Events in Durham today

Perfect for new riders and helpful for experienced ones, this course builds the core skills and road knowledge needed to work toward a motorcycle endorsement or license. It combines a required 5-hour, self-paced online eCourse, which must be completed before the first class, with two on-range riding sessions. Motorcycles are supplied for practice, and participants need to bring their own protective gear. For clarity, RC Amy is sharing information about classes she will participate in as a Rider Coach and is not the event host.

Part of the Retro Noir Film Series, this screening spotlights Henry Hathaway’s Niagara, a 1953 Technicolor thriller that helped propel Marilyn Monroe to stardom. Set against the force of the Falls, Monroe’s character, Rose Loomis, plots with her lover to kill her unstable, war veteran husband, played by Joseph Cotten. Their carefully arranged scheme unravels into a taut game of pursuit as suspicion rises and plans collapse. Running 89 minutes, the film is renowned for Monroe’s iconic performance, including an on-screen walk that set a cinema record, while Cotten delivers a chilling turn as the injured spouse. A major box-office success, its blend of scenic grandeur and simmering malice shaped later vacation-in-peril tales and helped inspire the look of Hitchcock’s Vertigo. Tickets are $10 per person.

This free trial class introduces beginners to Systema, a comprehensive approach to training that blends martial arts with practices like yoga, massage, and meditation. Instruction emphasizes natural, intuitive self-protection while building strength, flexibility, and a lighter relationship to fear and stress. Participants explore moving with solid structure and minimal tension. Through a steady, thoughtful progression, the class develops awareness, adaptability, and calm under pressure so students can stay centered in unpredictable situations. Training is varied rather than routine, and each person works at a comfortable pace with attention to movement quality, efficiency, and understanding over time. A typical session starts with breathing, movement, and conditioning work rooted in Russian martial arts to release physical and mental tension and build resilience, then progresses into themes such as rolling, safe falling, ground work, and movement drills. NC Systema is an official school under Systema Vasiliev, with instructors certified annually by Systema Headquarters in Toronto. The class takes place at Triangle Aikido.

Durham’s own Ally J brings live music to a rooftop setting alongside specials on food and drinks. Expect $6 glasses of rosé and bubbly and a $14 Girl Dinner with a tray that includes guac and chips, flavored popcorn, pickled veggies, and local cheeses. City views and craft cocktails set the scene, and there is no cover charge.

This event features trivia hosted by Demitrius of Hammered Trivia. Dinner is available beforehand.

Enjoy a creative paint and sip at Spring Haven Farm surrounded by barnyard charm. A friendly instructor provides step by step guidance, making it comfortable for beginners and experienced painters alike. All supplies are included, such as canvas, paints, and a smock, and the featured artwork centers on a Highland cow. Each ticket comes with one complimentary drink, with alcoholic or nonalcoholic choices, and snacks can be purchased. Between brushstrokes, explore the farm, feed the goats, meet the other animals, and savor local selections from Starlight Meadery and Durty Bull Brewing while your painting dries. Head home with a piece you created and memories made among the animals.

Geared to singles in their 40s and 50s in the Raleigh–Durham area, this in-person speed dating evening offers a series of short, six minute conversations with at least five and as many as twelve local matches. After each chat, participants privately note who they would like to connect with again, and the organizers facilitate mutual matches after the event. The setting emphasizes comfort and safety, making it a straightforward and efficient alternative to app-based dating. The night is hosted by Pre-Dating, which has produced more than 38,000 speed dating events since 2001, with features in outlets such as CNN, BBC, The Wall Street Journal, and CBS.

This casual meetup at Dssolvr Durham invites readers to bring the book they are currently enjoying, spend time reading quietly together, then chat with tablemates about what they read. The gathering starts with light conversation, moves into a focused stretch of silent reading, and wraps up with a relaxed discussion about each person’s book.

andmoreagain presents a live performance at Stanczyks in Durham, NC featuring Jenny Owen Youngs and Northcote with Julia Barfield. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the day of show, and tickets are on sale now. After a decade without a full-length release, Jenny Owen Youngs returns with Avalanche on Yep Roc Records, a project shaped by years of change that include global touring, a number one co-write, a popular podcast, a book deal, and extensive placements in film and television. Produced by Josh Kaufman and co-written with collaborators including S. Carey, Madi Diaz, Peter Silberman of The Antlers, and Christian Lee Hutson, the songs blend bright pop sensibilities with soft, atmospheric layers while reflecting on loss, resilience, and growth. Julia Barfield, a 22-year-old singer songwriter from Athens, Georgia, was raised in the North Georgia foothills and draws on folk and Americana influences. Her 2025 debut EP, Keep to Me, offers southern storytelling that holds both heartache and hope, delivered with a warm voice that feels gentle and assured.

Kick off a festival pre-party with a free beginner zouk class at Durham Friends Meeting. New dancers can start with the complimentary intro, then continue into the next open-level session and stay for the social at a discounted rate by checking with the person at the door. The following week, the series expands to beginner and intermediate classes, with socials continuing as usual. A four-week discount is available for $65 and includes both class and social. Drop-in options are offered at $20 for class plus social, $15 for class only, and $8 for the social only. Sign up is available via the Venmo listed on the event image. For parking, the right side of the lot downhill from the meetinghouse is open, while the left side is reserved for Ronald McDonald House staff and guests. The small DFM lot to the right in front of the smaller meetinghouse is also available. The Duke Security lot directly across the street is generally fine unless a space is specifically marked. Please avoid the lot downhill from the Duke Security lot beside the Episcopal Student Center, and avoid the lot near the Campus Security Office next to the Episcopal Center. Some street parking may also be available. Look for the Ronald McDonald parking sign, and head to the building on the right side on the second floor.

