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DPAC, Durham Performing Arts Center

4.8

123 Vivian Street
Durham, NC 27701
Phone: (919) 680-2787
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With a mission of presenting one-of-a-kind live entertainment events, DPAC, Durham Performing Arts Center, hosts over 180 performances a year, including spectacular touring Broadway productions, high-profile concert and comedy events, and family shows. Owned by the City of Durham and operated under the direction of Nederlander and Professional Facilities Management, DPAC has consistently ranked in the top-five performing arts theaters and performing arts centers in the US.


Google Reviews

Photo of Michelle Blohm Michelle Blohm
Oct 26, 2024 5

This is a great venue. We often come here for comedy events. I've never had a bad seat and have sat nearly everywhere. The sound and lighting are always without issue. The restrooms are the best I've seen for an event, with individual soap and hand towel dispensers at each sink, so once you're in, you're out quickly. The staff is extremely helpful and organized, so it's been a great experience. The hot pretzels are big and delicious!

Photo of Aminah Imani Aminah Imani
Oct 13, 2024 5

This is a beautiful venue. The staff were even more beautiful minus the sound guy. Thank you for a great time!

Photo of Elise Martinez Elise Martinez
Sep 29, 2024 5

We had the best experience!! Staff were incredibly kind and intentional. We saw Sigur Ros in concert. Definitely want to go back for a musical production or show.

Photo of S T S T
Sep 27, 2024 5

You're my better half went to go see The Piano Guys. I can't comment on what the parking was like in front of the center as we decided to go to the parking garage instead. The parking garage was across the street and few minutes walk. The best part about it was, the parking garage was free when we left. Employees at the Performing Arts Center where pleasant. The theatre was clean. My only issue is the distance between seats. They are a little too close together and this doesn't leave much shoulder or leg room for the person beside you. Beyond that I had a great time. I would definitely attend another performance by The Piano Guys.

Photo of Hillel Dorel Hillel Dorel
Sep 26, 2024 5

Wife & I came out to see The Piano Guys. We absolutely loved it! What a great time! The show was amazing, the venue was fantastic. The staff was friendly and helpful. So looking forward to our next show.

Photo of Allie Allie
Sep 5, 2024 5

Always love to see a show at DPAC. They do a great job of having people on hand for direction, safety, and assistance. There is a lot of parking around, but I do recommend getting to a show early. They have plenty of accessibility options for people who have lower mobility.

Photo of Linda Dao Linda Dao
Sep 3, 2024 5

This is hands down the best performing arts center I’ve been to. Ample parking that’s a short walk away (if you want to avoid the crowd after the performance ends). I was happy to see the beverage and food selection (although beware of the same inflated prices you’d see at concerts). The staff were so friendly and knowledgeable. And most importantly of all, the signage was easy to understand! You’d have to try really hard to get lost here. Nothing stresses me out more than a dilapidated building with confusing corridors and walkways. I hope we can go see more live events this upcoming season.

Photo of Kasper Kubica Kasper Kubica
Jul 15, 2024 5

It’s been pretty cool inside here every time I’ve been to a show (which I highly recommend). For about two weeks recently they seemed to be replacing all the HVAC units. They had massive cranes in the lot, closed down the roads, the whole nine yards. As such, though I haven’t had the chance to experience it myself, I suspect it’s now incredibly and refreshingly cold in here. This is good as outdoor temperatures are currently lethal to most humans.

Photo of MARY CAY MARY CAY
Apr 30, 2024 5

First time guest here, and this venue has the most amazing customer service of any concert hall I have been to. Top notch all the way. Beer and food were very reasonably priced as well. Most places like this, you’re just another customer, but DPAC was so welcoming and made me feel like an appreciated guest! THANK YOU!!

Photo of Brian Hammill Brian Hammill
Apr 12, 2024 5

Great place for live music and musicals. The facility is very comfortable with good views and acoustics except for the occasional big head in front of you. Try for seats near the middle sections 5 and 6 of the Grand Tier for the best value but the balcony view is also very good.

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. :)