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:
J. Samuel Hammond Carillon Recital
Sunday, September 28, 2025
5 to 6 p.m.
Free
The J. Samuel Hammond Carillon Recitals are performed on the Chapel’s 50-bell carillon, and may be enjoyed al fresco from the beauty of Abele Quad. This recital will be presented rain or shine.
The musician for this recital is Mitchell Eithun, a Duke University Chapel carillonneur. Eithun first encountered the carillon in 2019 while a student at Michigan State University, where he took lessons with late carillonneur Ray McClellan. Since then, he has visited and played over twenty carillons in the United States and two in Scotland. He is an active church music composer and has over eighty published pieces of handbell music and has received commissions from community and church handbell ensembles. He is also the founding director of Bell Durham, a community handbell ensemble in Durham, North Carolina, and he serves as the Handbell Editor at Beckenhorst Press. Eithun is an associate member of the Guild of Carillonneurs in North America and a seminar instructor for the Handbell Musicians of America.
Eithun’s recital features a wide range of music, including:
- “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” by J.S. Bach
- “Wayfaring Stranger,” a folk hymn
- “Golden” from the movie “KPop Demon Hunters”
Día de los 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.
The King’s Singers
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
7:30 to 9 p.m.
Free
The King’s Singers have set the gold standard in a cappella singing for over 55 years, performing on the world’s most prestigious stages. Celebrated for their flawless technique, versatility, and rich musicality, the group draws on a legacy of innovation-premiering new works, collaborating across genres, and producing an award-winning discography. Their accolades include two Grammy Awards, an Emmy, and induction into Gramophone magazine’s Hall of Fame.
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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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:
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