Guided by an experienced instructor, this prenatal yoga class nurtures body and mind in a comfortable, supportive setting for movement during pregnancy. It meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. Single classes and package options are available.

Explore the Hillsborough locations that connect to Outlander’s storyline and the Regulator Uprising. From the fourth book and the TV series’ fifth season onward, Jamie and Claire Fraser settle in a fictional Scottish community in North Carolina, and their journey intersects with the 1770s Regulator movement centered around Hillsborough. This in-person walking tour begins at the Hillsborough Visitor Center and traces their footsteps to sites linked to the series and to events leading up to the Revolutionary War. Plan to be on your feet for the duration. The route may include uneven terrain, so wear comfortable shoes, bring a water bottle, and bring your curiosity. Period-themed attire is welcome for those who wish to dress the part.

Celebrate Scottish tradition at a free Friday night ceilidh featuring live bagpipe music by Andrew Prioli, beginner-friendly dance lessons, hands-on activities, and art. Hosted by the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough in partnership with the Hillsborough Arts Council’s Last Fridays and the Art Walk, the evening includes ceilidh dance instruction led by Kendra Monroe of the Monroe School of Highland Dance on the Historic Courthouse lawn. On the Visitor Center grounds, browse Scottish-themed vendors, craft a corn husk doll, and sample Irn Bru. A gallery from Saltire Gallerie showcases Scottish landscapes and highlights connections to the Enlightenment. Admission is free, and nearby restaurants can be busy, so reservations are recommended. This celebration also serves as the kickoff to the Outlandish Hillsborough weekend.

Enjoy a free monthly celebration of art, culture, and community throughout Hillsborough, NC. The Art Walk runs year round and brings together nineteen venues that host recurring artist receptions and demonstrations, hands-on craft activities at no cost, live music, and other creative experiences. From May through October, Last Fridays Makers Markets highlight local artists, community groups, and family friendly activities on the Old Orange County Courthouse North Lawn. From April through October, the Live on the Lawn performance series brings dance, drumming, fashion, puppetry, singer songwriters, local bands, and more to the South Lawn. Applications to become an approved vendor for the 2026 Last Fridays Makers Markets are open for local artists. Monthly lineups and itineraries are available to help plan a personalized Last Fridays outing, and details are typically finalized during the week before each event. Operating support is provided by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, and the Orange County Arts Commission, with additional support from the Tourism Board and the Town of Hillsborough.

Settle into a Full Moon Meditation that invites steady breathing, gentle relaxation, and clear presence. The experience encourages gathering the many parts of life into a calm, unified state, with quiet moments that arise from within. It offers space to connect with community while also honoring personal stillness and spacious solitude. Tickets are $22, and Earth Yoga members attend for free.

Connect with others at an international social highlighting the ties between Durham, North Carolina and Durham, United Kingdom. Enjoy conversations about shared history, culture, and the partnerships that link the two communities. The gathering takes place at The Glass Jug in downtown Durham. Registering in advance is optional, and anyone with a reservation is automatically entered into a prize drawing for a free drink.

Take part in a free trial that introduces Systema, a holistic approach to training that integrates martial arts with elements of yoga, massage, and meditation. The practice builds practical self-protection through natural, intuitive responses while increasing strength and flexibility and easing fear and stress. Instruction centers on moving with stable structure and low tension so you can stay aware, adaptable, and composed under pressure. A typical session begins with breathing, movement, and conditioning work rooted in the Russian martial arts to release mental and physical tension and develop resilience. Training then progresses to rolling, falling, groundwork, and themed movement exercises. Everyone works at a comfortable pace, with an emphasis on movement quality, efficiency, and deepening understanding rather than rote repetition. NC Systema is an official school of Systema Vasiliev, and its instructors maintain annual certification through Systema Headquarters in Toronto.

Presented by andmoreagain, Stanczyks Music Bar in Durham, NC hosts an evening with Upon Your Dead Body, with When the Sun Sets and Letters to Part also on the bill. The South Texas outfit delivers emo marked by heartfelt intensity and a theatrical flair, weaving spoken word moments, driving melodies, Midwest emo touches, and math rock precision into a vivid set, drawing influence from La Dispute, Coheed and Cambria, Say Anything, Hail the Sun, and The Used. Letters to Part, an ambient-leaning alternative band from Orlando, blends shoegaze, emo, post-hardcore, and indie into reflective, dreamlike songs. Their catalog includes the debut album A Human Curse from 2017, the Mad’ouk EP in 2020, a 2023 live recording tracked at Red Lion Audio, the 2023 single Breathe, and the 2025 EP Bloom, which is paired with videos for The Weight I Let Go and With Your Heart. Tickets are $18 in advance and $22 on the day of the show.

Experience a double feature of Brian De Palma thrillers at The Carolina Theatre of Durham. Body Double (R, 1984, 114 min) follows a claustrophobic actor, played by Craig Wasson, whose housesitting stint in a high-tech Hollywood Hills home leads to nightly telescope watching that drags him into a world of murder, adult entertainment, and fixation. Melanie Griffith appears as Holly Body, and the film mixes Hitchcock-inspired set pieces with a driving synth score. Viewer guidance for Body Double: graphic violence, sexual content, voyeurism, and adult language. The program continues with Raising Cain (R, 1992, 91 min), featuring John Lithgow as Dr. Carter Nix, a child psychologist with multiple personalities. As Nix abducts children for his father’s psychological experiments, the story spirals into a dreamlike puzzle of fractured identities and memories, built with intricate long takes and suspenseful sequences that tip a hat to Psycho.

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.