10 Popular Festivals In Durham, North Carolina

1. CenterFest Arts Festival

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Robin Hales (@robin.hales) on Sep 17, 2016 at 10:49am PDT

If you are an art lover, make sure you visit the CenterFest Arts Festival in this fabulous city when visiting North Carolina. People here started celebrating the event since 1974. Numerous talented visual artists, skilled performers, and guests enjoy the festivities at this outdoor art event in the lively downtown district of the city. Be amazed while viewing praiseworthy performances of various talented singers, bands, artists, magicians, and jugglers. The festive spirit of this art event is complemented by amazing shopping opportunities and a great food culture. Shop for beautiful ceramics, impressive fiber artworks, lovely woodworks, and other items here. Let your kids have a fantastic time at the Creative Kid Zone.

CenterFest Arts Festival

Address: Downtown Durham, 120 Morris St, Durham, NC 27701, United States

Website: CenterFest Arts Festival

Takes place: September

2. Phoenix Fest Parade & Music Festival

Hayti community, famous as one of the primeval African American societies in the state of North Carolina, celebrates the Phoenix Fest in Durham honoring its legacy of rich culture and business. The Phoenix Fest parade starts at 9 am and ends with outstanding musical acts on the center stage. The vending market also opens as the parade ends. Listen to the tunes of music as the street celebrations proceed all day. Survey the eye-catching vendor displays and make sure to indulge in the delicious savories.

Phoenix Fest

Address: 908 Fayetteville St, Lakewood Ave, Durham, NC 27701, United States

Website: Phoenix Fest

Takes place: October

Price: Free entry

3. Art of Cool Festival [Last event in 2019]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Art Of Cool Festival (@aocfest)

If you are a music lover vacationing in Durham during September, do not miss attending the musical Art of Cool Festival. It celebrates the fusion of progressive jazz with other entertaining genres, such as hip hop, and alternative soul melody, in the well-known Downtown Durham. The fest aims to increase fans of the jazz-influenced rhythm. Have a great time watching the stellar musical acts, and please your taste buds with the best delicacies of the region.

Art of Cool Festival

Address: Downtown Durham, 409 Blackwell St, Durham, NC 27701, United States

Website: Art of Cool Festival

Takes place: September

Price: 60 - 300 USD

4. Moogfest [Last event in 2019]

Another prominent festival that people in Durham celebrate is Moogfest. This multi-day technological art and music event is celebrated every year to honor the late Robert Arthur “Bob” Moog, who is known for developing Moog synthesizer. He is also recognized as the founding father of outstanding electronic music. Earlier, Moogfest was held in Ashville. However, since 2016, it’s been celebrated in Durham. Experience the incredible blend of art, technology, and music by attending the festival. Have a great time listening to electronic music as the sun sets.

Moogfest

Address: Durham, NC 27701, United States

Website: Moogfest

Takes place: April

Price: 99 - 1,500 USD

5. NC Comicon & Comiquest Film Festival [Last event in 2019]

Make your winter vacation in Durham more enjoyable by attending the NC Comicon & Comiquest Film Festival. Have a great time watching amazing films in the city at Carolina Theater. The fest celebrates the best movies that feature amazing pop-culture. Go through the list of fascinating cinemas and watch your favorite films leisurely here. Your kids will have a great time viewing fun-filled movies and noteworthy characters at the fest.

NC Comicon & Comiquest Film Festival

Address: 309 W Morgan St, Durham, NC 27701, United States

Website: NC Comicon & Comiquest Film Festival

Takes place: November

Price: 20 - 200 USD

6. Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dr. Bahby Banks (@bahbybanks)

If you are visiting in Durham with your family in May, do not miss visiting the Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival. It is a famous harvest event that celebrates the African American tradition. Have a great time with your beloved ones at the Family Fun Zone here. Kids will have a fantastic time enjoying hands-on activities. Live music by outstanding regional and local performers is sure to delight you. Do not miss relishing the ethnic delicacies. Shop for beautiful handicrafts and artworks at the fascinating Bimbé crafts bazaar.

Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival

Address: Rock Quarry Park, 701 Stadium Dr, Durham, NC 27704, United States

Website: Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival

Takes place: May

Price: Free entry

7. Kaleidoscope Biz Fest [Last event in 2019]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chef Hadassah Patterson (@hadassahpatterson)

If you are a woman who is an entrepreneur or a lady aspiring to start a business, attend Kaleidoscope Biz Fest in September in Durham. Listen to the informative and influential speeches of great speakers. Motivational lecturers talk about following your goals, women’s health, legal matters, and financial health. Rejuvenate your mind and body by attending a yoga session in the plush lounge here. Do not miss relishing savory food, which is ideal for all dietary needs.

Kaleidoscope Biz Fest

Address: Rhythms Live Music Hall, 2020 Chapel Hill Rd, Suite 33, Durham, NC 27707, United States

Website: Kaleidoscope Biz Fest

Takes place: September

Price: 25 - 60 USD

8. World Beer Festival [Last event in 2019]

For about 25 years, Durham has hosted the amazing World Beer Festival in October with great pomp - celebrating beer and noteworthy breweries. The visitors get to sample beer from local, national, as well as international breweries here. Have a great time eating delicious delicacies, dancing to the tunes of fantastic music, and creating memories with your dear friends at this festival.

World Beer Festival

Address: Durham Bulls Athletic Park, 409 Blackwell St, Durham, NC 27701, United States

Website: World Beer Festival

Takes place: October

Price: 35 - 60 USD

9. American Dance Festival

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by American Dance Festival (@amerdancefest)

Are you a dancer or aspiring to be one? If yes, make sure you visit American Dance Festival in Durham that is held from June to July. Since 1934, it has served the requirements of novice and established choreographers, dancers, and various other professionals working in the field of dance. It encourages the development and performance of modern dance. So, if you are a dance fanatic, groove to the tunes at the American Dance Festival.

American Dance Festival

Address: 715 Broad St, Durham, NC 27705, United States

Website: American Dance Festival

Takes place: Usually held June to July

Price: 50 USD onwards

10. North Carolina Jerk Fest [Last event in 2019]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Unity Builders (@fuddha)

Have a great time celebrating unique Caribbean culture and relishing savory Jamaican food at the splendid North Carolina Jerk Fest in Durham, held every September. Your playful little ones will have a great time in the kids’ area here. Enjoy the pleasant and outstanding musical performances featured at the event.

North Carolina Jerk Fest

Address: 5101 N Roxboro St, Durham, NC 27704, United States

Website: North Carolina Jerk Fest

Takes place: September

Price: Free entry

Experience the festive spirit of Durham

Durham is a fantastic city that celebrates numerous festivals every year, greeting a plethora of festival-goers. It offers several festivities for you to have a fantastic time with your family and friends. So if you are planning your holiday in Durham, make sure you attend these popular festivals. Enrich your travel experience and immerse yourself in the festive spirit.