Best Durham, NC Events That Will Have You Coming Back Every Year

There is always something happening in the Bully City! It doesn’t matter when you visit; there’s likely to be some kind of festival or event going on at the same time. From delicious food to cultural celebrations, Durham, NC events never disappoint.

Although the events below typically take at least an entire day to fully enjoy, you’re going to need to fill the rest of your trip to the Triangle! Access our complimentary Durham, NC Vacation Guide for a complete and thoughtful list of all the best dining, shopping, and more in Durham!

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Durham, NC Events You Won’t Want to Miss

It’s not hard to prove how much Durham has going on! We’ve rounded up more than 50 Triangle events that draw locals and tourists annually. Every month has something unique to offer. Plan your trip around an event or catch one whenever you happen to be visiting. From horror film festivals to PGA golf tournaments to events that celebrate cultures from around the globe, Durham, NC events will make you feel like you’re traveling much farther than you actually are!

Aside from these annual events, businesses and groups across the Triangle are always organizing something fun and new to experience! We recommend visiting Discover Durham’s events page for details and other one-time events.

Bull City is sometimes referred to as Beer City, so you’ll find many beer festivals on this list. If that’s what you’re looking for but there isn’t one happening during your stay, check out these breweries and bars. After working up an appetite from exploring Durham, endless restaurant options will be waiting for you from fine dining to North Carolina BBQ.

January 

• AADE Kwanzaa Fest 

February

• Nevermore Horror and Gothic Film Festival 
• Krispy Kreme Challenge 

March

• Bull City Food & Beer Experience 
• Raleigh St. Patrick’s Day Parade 
• Hayti Heritage Film Festival 

April 

• Full Frame Documentary Film Festival 
• Mid-Town Square Spring Festival 
• Spring Daze Arts and Crafts Festival 
• French Market & Seafood Festival 
• HerbFest 

May 

• Got to Be NC Festival 
• Longleaf Film Festival 
• Thrive NC Festival

June

• Out! Raleigh Pride 
• American Dance Festival 
• NC Juneteenth Celebration 
• Triangle Restaurant Week 

July 

• Peak City Pig Fest 
• Festival for the Eno 
• 4th of July Fireworks Display 
• SunFest at Dorthea Dix Park 
• GalaxyCon 

August 

• Downtown Raleigh Food Trunk Rodeo 

September

• Brewgaloo 
• Apex PeakFest 
• NC Sugar Rush 
• Meet in the Street Festival 
• Bull City Rumble 
• Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival 
• The Art of Cool Festival 
• Black Wall Street: Homecoming 
• Raleigh Greek Festival 
• Hopscotch Music Festival 
• World of Bluegrass 
• Apex Music Festival 
• CenterFest Art Festival 
• African American Cultural Celebration 

October 

• Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week 
• Artsplosure 
• World Beer Festival 
• NC Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Festival 
• Triangle Oktoberfest 
• PGA Tour SAS Championship 
• NC State Fair 

November 

• Raleigh International Food Festival 
• Durham Art Walk Holiday Market 
• American Indian Heritage Celebration 
• Raleigh Christmas Parade 

December

• Christmas by Candlelight 
• State Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony 
• First Night Raleigh 

Conveniently Stay at Arrowhead Inn

Now that you have your eye on some Durham, NC events, plan your visit to the Triangle! Arrowhead Inn is located just 15 minutes from Downtown Durham, making it the ideal place to relax on your vacation while still being close to all the action. We often fill up for big events in the Triangle so book your stay as soon as you know your plans.

Browse our elegant accommodations and make Arrowhead Inn your home base for your Durham getaway!