CenterFest is Durham's largest cultural and community event, as well as North Carolina's longest running street art festival. CenterFest will take place Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, 2026. CenterFest takes place in the downtown Durham loop on Main and Chapel Hill Streets in the Five Points and CCB Plaza areas. Admission is free, with a $5 suggested donation at the gate. … [Read more...] about Durham’s CenterFest Sept. 19-20
Entertainment
Hammered Dulcimer Concert featuring Joshua Messick at Grace Lutheran Church in Durham Sept. 20
Grace Lutheran Church, 824 N Buchanan Blvd, Durham, North Carolina, is presenting a concert on September 20, 2026, at 3 p.m. The concert will featured Joshua Messick, a musician trained in the hammered dulcimer. The concert is free to attend, but a good will offering will be collected to help those still rebuilding in Western North Carolina from Hurricane Helene. Please RSVP by emailing … [Read more...] about Hammered Dulcimer Concert featuring Joshua Messick at Grace Lutheran Church in Durham Sept. 20
Instrument Petting Zoo at Dix Park
Bring the kids to an Instrument Petting Zoo to Gibson Play Plaza at Dorothea Dix Park! Gibson Play Plaza is at 715 Biggs Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina. These are free events! The Instrument Petting Zoo takes place from 2 to 4 p.m. on the following dates. Registration is required to receive weather cancellations. Registration opens two weeks in advance at 12 p.m. Enjoy an interactive, … [Read more...] about Instrument Petting Zoo at Dix Park
Cervantino Bilingual Book Fair in Raleigh Sept. 20
Cervantino Bilingual Book Fair will take place at City of Raleigh Museum, 220 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, on Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 12 to 3:30 p.m. This is a free event. The event includes live readings, and meeting authors. Get your books signed by the authors. Whether you’re looking for bilingual children’s books, inspiring stories, poetry, or beautifully … [Read more...] about Cervantino Bilingual Book Fair in Raleigh Sept. 20
Free Film Screenings at Shadowbox Studio
Shadowbox Studio hosts film events, as well as live music and other arts events. Sometimes there's a ticket required, and sometimes the events are free, but donations are always appreciated. Shadowbox Studio is at 220-D Dominion Street, Durham, inside the Ample Storage complex. You can find their events at shadowboxstudio.org/events/. Upcoming Events Movie Loft presents … [Read more...] about Free Film Screenings at Shadowbox Studio
Mama Afrika Festival in Raleigh Sept. 20
The 15th Mama Afrika Festival takes place Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 1 to 6 p.m., at Southeast Raleigh YMCA, 1437 Rock Quarry Road, Raleigh, North Carolina. It's free to attend. The festival features: … [Read more...] about Mama Afrika Festival in Raleigh Sept. 20
Southern Village’s Sundays at Sundown Music Series
Southern Village, 600 Market Street in Chapel Hill, is presenting live music on Sunday evenings, from May 3 to September 20, 2026. The concerts take place on Sundays from 7 to 9 p.m. Concerts have no cover charge, but you're encouraged to tip the musicians. Read on to see the band schedule for the concert series. Sundays at Sundown Here are the scheduled concerts in 2026. All concerts … [Read more...] about Southern Village’s Sundays at Sundown Music Series
Vault Theatre Presents: The Little Engine That Could
Vault Theatre presents The Little Engine That Could at 4221 Garrett Road, Durham, North Carolina, at the following dates and times: Tickets are $8. Purchase here. Each performance lasts 30 minutes, with an additional 15 minutes of free time. When the biggest engines can’t make the journey, one small engine has a big task ahead. In this playful, immersive reimagining of the beloved story, … [Read more...] about Vault Theatre Presents: The Little Engine That Could
Storytelling Open Mic at Common Market Durham Oct. 8
The Common Market Durham, 1821 Green Street, Durham, North Carolina, is home to a storytelling open mic, hosted by Hope Wilder. It will be taking place the 2nd Thursday of the month, from 6 to 8 p.m. Next up is Thursday, October 8, 2026. The theme is Discovery. It's free to attend, whether you're telling a story or just listening. This event is a casual meetup to hear and share stories in … [Read more...] about Storytelling Open Mic at Common Market Durham Oct. 8
NC Museum of Natural Sciences’ BugFest Sept. 19
BugFest, one of North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences' most popular festivals, is returning to Downtown Raleigh on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. This is the 30th BugFest! The festival will include both indoor and outdoor activities. Indoor activities will be located in the Nature Exploration Center (NEC) and Nature Research Center (NRC). Outdoor activities will be … [Read more...] about NC Museum of Natural Sciences’ BugFest Sept. 19
