Third Friday Durham Art Walk & Gallery Crawl – Friday, 6-9pm – Spend your evening immersed in art and music as Third Friday events are held across downtown Durham. Enjoy the featured artwork “KO YOR HOME” from artist C. Bay Milin’s exhibition “Thai Time: I’m dreaming for you too,” on display at Golden Belt Artist Studios, music performances by Gabe Pelli at CCB Plaza, violinist Bailey Clemmons at the Museum of Durham History and Jam AK Jam at Five Points. Stop by a community meet and greet at Fullsteam Brewery, head to 5 Points Gallery for the opening reception of Durham artist Anne Heartt Gregory’s newest exhibit, join Outer Loop Arts as they host the Secret Astronomer for on-the-spot writing of anything from acrostic poems to short-form writing and more!
Movie Night in Durham Central Park: ‘E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial‘ – Friday, 7-9pm – As part of its 2023 Film Series programming in support of the new “Stranger Times” exhibit, the Museum of Durham History hosts a movie night at the Pavilion at Durham Central Park. This 1982 sci fi/adventure film tells the story of Elliott, a boy who befriends an extraterrestrial, dubbed E.T., who is left behind on Earth. Stay tuned for more movies in the series to be announced!
CenterFest – Saturday, 10am-6pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm – Durham Arts Council‘s premier arts festival is back for its 48th year in the heart of downtown. Juried artists from across the Triangle and beyond exhibit their work in mediums including ceramics, paintings, photography, jewelry, fiber art, woodwork, glass and more. Watch unique street performers, musicians and dancers; visit the Creative Kids Zone; grab a snack from food vendors; and learn more about Durham’s nonprofit and government services.
Rocktoberfest – Saturday, 1-9pm – To celebrate nine years, The Glass Jug Beer Lab – RTP hosts a rock ‘n’ roll themed Oktoberfest celebration. Party all afternoon with tunes from Mel Melton & The Wicked Mojos and the Cosmic Superheroes, fare from El Jefecito and Gator on the Grill food trucks and cold German lagers. Grab a commemorative Rocktoberfest 25-ounce mug for $15 and enjoy refills of all Glass Jug lagers for $7 all day long. And don’t miss the stein hoisting competition for a chance to win a Glass
Jug gift card!
13th Annual Durham OKTOBERFEST – Saturday, 1-10pm – Featuring The Little German Band and Dancers, Motorco Music Hall hosts a full day celebration with music, dancing and food. 1-liter steins of Foothills Oktoberfest Bier and a special menu of German food will be available for purchase. Reserve a table with your friends or a seat in the bleachers at one of two sessions and get a little taste of Germany right from home.
Flower Portraits – Sunday, 2-3:30pm – Practice drawing from life in the Sarah P. Duke Gardens as you stand eye to eye with a plant to capture its essence on paper. You’ll be guided by Julia Einstein, the 2023 Artist in Residence at Raleigh City Farm, to make botanical sketches and natural gesture drawings using a variety of drawing tools to bring home an artful set of field studies. Artists of all skill levels are welcome to join.
