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

Pictured:

CenterFest - Credit Samantha Everette

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

A Mystic Halloween 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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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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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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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

Jim Gaffigan

Jim Gaffigan is a six-time Grammy-nominated comedian, actor, writer, producer, two-time New York Times best-selling author, three-time... Details

Liberty & Plenty Distillery Tours and Tastings

Tours By the Curious, For the Curious Join in for a tour of their historic home in Downtown Durham to learn about the history of Liberty &... Details

parkrun Durham

What is Durham NC parkrun? A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it's up to you!... Details

Durham Community Day

On Durham Community Days, Durham County residents get in free with current proof of residence. All adults must have Durham residency to get... 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

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

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

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

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

Kathleen Madigan: The Day Drinking Tour

Comedian Kathleen Madigan’s 33-year comedy career is showing no signs of slowing down as she is on her all-new tour, The Potluck Party Tour... Details