Durham Happenings: August 2024
In August, we head into the “Sunday scaries” of summer, anxiously trying to squeeze the most out the last few weeks of hot weather, vacations, and fun in the sun. Yet you’ll still find no shortage of fantastic events and opportunities to explore Bull City. This month, I wanted to highlight a few more unique experiences on the calendar, which I bundled into what I can only describe as “Unique Movie Viewing Experiences” and “Fancy Cars and Friends.” Check these out to see if they’re your vibe and be sure to see which of the other thousand August events will tickle your fancy this month.
But before I get to those events, I invite you to participate in the Downtown Durham Feast and Shop! Downtown Durham Inc is hosting a series of drawings throughout the summer encouraging folks to eat, drink, and now shop local. Anytime you make a purchase at one of downtown’s businesses (restaurants, bars, retailers, etc), you can submit a copy of your receipt to be entered to win one of the weekly raffle prize baskets. Week Three of the Feast ends on Aug 4 th and Week Four ends on Aug 11 th . So get shopping!
Unique Movie Viewing Experiences
Sure, blockbuster films at your traditional movie theater are a hallmark of summertime. But, as you know, we do things a little differently here in Durham. Below are several options for movie watching this month that can help break up the monotony of your usual “dinner and a movie” routine.
Movie Mondays at The Glass Jug Downtown (545 Foster St, 27701)
Millennials rejoice! All summer long through Labor Day, the Glass Jug is hosting throwback movies on their big screen every Monday. Enjoy one of their delicious in-house brews or try one of their many guest features while kicking back and watching classics, like Jurassic Park and Clueless.
- Mon, Aug 5 th , 7:30 – 9:30pm: Pirates of the Carribbean
- Mon, Aug 12 th , 7:30 – 9:30pm: Jurassic Park
- Mon, Aug 19 th , 7:30 – 9:30pm: Marcel the Shell with Shoes On
- Mon, Aug 26 th , 7:30 – 9:30pm: Clueless
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Flashback Flicks at Washington Duke Inn (3001 Cameron Blvd, 27705) and JB Duke Hotel (230 Science
Dr, 27708)
Scope a spot on the swanky terrace of the Washington Duke Inn or JB Duke Hotel as they rotate weekly throwback films. Open to both guests of the hotels and the public, Flashback Flicks invite participants to order food and beverage from the in-house menu and enjoy the show.
- Wed, Aug 7 th , 8pm at Washington Duke Inn: True Grit
- Wed, Aug 14 th , 8pm at JB Duke: Up
- Wed, Aug 21 st , 8pm at Washington Duke Inn: Moonstruck
- Wed, Aug 28th, 8pm at JB Duke: Footloose
CatVideoFest at Carolina Theatre (309 W Morgan St, 27701)
For those who love a good reel of a kitty being silly, CatVideoFest is made for you. The best and funniest cat videos worldwide are compiled each year into one 75-minute, family-friendly reel that is played in theatres across the country and internationally. Each theatre ticket sold raises funds for local cat charities and shelters. Durham’s event supports Animal Protection Society (APS) of Durham.
- Showtimes:
- Fri, Aug 2 nd , 5pm, 7:10pm, and 9pm
- Sat, Aug 3 rd , 12pm, 2:20pm, 4:10pm, 5:50pm, and 7:30pm
- Sun, Aug 4 th , 2:20pm, 4:40pm, and 7:10pm
- Wed, Aug 7 th , 7:10pm
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OUTSOUTH Queer Film Festival at Carolina Theatre (309 W Morgan St, 27701)
This annual Durham event is the second largest LGBTQ+ film festival in the Southeast and has been taking place since 1995. Renamed from the North Carolina Gay + Lesbian Film Festival in 2020, expect to celebrate a worldwide glimpse of today’s LGBTQ+ life. The films will each be shown twice, once the first weekend and again during the following week as part of the Apre’s-Fest. Tickets to individual films are $15, or you can buy a 10-film pass for $120. Visit the Carolina Theatre OUTSOUTH page or OUTSOUTH Facebook page to learn more about each of the films being shown.
- Thurs, Aug 8 th , 7 – 9pm
- Fri, Aug 9 th , 7 – 11:15pm
- Sat, Aug 10 th , 12:30 – 11:30pm
- Sun, Aug 11 th , 2 – 8:30pm
- Mon, Aug 12 th , 7 – 11pm
- Tues, Aug 13 th , 7 – 11pm
- Wed, Aug 14 th , 7 – 11pm
- Thurs, Aug 15 th , 7 – 11pm
Fancy Cars and Friends
Do you have a soft spot for a revving engine and a revving heart rate? Then have I got some friends for you! There are two groups (probably more) that meet regularly in Durham to showcase their fancy cars and grab a bite or a beverage together. As a non-car person, I’ll probably get this wrong, but I believe they’re referred to as a “cruise in,” or a laid-back event where you park your car with fellow car folks to show off and talk shop.
