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:
Duke Chapel by Candlelight: Christmas Open House
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
12 to 2 p.m.
Free
Welcome the splendor of the season at the annual candlelight open house at Duke Chapel. All are invited to see the Chapel fully decorated for the Christmas season and listen to familiar Christmas music. There is no cost to attend and no tickets or reservations are required. The event starts at 12-noon and ends at 2:00 p.m.; drop in and stay for as little or as long as you’d like!
Parking is available on a first-come-first-served basis in the Bryan Center Garage at 125 Science Dr. with ADA parking in the surface lot at the same address.
Organ Recital Series: Katelyn Emerson
Sunday, February 1, 2026
5 to 6 p.m.
Free
Katelyn Emerson, hailed as “one of the world’s most promising organists,” is internationally renowned for performances throughout North America, Europe, and Asia that are “thrilling from beginning to end.” A prizewinner of competitions on three continents, including first prize in the American Guild of Organists’ 2016 National Young Artists’ Competition in Organ Performance, she has recorded solo CDs for the Pro Organo label. Ms. Emerson is currently based in both the USA and the United Kingdom, having been awarded grants to support her PhD research at the University of Cambridge’s Centre for Music and Science. Her recital program, performed on the Brombaugh and Flentrop organs, will include music by Buxtehude, Jacquet de La Guerre, M. Rossi, Cabanilles, Reimann, and others.
There is no charge for admission.
Paid parking is available on a first-come-first-served basis in the Bryan Center Garage at 125 Science Drive. ADA parking is available in the surface lot at the same address.
Bach Cantata Series: Bach & Dumont
Sunday, February 15, 2026
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 the French composer Henri Dumont. Pieces by Dumont include “Prelude,” “Super flumina Babylonis,” and “Litanies de la Vierge.” Compositions by Bach include “Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland,” BWV 61, and “Orchestral Suite No.2 in B minor.”
Free admission.
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 at the surface lot at the same address.
Learn more about the music in a pre-concert talk at 4:00 p.m. in the Divinity School’s Goodson Chapel.
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.
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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:
