events
Stay up to date with the latest weekly Events.
Visit Durham Downtown on Facebook.
MONTHLY RECURRING EVENTS
MON
THIRD FRIDAY DURHAM
[MONTHLY]
Third Friday Durham Art Walk & Gallery Crawl is held each Third Friday of the month. Explore downtown Durham's galleries, artist studios, shops, restaurants, and music, from 6-9 p.m.
DOWNTOWN DURHAM
MUSEUM OF LIFE AND SCIENCE - DURHAM COMMUNITY DAYS
[MONTHLY]
The Museum of Life and Science spans 84 acres of science and nature experiences both indoor and outdoors. On Durham Community Days, Durham County residents get in free with current proof of residence.
MUSEUM OF LIFE AND SCIENCE
PLAYLIST CONCERT SERIES
[MAY - OCTOBER]
PLAYlist is a free concert series presented by Durham Central Park and WNCU 90.7FM. The concerts take place on the first Friday of the month from May to October. Curated lineup covers an eclectic blend of genres and features local, regional and national artists. In addition to the music, there is a mix of local food trucks, craft beer and other vendors. Open lawn seating so bring your blankets and lawn chairs.
DURHAM CENTRAL PARK
DURHAM REALLY REALLY FREE MARKET [MONTHLY]
Durham Really Really Free Market is the first Sunday of each month from 2-4pm. Durham RRFM is a community group promoting the sharing of resources. Bring stuff you don't need or take stuff you do! Connect with others, offer and exchange goods and services.
ACROSS FROM LYON PARK PLAYGROUND
MON
DURHAM FARMERS MARKET
[MONTHLY]
The Durham Farmers’ Market brings people together every Saturday morning until 12 pm to celebrate the unique food and culture of Durham and the farms that sustain it. We provide access to fresh food for all of our community, champion small farmers and artisans, and foster a thriving and participatory local economy.
DURHAM CENTRAL PARK
DURHAM LIBRARY EVENTS
[MONTHLY]
Durham County Libraries strive to empower and enrich the Durham community through a wide and diverse range of library services, programming, and collections. The Libraries host a variety of events from Teen Book Festival, Storytelling Series, Board Games, Job Fairs, Workshops and more, there's something for everyone. Stay up to date with the Library calendars.
DURHAM COUNTY LIBRARIES
FULL MOON FEVER BIKE RIDE
[MONTHLY]
Experience the American Tobacco Trail at night with the Full Moon Fever Bike Ride. The ride has two starting times and locations. First Ride starts at 7:30 p.m. in front of Mellow Mushroom (410 Blackwell Street). The Second Ride starts at 8:30 p.m. in front of Bean Traders (105 W North Carolina 54). Riders are free to turnaround at any point.
AMERICAN TOBACCO TRAIL
POP UP MARKETS
[MONTHLY]
Support local Artisans and shop various Pop Up Markets held monthly throughout Downtown Durham.
DOWNTOWN DURHAM
ANNUAL EVENTS
JAN
DREAM BIG BOOK DRIVE
Every year on MLK Day, Book Harvest celebrates the power of community and our big dream of books and literacy for all kids with our biggest event of the year: Dream Big! The celebration is part book drive, part volunteer event, part community partner fair, part festival, and all party and fun!
GOLDEN BELT CAMPUS
CELEBRATE THE LEGACY OF DR MARTIN LUTHER KING JR
Celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and remember his legacy through the arts. The event features visual art displays, poetry, live performances, arts and crafts activities, and more all highlighting aspects of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life.
W. D. HILL RECREATION CENTER
PLAYLIST CONCERT SERIES
[MAY - OCTOBER]
PLAYlist is a free concert series presented by Durham Central Park and WNCU 90.7FM. The concerts take place on the first Friday of the month from May to October. Curated lineup covers an eclectic blend of genres and features local, regional and national artists. In addition to the music, there is a mix of local food trucks, craft beer and other vendors. Open lawn seating so bring your blankets and lawn chairs.
