Celebrated Annual Events
Mainstream or emerging, well-attended events that have good local, Triangle, and day-trip visitor appeal. These events may not be particularly unique to Durham but are either mainstays in the local culture scene or new, emerging festivals with high potential for growing visitor appeal.
January
Annual Walk to Cure
1800 Fayetteville St., North Carolina Central University
A three-mile benefit wak to support public organizations, such as the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Alzheimer's Association, AIDS Service Agency of NC, Prostate Cancer Foundation, Breast Cancer Foundation, and many others.
Map | Driving Directions
Carolina Godiva New Year's Day Run
3716 Old Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27705, Duke Children's Middle School
An annual "fun run" to get everyone back into shape after the holidays.
Driving Directions
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade
Lakewood Ave & Fayetteville St.
Featuring floats, marching bands, horses, step teams and more.
Driving Directions
Durham Symphony Gala Fundraiser
3800 Farmgate Avenue, Croasdaile Country Club
A gala fundraiser including dinner, casino, band, and auction of wonderful items.
Driving Directions
Kwanzaa Celebration
804 Old Fayetteville St, Hayti Heritage Center
The Triangle's only seven-day celebration of Kwanzaa, free to the public. Yearly, artists host this event with local professional and non-professional artists participating nightly. The event is a family affair and boasts interactive programming, audience participation, and vendors. Final night held at the Durham Armory, sponsored by the African American Dance Ensemble.
Driving Directions
February
Durham Art Guild Sweet Arts Festival
Durham Arts Council Bldg., 120 Morris St.
Live and silent auctions of artful gifts for the sweetheart, including decadent desserts and drinks.
Map | Driving Directions
March
Annual Bike Show - Harley-Davidson
819 North Miami Boulevard, Durham Harley-Davidson, Inc.
Events include a chili cook-off, Harley-Davidson motorcycle show, door prizes, and lots of food and fun for the whole family.
Driving Directions
Annual CROP Walk
Chapel Drive, Duke Chapel, Duke University West Campus
An annual event combining fun and fundraising to benefit hungry people throughout the world. Durham's event is the second largest CROP walk in the US.
Driving Directions
Annual Great Human Race
409 Blackwell Street, Durham Bulls Athletic Park
Community-wide fundraiser, 5K run/walk/wheelchair-roll, and timed race benefit more than 80 nonprofit organizations.
Driving Directions
Spirit Of Hayti Awards Ceremony and Gala
201 Foster St., Durham Civic Center
An annual event honoring individuals who have excelled in the arts and historic preservation.
Driving Directions
April
Annual Durham Spring Carnival
Durham County Stadium, 2700 N. Duke St.
Games, rides, prizes, music, food and entertainment for the entire family.
Map | Driving Directions
Durham Art Walk
Downtown Durham
Walking tour of Downtown studios and galleries held in the spring and fall. The state's largest walking studio tour, celebrating the diverse art environment of Downtown Durham and encouraging exchange among artists and business owners, residents and visitors.
Map | Driving Directions
Earth Day Celebration
500 N. Corporation St., Durham Central Park.
The largest Earth Day celebration in the Triangle.
Driving Directions
NCCU Jazz Festival
1801 Fayetteville St., North Carolina Central University
Held annually in conjunction with the NAJRI HBCU Conference. Formerly the Grady Tate Jazz Festival.
Driving Directions
May
Annual Jewish Art Show Juried Exhibition and Sale
Rosenzweig Gallery, 1933 W. Cornwallis Rd.
Exhibition and sale of Jewish-themed artwork. Sponsored by the Jewish Heritage Foundation of North Carolina, the show draws entries from artists across America.
Driving Directions
Annual Old Durham Historic Tour
Various Durham locations
Sponsored by the Historic Preservation Society of Durham, the event features tours of historic homes and buildings.
Driving Directions
Taste of Durham Festival
Imperial Center
A slice of the good life with an international twist, featuring gourmet, home-style, and international food samples from dozens of area restaurants, caterers, and chefs, plus international wine and beer tastings. Entertainment includes local and international music and dance, and interactive activities for children.
Driving Directions
June
Art Grows in Durham
Gilbert & Elizabeth Streets
Annual SEEDS festival featuring performances, arts & crafts, baked goods & plant sale and fun!
Driving Directions
Bull City Chili Challenge
Durham Central Park, 502 Foster St.
The area's first cookoff sanctioned by the Chili Appreciation Society International, featuring sampling and judging of a wide selection of tasty chili showcasing local restaurants and produce.
Driving Directions
Herald-Sun Golf Classic
1600 Hillandale Road, Hillandale Golf Course
The longest running amateur golf tournament in North Carolina.
Driving Directions
Junetenth Celebration
Downtown
A fun-filled, educational and uplifting day that features musical entertainment, food, vendors, exhibitors and presentations on the origin and significance of Juneteenth.
Driving Directions
Summer Music Festival
Various Durham Park Locations
Great summertime music series staged at various outdoor parks. FREE and open to the public.
Map | Driving Directions
Warehouse Blues Series
West Village Courtyard, 604 W. Morgan St.
Free concert series showcasing regional blues talent.
Driving Directions
September
Adrian Carroll NC High School Battle Of The Bands
O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium on North Carolina Central University Campus
High school bands from around the Southeast compete for prizes.
Driving Directions
October
Annual YMCA of the Triangle Golf Outing
One Old Trail Dr., Treyburn Country Club
The YMCA Golf Outing is part of the "Y We Care Campaign", which raises financial support necessary to make YMCA programs and services affordable for all.
Driving Directions
Blessing of the Animals Worship Service
Duke Chapel, Duke West Campus
Bring your pets to this celebration of all creatures and creations.
Map | Driving Directions
Troika Music Festival
Downtown Durham
Four days of live music designed to promote and celebrate the local independent music scene. Formerly the Durham Music Festival.
Driving Directions
November
Bull City Classic Basketball Tournament
Held at various Durham high schools
This high school tournament featuring Division I prospects and nationally ranked boys and girls teams has been held in Durham since 1997.
Driving Directions
December
Holiday Parade
Downtown
Annual Holiday Parade by the City of Durham, featuring marching bands, floats, step teams, fire trucks, mascots, motorcycles, horses, and Santa!
Driving Directions
