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

The Monti: Guilty Pleasures

Pleasure is what makes life worth living, but sometimes our greatest pleasures are our guiltiest. They can be harmless, like sneaking a late-night snack or binge-watching trash tv, but sometimes they can have big consequences—a friend overhearing your gossip sesh or a small vice spiraling into a major addiction.Join The Monti for an evening of storytelling where you listen to tales of indulgence, regret, and the sweet joy of breaking the rules—just a little...

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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

Durham Branch NAACP Freedom Fund

The Durham Branch NAACP is pleased to announce the forthcoming Freedom Fund Banquet, during which they will pay tribute to Mrs. Catherine... Details

Soul Sunday w/ DJ Soul

DJ Soul spent his adult life between the DMV, Atlanta, and South Korea. Over the past 20 years, he has built his reputation as a DJ through... Details

Downtown Durham Treasure Hunt - Walking Team Scavenger Hunt!

Guests will meet in at Pour Taproom and then depart with their treasure map on a walking team scavenger hunt where they will use their... Details

Hammered Trivia w/ Thor

Award winning Trivia Hosted by Thor himself. Come get hammered and see why Sunday funday just got a little bit better, from mimosas, beer... Details

Durham Ballet Theatre Winter Showcase

Durham Ballet Theatre presents our Winter Showcase featuring aerial performers and ballet pieces. Share the wonder and beauty of dancing... Details

Open Mic

Hosted by Deb Aronin. Comedy, Music, Poetry, Ventriloquism and whatever other talents and performance skills you might have. All are... Details

Comedy and Music Open Mic at Moon Dog Meadery

Presented with ComedyDurham. Sign ups begin at 6:30. Comedy, music, poetry, any artistic performance you'd like to share are welcome. moon... Details

The Devine Feminine Comedy Showcase

Head to Devines in downtown Durham for an evening of free, funny, and female standup comedy. Featuring June Darling, Zoe Anna, Ebony... Details

Maker Mondays at DSSOLVR Durham

Get ready to unleash your creativity on Monday nights at DSSOLVR Durham! Bring your friends along for a night of hands-on fun and dive into... Details