Durham Happenings: April 2024

Spring has sprung and it’s time to get out and explore all that Durham has to offer! There are tons of outdoor festivities and events, but there are also plenty of indoor options, so don’t let fear of The Pollening hold you back. April not only brings us festivals such as NC Science Fest and Full Frame Festival, but several chances to stock up on Spring plants, plus tons of other ways to engage with our city and its beautiful residents.

NC Science Fest (all month long)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by NC Science Festival (@ncscifest)

The NC Science Festival is a month-long celebration of all things science every April. Though it is an initiative of Chapel Hill’s Morehead Planetarium, NC Sci Fest hosts events across the state, including a robust series right here in Durham. From adult-focused beer nights to family-friendly celebrations, check out which events you’ll be swinging by this month. And this year, we’re fortunate enough to have a viewing of the last total solar eclipse visible in the US until 2044!

Mon, Apr. 1 st , 7:45 – 8:30pm: Alien Life Discovered on Jupiter! (April Fools!) at Rollingview Recreation Area (4201 Baptist Rd, 27703)

Wed, Apr. 3 rd , 7 – 9pm: Astronomy on Tap at Fullsteam Brewery (726 Rigsbee Ave, 27701)

Fri, Apr. 5 th , 7 – 11:15pm: Statewide Star Party at Old North Durham Park (310 W Geer St, 27701)

Mon, Apr. 8 th , 2:30 – 5pm: Monarch Eclipse Viewing Event at Museum of Life and Science (433 W Murray Ave, 27704)

Sat, Apr. 13 th , 11am – 3pm: Inspire to Aspire: A NCCU Experience Expo at NCCU (1900 Concord St, 27707)

Thurs, Apr. 18 th , 9:15am – 12:15pm: Innovative Research to Protect Human Health and the Environment (3799 Hopson Rd, RTP, 27709)

Thurs, Apr. 18 th , 4 – 6:30pm: Lean In, Women in Science at NCSSM (1219 Broad St, 27705)

Thurs, Apr. 18 th , 5:30 – 7pm: Fly-Thru: A Drive-Thru Wildlife Experience at Piedmont Wildlife Center (364 Leigh Farm Rd, 27707)

Sat, Apr. 20 th , 10am – 2pm: Discover the Unseen: Exploring Science’s Tiny Marvels at Durham County Main Library (300 N Roxboro St, 27701)

Sun, Apr. 21 st , 10am – 4pm: ¡Celebremos las ciencias! at Museum of Life and Science (433 W Murray Ave, 27704)

Durham County Library Fest (Apr. 8 th – 13 th )

In recognition of National Library Week, Durham County Library will host its Fourth Annual Library Fest with the theme “The Nature Edition” from April 8 th through April 13 th . This weeklong celebration includes some incredible events, such as talks with authors, kid-friendly nature activities, and plenty of resources for how to be a steward of nature. Additionally, all week long, you can visit local businesses serving library-inspired items! Here are just a few highlights of the 30+ events:

Mon, Apr. 8 th , 6 – 7pm: Intersectional Environmentalism at Durham County Main Library (300 N. Roxboro St, 27701)

Celebrated environmentalist Leah Thomas will give a talk about her work delving into the relationship between social justice and environmentalism. She wrote a book called The Intersectional Environmentalist: How to Dismantle Systems of Oppression to Protect People + Planet and will share information about Intersectional Environmentalist, a non-profit she launched as a resource hub for educators and activists.

Thurs, Apr. 11 th , 6:30 – 7:30pm: Planetwalker Dr. John Francis at Nasher Museum of Art (2001 Campus Dr, 27705)

Motivated to stop using motorized vehicles after witnessing an oil spill in 1971, Dr. John Francis lived a non-motorized lifestyle for 22 years and also lived in silence to become a better listener for 17 years. He has walked across the United States, the Caribbean, and South America and served as an explorer at National Geographic Society. He’ll be taking a break from trekking 6,000 miles across Africa to return to the US, so take advantage of this session to learn more about Dr. Francis and his Planetlines curriculum for outdoor exploration by walking.

Fri, Apr. 12 th , 6 – 7pm: The Nature of Podcasting at Durham County Main Library (300 N. Roxboro St, 27701)

Any fan of podcasts will know local celebrity Phoebe Judge, host of Criminal, an award-winning national podcast about crime produced right here in Durham. Phoebe and fellow Criminal co-creator Lauren Spohrer will host a technical workshop on making your own podcast. Reserve your spot to learn from the best at our very own Durham Main Library!

Sat, Apr. 13 th , 2 – 3pm: Backyard Biodiversity at South Regional Library (4505 S Alston Ave, 27713)

Learn about invasive and native plants and how to incorporate more native plants into your own backyard. Master Gardener Jeanne Arnts will also discuss the effects of plants on birds, bees, and butterflies in addition to the best practices in native backyard gardening.

Other Noteworthy Community Events

Beyond these highly educational festivals, April brings with it so much to do in Durham, it’s hard to pick. Explore documentary films, shop local, and celebrate so many special occasions around town.

