Signature Events
Durham's most widely acclaimed festivals and special events.
These events are either highly recognized—nationally or regionally—or have significant out-of-state and in-state visitor appeal, with a particularly strong following by out-of-state visitors.
February
Native American Powwow
North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics
Full day of traditional Native American dancing, singing, crafts, food, and socializing.
Driving Directions
April
Bennett Place Living History Civil War Surrender Commemoration
4409 Bennett Memorial Rd, Bennett Place State Historic Site
Living History encampment. Civil War re-enactors present information on uniforms, equipment, and weapons, with military drilling and weapons demonstrations. In addition to soldier life, l860s farm life is portrayed, including cooking in the Bennett kitchen.
Map | Driving Directions
Full Frame Documentary Film Festival
309 W. Morgan St., Carolina Theatre of Durham
The only international festival of its kind celebrating strictly the power and artistry of documentary cinema. Formerly Doubletake Documentary Film Festival.
Driving Directions
June
American Dance Festival
715 Broad St, Various locations on Duke University West Campus
The largest and most influential modern dance festival in the world, featuring more than two dozen modern dance companies and hundreds of choreographers, writers, and students participating in classes, seminars, and performances.
Driving Directions
July
Festival for the Eno
15-501 N. Roxboro Rd., West Point on the Eno City Park
One of the region's premier Independence Day celebrations with exhibits, displays, arts, crafts, and live entertainment on the banks of the Eno River to benefit efforts to preserve this beautiful natural area.
Driving Directions
August
North Carolina Gay and Lesbian Film Festival
Carolina Theatre, 300 W Morgan St
The second-largest film festival in the Southeast and the largest cultural arts event serving the queer community in the Carolinas, with world-premiere screenings and more than 10,000 tickets sold each year.
Map | Driving Directions
September
Bull Durham Blues Festival
500 West Corporation St., Historic Durham Bulls Athletic Park
A celebration in the birthplace of the Piedmont Blues, featuring national, regional, and local blues, from the mournful sounds of the Mississippi Delta to the fine finger-picking and ragtime exuberance of the Piedmont Blues.
Driving Directions
Durham Arts Council's CenterFest
Central Park District, 550 Foster St.
CenterFest is the longest running street arts festival in North Carolina and the largest arts and community festival in Durham! The streets of Downtown Durham come alive with arts, crafts, entertainment, food, and fun.
Driving Directions
North Carolina Gay Pride Parade
Duke East Campus and Ninth Street District
The largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, & transgendered event in a five-state area, attracting over 8,500 festival participants.
Driving Directions
October
World Beer Festival
500 West Corporation St., Historic Durham Athletic Park
Featuring more than 400 world-class beers from more than 150 different breweries from around the world, as well as local restaurant vendors, family entertainment, and great music by local and regional artists.
Driving Directions
December
Light Up Durham
512 S. Mangum Street, Downtown Durham
Seasonal music, performers, tree lighting, food and fun.
Driving Directions