DURHAM CENTRAL PARK
DURHAM REALLY REALLY FREE MARKET [MONTHLY]
Durham Really Really Free Market is the first Sunday of each month from 2-4pm. Durham RRFM is a community group promoting the sharing of resources. Bring stuff you don't need or take stuff you do! Connect with others, offer and exchange goods and services.
ACROSS FROM LYON PARK PLAYGROUND
FEB
AMERICAN INDIAN POWWOW
The annual NCSSM Native American Powwow celebrates American Indian culture and enjoy music, dance, arts, crafts, and food.
NC SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS
NC MLK BLACK HISTORY MONTH PARADE
Come out & celebrate Black History Month at the annual NC MLK Black History Month Parade. Enjoy marching bands, step/dance teams, sororities/fraternities, antique cars, mascots, and more with Grand Marshal.
FAYETTEVILLE ST TO NCCU
DURHAM MARDI GRAS
The annual Durham Mardi Gras is Fat Tuesday. The tradition continues, 15+ years strong! The original, ALWAYS FREE, biggest and BEST Mardi Gras. Big Fat Tuesday will be full of parades, parties, stages of music, and hurricanes, too. By the people, for the people.
DOWNTOWN DURHAM
FIRST NIGHT RALEIGH
Watch the acorn drop. Fireworks, food trucks, and more. Bring all your lawn chairs and eat at Food Trucks
FAYETTEVILLE ST + CITY PLAZA
EVENT DETAILS
SPOTLIGHT
MAR
DURHAM VENEZUELAN MARKET
The Venezuelan Cultural Association of NC invites you to participate in the Venezuelan Market in Durham. The Market features live music, entertainment, food, and local vendors.
DURHAM CENTRAL PARK
DURHAM BULLS SPRING FAN FEST
The Durham Bulls Spring Fan Fest is a great family friendly event including batting practice, catch in the outfield, meet & greet with Wool E. Bull, ballpark tours, kids activities, merchandise sales, and more.
DURHAM BULLS BALLPARK
HAYTI HERITAGE FILM FESTIVAL
The annual Hayti Heritage Film Festival (HHFF) is one of the nation’s longest running Black film festivals. The goal is to keep Black Southern film alive.
HAYTI HERITAGE CENTER
DURHAM FOOD TRUCK RODEO
Eat Everything, Everywhere All at Once at Durham's largest Food Truck rodeo.
DURHAM CENTRAL PARK
MAR
ST PATRICKS DAY
It's always a great time to wear green at the various St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations held at local breweries and restaurants throughout Durham. Selection of past St Patrick's Day festivities.
DOWNTOWN DURHAM
DURHAM COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR
The Durham Community Health Fair is a free event hosted by LGBTQ Center of Durham and many local Durham community organizations. The fair is a great opportunity to learn about their missions, meet people, and receive essential health supplies, clothes, produce, and other items.
DURHAM CENTRAL PARK
HAYTI HERITAGE FILM FESTIVAL
The annual Hayti Heritage Film Festival (HHFF) is one of the nation’s longest running Black film festivals. The goal is to keep Black Southern film alive.
HAYTI HERITAGE CENTER
DURHAM FOOD TRUCK RODEO
Eat Everything, Everywhere All at Once at Durham's largest Food Truck rodeo.
DURHAM CENTRAL PARK
APR
FULL FRAME DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL
The Full Frame Documentary Film Festival is an annual international event dedicated to the theatrical exhibition of nonfiction cinema. Full Frame welcomes filmmakers and film lovers for a four-day, morning-to-midnight array of nearly 100 films, as well as discussions, panels, and Southern hospitality.
CAROLINA THEATRE OF DURHAM + DURHAM CONVENTION CENTER
DURHAM EARTH DAY
A free community event to explore earth-conscious vendors and organizations while enjoying live music, demonstrations, games, and activities for all ages. Have a blast while learning about sustainability!
DURHAM CENTRAL PARK
BEATS N BARS FESTIVAL
The Beats n Bars Festival is a free public event building strong communities through the influence of urban culture and music. The Festival empowers up and coming artists, hip-hop heads and anyone interested in the culture. Event activities include Music Trivia, Art Walk, Dancing, Fashion Show, Concerts and more.
AMERICAN TOBACCO CAMPUS
NC SCIENCE FESTIVAL
The North Carolina Science Festival is a month-long celebration featuring hundreds of science learning opportunities.
DURHAM
APR
SANDLOT REVIVAL
The Sandlot Revival is a free multi-day event to enjoy mediocre baseball, good music, great times, amazing food, and cold drinks. “Sandlot” teams from across the country play baseball where winning is not everything. It’s more of a fun, social time. Other activities include a parade, baseball card scavenger hunts, kids can run the bases, and much more. Come and go as you like.
HISTORIC DURHAM ATHLETIC PARK
DURHAM EARTH DAY
A free community event to explore earth-conscious vendors and organizations while enjoying live music, demonstrations, games, and activities for all ages. Have a blast while learning about sustainability!
DURHAM CENTRAL PARK
BEATS N BARS FESTIVAL
The Beats n Bars Festival is a free public event building strong communities through the influence of urban culture and music. The Festival empowers up and coming artists, hip-hop heads and anyone interested in the culture. Event activities include Music Trivia, Art Walk, Dancing, Fashion Show, Concerts and more.
AMERICAN TOBACCO CAMPUS
NC SCIENCE FESTIVAL
The North Carolina Science Festival is a month-long celebration featuring hundreds of science learning opportunities.
DURHAM
MAY
COMMON ROOTS FESTIVAL
Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with the Common Roots Festival. This free festival features food, artists, vendors, performers and interactive activities that highlight contributions of the many diverse communities across Asian and Pacific Islander diasporas..
DURHAM CENTRAL PARK
STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
The Annual Strawberry Festival is a beloved Durham event celebrating all things strawberry. Enjoy Arts & crafts, Strawberry treats, Community vendors, Local food, Live music & entertainment, Activity booths, Kids Zone, and more.
OLD NORTH DURHAM PARK
STRAWBERRY SHINDY
The Strawberry Shindy celebrates all things strawberry season at the Durham Farmers Market. Take advantage of vendor specials, dessert tastings, photo booth, recipes, and make-own-your strawberry t-shirt bags!
DURHAM CENTRAL PARK
FCR FAMILY FUN DAY
A free Family Fun Day with community resources provided by the nonprofit Families & Community Rising and Durham County Department of Public Health.
MIRACLE LEAGUE FIELD
JUN
CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH IN DURHAM
Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery. Its name is a portmanteau of "June" and "nineteenth". Throughout the month of June, Durham celebrates Juneteenth with various events that educate the community more about the day, reflecting, and supporting Black-owned businesses.
DURHAM
DURHAM BEE DAY
Join Keep Durham Beautiful for a bee-tiful day of fun and education for the entire family. With a bee parade, beehive demos, honey tastings, pollinator plant/tree giveaways, bee crafts, vendors, and lots more.
DURHAM CENTRAL PARK
TRIANGLE COMMUNITY BAND FESTIVAL
The annual Triangle Community Band Festival is a free band festival. The Durham Community Concert Band hosts fellow Triangle area bands in an out-in-the park, toe-tapping, awe-inspiring concert. So bring your lawn chairs, blankets and appetites for music, food, drink and fun! And as always, the finale includes all five bands performing an encore!
DURHAM CENTRAL PARK
DURHAM FOOD TRUCK RODEO
Eat Everything, Everywhere All at Once at Durham's largest Food Truck rodeo.
DURHAM CENTRAL PARK
JUN
DURHAM WORLD HUNGER DAY
Durham World Hunger Day raises awareness of food insecurity and highlight the amazing work to support our residents and create a more fair and equitable food system. Celebrate all that food means with friendship, music, arts, and entertainment for the entire family, including food trucks, giveaways, free snacks, bounce house and more.
DURHAM CENTRAL PARK
BIMBÉ CULTURAL ARTS FESTIVAL
The nationally award-winning Annual Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival is a free family-oriented event that celebrates African and African American history, culture, arts, and traditions hosted by Durham Parks and Recreation.
ROCK QUARRY PARK
TWO DURHAMS BEER FESTIVAL
Did you know that Durham, England, UK is a Sister City to Durham, NC? The “Two Durhams Beer Festival” celebrates breweries from Durham NC and Durham UK along with live music.
DURHAM CENTRAL PARK
BEAVER QUEEN PAGEANT
The annual Beaver Queen Pageant is a free family-friendly that raises funds for the Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association and Beaver Lodge Local 1504. Vote on your Beaver Queen Pageant Contestants and see them compete. Enjoy music, food trucks, kids activities, and pageant fun for the whole beaver family.
DUKE PARK MEADOW
JUL
CHILDREN INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE
Durham's Children Independence Day Parade is Durham Central Park's longest standing event. Come and decorate those bike, trikes, wagons and strollers! Then, parade through the park. Following the parade are free popsicles and fire truck tours.
DURHAM CENTRAL PARK
JULY 4TH CELEBRATION
Celebrate Independence Day in Durham with the biggest fireworks show of the year hosted by Durham Parks and Recreation and the Durham Bulls. Baseball game starts at 6:35 p.m. (Tickets Required). However, gates open for free admission at the end of the 7th inning. Fireworks begin approximately 9:15 p.m.
DURHAM BULLS ATHLETIC PARK
DURHAM REFUGEE DAY
The Durham Refugee Day celebrates Durham’s refugee and immigrant communities, contributions, and cultures of our refugee and immigrant neighbors. This free family-friendly event includes live music, community education booths, activities for kids, and food vendors from around the world.
DURHAM CENTRAL PARK
FREE RETRO FAMILY DAYS
The Carolina Theatre of Durham hosts Free Retro Family Days. The film series features free screenings of favorite animated films on select Saturdays in July and August for the whole family to enjoy. Tickets available for pick up 30 minutes before box office opens the day of the screening.
CAROLINA THEATRE OF DURHAM
JUL
BOOK HARVEST SUMMER BLOCK PARTY
Book Harvest annual Summer Block Party is a free, outdoor celebration of books, summer, and community filled with family activities and entertainment, and an abundance of free, culturally inclusive children’s books for every child to take home and keep forever!
DURHAM BULLS ATHLETIC PARK
FREE RETRO FAMILY DAYS
The Carolina Theatre of Durham hosts Free Retro Family Days. The film series features free screenings of favorite animated films on select Saturdays in July and August for the whole family to enjoy. Tickets available for pick up 30 minutes before box office opens the day of the screening.
CAROLINA THEATRE OF DURHAM
DURHAM REFUGEE DAY
The Durham Refugee Day celebrates Durham’s refugee and immigrant communities, contributions, and cultures of our refugee and immigrant neighbors. This free family-friendly event includes live music, community education booths, activities for kids, and food vendors from around the world.
DURHAM CENTRAL PARK
JULY 4TH CELEBRATION
Celebrate Independence Day in Durham with the biggest fireworks show of the year hosted by Durham Parks and Recreation and the Durham Bulls. Baseball game starts at 6:35 p.m. (Tickets Required). However, gates open for free admission at the end of the 7th inning. Fireworks begin approximately 9:15 p.m.
DURHAM BULLS ATHLETIC PARK
AUG
BACK TO SCHOOL
With back to school around the corner, there are always a variety of community events in Durham offering free school supplies, backpacks, and more.
DURHAM
PATCHWORK SUMMER MARKET
The Patchwork Market is a market in Durham that features local artisan makers and vendors. This market gives the community a chance to meet the makers who create the goods that we buy. Shop and Support Local.
