Guide to Third Friday Art Walk and Gallery Crawl

Put down the mass-produced art. Yes, you. It’s time to get to know Durham’s art scene up close and personal. At Third Friday, Durham’s monthly art walk and gallery crawl organized by Downtown Durham, Inc. (DDI), twenty downtown galleries and venues open their doors to the public for an evening of mingling among the art. Countless other businesses also take the opportunity to throw special after hours events and mixers to welcome the crowds into their storefronts. It’s the perfect opportunity to hobnob with Durham creatives, expand your art collection, people watch, dance in the streets and take advantage of all there is to do downtown.

If you show up downtown on the evening of a Third Friday, it won’t be hard to find your way. But, for the planners who don’t want to miss a thing, we’ve got all the details.

How to Plan for Third Friday

Be sure to bring your walking shoes and fill your social battery, because this will be a night for the books. There will be art and lots of it. There will also be DJs in the square, artists’ opening receptions, workshops, open studios and more.

When: The third Friday of every month, 6-9 p.m.
Where: Downtown Durham venues spanning from Brightleaf Square to Goldenbelt Campus; Geer Street to American Tobacco Campus.
Price: Third Friday is free to attend.

Parking in downtown Durham is easier than you might think. Street side parking and various garages are available and free after 7 p.m. Check our parking page for more information.

Start at CCB Plaza

Make your way to the center of the action at CCB Plaza, where Major the Bull stands ready for a selfie and DJs provide entertainment, often in partnership with venues like The Fruit. Not only is the plaza close to many of the galleries participating in the crawl, you can also stop by the DDI tent for Third Friday maps and information about special events.

Check out the Visitor Info Center

Make your way around the block to the Visitor Info Center at 212 W. Main St. where you can sometimes find the doors open for thematic and seasonal celebrations like samples from local breweries for NC Beer Month, local artists selling their work or, if you're lucky, free slices of pizza (who needs an excuse for pizza?) Details for planned Third Friday events in the Visitor Info Center are updated on our event calendar listing.

Visit Downtown Galleries

You can experience art anytime you’re downtown by visiting the twenty galleries, art spaces and studios in the area. Seeing the art is free and there are plenty of opportunities to make a purchase to add to your collection. Many of these venues plan special events, including openings, artist talks and receptions during Third Friday, making their spaces especially lively.

Attend Events and Openings

In addition to open doors at downtown galleries, each month, art venues and other downtown businesses plan special events for visitors and residents. Join social mixers, special sales, food and drink specials, pop-up markets, workshops, live music and much more. Check DDI's Third Friday Page to plan the perfect evening.

Enjoy The Bullpen, Durham’s Social District

All of downtown falls within The Bullpen, Durham’s social district, and Third Friday is the perfect opportunity to take advantage. Stop into a participating business and order your drink to go. Once it’s served in the special Bullpen cup, you’re free to take it with you as you walk around downtown. Our blog has all the details you need to make the most of the social district.

Other Things to Do While You’re Downtown

After all that socializing, walking and thoughtful contemplation, you’ll certainly work up an appetite (or a thirst). It’s time to grab dinner and drinks. Luckily, you’re in the heart of one of Durham’s dining districts where James Beard Award nominees and Top Chef contestants helm kitchens next to fast-casual favorites. Grab a slice to go or reserve a table for a renowned dining experience. Here, you can find sushi made from fish flown in from Japan, experience homestyle Indian cuisine, tuck in to steaming bowls of ramen or try contenders for Durham’s best burger. Our Essential Restaurants Guide will help you narrow down your options.

If you’re looking for entertainment into the evening, downtown is home to several venues hosting late night events. Check the event calendars and socials for the following spots:

• Rubies on Five Points for dance parties
• The Fruit for concerts and electronic music
• The Pinhook for touring bands and drag shows
• Motorco Music Hall for concerts
• The Carolina Theatre for concerts, comedy shows and films
• Missy Lane’s Assembly Room for jazz shows

Explore Durham's nightlife scene by tasting award-winning cocktails made with locally made spirits or stop by one of Durham’s many breweries and taprooms to try a new beer. Whether you're in the mood for an expertly made martini, an over-the-top margarita or the cheapest beer in town, Durham’s bars have you covered.

Stay the Night

When the time comes to turn in for the evening, you’re only steps from several options spanning from boutique to big name brands:

• Durham Marriott City Center: A familiar favorite connected to the Carolina Theatre, just off of CCB Plaza
  
• 21c Museum Hotel: Explore the hotel’s art collection and snag a selfie with the 21c mascot – a hot magenta penguin
• The Durham Hotel: A mid-century boutique hotel with a celebrated restaurant and rooftop bar.
• Aloft Durham Downtown: Located in the American Tobacco Campus, Aloft offers a modern aesthetic, heated pool, and proximity to plenty of dining and entertainment options.
• Residence Inn Durham McPherson/Duke University Medical Center Area: The newly constructed Residence Inn has apartment-style suites, heated pool, and fitness center near the Brightleaf District
• Unscripted Durham: An eclectic hotel with a rooftop deck, pool, and unique cocktail and cuisine options.