Durham is where self-made synth beats are created alongside home-grown and international talent.
Where renowned hip hop artists come home to spit with our next generation of performers.

Where there’s no need to wait for Friday night; both large and small festivals and cultural events win the hearts of wandering souls from near and far — all week long.

Each year, 5,000 classes, tours, markets, competitions and performances await you here. The key to your next adventure lies in your own curiosity. Come taste, see, hear and discover.

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Featured Events

Christmas by Candlelight at Duke Homestead

Experience a historical North Carolina holiday season with Duke Homestead! Take an evening and join in to celebrate Christmas by Candlelight. Costumed interpreters will lead you on a candlelit tour through the Historic Area festooned with period decorations to celebrate Christmas in the 1870s. Enjoy traditional story telling, hot cider, and cookies. In the Third Factory join costumed interpreters in live music and historic dancing. Become a part of Christmas at Duke Homestead as you...

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The Nutcracker

From the moment the curtain rises, the magic of this Holiday classic is mesmerizing. Take a journey to a land of whimsical characters featuring magical illusions, magnificent sets, and beautiful costumes. Listen as a live symphony orchestra plays Tchaikovsky’s famed score. The Nutcracker is the perfect story ballet for the young and the young at heart. You'll want to visit once, twice, or more during this Holiday season!

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Christmas in the Piedmont

Visit Bennett Place from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and witness how this occasion was celebrated in the Piedmont of North Carolina during the American Civil War. Living historians will decorate the farm in a typical modest fashion of the time. There will be cooking demonstrations in the kitchen house, Christmas decorations and packages in the main house, soldiers will be on hand to demonstrate Christmas in the field and of course, a visit with Ole St...

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Holiday Parade & Fun Fest

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. At the Fun Fest, enjoy snow sledding, inflatable bounce houses, arts and crafts activities, visits with Santa, train rides, music, and more. Fun Fest: 1-4 p.m. Blackwell St between Morehead Ave and West Lakewood Ave. Please note: There will be...

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Hanukkah Festival

Celebrate the Festival of Lights with kids’ activities, music, larger-than-life menorahs, and traditional fried food like latkes and sufganiyot.

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A Christmas Carol

The Return of the Triangle’s Most Beloved Holiday Show This is not your grandparent’s version of the Charles Dickens' classic! Ira David Wood III’s musical comedy adaptation of A Christmas Carol, celebrates its 45th Anniversary and will return to DPAC for seven performances, December 18 through 22. With a cast of almost 100, this wonderful holiday story is brought to life with great songs and tremendous heart. The humor is topical and sometimes biting, but...

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Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker

Step into a simpler time filled with sweet dreams and Christmas magic. With world-class artists, over 200 dazzling costumes, stunning sets, towering puppets and soaring birds, don’t miss your chance to ring in the holidays with this acclaimed Christmas extravaganza. The New York Times, “Hot Ticket!” Celebrate this cherished holiday tradition and relive the dream with Tchaikovsky’s timeless score. Wednesday 7 p.m., Thursday 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.

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Triangle Vegfest Holiday Market

Shop for your vegan holiday dinner, or find vegan gifts for your family and friends.

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KwanzaaFest

Kwanzaa is a celebration for all people, focusing on family, friends, and the fruits of the earth. Celebrated December 26th – January 1st, the name Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” which means “first fruits of the harvest.”Celebrating the holiday season and Durham's diversity, AADE’s annual Kwanzaa celebration is a time to enjoy family, community, and culture. Kwanzaa itself is a seven-day African holiday that celebrates a different principle each day. AADE’s...

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The Simon & Garfunkel Story

The internationally-acclaimed hit theater show The Simon & Garfunkel Story starring Andrew Wade (as Art Garfunkel) & George Clements (as Paul Simon) will be returning to DPAC on January 8, 2020. The immersive concert-style tribute show chronicles the amazing journey shared by the folk-rock duo, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel. It tells the story from their humble beginnings as Tom & Jerry to their incredible success as one of the best-selling music groups of the...

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Come From Away

This New York Times Critics’ Pick takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships.Don’t miss this breathtaking new musical written by Tony® nominees Irene Sankoff and David Hein, and helmed by this year’s Tony-winning Best Director, Christopher Ashley...

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Artist Exhibit: "Reclaiming My Time"

This exhibit recognizes the creations of female artists working in the regional South. The artists of Reclaiming My Time bring a range of... Details

Art Exhibit — "Material/Process"

"Material/Process" features five artists whose work entails a complex use of various media. The artists’ interaction with their materials –... Details

Holiday Craft Market

Fabulous handmade gifts by local artists and crafters. Over the past few years the Cameron Gallery Holiday Show has featured everything... Details

Solo Exhibit - Doug Tabb: "What Did I Just See?"

Featuring the uniquely imaginative work of accomplished 5 Points Gallery member and sculptor, Doug Tabb: "WHAT DID I JUST SEE?" Doug... Details

Festive 5 Points Holiday Exhibit

Enjoy an exciting array of contemporary art works by 15 premier NC artists including painting, ceramics, sculpture, fiber art, mixed media,... Details

Visit Black Santa

Families have the opportunity to visit with a Santa of color with whom they may share their Christmas wish list. You can be photographed... Details

NCCU Men's Basketball vs Christendom

NCCU Men's Basketball vs Christendom at McDougald-McLendon Arena Details

Art of Mental Health Exhibit

Opening reception is November 14th, 6-8pm! This community exhibit of artwork by local artists is an invitation to contemplate mental... Details

Santa Train

Climb aboard the Ellerbe Creek Railway for a journey to the North Pole. Enjoy a ride through thousands of twinkling lights as we make our... Details

Art Exhibit - "Art for a New Understanding: Native Voices, 1950s to Now"

This is the first exhibition to chart the development of contemporary Indigenous art in the United States and Canada. For generations,... Details

Art Exhibit — “Life, Liberty, and the Lack Thereof”

Works by Nellie Ashford. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Details

Art Exhibit - "Cosmic Rhythm Vibrations"

This exhibition highlights works from the Nasher Museum collection that engage visual and musical rhythm. Rhythm may be expressed through... Details