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.

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

Featured Events

November Third Friday in the Visitor Info Center - Storytelling with Indigenous Memories

Stop by the Visitor Info Center for sweet treats and an activation by Beverly Scarlett of Indigenous Memories. Beverly will lead an insightful storytelling session focused on the lives of Free People of Color within Indigenous nations. This is an opportunity to learn about these communities' rich narratives and experiences, particularly how they navigated the complexities of life pre-Civil War. Beverly’s passion for preserving and sharing these vital stories is truly inspiring. Her expertise will...

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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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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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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

Holidays in the Park

Enjoy a memorable stroll with your loved ones through some of the Museum of Life + Science outdoor and indoor spaces on evenings in... Details

Candlelight: Holiday Special Featuring “The Nutcracker” & More

Tentative ProgramHoliday Medley – VariousHark the Herald Angels SingThe First NoëlDeck the HallsO Holy Night – Adolphe AdamMa’oz Tzur –... Details

$1.50 Oysters at Alley Twenty Six

Durham’s Alley Twenty Six is now offering $1.50 raw oyster special from 4-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays. A selection of oysters are sourced from... Details

Thirsty Thursdays at Dashi

Each month Dashi's Thirsty Thursday drink specials revolve around a monthly theme – spirits, cocktails, special ingredients, brand,... Details

Walking Club with Bull City Strollers

Join us and The Bull City Strollers every Thursday for a beer and a walk! We’ll meet at the Jug at 5:30pm then go for a 30-40 minute stroll... Details

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... Details

Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations. Tentative Program:12 Days of... Details

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... Details

Space Code Youth Open Mic

An open mic for young artists and literary enthusiasts ages 13-19 to share their talents and develop their writing and performance skills.... Details

Trivia Night

FREE trivia every Thursday night. Each Thursday is sponsored by a different brewing company who provide free samples. If you want to... Details

Board Game Night at Moon Dog Meadery

Join the Durham Community Board Game night meet up group for a night of board games. All are welcome! Check out one of Moon Dog's many... Details

Bring Your Own Vinyl Night | Every Thursday

Join in for a groovy night of record spinning at Congress Social Bar in East Durham every Thursday! It's Bring Your Own Vinyl Night, where... Details

Durham Events Calendar

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Featured Events