Career and Resource Center

10 a.m.

Roots and Soul: Walking with Pauli Murray at Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice

11 a.m.

Strawberry Festival at Old North Durham Park

Sip, Savor & Soca at Garland Hall

Storytime at Barnes and Noble New Hope Commons: Kids Stage

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

11:30 p.m.

Bull City Bike Stampede and Afterparty at CCB Plaza

Barrels of Fun Brewery Tasting w/ Seth at Bull City Solera and Taproom

Saturdaze — DJ Parkside at Boxyard RTP

12 p.m.

North Durham Farmers' Market at Soul Sanctuary

Beats n Bars Festival Block Party at American Tobacco Campus

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

Make a Hypertufa Pot and Plant Trough at Durham Flower Farm

2 p.m.

Handcrafted DURM Mothers Gifts and Womens Health Fair at Durty Bull Brewing

3 p.m.

The Greatest Fashion Show at Durham Armory

3:30 p.m.

The Durham Community Chorale Presents: Do You Hear the People Sing? at Temple Baptist Church

4 p.m.

Flying High: Spring Handbell Pops Concert at Duke Memorial United Methodist Church

5:30 p.m.

Durham Nights at Golden Belt Campus

6 p.m.

Emily K Center Mother's Day Ball at Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club

Bardo Bloom at Arcana

6:30 p.m.

Spring Gala at King's Park International Church

7 p.m.

Rhonda Robichaux & Meaux--NOLA Blues Soul & Funk at Succotash Southern & Creole Kitchen

Chris Staples (Solo Performance) at Perfect Lovers

7:30 p.m.

Jerusalem Quartet at Baldwin Auditorium

The North Carolina Youth Tap Ensemble presents Rhythms Reimagined with Special Guests Luke Hickey and Elizabeth Burke at The Carolina Theater

8 p.m.

Cult Your Nights Flora JoRose and Ivy Sublime present: Cancel Culture Night at Durty Bull Brewing

9 p.m.

Bardo Bloom at Arcana

Blind Tigers Live Band Karaoke at Rubies on Five Points

9:30 p.m.

Saturday Night Dance Party at The Velvet Hippo

10 p.m.

Drink, Drag, Dance, Repeat! at Club ERA

Sunday, May 4

Events at Durty Bull Brewing Company

• 12-2:30 p.m. - NC Air Hockey Players Air Hockey Tournament
• 2-4 p.m. - Hammered Trivia with Casey

Events at Moon Dog Meadery

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

8 a.m.

Civil War: Part 1 Airsoft Event at Xtreme Park Adventures

10 a.m.

Jazz Brunch at Lula & Sadie's

11 a.m.

May the 4th at Bricks & Minifigs Durham

2025 Duke Twilight Track & Field Meet at Morris Williams Stadium

Planter Sale & Plant Swap at Studio Maypop

11:30 a.m.

Yoga @ The Winery at Zinc House Winery & Brewery

12 p.m.

Geek and Grub Market (May the 4th Be With You Edition) at Durham Armory

Sunday Dollar Bin Sale for Charity at Rumors Durham

NC Air Hockey Players Air Hockey Tournament at Durty Bull Brewing Co

Dungeons 'N' Drafts at Glass Jug Downtown

12:15 p.m.

Public Tour of Duke Chapel at Duke University Chapel

1 p.m.

Duke Baseball v. Radford at Jack Coombs Field

Veranda Party : Spring Edition at Motorco Music Hall

2 p.m.

Bourbon Blending Class at Mystic Farm and Distillery

Hammered Trivia w/ Thor at Durty Bull Brewing Company

3 p.m.

Durham Medical Orchestra: Virtuosity, Drama, and Delight at Baldwin Auditorium, Duke University East Campus

Big Shoes to Fill at The Carolina Theatre

6 p.m.

Asher Skeen and Tarot with Rene at Arcana

7 p.m.

Karaoke Night at the bar @DBCo

Running Art Exhibits

History Exhibit: Unearthing Stories of Geer Cemetery at Museum of Durham History

• The Museum of Durham History, in partnership with the Friends of Geer Cemetery, is proud to present Unearthing Stories of Geer Cemetery: Using Archaeology to Reclaim, Restore, and Respect Sacred Space. This powerful exhibit explores how archaeological discoveries at Geer Cemetery have uncovered long-forgotten artifacts, shedding light on the lives of those buried there and the community’s ongoing efforts to preserve their memory.
• April 25-May 31
• Free

BOLD Layers Artwork by Hager-Braun and Thayer at Golden Belt Artists

• BOLD Layers is the first show together of Christine Hager-Braun and Tim Thayer. Both are Golden Belt studio artists working with color and shape yet working in different materials and meaning. Hager-Braun creates contemporary abstract fiber art from fabric and thread focusing on the themes of resilience, determination, and the importance of our emotional well-being. Thayer's message and purpose are an exploration and acknowledgment of the creative process itself and the unknown created through paint and found objects/collage.
• The artworks will be on display each day and are open to the public. There will be an reception for the artists on Durham's Third
• Friday Art Walk.
• Tue, Apr 1 - Tue, Apr 29
• Free admission

Art Exhibit — By Dawn’s Early Light at Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University

• The years 2024 and 2025 mark the sixtieth anniversaries of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The two Acts transformed life in the United States for many marginalized individuals, including people of color, women, people with disabilities, elders, and others who had not had equal rights in the nation’s history. This legislation was the culmination of nearly a century of work by activists and advocates.
• Fri, Nov 8 - Sun, May 11
• Tue - Sat, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sun, 12-5 p.m.
• Free admission

Art Exhibition – Freedom: Forward March at Ella West Gallery

• Gallery hours: Wed - Sat, 12 m. - 5 p.m. and by appointment
• Sat, Mar 15 - Fri, May 30
• Free admission

Art Exhibit — Cannupa Hanska Luger: Speechless at Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University

• “Cannupa Hanska Luger: Speechless” explores and amplifies the problematic colonial history and the concept of cargo cults from an Indigenous perspective. Cargo cults developed as a result of Western military campaigns that sent crated, often airdropped, supplies to foreign lands inhabited by Indigenous peoples.
  This exhibition features several momentual works by the artist, including a large-scale radio made from pine trees titled “The Keep”, three of the artists' “Transportable Intergenerational Protective infrastructure (TIPI)” works, an immersive video, a series of speaker towers, and a group of Native Americans bustles, a traditional part of Native American Powwow regalia.
• Fri, Feb 21 - Sun, Jul 6
• Tue - Sat, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Sun 12-5 p.m.
• Free admission

Annie Nashold: Through a Dark Wind at 5 Points Gallery

• 5 Points Gallery in downtown Durham is thrilled to present Annie Nashold: Through a Dark Wind “Sometimes you create a new group of paintings just to take care of yourself,” Annie reflects. In her new body of work, themes of culture, connection, and individuality emerge, as she delves into the power and mystery of knowing and not knowing. Her paintings explore the strength, love, trauma, and humor that we all share as she accepts the complexities of her soul and the pictures it inspires.
• Join the Third Friday Reception April 18, 6–9pm. Enjoy the varied works of nine Triangle-based artists in a range of media including painting, sculpture, fused glass, and mixed media. Image: Annie Nashold, Just Want to Know How You Are Feeling, acrylic mixed media and collage, 18x14 inches.
• Visit 5 Points Gallery in person or online. All work from the exhibition is available for shipping or pickup. Gallery hours: Thursdays & Fridays 5–9pm, Saturdays 1–9pm. Artists are available to talk about the works.
• April 17-May 10
• Free