DURHAM ARMORY
FREE RETRO FAMILY DAYS
The Carolina Theatre of Durham hosts Free Retro Family Days. The film series features free screenings of favorite animated films on select Saturdays in July and August for the whole family to enjoy. Tickets available for pick up 30 minutes before box office opens the day of the screening.
CAROLINA THEATRE OF DURHAM
ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE & FESTIVAL
The Raleigh St. Patrick's Day Parade & Festival celebrates Wearin' 'O the Green.
FAYETTEVILLE ST + CITY PLAZA
SEP
DURHAM CENTERFEST
The annual Durham CenterFest hosted by the Durham Arts Council since 1974 is the #1 Fine Arts Festival in North Carolina and top 100 in the US. Enjoy two family days filled with juried artists from across the country, multiple stages of live music and performances, street performers, kids zone, local food and drinks, and more.
DOWNTOWN DURHAM
DUKE ARTS CONCERT SERIES
The Duke Arts at American Tobacco series features free live concerts every Wednesday in September at American Tobacco Campus. These outdoor concerts are free; no registration is needed. Bring a chair, a blanket, and
AMERICAN TOBACCO CAMPUS
HISPANIC HERITAGE KERMES COMMUNITY FIESTA
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage month with a Community Fiesta to celebrate Latino pride in the community by highlighting the customs of countries such as Cuba, Colombia, Venezuela, Mexico, Honduras, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic and more! Performances, games, raffles and traditional Latino food.
EL FUTURO AT LAKEWOOD SHOPPING CENTER
DURHAM FOOD TRUCK RODEO
Eat Everything, Everywhere All at Once at Durham's largest Food Truck rodeo.
DURHAM CENTRAL PARK
SEP
PRIDE: DURHAM
PRIDE: DURHAM is the largest annual event hosted by LGBTQ Center of Durham. The day starts off with the Pride Parade, Festival, Concert, and culminates in Evening Parties. At the Festival, organizations, vendors, and the local community of all ages, diversities, sexualities, and genders come together to celebrate life.
DUKE EAST CAMPUS
OKTOBERFEST
Oktoberfest is celebrated throughout Bull City at numerous local Durham restaurants and venues offering Biergartens, German Food, Performances, and more.
DOWNTOWN DURHAM
BULLHORN FEST
The Bullhorn Festival celebrates essential Durham musicians and audiences with a day of live music, community, food, creative activities for all ages, and more.
SHADOWBOX STUDIO
DURHAM FOOD TRUCK RODEO
Eat Everything, Everywhere All at Once at Durham's largest Food Truck rodeo.
DURHAM CENTRAL PARK
OCT
DURHAM BULLS FALL FAN FEST
The Durham Bulls Fall Fan Fest is a great family friendly event including batting practice, catch in the outfield, meet & greet with Wool E. Bull, ballpark tours, kids activities, merchandise sales, and more.
DURHAM BULLS BALLPARK
HALLOWEEN EVENTS
October is full of spook-tacular events for all ages to enjoy! From campfire stories and hayrides to treats and costume contests, there are plenty of Halloween Events hosted by Durham Parks & Recreation, non profits, and other Bull City organizations.
DURHAM
BARKTOBERFEST
Get ready for a barkin' good time at Barktoberfest. This FREE event helps promote a dog-friendly community and provide services to people and their pets in underserved areas. "Paw-Some" Activities include live music and performances, costume contests, photo booth, canine food drive, pet market, adoption agencies, food and beer, and more.
DURHAM CENTRAL PARK
DURHAM FOOD TRUCK RODEO
Eat Everything, Everywhere All at Once at Durham's largest Food Truck rodeo.
DURHAM CENTRAL PARK
OCT
INTERNATIONAL FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL
It's an International Food Truck Festival to enjoy foods from Mexico, Greece, Jamaica, El Salvador, Africa, Japan, China, Haiti, Korea, and more hosted by non-profit Sister Cities of Durham.
