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
Full day of traditional Native American dancing, singing, crafts, food, and socializing.
April
Bennett Place Living History Civil War Surrender Commemoration
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.
Full Frame Documentary Film Festival
The only international festival of its kind celebrating strictly the power and artistry of documentary cinema. Formerly Doubletake Documentary Film Festival.
May
Bimbe Cultural Arts Festival
African-American music and arts festival. One of the oldest cultural festivals in the country and one of the region's most comprehensive celebrations of music, art and dance, from African and Caribbean to reggae and rap.
The Doughman Quadrahlon: Eat, Bike, Run, Swim
Featured on the Travel Channel’s Man v. Food, the DOUGHMAN is a day-long celebration of Durham and all things local. Beginning with a team relay quadrathlon that combines competitive eating with a traditional triathlon, the evening closes with a community banquet featuring local food, beverage and entertainment. Local and out-of-state participants compete in this charity event that raises money for the SEEDs Durham Inner-city Gardeners program and SeeSaw Studios.
June
American Dance Festival
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.
July
Festival for the Eno
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.
August
North Carolina Gay and Lesbian Film Festival
Since its inception in 1995, the North Carolina Gay & Lesbian Film Festival (NCGLFF) has become the second largest gay and lesbian film festival in the Southeast, attracting as many as 10,000 patrons yearly.
September
Bull Durham Blues Festival
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.
Durham Arts Council's CenterFest
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.
North Carolina Gay Pride Parade
The largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, & transgendered event in a five-state area, attracting over 12,000 festival participants.
October
World Beer Festival
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.