Thurs, Apr. 4 th – Sun, Apr. 7 th : Full Frame Documentary Film Festival in Downtown Durham (27701)

After a one-year hiatus, Full Frame is back home at the Carolina Theatre, Durham Convention Center, and American Tobacco Campus to bring you internationally renowned programming through nonfiction cinema. Choose from dozens of films that span topics from law enforcement in America to happiness to neurodivergent youth to interracial marriage. Tickets for single film screenings are $15 and passes are also available.

Fri, Apr. 5 th , 4 – 6pm: Members-Only Plant Sale at Sarah P. Duke Gardens
(420 Anderson St, 27705)

Ready to stock up on plants for your Spring garden? Duke Gardens is hosting its members-only plant sale and it may be worth the $50 membership ($75 for partners). Not only do members get access to this Spring sale, but they also get 10% discount at both the Spring and Fall plant sales, 10% discount at the Terrace Shop, invitations to other members-only events, reciprocity to 320+ gardens in North America, and a subscription to Better Homes and Gardens!

Sat, Apr. 6 th , 10am – 1pm: Plant Festival at NC State Durham Extension
(721 Foster St, 27701)

Celebrate gardening and learn about wonderful community partners at the NC State Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Festival. You can preview plants that will be on sale at their Apr. 13 th plant sale and also meet reps from gardening-friendly organizations like Keep Durham Beautiful, NCCU Community Garden, and Durham County Beekeepers. There will be free gardening books and the first 250 guests get a free plant, so get there early!

Sun, Apr. 7 th : NC Pint Day across NC breweries NC Craft Brewers Guild is hosting its inaugural Pint Day where $1 of each pint glass sold at Guild Member breweries will be donated to their work of promoting independent craft breweries in NC. This year’s limited edition pint glass features NC-specific illustrations, including our state bird and flower, Venus fly trap, and Wright Brothers’ plane. Below are the list of Durham spots where you can purchase a pint:

  • Atomic Clock Brewing Company (501 Washington St, 27701)

  • Flying Bull Beer Company (952 9 th St, 27705)

  • Fullsteam Brewing Company (726 Rigsbee Ave, 27701)

Sat, Apr. 13 th , 11am: Dings + Dents Sale at Bright Black Candle
(2020 Chapel Hill Rd, 27707)

Once a year, Bright Black Candle sells their slightly imperfect candles and other products at a heavily discounted price. This year, you can shop in person at their Scent Showroom or online, though several items will only be available at the showroom, like plant kits. You can even choose your own scents for some items! Sale starts at 11am and will last until they sell out.

Sun, Apr. 14 th , 2pm: Disney Princess: The Concert at DPAC
(123 Vivian St, 27701)

Ready to introduce your little one to the magic of Disney live on stage? This daytime, kid-friendlyconcert will share beloved songs from Disney princesses sung by Broadway performers. Come see how far you’ll go to bring a whole

Fri, Apr. 19 th , 7 – 11pm: Taylor Swift Silent Disco at Hi-Wire Brewing Company (800 Taylor St, 27701)

Celebrate the release of Taylor Swift’s new album The Tortured Poets Department with a silent disco at Hi-Wire. One music channel will exclusively feature Taylor Swift music and the other two will be fan favorites and requests. Dress in your favorite Swiftie era attire and be ready to dance until a reasonable bedtime at 11pm. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 day of.

Sat, Apr. 20 th , 2 – 3pm: Inner Healing on the Farm at Avery Family Farm
(1923 Shaw Rd, 27704)

Every third weekend, escape to Avery Family Farm for a monthly healing time away from technology and our hectic lives. Explore various healing methods, such as yoga, meditation, crystals, or journaling, then you’re welcome to add on some time with the farm animals for $10. The workshop itself is donation based with a suggested donation of $15-30.

Sun, Apr. 21 st , 12 – 5pm: Durham Earth Day Festival at Durham Central Park
(501 Foster St, 27701)

Celebrate the birth of the modern environmental movement with Durham Parks and Recreation at the Earth Day Festival. Peruse the Earth Day Market for environmentally friendly businesses and organizations. Explore Durham’s Sustainable Transportation Expo thanks to the City’s Transportation Dept and Bike Durham. Make your own percussion instrument and join the Earth Day Parade. And don’t forget to bring your old file papers for the free document shredding. Food vendors and music/dance performances will take place all afternoon as well.

Sat, Apr. 27th, 4 – 9pm: Beats n Bars Block Party at American Tobacco Campus
(318 Blackwell St, 27701)

The Beats n Bars Festival returns to the American Underground in May, but you can kick off the event with a block party at American Tobacco Campus on the last Saturday in April. This free event will have music, food vendors, and a special screening of Durham-based rapper Little Brother’s documentary May the Lord Watch!

See! So many amazing events to choose from this month. Share this blog post with your friend that you’ll be bringing with you to one or more of the above events to show them how much you love Durham!

Chrysti-Peak-realtor-Durham-2

I’m Chrysti!

Durham real estate agent and enthusiast for all the best the area has to offer.

Looking for something specific?

Explore by neighborhood

Staged entry table with a stack of books aloe plant in Durham home for sale.
Staged entry table with a stack of books aloe plant in Durham home for sale.

HOME BUYING CHECKLIST

Your Essential Guide to Navigating the Home Buying Journey

Struggling with starting your home search? Our Home Buying Checklist breaks down everything you need to know, from considering your next neighborhood to collecting your keys.

Something went wrong. Please check your entries and try again.