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Cars and Coffee Morrisville at Churchill Hall (5425 Page Rd, 27703)
Touted as the Southeast’s largest free car show, Cars and Coffee Morrisville hosts a monthly cruise-in at the corner of Page Rd and Miami Blvd, in the parking lot by Farmside Kitchen and Panera. The first Saturday of every month from 8 – 11am, you can get breakfast and coffee from local food trucks and admire cars of varying styles depending on the month’s theme. August’s theme is RAD Day (cars from
the 80s and 90s). Sat, Aug 3 rd , 8 – 11am
Quattros and Coffee: Durham at People’s Coffee (7830 NC Hwy 751, 27713)
The 3000+ Instagram and 400+ Facebook members of Audi Club Carolinas are invited to monthly cruise- in events that rotate between People’s Coffee in Durham and The Optimist in Raleigh. Drivers of quattros (which I just learned is Audi’s four-wheel drive technology) from all across the state gather to caffeinate and investigate the fine German engineering of these Audis. Sun, Aug 18 th , 9 – 11am
Other Noteworthy August Events
Whether you’re looking to heat things up at summer concerts or festivals, or you want the relief of a/c during a craft session or library presentation, the Bull City has an activity for you this month.
Thursdays, 6 – 8:30pm: Passport of Art Classes at Fusion Gallery (419 Foster St, #3, 27701)
Try your hand at 3 different art forms over four weeks: glass, resin, and clay). 10 hours of class for $250.
Fridays, 4 – 8pm: Fridays at the Farm at Old Mill Farm (8913 NC Hwy 751, 27713)
Enjoy live music, food truck fare, family-friendly farm animals, and craft beer/wine at the end of your work week at Old Mill Farm. Tickets are $20 online.
Fridays, 5:30 – 7:30pm: Friday Night Live at Boxyard RTP (900 Park Offices Dr, 27709)
Every Friday, Boxyard’s open air food court fills with the sounds of local musicians paired with families and friends enjoying an end of week wind down. Check the website for info on the new performer each week.
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Sundays, 10am – 1pm: Jazz Brunch at Lula and Sadie’s (2022 Chapel Hill Rd, 27707)
Enjoy local musicians playing jazz while you delight in the brunch dishes of this Black-owned, fine Southern eatery.
Thurs, Aug 1 st – Sat, Aug 10 th : Tomato Season Dinner Menu at The Durham (315 E Chapel Hill St, 27701)
Celebrate tomato season with a chef-crafted 3-course dinner at The Durham. $55/person
Thurs, Aug 1 st and Aug 8 th , 10am – 2pm: Free Farmers Market for Teens at Lakewood Social (1920
Chapel Hill Rd, 27707)
Sponsored by Echo Reverb, free lunch, produce, and cooking demos addressing food insecurity with teens. Register here.
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Thurs, Aug 1 st , 6pm – Fri, Aug 2 nd , 9pm: Precious Metal Clay Beginner Class at Cecy’s Gallery (417 Foster
St, 27701)
Make your very own piece of silver jewelry in this two-day, introductory class led by Sandie Reed Jewelry. $165
Thurs, Aug 1 st , 6:30 – 8:30pm: Candle Making at Weldon Mills Distillery (300 E Main St, 27701)
Build your own candle, with choice of fragrance plus 1 signature Weldon Mills cocktail. Tickets are $60 through Usu Company Candles.
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Fri, Aug 2 nd , 9am – 5pm: BLK BIZ Summit at Chesterfield Center (701 W Main St, 27701)
A one-day conference and networking event for Black business owners guided by the theme of “Mental Wealth and Black Entrepreneurship.”
Fri, Aug 2 nd , 6 – 10pm: PLAYlist Concert with Sonny Miles and MMYYKK at Durham Central Park (501
Foster St 27701)
Free outdoor concert series featuring two singers and multi-instrumentalists: Sonny Miles and MMYYKK (pronounced “Mike”). Local food trucks and craft beverages for sale on site.
Sat, Aug 3 rd , 10am – 5pm: Durham Mini Comic Con at Durham Armory (212 Foster St, 27701)
Comics, collectibles, comic artists, cosplay, and more at this one-day mini convention. $5 tickets
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Sat, Aug 3 rd , 10:30am – 1pm: Bad Faith Documentary Screening at Mt. Level Missionary Baptist Church
(316 Hebron Rd, 27704)
Watch a new documentary, Bad Faith, about the dangerous rise of Christian Nationalism in the U.S., following by a discussion with local spiritual writer and preacher, Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove.
Sat, Aug 3 rd , 11am – 4pm: East Fork Pottery Seconds Sale at Counter Culture Coffee (812 Mallard Ave,
27701)
Shop popular, progressive Asheville-based pottery at a 30% discount due to minor aesthetic flaws. Arrive early and bring your own wagon/box to carry purchases.
Sat, Aug 3 rd , 12 – 3pm: The Coco Drip Back to School Bash at Forest Hills Park (1639 University Dr,
27707)
Shop Black woman-owned businesses at this annual event created by two NCCU alums
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Sun, Aug 4 th , 12 – 4pm: Durham Fiesta Latina at Durham Central Park (501 Foster St, 27701)
Latino food vendors, musicians, information booths, and games provide a cultural community experience all afternoon.
Sun, Aug 4 th and Aug 18 th , 1 – 4pm: Black Farmers’ Market at Durham Tech (1637 E Lawson St, 27703)
Support Black farmers and other vendors at this biweekly Sunday market
Wed, Aug 7 th , 7:30 – 9pm: Ally J on the Roof at The Durham Hotel (315 E Chapel Hill St, 27701)
Listen to the vocal melodies of Ally J while sipping craft cocktails or exploring the Roof’s new menu of larger plates.
Fri, Aug 9 th , 7pm: Punk Cuts to End Rape at The Pinhook (117 W Main St, 27701)
Rage against rape culture at the 13 th annual Punk Cuts to End Rape, where brave individuals raise funds for the Orange County Rape Crisis Center in exchange for shaving or dying some or all of their hair. $10 cover.
Fri, Aug 9 th , 9 – 11pm: Y2K Night at Northstar Church of the Arts (220 W Geer St, 27701)
Free 90s/2000s dance party through the Conjure Summer Series featuring DJ Ayo VIP.
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Sat, Aug 10 th , 11:30am – 1:30pm: Grazefully Rooted at Missy Lane’s Assembly Room (310 E Main St,
27701)
A summer farm-to-brunch gathering featuring chefs from The Palace International and Bakeology with live music, all supporting the Black Farmers’ Market. Tickets are $59.
Sat, Aug 10 th , 2 – 6pm: Girl Dinner Pop-Up Market at Hi-Wire Brewing (800 Taylor St, 27701)
Shop local vendors who will be showcasing snack foods, desserts, jewelry, plants, art, and anything else that embraces Girl Dinner Vibes.
Sat, Aug 10 th , 6 – 8pm: Rhythm and Reels Concert with NiiTO at Southern Boundaries Park (100 Third
Fork Rd, 27707)
Free summer concert series featuring local brother duo, Aarik and Josh Duncan, performing a blend of RnB, pop, funk, soul, jazz, and blues.
Sat, Aug 10 th , 6:30 – 9pm: Bull Moon Ride and Run at Durham Bulls Athletic Park (409 Blackwell St,
27701)
Race around Durham on a 9.6-mile bike ride or 5k run at dusk to raise money for MS and Habitat for Humanity. End the night with a post-race block party featuring rock music, Moe’s burritos, and beer.
Sun, Aug 11 th , 11am – 12pm: Yoga + Mimosas at Unscripted (202 Corcoran St, 27701)
Poolside yoga on Unscripted’s patio followed by a mimosa or mocktail of choice and 15% off food. $10 – 20 sliding scale.
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Sun, Aug 11 th , 12 – 4pm: Patchwork Market at Durham Armory (212 Foster St, 27701)
Shop dozens of local vendors at this indoor summer market
Sun, Aug 11 th , 1 – 3pm: Family Day: The Beat of Life at Nasher Museum of Art (2001 Campus Dr, 27705)
Durham County Library brings families readings and activities to pair with drumming sessions by Raleigh Drum Circle. Event is free.
Tues, Aug 13 th , 10am – 12pm: Summer Splash Day at Holton Career and Resource Center (401 N Driver
St, 27703)
Family-friendly aquatic excitement with water activities to help East Durham stay cool while the East End and Long Meadow sprayground and pool are closed.
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Wed, Aug 14 th , 6 – 8pm: Sweet Social with Bold Batch Creamery at The Durham Hotel (315 E Chapel Hill
St, 27701)
Enjoy a sweet treat at this pop-up Rooftop social. Bold Batch Creamery will have ice cream scoops and sundaes for sale to eat-in or to-go.
Wed, Aug 14 th , 7pm: Marvel Cinematic Universe Trivia at Chubby’s Tacos (4711 Hope Valley Rd, 27707)
Trivia night at Chubby’s featuring questions about your favorite characters from The Avengers, Spiderman, Deadpool, and more.
Thurs, Aug 15 th , 5 – 6pm: Orange You Glad…Wine Class at Glasshouse Kitchen (5 Laboratory Dr, 27709)
Explore four different orange wines as well as the relatively new swanky RTP restaurant, Glasshouse Kitchen, as the owner, Sara Abernethy, leads you through a tasting with light accoutrements. $45/ticket
Thurs, Aug 15 th , 6 – 9pm: Summer Nights at Museum of Life and Science (433 W Murray Ave, 27704)
Celebrate the new Red Wolf pups with a family-friendly night at the outdoor portions of the museum. Tickets are $18/members, $20/GA with food and beer/wine available for purchase.
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Thurs, Aug 15 th , 7:30 – 10:30pm: A Night Under the Stars Second Chance Prom at Durham Armory (212
Foster St, 27701)
Support Second Chance Pet Adoptions by going to your “second chance” at prom. Assorted Poppies Photo and The Dog Moms of Durham host this benefit with dancing, cash bar, food trucks, and photo booth. Tickets are $25/person or $45/couple.
Fri, Aug 16 th , 5:30 – 9:30pm: Durham Foodie Fare at Durham Central Park (501 Foster St, 27701)
Monthly foodie and art market with food truck rodeo brought to you by The MAKRS Society
Fri, Aug 16 th , 6 – 7:30pm: Hand Tie Bouquet Workshop at SEEDS Community Garden (706 Gilbert St,
27701)
Learn how to craft local blooms into a beautiful, hand-tied bouquet with Xela Florals. Tickets are $50.
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Fri, Aug 16 th , 6 – 9pm: Third Friday Art Walk at Golden Belt (807 E Main St, 27701)
Visit the artists of Golden Belt to admire and buy some quality local art. You can also buy a drink at Hi-Wire Brewery to wander around with since it’s part of Durham’s Bullpen Social District.
Fri, Aug 16 th , 9 – 11pm: Disco and House Dance Party at Northstar Church of the Arts (220 W Geer St, 27701)
Join DJ Gemynii as part of the Conjure Summer Series as you dance the night away to house and disco jams. Free entry (donations welcome)
Fri, Aug 16 th and Sat, Aug 17 th , 11am – 8pm: Grand Opening of Rose and Lee Collective 2.0 (213A W Main St, 27701)
Fabulous, ethical boutique Rose + Lee Collective based in Apex is opening a second location in downtown Durham, next to Dolly’s. Come for the opening weekend festivities.
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Fri, Aug 16 th , 7 – 10pm: Underground Cocktail Series at 21c Museum Hotel Durham (111 North Corcoran St, 27701)
Enjoy the experimental recipes of 21c bartenders in the picturesque lower vault at this monthly event. Tickets are free with cocktails available for purchase.
Sat, Aug 17 th , 9 – 11:30am: Community Youth Build with Habitat for Humanity of Durham (1400 E Geer St, 27701)
Youth ages 10-18 (with adult chaperone) are invited to construct and decorate gifts, like bookshelves, welcome signs, and key hooks, for Habitat’s new homebuyers. Registration and waiver is required.
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Sat, Aug 17 th , 10am – Sun, Aug 18 th , 4pm: Intergalactic Bead Show at Durham Convention Center (301 W Morgan St, 27701)
One of 40 Intergalactic Bead Shows throughout the East Coast, find the perfect bead among those from artisans across the globe. Tickets are $5, or use code “Beaders” for $2 off.
Sat, Aug 17 th , 10am – 2pm: Bright Leaf Harvest Day at Duke Homestead (2828 Duke Homestead Rd, 27705)
Duke Homestead staff demonstrate the process of tobacco looping after harvesting tobacco right out of the field at this free annual event.
Sat, Aug 17 th , 12 – 4pm: Back to School Sip + Shop at HERitage Wines (5107 NC Hwy 55, Ste 102, 27713)
Shop with a variety of Black and small-owned businesses while sipping on wine…after you bring your school supply donation, of course.
