Duke University Chapel, 401 Chapel Drive, Durham, is often filled with music, and much of the time it’s available for the public to listen to, for free. During weekdays, there is typically a 15-minute Carillon recital at 5 p.m.
Events at Duke Chapel
See all upcoming events on the Duke University Chapel website.
Here’s some of what’s coming up:
Día de Muertos Ofrenda
Friday, October 3 to Sunday, November 2, 2025
Free
Honor the dead with Día de los Muertos Ofrenda, a Day of the Dead altar piece, at Duke Chapel. Visitors are invited to contribute to this sacred Mexican tradition by adding an offering in the form of photographs or objects that represent a departed loved one, or by adding a link to a paper chain that drapes over the Ofrenda.
Bach Cantata Series: Bach & Vivaldi
Sunday, November 9, 2025
5 to 6 p.m.
Free
Johann Sebastian Bach’s cantatas are often considered the pinnacle of German sacred music, works whose theological depth and emotional resonance touch deep places in the human soul. This year’s cantata series, Bach &, features cantatas, concerti, and organ works by Bach and his contemporaries, illuminating the connections and differences between these Baroque masters.
This concert pairs the music of Bach with Antonio Vivaldi. Pieces by Vivaldi include “Concerto in A minor for 2 violins,” RV 522, and “Nulla in mundo pax,” RV 630. Compositions by Bach include “Vivaldi Concerto in A minor” (arr. for organ solo), BWV 593, and “Non sa che sia dolore,” BWV 209.
Organ Recital Series: Maxine Thévenot
Sunday, November 16, 2025
5 to 6 p.m.
Free
Maxine Thévenot is director of cathedral music and organist at the Episcopal Cathedral of St. John, Albuquerque, New Mexico. As an organ recitalist, she has appeared in concert halls and churches across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Europe. Described as “a 21st-century organ virtuoso” (Orgue Canada), she has recorded several solo CDs for Raven Records. Reviews have praised her “exceptional technique and consummate musicianship” (The American Organist) as well as “fervor and passion . . . blazing performance” (American Record Guide). Ms. Thévenot’s recital on the Aeolian organ will include works by Frank Bridge, Marcel Dupré, Rachel Laurin, Olivier Messiaen, Louis Vierne, and others.
Jazz Vespers: A Service of Thanksgiving
Thursday, November 20, 2025
7 to 8 p.m.
Free
Over the past eleven years, Jazz Vespers has become a beloved tradition at
Duke Chapel. Sing, rest, pray, and celebrate in these worship services, which
combine the ancient Christian tradition of evening vespers with the aural
idioms of Black sacred music, including jazz, gospel, and the spirituals.
Jazz Vespers is led musically by John V. Brown, Professor of the Practice of
Music and Director of the Jazz Program at Duke University, and the John
Brown “Little Big Band.”
Docent-Led Tour of Duke Chapel
Sundays (check Duke Chapel website for exceptions)
12:15 p.m.
Free
Learn about the history, architecture, and life of Duke Chapel in this tour, which is free and open to the public. The tour begins at 12:15 p.m., or immediately following the conclusion of the Sunday morning service, and lasts approximately forty-five minutes. No reservation is required but if you plan to bring a large group please notify the Chapel in advance. Meet the docent on the front steps of the Chapel.
Parking at Duke Chapel
Paid parking is available on a first come, first served basis in the Bryan Center Parking Lot at 125 Science Drive. ADA parking is available in the Bryan Center Surface Lot at the same address.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Triangle on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and it’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
More Events
Check out our list of free and cheap events in Raleigh and the rest of the Triangle this weekend, or our full event calendar in the Triangle, or just look at few upcoming events here:
