Events in Durham today

Prepare for your newest addition in an engaging, hands-on class designed to build confidence in early parenting. Over three hours, the class explores supportive mantras for the transition to parenthood, what to expect from a newborn’s appearance and behavior, calming and soothing methods, practical skills for bathing and diapering, safe sleep practices, and ways to strengthen protective factors while caring for yourself as a new parent, along with other helpful guidance. The fee is $150 for the birthing person and a partner.

The monthly market at Hope Valley Farms YMCA provides a welcoming space for vendors to present their work and network with area small business owners. Vendor registration is available. For questions, contact Chantel.Kumaraswamy@YMCATriangle.org.

NAMI Durham invites middle school and high school students to take part in Hoops 4 Hope, a youth basketball event that also features a 3-point shooting contest. Participants will build leadership skills, connect with first responders and community leaders, promote mental health awareness, and practice teamwork and sportsmanship in a supportive setting. Jerseys will be provided to all players, and students can proudly represent their schools and neighborhoods. Parents can expect an uplifting experience that helps young people stay engaged, grow confidence, and form positive relationships while contributing to a community effort centered on hope, wellness, and youth empowerment. Space is limited. To register, email vicepresident2@namidurham.org and use the subject line Hoops 4 Hope Player Registration.

Plant lovers can gather at Durham Beer Garden for a free plant swap with The Durham Plant People. Bring plants, cuttings, or propagations to trade, or simply relax and add to your collection. Meet local enthusiasts, discover local plant sales and deals, and exchange tips, advice, and inspiration. A Paint-a-Pot station is available for all ages. Guests can enjoy a drink, make new connections, and spend a relaxed afternoon surrounded by greenery.

This group class blends clear, evidence-based teaching with interactive, hands-on practice. Led by an Infant Feeding Specialist, it covers breastfeeding and chestfeeding, pumping techniques, bottle feeding, hand expression, and formula use, along with guidance on when each method may be introduced. Participants receive a brief historical overview of breast and chestfeeding, learn to recognize their baby's feeding cues, practice positioning, paced bottle feeding, burping, hand expression, and pumping, and talk through common challenges and where to find support. The fee is $150 for the birthing person and their support partner.

This hands-on class explores the fundamentals of woodworking joinery through five essential techniques. Participants practice miter, butt, dado, rabbet, and rabbeted dado joints using a router table and a table saw. By the end, you will have tried each method and assembled a small demonstration shelf to take home. The session also includes a show-and-tell of additional joinery options to broaden your understanding. Wear closed-toed shoes and avoid loose clothing or jewelry. All materials, tools, and safety gear are provided. The fee is $85, and registration is required through the organizer’s website. The class is taught by Brad Broge. The cancellation policy offers a full refund up to seven days in advance, and registrations can be transferred up to the same cutoff. There are no refunds or transfers within the seven-day window.

Unwind with a hands-on Sip & Create workshop where you’ll make your own handcrafted goat’s milk soap set. You’ll follow guided steps to swirl colors, blend scents, and layer botanicals, with options like lavender, lemon, eucalyptus, soft florals, and citrus blends. The finished soaps are great for gifting or everyday self-care, and the workshop is beginner-friendly with all materials and tools provided. The event runs about 2 hours, and you’re welcome to purchase beverages at the brewery during the workshop. Kids are welcome with an accompanying adult.

The North Carolina chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is holding its fourth annual conservation banquet at Gizmo Brew Works in Durham. The gathering celebrates hands-on conservation and public land protection, with time to share stories, connect with others who care about wild places, and enjoy food and cold beer. A raffle and auction will offer gear prizes, and winning is limited to those in attendance. More details will be shared as the event approaches.

Get together with the North Carolina Backcountry Hunters & Anglers community for the 4th Annual Conservation Banquet at Gizmo Brew Works in Durham. Enjoy food and a drink ticket, plus plenty of time to connect, swap stories, and celebrate the work protecting public lands. The night will also feature a raffle and auction with prizes, so bring your crew and be ready to bid and win.

Durham Parks and Recreation presents a free, family-friendly Summer Concerts in the Park event now hosted at Rock Quarry Park, featuring live music, a relaxed setting, and food trucks. This date spotlights Ally J with a mix of country, soul, R&B, Motown, and funk. Bring a blanket or chair and settle in with friends and family to enjoy the music. The concert is rain or shine, and alcohol and smoking are not permitted.

RadioStar brings a high energy night to Zinchouse Winery & Brewery, spanning the 80s MTV era through the 2000s. Expect danceable, singalong favorites with hits from artists such as Journey, AC/DC, Def Leppard, Jon Bon Jovi, Pat Benetar, Alanis Morrisette, Guns and Roses, The Outfield, Walk the Moon, Jimmy Eat World, Backstreet Boys, Radiohead, Britney Spears, Paramore, Blink-182, Killers, Nirvana, and Fall Out Boy. A lively celebration of chart-toppers across decades, perfect for anyone who loves classic and modern pop-rock anthems.

Les Trois Chats brings danceable hot club jazz inspired by Django Reinhardt, blended with the lively swing tradition of the Benny Goodman and Charlie Christian sextets. The program also eases into smooth Brazilian bossa nova for a rich mix of rhythms and moods. The group features Triangle musicians Robert Striegler on guitar and vocals, Jodi Miller on violin, Josh Brinkman on clarinet and sax, and Ian Finlay on upright bass.

Will Campbell leads a jazz sextet that highlights his roles as alto saxophonist, composer, and arranger. He serves as Director of Jazz Studies and Professor of Saxophone at UNC Charlotte, holds a DMA from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of North Texas. During his time at UNT, he performed with the One O’Clock Lab Band and conducted the Three O’Clock Lab Band. From 1999 to 2019 he was part of the University of North Texas Summer Jazz Workshop faculty and has been invited to direct All-State Jazz Bands in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Earlier in his career he toured internationally and recorded with the Harry Connick, Jr. Orchestra. His writing has appeared in Jazz Education Journal, The Saxophone Journal, Teaching Music through Performance in Jazz, and The Saxophone Symposium, and his compositions and arrangements are published by University of Northern Colorado Jazz Press and Dorn Publications. He is an Artist and Clinician with the Conn-Selmer Company and a Performing Artist with D’Addario Reeds. The ensemble features Dave Finucane on tenor saxophone, Evan Roberson on trombone, Greg Santa Croce on piano, Jason Foureman on bass, and Kobie Watkins on drums, with Campbell on alto saxophone.

Catch the Raleigh Durham premiere of Skweezy Jibbs Makes a Movie at AMC Southpoint 17, featuring a live appearance by Skweezy Jibbs along with a Q&A and meet and greet. From producers behind Portlandia and Documentary Now, this single-evening screening takes place in auditorium 16, and the feature will begin without any previews. The film follows internet legend Skweezy Jibbs as he sets out to make his dream project, describing it as a mashup of John Wick, Magic Mike, Transformers, and Fast and the Furious, despite having no budget, no experience, and no filmmaking know-how.

Guitarist and singer Armand Lenchek leads Armand & Bluesology with roots deep in the blues. His career includes performances across North America and Europe with his own band and as a backing musician for Walter Lightnin’ Bug Rhodes, Nappy Brown, Skeeter Brandon, Bo Diddley, Maceo Parker, and others. In addition to extensive recording work as a sideman, he released two albums on the Newmoon Music label in 1997 and 2001. Rounding out the band are Joel Sugarman on bass, Bakru Hunsel on drums, and Becky Lenchek on vocals, each with a long history of performing in the area.

Huron Stage Music Venue hosts a night of original music featuring Forest Rising, Megayacht, and Square One. Three local bands share the bill for a varied showcase of homegrown material.

Rene Vaca is bringing his stand-up comedy to Raleigh Improv. Expect a 21+ general admission, first-come, first-served show. Doors open ahead of time, and the venue asks guests to follow performance rules like no cell phones, photography, or video recording during shows. There’s also a two-item minimum purchase requirement in the showroom, and all sales are final.

Set among vineyards and wide open views, outdoor yoga at Zinc House Winery & Brewery brings movement, breath, and connection to a scenic 87-acre setting with walking trails, rooftop decks, and welcoming gathering spaces. The practice is guided by Sharon MacGregor, founder of Serenity Farm, a 26-acre retreat devoted to wellness, community, and personal growth, with occasional appearances by guest teachers from the local yoga community. Sunday’s Flow & Grow class is beginner friendly and moves with intention, linking breath and mindful pacing. Expect gentle chaturangas, a slightly quicker flow that still offers plenty of options for every level, and a warm, supportive atmosphere that nurtures body and spirit. Serenity Farm is nearby for those interested in exploring movement and mindfulness more deeply. Plan to linger afterward to soak up the setting. Browse Tip-Z Boutique, enjoy gourmet coffee or a bite from a food truck, sip bubbly or another refreshing drink, play a round of cornhole, and take in the vineyard views with new or familiar friends. For comfort, bring a yoga mat, wear easy-moving clothing, and pack water. An eye cover can add relaxation, and a cushion or towel for the knees is strongly encouraged.

