This weekend in Durham, NC

Hosted at the Durham Convention Center in Durham, North Carolina, this two day convention is designed for storytellers, creators, and a strong sense of community. Attendees can take part in panel discussions, browse vendor and artist offerings, enjoy gaming, show off cosplay, and explore additional programming throughout the weekend.

RIP X CARD SHOW transforms Durham Bulls Athletic Park into a full-stadium hobby showcase. Explore vendor-packed concourses with more than 300 tables and stadium access that opens up experiences not typical of a standard card show. Expect thousands of collectors, live activations, and a broad mix of sports cards, Pokémon, and other TCG spanning vintage to modern. Create a personalized trading card, dive into interactive stations, connect with creators, and watch for special drops and giveaways that keep the excitement going throughout the day. Buying, selling, and trading are all part of the experience, whether you are hunting key pieces or browsing with friends. A VIP option offers early entry to the show floor and select experiences before general admission. Early bird pricing is available for a limited time and may increase.

Created for Outlander devotees, admirers of Scottish heritage, and Hillsborough enthusiasts, the Outlandish Hillsborough Scottish Festival offers a full day celebrating Scottish culture on the grounds of Ayr Mount. Enjoy live music, bagpipes, traditional dance, and hands-on activities for all ages. Featured experiences include Hillsborough’s Craigh Na Dun, appearances by fairy dancers, broadsword instruction, and a whiskey tasting table. Returning favorites mix with new vendors, fresh activities, and additional musicians to make the celebration memorable. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, with something for everyone.

William & Mary meets Duke on the gridiron at Wallace Wade Stadium for an early-season showdown. The matchup features distinct approaches on both sides, setting up momentum swings and opportunities for standout individual performances. Experience how the strategies unfold across four quarters as these teams compete for control.

Mortali-Tea is a Pagan-focused Death Cafe organized by Via Textricis and held at Panera Bread. Based on the Death Cafe model that began in the UK in 2011 to create a safe space for conversations about death, this gathering offers open, wide-ranging discussion of end-of-life topics through a Pagan lens. The movement has grown to nearly 19,000 gatherings in 91 countries, and this local version was created to serve needs not fully met by other area groups. RSVP by emailing viatextricis@gmail.com.

Celebrate summer car cruises in a spacious, shaded lot where music sets a relaxed vibe. A 50/50 option adds to the fun, and there is a chicken restaurant just across the street for convenient refreshments.

Make time for hands-on creativity in a shared space for arts and crafts, then head to the outdoor patio to watch local fire artists in a lively fire spinning jam. Admission is free.

Word Jazz brings Actors Improv's blend of on the spot theater and live music to Sharp Nine. Drawing on Ken Nordine's 1957 album of the same name, the show builds scenes from improvised monologues alongside a five piece band. Audience suggestions spark each moment, and off the cuff songs emerge throughout. Musicians Ricky Bloomfield on reeds, Rob Ladd on drums, Robbie Link on bass, Glenn Mehrbach on piano, and Scott Sawyer on guitar perform with Actors Improv, the South's longest running improv company.

Prenatal yoga guided by an experienced instructor supports body and mind in a comfortable setting that encourages safe movement during pregnancy. Offered on the first and third Sunday mornings of each month, with options for individual sessions or class packages.

An outdoor yoga session unfolds at Zinc House Winery & Brewery, inviting mindful movement, steady breathing, and connection in a vineyard setting. The practice is led by Sharon MacGregor, founder of Serenity Farm Yoga Sanctuary, a 26 acre retreat focused on well being, community, and individual growth. Spanning 87 acres, Zinc House includes vineyards, walking trails, rooftop decks, and event spaces. It sits about three miles from Serenity Farm, linking the mat practice with a wider mindfulness experience. This beginner friendly flow follows the breath at a comfortable pace and offers options for all levels, including optional chaturanga progressions for those who want a bit more. The environment supports both body and mind. After class, participants can linger to browse Tip-Z Boutique, pick up gourmet coffee or a bite from a food truck, enjoy sparkling wine or another refreshment, play cornhole, and take in vineyard views while connecting with friends. Please bring a yoga mat, comfortable clothing, and water. An eye cover is optional. Extra cushioning for the knees, such as a towel, is strongly encouraged.

Step into a cozy cottagecore world at Durham Armory, where a free, forest themed Geek and Grub Market fills the hall with more than 40 whimsical geeky vendors, special guests, and fairytale style activities. Expect mushrooms, meadow charm, and all the cozy cottage aesthetics, plus food trucks and an indoor Geek Tavern serving non alcoholic themed drinks and mocktails. Start at the check in desk at the main entrance. Children can pick up a complimentary trinket from the treasure chest or learn how to take part in the no cost scavenger hunt. Search for eight cottagecore Gambits around the market, then return to the HQ desk to claim a prize. Parking options include plentiful street spaces that are free on weekends, along with nearby paid garages. The venue is fully accessible. Admission does not require a ticket. The event schedule will be announced soon. Vendor applications are available through the event website, and the vendor list and map will be posted online 10 days beforehand. Only service dogs may attend.

This self care summit creates a welcoming space for women of color to reevaluate wellness routines with the help of engaging speakers, interactive sessions, and connections to local resources. Tickets include access to a self care discussion panel, entertainment, networking time, lunch, giveaways, and opportunities to shop. A strict dress code applies, with magenta pink and white cocktail attire required. For sponsorship opportunities, email info@shopnoblecompanion.com.

Try Systema in a free introductory class for beginners at Triangle Aikido. This holistic Russian martial art integrates elements of martial arts, yoga, massage, and meditation into practical training that builds natural, intuitive self‑protection while increasing strength, flexibility, and ease under stress. The approach emphasizes moving freely with solid structure and minimal tension. Instruction is progressive and thoughtful, helping participants develop awareness, adaptability, and a calm mindset when situations become unpredictable. Sessions are varied and kept fresh. Participants work at a comfortable pace, prioritizing quality of movement, efficiency, and understanding. A typical class begins with breathing, mobility, and conditioning drawn from Russian martial traditions to release tension and cultivate resilience, then moves into rolling, falling, groundwork, and movement drills built around a central theme. NC Systema is an official school of Systema Vasiliev, and its instructors maintain annual certification through Systema Headquarters in Toronto.

Part of the Alfred Hitchcock Film Series in Cinema One at The Carolina Theatre of Durham, this 1950 feature unfolds a backstage mystery set in London. After a famous actress’s husband is killed, her lover Jonathan, played by Richard Todd, is named the prime suspect. Aspiring actress Eve Gill, portrayed by Jane Wyman, goes undercover as a maid to Charlotte Inwood, played by Marlene Dietrich, to search for the truth. As roles overlap with real life, every alibi comes under scrutiny and nothing is quite what it seems. The film runs 110 minutes. Tickets are $12 per person.

Designed for people who have not always seen themselves represented in the woodshop, this hands-on class creates a welcoming space for women, nonbinary and LGBTQIA+ participants, as well as those with physical or neurodiverse differences. Guided by instructors with nontraditional backgrounds, the session introduces core techniques, explores adaptive methods, and builds confidence with tools in and beyond the shop. All experience levels are encouraged to participate, and repeat attendance is supported since the project changes each time. This session focuses on building an entryway organizer. The cost is $75, and registration must be completed through the organizer’s website. Wear closed-toed shoes and avoid loose clothing or jewelry. All materials, tools, and safety equipment are provided. Refunds are available up to seven days before the class, and registrations can be transferred within that window. There are no refunds or transfers within seven days of the class.

Settle in at Hi Wire Brewing Company in Durham for a relaxed Paint Nite where a professional artist guides you through creating a piece on an 11x14 inch canvas. Learn a range of techniques, then follow your curiosity to make the artwork your own. It works well for date night, a friends outing, a celebration, or a little self care. Hi Wire Brewing Company pours from 20 taps and serves draft cocktails, well drinks, mocktails, and other non alcoholic options. There is no kitchen, so outside food is welcome. Food and drinks are sold separately from the painting ticket. The session lasts about two hours and begins promptly. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early to get settled and place drink orders before brushes hit the canvas. Advance registration is required, and booking early is encouraged. If the minimum attendance is not met 48 hours before the start, the event will be cancelled. Occasional Early Bird specials are offered on the event's Facebook page. All painting supplies are provided.

Sunday Salsa Social, now in its 18th year since 2009, offers a welcoming night of Latin dance. It starts with a basic salsa lesson, then continues with social dancing. The music mix focuses on salsa and bachata, with a small number of cha cha, kizomba, merengue, and cumbia tracks. Admission at the door is $10, or $8 for active military and students with ID. Children 17 and under are free with an adult, or $5 if attending alone. Most DJs accept Venmo and credit cards, but bring cash to be sure, as card payments may include an added fee. The DJ roster typically rotates by week. Expect Abuelo Salsero Jack Wolf on first Sundays, Salsa Mike, also known as Michael Delucia, on second Sundays, Pedro Paz on third Sundays, and Monte Alban, Eliuth Cruz Lopez on fourth Sundays. When there is a fifth Sunday, the rotation cycles among them. The schedule is usual and subject to change. For questions, contact Jack Wolf at jackhwolf49@gmail.com or 919-245-8393 or 743-208-5497.