Events in Durham, NC | Find Festivals, Concerts & Sporting Events

Pictured:

American Dance Festival

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.

Submit an Event

If you have any questions, please email eventcalendar@discoverdurham.com.

Featured Events

SplatterFlix Film Series

It’s exactly what you think it is: the goriest, scariest horror movies ever made, re-animated by Retro Film Series for screening over a three-day weekend.

Details

Pumpkin Patch Express

All aboard the Pumpkin Patch Express! Join in Saturdays and Sundays through October 26 to celebrate the arrival of autumn at one of the Museum's most popular family-friendly events. Pick the perfect pumpkin to decorate, race through the hay maze, and enjoy a variety of games, photo-ops, and activities inspired by the season. Then climb aboard the train for a relaxing ride back to the station on the Ellerbe Creek Railway!

Details

Third Friday in the Visitor Info Center: Beer Tasting with Fullsteam Brewing

Stop by the Visitor Info Center on Third Friday for a free slice of pizza, beer samples from Fullsteam Brewing and expert Durham recommendations. You can also earn another Bull City Beer Challenge check-in!*Pizza and beer samples while supplies last. You must be at least 21 years old to sample beers. Afterwards, continue your night visiting downtown art galleries and other Third Friday events!

Details

Nasher Museum 20th Anniversary Celebration

Help celebrate the Nasher Museum’s 20th anniversary and the grand opening of the Nancy A. Nasher and David J. Haemisegger Family Sculpture Garden! This exciting milestone will feature four special exhibitions on view, including Everything Now All At Once, which highlights bold and innovative works from the Nasher’s contemporary art collection.Guests can enjoy art-making stations, interactive learning experiences, hands-on activities, and special performances throughout the day. A variety of local food and beverage options will...

Details

Blacktoberfest

Black Brew Culture's amazing celebration of beer, food, art and entertainment. This year’s festival features 20 breweries and collaborators, plus six Black-owned wine and spirits brands. Add to that 30 vendors, food trucks, and a full entertainment stage, and you’ve got the makings of an East Durham block party you won’t want to miss.

Details

Bull City Race Fest and Food Truck Rodeo

Experience the brand NEW 2025 Race Routes! This festival has something for the fastest runners and families alike. Start and Finish at Diamond View Park at the American Tobacco Campus and choose from the Half Marathon, Five Miler or 1 Mile distances. Enjoy a fall morning of running through downtown Durham, Duke University and surrounding Historic Neighborhoods. After you cross the finish line, enjoy delicious eats from a variety of delicious food trucks! The Bull...

Details

Chocolate & Bourbon Pairing

This luxury class will take you through different Mystic Bourbons and the chocolate pairing that brings out the amazing flavors. Learn about, and taste, all of their spirits along with a classic chocolate pairing.

Details

Diana Ross

Diana Ross is a consummate performer, as well as one of the most iconic female singers of all time and one of the most prominent women in popular music history and pop culture of the late 20th century. Diana Ross’ famed and remarkable career spanning almost five decades has resulted in major awards, accolades and music history milestones. Her international achievements were acknowledged by the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors in December 2007 in Washington DC...

Details

Drop-In Make Your Own Body Fragrance

Bright Black invites you to a drop-in perfume making experience every Saturday, from 11a - 5p. Experiment with dope scents and great vibes,... Details

A Taste of Greece

Enjoy authentic Greek food and desserts in the festive dining tent or pick up your favorites to go. The Taverna will offer Greek wine and... Details

Free Wine Tasting

Sample a selection of wines from estate grown, family owned wineries from around the world. These tastings are educational, but also casual... Details

Crafternoons

Crafternoons - All day event. Free pint with purchase of craft box. Choose from a variety of craft packages available for all ages. Details

Family Fun Day

Join Book Harvest for Family Fun Day! Families across Durham are invited to enjoy a special day of connection, learning, and play at the... Details

Historic Downtown Durham Guided Walking Tour

The history of Durham is hidden beneath your feet! Join a tour of the history of Downtown Durham: From the Tobacco District to Five Points... Details

Trick-or-Treat @ Boxyard RTP

Featuring trick-or-treating throughout Boxyard, story time, a costume contest, a Monster Mash Dance Party, and so much more! For the... Details

Bull City Block Party and Vintage Market

NC Vintage Bazaar is back in downtown Durham for the vintage block party of your dreams! They're shutting down Foster Street for an evening... Details

Durham African American History Guided Tour

Durham is the home of a litany of African American historic sites. Whether you want to learn about architects, artists, athletes, or... Details

Elodie Farm Dinner

Enjoy an unforgettable evening with a mouthwatering 5-course meal, crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and expertly prepared by... Details

Downtown Durham True Crime Walking Tour

Hosted by a local historian, the Durham True Crime walking tour will surely capture your curiosity. From a mayoral candidate with a... Details

Shamu Garcon--Cajun, Zydeco

Shamu Garcon, aka Chris Mankoff, will be performing for the last time in this area for the foreseeable future. Please make your plans now... Details

Durham Events Calendar

Submit an Event to our Calendar

Featured Events