Part of the Tween Moon series, this gathering centers on Moontime creativity for girls ages 9 to 15. With guidance from Nana Shemora in a traditional rites of passage approach, participants explore menstrual empowerment during this coming-of-age season. Time is devoted to reconnecting with nature and caring for mind, body, and soul, encouraging practices of self-care and self-love. Every session is interactive and opens with bellydance.

Part of the Retro Epics Film Series in Cinema One, this screening brings John Sturges’ 1963 World War II classic The Great Escape back to the big screen at The Carolina Theatre of Durham. Inspired by real events, the 172-minute adventure follows Allied prisoners as they secretly dig three tunnels in a high-security Nazi POW camp, building toward daring escapes and memorable motorcycle pursuits. Steve McQueen stars as “The Cooler King,” joined by James Garner, Richard Attenborough, and Charles Bronson in an all-star ensemble. A major worldwide box-office success in 1963, the film is noted for Elmer Bernstein’s soaring score and unrelenting tension. Admission is $12 per person.

Shape-note singing at Five Oaks Seventh-day Adventist Church features selections from The Sacred Harp (2025) and The Shenandoah Harmony. First-time singers are encouraged, and books to borrow will be on hand. Accessibility information is available.

This free trial class for beginners introduces Systema, a whole-person approach to martial arts that blends training with elements of yoga, massage, and meditation. Participants explore practical self-protection by developing natural, instinctive movement while building strength, flexibility, and a calmer relationship to stress. Core principles focus on moving freely with solid structure and minimal tension. Through a progressive approach, students cultivate awareness, adaptability, and composure so they can respond smoothly in uncertain situations. Each session is varied rather than repetitive, and everyone works at a pace that suits them. A typical start includes breathwork, mobility, and conditioning exercises rooted in Russian martial traditions to release tension and build resilient movement. Training then often moves into rolling, safe falling, groundwork, and theme-based drills that emphasize quality, efficiency, and understanding. NC Systema is an official school of Systema Vasiliev, with instructors who renew certification annually through the headquarters in Toronto.

Step into a Spider-Man themed tabletop roleplaying adventure for Marvel Multiverse. You’ll be playing characters from the Spider-Verse, guided by professional narrators as you work through a Timestream adventure and try to escape The Collector’s gallery. Tickets include a 30-minute introduction, a one-shot session that runs about 3 to 4 hours, and everything you need to play like pre-made characters, dice, and tokens. Doors open at 1:30 PM, and the day’s program includes a brief how-to-play session and then the main games begin.

Saxophonist, composer, and author Walt Weiskopf appears with a powerhouse quartet that highlights his New York roots and wide-ranging experience. He launched his career at 21 with the Buddy Rich Big Band in 1981, then went on to release 25 critically acclaimed recordings and amass numerous sideman credits alongside artists including Buddy Rich, Frank Sinatra, Steely Dan, Donald Fagen, Boz Scaggs, and Michael McDonald. The ensemble features Weiskopf on tenor saxophone with Harry Appelman on piano, Amy Shook on bass, and Stefan Schatz on drums.

Gain practical confidence with core power tools in a hands-on class designed to remove the intimidation factor. Instead of building a project, participants receive step-by-step instruction and supervised practice to learn safe operation and essential functions. The curriculum centers on a recommended homeowner toolkit, covering the circular saw, jigsaw, miter saw, and power drill. By the end, participants are prepared to use these tools safely for basic DIY tasks at home. All tools, supplies, and safety equipment are provided. Wear closed-toed shoes, choose clothing that will not catch on equipment, and keep jewelry to a minimum. This class runs on an ongoing basis and only needs to be taken once. The fee is $75, and registration is required through the website. Cancellation policy: full refunds and registration transfers are available up to 7 days before the class. Within 7 days there are no refunds and no transfers.

Enjoy an in-the-round music showcase featuring eight North Carolina songwriters, with performances from Daniel Anderson, Mayre Amanda McDaniel, Rich Russell, Dennis Kennedy, Brodie Cormack, Hunter Grant, Mysti Mayhem, and Nick Autry. Doors open at 5:00 PM, with the show starting at 6:00 PM.

Catch stand-up comedian Rene Vaca at Raleigh Improv. This is a 21+ show with general admission seating on a first-come, first-served basis, with some exceptions for groups and premium booths. Doors open at 4:30 PM, and the show starts at 6:00 PM. Please note there’s a two-item minimum purchase requirement in the showroom. Cell phone use, photography, and video recording are not permitted during performances, and all sales are final.

A weekly Sunday dance social at Triangle Dance Studios, established in 2009 and now in its 18th year. It starts with a beginner-friendly salsa lesson, then moves into social dancing. The playlist favors salsa and bachata, with salsa making up close to half the music and bachata nearly as much, plus a few cha cha, kizomba, merengue, and cumbia tracks. Admission is 10 dollars at the door, or 8 dollars for active military and students with ID. Most DJs can accept Venmo and credit cards, but cash is recommended, and there may be an additional fee for card payments. Guests 17 and under are free with an accompanying adult, or 5 dollars if attending alone. The DJ lineup usually rotates by week, with DJ Abuelo Salsero Jack Wolf on first Sundays, DJ Salsa Mike and Michael Delucia on second Sundays, DJ Pedro Paz on third Sundays, DJ Monte Alban and Eliuth Cruz Lopez on fourth Sundays, and a guest DJ on fifth Sundays. For questions, contact Jack Wolf at jackhwolf49@gmail.com or 919-245-8393 or 743-208-5497. New visitors should know the building has no sign and looks like a two story cream colored house, and it is next door to Research Triangle Dental with a large sign.

The Wallflowers lead the bill, joined by special guest Aaron Lee Tasjan. Ticket options include a presale and a Live Nation presale, followed by a public onsale.

This relaxed playdate at Trinity Park Playground is part of an unofficial series visiting parks and playgrounds around Durham throughout the summer. There is no registration and no fee. Bring a snack, a water bottle, and a towel, and enjoy open play and conversation. It also offers a simple way for those considering Family Preschool to connect with the community, ask questions, and learn more.

Enjoy a free line dancing session with KatMoves Travelling Studio at Snow Approach Foundation, Inc. All skill levels are welcome. Learn easy-to-follow footwork, practice patterns, and spend plenty of time dancing. Instruction is led by Kat, who has been certified by Dance Masters of America and Carolina Dance Masters since 1980. Line dancing can help maintain balance, coordination, range of motion, and cognitive capabilities. A tip jar will be available for those who wish to contribute, though it is not required.

Memphis makes its first trip to Durham for Homestand 11 as the Durham Bulls face the Memphis Redbirds at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. The series features themed promotions, including Tendies & Tallboys, Dollar Dogs, Friday Night Fireworks with a COPA celebration, Augtoberfest with Saturday Night Fireworks featuring Champ the Bat Dog, plus Princess & Pirates Night and Kids Run the Bases.

andmoreagain presents a night at Stanczyks Music Bar headlined by Rodeo Boys with support from Gainsay and Kai & Clyde. Advance tickets are $15, with $18 the day of the show. Rodeo Boys appear in support of Home Movies, their debut on Don Giovanni, blending country twang with grungy distortion for catchy alt rock. The lead single Sugar delivers feedback-soaked bite with a nod to acts like Bully and SPICE, Dog Leg scales up classic rock swagger with big solos and gravelly hooks, and Tomboy Radio wraps things up with shifting, progressive dynamics. The record charges forward for most of its roughly 40 minutes, easing only for the spacey folk of Hail Mary. Vocalist Tiff Hannay frames the group’s mission as a queer blue-collar band focused on amplifying the voices of young queer people in small towns. Gainsay formed in Durham in 2013 and features two lead singers with a sound shaped by American punk and post-hardcore influences stretching from Southern California to Washington DC. Bassist Dante and guitarist Joe trade vocals while layering gritty, melodic hooks and lyrics that span introspective to existential themes. Drummer Ryan provides precise, dynamic rhythms and soaring harmonies. A studio EP is planned for late 2026. Kai & Clyde, an alternative rock trio from Chapel Hill, features Kai Bishop on vocals and guitar, Clyde Lambe on bass, and Jude Dasher on drums. Their songs lean into a laid-back slacker rock feel with fuzzy guitars and memorable riffs.

Head to DSSOLVR for a free, dog-friendly trivia night with Hammered Trivia. It runs Tuesdays starting at 7:00 PM, with no team limits and prizes for the top three teams. During the event you can also grab $6 IPAs and $1 Jell-o shots, and the venue has both indoor and covered patio space for dogs.

Rodeo Boys are playing a punk show at Stanczyks in Durham. Tickets are available through Bandsintown via Spotify, with showtime set for 8:00 PM local to the venue.

