The inaugural Durham FRINGE Festival brings more than 50 Durham-based artists to more than 20 Downtown Durham venues over 10 days. The festival includes both ticketed events and free events. Carolina Theatre created and presents the festival, but performances and installations will take place throughout Downtown Durham rather than inside the Carolina Theatre. The festival features visual art … [Read more...] about Durham Fringe Festival Oct. 30 to Nov. 8
Comedy
The Ultimate Halloween Party at The Comedy Dojo Oct. 30: Comedy, dance party, karaoke
The Comedy Dojo & Event Space, at 103 W Main Street, Suite A L01, Durham, North Carolina, is the spot for The Ultimate Halloween Party on Friday, October 30, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. This event is for adults only, and admission is $1. … [Read more...] about The Ultimate Halloween Party at The Comedy Dojo Oct. 30: Comedy, dance party, karaoke
A Weekend of Family-Friendly Comedy with The Unintentionals Oct. 9-11
The Unintentionals, a local improv comedy troupe, has several shows coming up. They're all family friendly and low-priced. All of these events take place at TR Studio, 3027 Barrow Road, Raleigh, North Carolina. Upcoming Shows Improv All-StarsFriday, October 9, 20267 to 9 p.m.$10 for adults, $3 for children under 12 This is a 4v4 Improv Comedy Showdown where you get to see performers … [Read more...] about A Weekend of Family-Friendly Comedy with The Unintentionals Oct. 9-11
Leela Theatre hosts free Improv Jams first Friday of month
Leela Theatre, at 309 N Boylan Avenue, Raleigh, North Carolina, is a hub for improv in the Triangle. It offers shows, improv classes, corporate events and more. Once a month, Leela opens its doors to the community for a FREE Improv Jam. This program is for ages 18+. Although these events are free, registration is required and space is limited. The Open Jams take place the first Friday of the … [Read more...] about Leela Theatre hosts free Improv Jams first Friday of month
Acoustic Open Mic Nights at Esmeralda’s Cafe in Durham
Esmeralda's Cafe, 1515 North Pointe Drive, Durham, North Carolina, is hosting an Acoustic Open Mic Night the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. It's scheduled on these dates so far in 2026: Sign-ups start at 6:30 p.m., with the performances starting at 7 p.m. It's free to attend. Perform for a welcoming crowd. It can be anything: music, comedy, poetry, tap dancing, mind … [Read more...] about Acoustic Open Mic Nights at Esmeralda’s Cafe in Durham
Girlhood: An Improv Comedy Show by Mettlesome Theater
In honor of Women's History Month, Mettlesome Theater is hosting "Girlhood" in March, 2026. An all-woman cast of local performers digs out the photos from their past that didn’t quite make it into the scrapbook for an improvised show about the sweet, the sour, and the seriously funny parts of womanhood. You'll find this show listed on thisismettlesome.com/live. The show takes place at … [Read more...] about Girlhood: An Improv Comedy Show by Mettlesome Theater
All-day Commedia and Shakespeare Jam Session on Feb. 28 — pay what you can!
In honor of International Commedia dell’ Arte Day, i Firenzi Commedia and Scrap Paper Shakespeare are hosting Commedia and Shakespeare Jam Session on February 28, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., at The Studio at Theatre Raleigh, 3027 Barrow Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina. Admission is pay what you can! Donations approximately the cost of a fancy coffee are suggested. At this special event you'll … [Read more...] about All-day Commedia and Shakespeare Jam Session on Feb. 28 — pay what you can!
A Good Time: Stand-Up Comedy Nights around the Triangle (free to attend!)
A Good Time Comedy is presenting standup comedy showcases throughout the Triangle. They are free to attend, but please make sure to follow the links to RSVP. A Good Time: Stand-up Comedy Showcase at Local 919February 21, 20268 p.m.Local 9191540 Dunn Road, Suite 170, Raleigh, NCFree A Good Time: Stand-Up Comedy Showcase at Vault Craft BeerFriday, February 27, 20268 to 9:30 p.m.Vault Craft … [Read more...] about A Good Time: Stand-Up Comedy Nights around the Triangle (free to attend!)
Black Expressions — A Celebration of Art, Voice, and Performance in Holly Springs
Holly Springs Parks and Recreation and Holly Springs Cultural Center are hosting Black Expressions -- a Celebration of Art, Voice and Performance on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 6 p.m., at Holly Springs Cultural Center, 300 W Ballentine Street, Holly Springs, North Carolina. The celebration starts with an artist reception from 6 to 7 p.m. The art reception is free to attend. Meet the artists and … [Read more...] about Black Expressions — A Celebration of Art, Voice, and Performance in Holly Springs
Lunar New Year Market with Triangle Pop-Up in Raleigh Feb. 7 — Lion Dance, comedy, music, more…
Triangle Pop-Up is presenting a Lunar New Year Market on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Raleigh Iron Works, 2200 Atlantic Avenue, Raleigh, North Carolina. This is a free event that spotlights the AAPI (Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders) community. Community members will be performing, including singers, comedians and lion dancers. Shop from AAPI (Asian American … [Read more...] about Lunar New Year Market with Triangle Pop-Up in Raleigh Feb. 7 — Lion Dance, comedy, music, more…