DURHAM CENTRAL PARK
HALLOWEEN EVENTS
October is full of spook-tacular events for all ages to enjoy! From campfire stories and hayrides to treats and costume contests, there are plenty of Halloween Events hosted by Durham Parks & Recreation, non profits, and other Bull City organizations.
DURHAM
BARKTOBERFEST
Get ready for a barkin' good time at Barktoberfest. This FREE event helps promote a dog-friendly community and provide services to people and their pets in underserved areas. "Paw-Some" Activities include live music and performances, costume contests, photo booth, canine food drive, pet market, adoption agencies, food and beer, and more.
DURHAM CENTRAL PARK
DURHAM FOOD TRUCK RODEO
Eat Everything, Everywhere All at Once at Durham's largest Food Truck rodeo.
DURHAM CENTRAL PARK
NOV
MOVE-A-BULL CITY RIDE & WALK
The biggest FREE annual celebration of sustainable transportation with activities including group rides and walks, bike demos and repair, electric buses, kids activities, and everything else green!
GOLDEN BELT CAMPUS
IRON POUR
The Iron Pour is a free annual Fundraiser for Liberty Arts filled with gritty ballet of dancers dressed in leathers, boots and helmets orchestrating this fiery show where sculptures and scratch blocks are poured. Features live performances, fire breathers, kid events, night market, local food trucks and beer, and more.
DURHAM CENTRAL PARK
DURHAM POP SWAP
Durham’s favorite FREE community pop-up market. Come shop a huge array of local vendors, participate in interactive and engaging arts experiences, enjoy live music and performances, and support the community. Free to vend and free to attend.
DURHAM CENTRAL PARK
AMERICAN TOBACCO TOWER LIGHTING
The iconic American Tobacco Water Tower lights up for the holiday season with an in-person celebration. After the tower lights, grab a hot cocoa, stroll the river and enjoy post-show music, art, and entertainment.
AMERICAN TOBACCO CAMPUS
NOV
DURHAM ART WALK HOLIDAY MARKET
The Durham Art Walk Holiday Market is a festive fine arts and crafts event that kicks off the holiday season in downtown Durham! Experience a weekend featuring local artists, live music, world-class restaurants, and great shopping, at easily strollable venues. Free and family friendly! Hosted by the Durham Arts Council.
DOWNTOWN DURHAM
IRON POUR
The Iron Pour is a free annual Fundraiser for Liberty Arts filled with gritty ballet of dancers dressed in leathers, boots and helmets orchestrating this fiery show where sculptures and scratch blocks are poured. Features live performances, fire breathers, kid events, night market, local food trucks and beer, and more.
DURHAM CENTRAL PARK
DURHAM POP SWAP
Durham’s favorite FREE community pop-up market. Come shop a huge array of local vendors, participate in interactive and engaging arts experiences, enjoy live music and performances, and support the community. Free to vend and free to attend.
DURHAM CENTRAL PARK
AMERICAN TOBACCO TOWER LIGHTING
The iconic American Tobacco Water Tower lights up for the holiday season with an in-person celebration. After the tower lights, grab a hot cocoa, stroll the river and enjoy post-show music, art, and entertainment.
AMERICAN TOBACCO CAMPUS
DEC
DOWNTOWN DURHAM HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING
Downtown Durham kicks off with the annual tree lighting at CCB Plaza! Afterwards, enjoy music and performances from local talent, a night market and a special surprise!
CCB PLAZA
DURHAM HOLIDAY PARADE
Kick off the holiday season at the Durham Holiday Parade! Cheer on 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.
MAIN STREET IN DOWNTOWN
SANTA SIGHTINGS
Santa's coming to Durham! There are many opportunities to meet Santa Claus throughout the city. Capture that special Santa Photo with Family, Friends, and even Pets. Selection of past Santa Sightings.
DOWNTOWN DURHAM
HOLIDAY MARKETS
The Holidays are a great time to shop and support your local artisan makers and vendors at a variety of markets in Durham. These markets give the community a chance to meet the makers who create the goods that we buy. Selection of past Holiday Markets.
DOWNTOWN DURHAM
