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

Bourbon Sensory Training

Take a professionally led course on the process of tasting and evaluating bourbon. In this immersive experience, you'll have the opportunity to savor an array of Mystic bourbons. Typically, bourbons are evaluated on five characteristics: color, aroma, mouth-feel, flavor, and finish.Learn the process of training your pallet to recognize the common smells and tastes of bourbon whiskey. They will guide you through a spectrum of flavors and aromas, from the smooth and caramel-infused notes to...

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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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Black Friday at Mystic

Celebrate the season with live music, food trucks and free bourbon tastings. Cocktails for $3, and half-price tours. Tours all day at 12, 2, and 4pm. Book online.

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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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Cosmic Baseball Takeover Tour

Durham Grown: the Durham County Library Garden Club

Gardener Meet Up! Join your fellow Durham gardeners for a meet up to chat about plants and gardening! Bring your morning coffee and start... 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

Crafternoons

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

Bourbon Sensory Training

Take a professionally led course on the process of tasting and evaluating bourbon. In this immersive experience, you'll have the... 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

Botanist & Barrel Cider Tasting

Dive into the world of craft cider at Glass Jug Downtown with the exceptional flavors of Botanist and Barrel, hailing from Asheville! Known... Details

Nailed It DIY - Build It Event

Every fourth Saturday Nailed It reserves time for adults to build the project of the month. Art Tenders will guide you, step by step, to... Details

Downtown Durham Tree Lighting

Featuring Peppermint Pop-Up Market, live music and performances, a Strolling Santa, a kids zone, and of course, the tree lighting! Details

Lower Eno River Discovery Paddle

Paddle along the Eno River on its journey into the Neuse River and explore the hidden creeks and coves that are home to frogs, salamanders,... Details