Durham Events Calendar
Inspiring FOMO since 1869
Every day in the Bull City, there’s a wide variety of events happening to help you get involved in our vibrant community. If you're already here or planning a trip, use our search function below to find events suited to all interests and ages.
Durham is home to many homegrown festivals and events that happen annually and are easy to plan a trip around. From beats to barbecue and everything in between, check out our seasonal events page to find the perfect time to visit the Bull City.
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If you're a Durham-based venue or organization and you'd like us to include your event on our calendar, follow the link below to find our submission guidelines and submit your information.
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Featured Events
Dave Chappelle
Dave Chappelle, the award-winning American comedian, actor, screenwriter, and producer of television and film, today announces performance at DPAC. Dave Chappelle is recognized as one of the greatest comedians of all time. He is the 2019 recipient of the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. Chappelle’s work has earned him more than 30 nominations and awards in television and film for projects that include his groundbreaking sketch comedy television series “Chappelle’s Show,” comedy specials...
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The 7th Annual Rocky Horror Picture Show Halloween Ball
A Retro annual tradition! More than just a movie screening, Retro presents a full-theatrical, FX-driven, light show-blazing, fog-blowing, call-backing, motion picture extravaganza! Fasten your garter belt and come up to the Carolina Theatre’s historic 1000-seat lab and see what’s on the slab! This madcap musical begins when rain-soaked Brad and Janet take refuge in the castle of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a transvestite mad scientist from outer space who is about to unveil his greatest creation! This...
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A Mystic Hallowee Costume Party
Have a spooktacular time with specialty cocktails, live music, a costume contest with prizes, and haunted trail! Early bird tickets go on sale 9/14/23 for $20 and include 1 cocktail so grab them while they last! The Haunted Trail will run from 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM with groups up to 15 people being admitted every 15 minutes. You can select your time slot when you purchase your tickets.
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NC Comicon
New exhibits. New panels. New all-encompassing comic book pop culture overload experience! And of course the finest vendors in comic books, toys, and collectibles as well as a plethora of phenomenal comic book creators from the triangle area and around the world. All of this plus our massive fan-favorite Cosplay Contest! Attend the best one-of-a-kind panels by industry professionals and local talent. NC Comicon has everything that you’re looking for, from costume making and world...
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Air Supply
One of the Greatest Soft Rock Duos of All Time Air Supply has been the recipient of unprecedented, worldwide radio airplay for their countless love songs. The duo of Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock began in 1975. Russell provided the words, Hitchcock the distinctive tenor vocals, and Air Supply was born. In a very short time, they found themselves with seven consecutive top-five hits such as "Lost In Love," "All Out Of Love," and "Even...
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Show Me Reptiles & Exotics Show
The Show Me Reptile & Exotics Show is one of the largest reptile and exotic pet shows in the region. This is a safe and family friendly event geared to educate and introduce people to reptiles and exotics.
The show is also a great place to go if you already have pets, with feeders and supplies from quality sources.
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Holiday Parade
Cheer on dynamic floats, hometown bands, drill teams, schools, and community groups as they make their way down Main Street at the Durham Holiday Parade. The procession will conclude with a guest appearance from Santa.
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Solstice: A Winter Circus Experience
Embark on an acrobatic journey with “Solstice: a Winter Circus Experience.” This captivating circus show unfolds the story of a character who has lost his inner light, plunging him into a wondrous and surreal world where memories come to life and the ordinary becomes ‘extra’ordinary. “Solstice” blends over 8 acrobatic acts with lighting, costumes, music, scenery, and snow to create a unique blend of poetry and circus in a 75-minute show! “Solstice” is an unforgettable...
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Cosmic Baseball Takeover Tour
Michael W. Smith: Every Christmas
With Special Guest: Riley Clemmons
Multi-Platinum singer-songwriter, Michael W. Smith, is excited to come to Durham, NC with his “EVERY...
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Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis has been America’s favorite holiday tradition for more than 35 years! Grammy Award winner Chip...
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Downtown Durham Tree Lighting
Featuring Peppermint Pop-Up Market, live music and performances, a Strolling Santa, a kids zone, and of course, the tree lighting!
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The Illusionists
Celebrate the holidays with the entire family at THE ILLUSIONISTS - MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAYS, a mind-blowing showcase featuring jaw-dropping...
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Derek Hough
Derek Hough's Dance for the Holidays Tour is an all new joyous celebration of the most festive time of the year! With jingle bells and...
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Thanksgiving Buffet @ Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club
Join the AAA Four Diamond Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club for the long-awaited return of its Thanksgiving Buffet . The Inn is hosting two...
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Scrap Exchange Smashfest on Black Friday
An annual opportunity for a cathartic community ritual releasing collective frustration.
Featuring:
⚡️bands⚡️beer⚡️community...
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'Twas the Night Before...
‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE… is Cirque du Soleil’s first holiday show, based on the classic poem “A Visit from Saint Nicolas” by Clement Clarke...
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Holiday Greenery: Build Your Own Wreath
Duke Gardens horticulturists Michelle Rawlins and Megan Brown will demonstrate how to construct a holiday wreath for your front door using...
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A magnificent night of shopping under the twinkle of thousands of lights. Sip mulled wine or hot chocolate while your browse more than 50...
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Silent Fright Circus Show
You better watch out because all of the creatures WILL be stirring on this not-so-merry night...
Grab your bells and bows as we take a...
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Amahl and the Night Visitors
The COT is excited to bring the magic of “Amahl and the Night Visitors” to the Carolina Theatre for two performances this holiday season....
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