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.
Submit an Event to our Calendar
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
Operation Devil's Eye
Intense Hunter's Airsoft Event! Gear up and let the battle begin!
For ages 8 and up.
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Holiday Cocktail Class
Participants get a tour of the distillery, free tastings, and learn hands-on how to make some of your favorite holiday cocktails.
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Handel’s Messiah
Since 1933, Handel’s Messiah has been the fulcrum of the Chapel’s concert life and a cherished Duke holiday tradition. Handel’s masterwork traces the history of humanity’s divine redemption through Christ’s birth, death, and resurrection, in music that is both treasured and timeless. This year Messiah will be performed with period instruments and Baroque-era tuning, as Handel himself would have heard it. Each performance will last approximately two hours and fifteen minutes with intermission. Seat cushions...
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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 Open House
Enjoy a look inside the historic McCown-Mangum House, Photography Museum, and Mill. While you’re there, try your hand at some crafts, listen to stories by the fireside, sing-along to live holiday music and treat yourself to yummy refreshments. No need to register—just drop in, rain or shine!
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Durham 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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African American Dance Ensemble Kwanzaafest
Join the African American Dance Ensemble for their 39th Kwanzaa celebration! The focus will be on the principle of Imani, which represents Faith. It’s a time to wholeheartedly believe in community and the justness of community struggles. Kwanzaa is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate African American culture and values, such as unity, self-determination, collective responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. It’s also a moment for reflection and joy, featuring communal feasts and gatherings that...
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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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Biscuits & Banjos Festival
GRAMMY & Pulitzer Prize-winning artist Rhiannon Giddens’ new festival is dedicated to the celebration and exploration of Black music, art and culture in her home state of North Carolina. Biscuits & Banjos is a 3-day festival to exchange ideas, expand conversations, uplift traditions, and trace the musical and geographical connections of old time, country, Americana, folk, jazz and blues to highlight their complicated origins. The festival will champion Black artists and creators, offering robust musical...
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Cosmic Baseball Takeover Tour
Wine Down Wednesday with DIY
Do you have a hard time finding time to be creative? Here's the perfect opportunity for you to make time and space to create! Join in on...
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Signature Wine Tasting
Join ZincHouse Wine Director, Dave, as he takes you on a journey through five signature wine offerings throughout a 45 minute session. Your...
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Music Bingo at Ponysaurus Brewing Co.
Did you once have an iPod with 30,000 songs on it? Do you listen to the radio with the windows down on the reg? Did you listen to vinyl...
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Brett Chambers Open Mic
Very limited, properly spaced seating inside.First come, first serve.ALSO will stream on Brett’s Open Mic FB page.
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Hammered Trivia at Hi-Wire
Weekly trivia at hi wire from 7-9 on Wednesdays
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Trivia Night @ Bull McCabe's
Join in every Wednesday night for the Best Trivia in the Triangle, as voted by readers of the Indy! Prizes include pitchers of delicious...
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Karaoke at Moon Dog Meadery
Join Moon Dog Meadery and Host Leo Flounoy for a night of judgement-free karaoke!
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Air Hockey Tournament
Arrive by 7:45pm Wednesdays to claim your seat to compete in a weekly air hockey tournament.
It’s FREE to play.Must be 21+Prizes will be...
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Black Santa
Santas Just Like Me has been providing Santas of color since 2013. Thousands of children have been touched by visits with Santa sharing...
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Thirsty Thursdays at Dashi
Each month Dashi's Thirsty Thursday drink specials revolve around a monthly theme – spirits, cocktails, special ingredients, brand,...
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Vinyl Night with DJ Deckades
BYO Vinyl DJ Night & Record Pop-Up Shop.
Hosted by DJ Deckades (@djdeckades) a Durham based vinyl DJ
Record Pop Up Shop by Three Count...
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Boulders & Brews Meetup
Show up and climb at TRC Durham, then head over to Hi-Wire for some brews! Bouldering begins at 6:30pm. Don't worry if it's your first time...
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