A family-friendly treasure dig filled with prehistoric fun. Kids and adults sift for finds like dinosaur bones, gemstones, fossils, arrowheads, shark teeth, and other surprises, turning each discovery into a shared memory. Hands-on exploring encourages curiosity and excitement as participants unearth hidden treasures together.

Prepare for birth with a six week flipped classroom series that pairs self paced videos at home with in person small group discussions and hands on practice. Taught by two experienced perinatal professionals, each session centers on reviewing the week’s material together and applying it in a supportive setting. Participants receive up to date, evidence based guidance to help make informed choices. Registration includes three months of access to the Evidence Based Birth class video library, bonus newborn care videos, and a comprehensive workbook with resources for pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. A rich library of PDFs and videos is also provided on key topics such as eating and drinking during labor, vitamin K, due dates, and more. Enrollment covers the birthing person and one support person.

The Philharmonik brings their alternative hip hop, spoken word, R&B, soul, and funk sound to Kings in Raleigh for an evening show starting at 7:00 PM. Tickets are listed as available through Bandsintown.

Experience a no-cost introductory class in Systema, a whole-person approach to training that weaves together martial arts, yoga, massage, and meditation to build practical self-protection skills. The focus is on moving with sound structure and as little tension as possible, so participants become stronger, more flexible, and more at ease under stress. Instruction encourages awareness, adaptability, and a steady mindset when situations become challenging. Each session is varied and paced to the individual. Training often starts with breathing, movement, and conditioning work rooted in Russian martial arts to release mental and physical tension and develop resilience. From there, it progresses into rolling, falling, ground movement, and theme-based drills that emphasize quality of movement, efficiency, and understanding over time. NC Systema is part of Systema Vasiliev, and its instructors maintain annual certification through the Toronto headquarters.

Enjoy a Paint and Sip at Spring Haven Farm where creativity meets friendly farm animals. An instructor guides participants step by step, and all supplies are provided, including a canvas, paints, and a smock. The featured piece focuses on a Highland cow. Each ticket includes one complimentary drink with alcoholic or nonalcoholic options, and snacks are available for purchase. Between painting sessions, explore the farm, feed the goats, meet the animals, and savor local selections from Starlight Meadery and Durty Bull Brewing while paintings dry. This experience is offered from July through September.

Explore kinusaiga, the Japanese art of fabric painting, in a craft workshop hosted by Hi-Wire Brewing. No experience is needed. All tools, materials, and instructions are provided, and each participant completes a finished piece presented in a shadow box frame to take home. Enjoy beverages from the host while settling in for a creative and fun experience.

A new moon kirtan invites fresh energy and intention through shared sound. This gathering centers on group singing and chanting, traditions known to soothe the nervous system, support overall well-being, and help release lingering thoughts. Participation is flexible, whether lending your voice or simply resting in the vibrations while taking in community, laughter, and shared joy. Inspired by the idea that happiness grows when it is shared, the experience offers a gentle space for renewal through voice and resonance. Admission is $22.

At Dssolvr Durham, readers gather to meet new bookish friends, spend about an hour reading in comfortable silence, then chat with their table mates about what they brought. Participants can bring whatever book they are currently reading for a simple, low-pressure way to make progress on the page while connecting with others.

Test your knowledge with a third-wheel twist at Crank Arm Durham. This weekly Thursday trivia night features fresh questions every time, cold award-winning Crank Arm beer, and snacks if you want them. Form a team, pick a fun name, and compete for bragging rights and gift cards awarded to the top teams each week. Hints are shared ahead of time to give players a small preview of what might come up. Arriving early makes it easier to find a seat and enjoy a pint before the questions begin.

The summer Zouk socials continue with Hailey and KP leading a beginner-friendly class followed by a social. A four-week option is available for $65 and includes both the class and the social. Drop-ins are welcome at $20 for the class and social together, $15 for the class only, or $8 for the social. Sign up via the Venmo details shown on the event image. The venue is Durham Friends Meeting (Quakers). To find the space, look for the Ronald McDonald parking sign, then go to the building on the right side and head to the second floor. Parking is allowed on the right side of the lot downhill from the meetinghouse and in the small DFM lot to the right in front of the smaller meetinghouse. The Duke Security Lot directly across the street is also permitted unless a space is marked otherwise. Please avoid the left side of the main lot, the lot downhill from the Duke Security Lot beside the Episcopal Student Center, and the lot near the Campus Security Office by the Episcopal Center. Some street parking is available.