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Sat, Aug 17 th , 3:30 – 5pm: Community Tails at Southwest Regional Library (3605 Shannon Rd, 27707)
Learn how to advocate and communicate with elected officials about issues affecting animals. Led by ASPCA lobbyist, John McHugh, and sponsored by APS of Durham. Registration is required.
Sat, Aug 17 th , 5 – 8pm: Groove: A Dance Party at Glass Jug RTP (5410 NC Hwy 55, 27713)
Shake a leg to Raleigh party band K-Bomb and The Kool Whips and nosh on Cousin’s Maine Lobster food truck fare at this Glass Jug Jam Session. Remember to bring your Glass Jug stadium cup for 22oz refills at 16oz price.
Sat, Aug 17 th , 6:35pm: Camp Out Night at Durham Bulls Athletic Park (409 Blackwell St, 27701)
Watch the Durham Bulls game, enjoy the fireworks, then spend the night on the field! Tickets are $35 and include a game ticket, but are limited to the first 750 people so sign up soon!
Tues, Aug 20 th and Wed, Aug 21 st , 7pm: Death of Cochise at Carolina Theatre (309 W Morgan St, 27701)
Award-winning poet, Dasan Ahanu, creates and stars in this hip-hop and spoken word production with fellow performing artist Bluz to tell a story about the breadth of Black life and the value of Black creative expression. Tickets are $35.
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Fri, Aug 23 rd – Sun, Aug 25 th : Summer Home + Lifestyle Show at The Streets at Southpoint (6910 Fayetteville Rd, 27713)
Quell your home creative spirit with a weekend of shopping and home improvement ideas spread throughout the mall.
Sat, Aug 24 th , 9am: Cornhole Tournament at Emily K Center (904 W Chapel Hill St, 27701)
Show off your cornhole skills in either the competitive or casual bracket of this indoor competition. All funds benefit the Emily K Center, which supports students traditionally underrepresented in higher education. Registration is $125/team (competitive with up to $500 cash prize) or $85/team (casual with gift card and swag prizes).
Sat, Aug 24 th , 10 – 11am: Indoor Cactus + Succulent Bowl Workshop at For Garden’s Sake (9197 NC Hwy 751, 27713)
Craft an easy-to-care-for succulent or cactus at this rain or shine indoor workshop. Tickets cost $65.
Sat, Aug 24 th , 12pm: 30 th Anniversary Party at West 94 th St Pub (4711 Hope Valley Rd, Ste 6C, 27707)
Don’t miss celebrating 30 years of this South Durham staple, home to karaoke, trivia, and classic pub fare.
Sat, Aug 24 th , 1 – 3pm: Adult Build It at Nailed It Durham (5410 NC Hwy 55, 27713)
Every month, Nailed It Durham offers adults-only Build It workshops. August’s project is a double- sided hanging table sign for $64 and include materials, a snack, and a beverage.
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Sat, Aug 24 th , 4 – 11pm: Black August in the Park at Durham Central Park (501 Foster St, 27701)
Reflect on the history of the Black freedom struggle and celebrate those who fight for justice and Black liberation at this annual event. Reserve your free ticket.
Sat, Aug 24 th , 7 – 10pm: Live Band Karaoke at Mystic Farm and Distillery (1413 Stallings Rd, 27703)
Experience that rock star life by singing your favorite songs in front of a live band. Tickets are $10/person and include one cocktail.
Sun, Aug 25 th , 11am – 3pm: Durham Underground Market at Durham Central Park (501 Foster St, 27701)
Shop with over 45 local vendors at this MAKRS Society + Oak City Music Collective partnership. Free to attend with shopping, food trucks, live music, and workshops.
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Sun, Aug 25 th , 2 – 4pm: Italian Cookie Class at Il Laboratorio (3101 Guess Rd, Unit E, 27705)
Join Daniela, owner of Baked by D, as she helps you make 3 types of Italian cookies. The class takes place at Il Laboratorio, the cooking lab of Melina’s Fresh Pasta. Tickets are $70.
Tues, Aug 27 th , 6 – 7pm: Copperheads! Who, What, Why, When, and Where? at Durham Main Library (300 N Roxboro St, 27701)
Learn all about the ins and outs of what makes copperhead snakes tick at this free presentation by NC Snake Catcher, Talena Chavis. Registration is required for this free event.
Wed, Aug 28 th , 6:30 – 8:30pm: Cakes ‘N Paints at Wine + Design Durham (4711 Hope Valley Rd, Ste 5E, 27707)
Wine + Design, in collaboration with Smallcakes, brings you a creative double feature: cake decorating AND a cake-inspired painting. Tickets cost $117/person.
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Sat, Aug 31 st , 10 – 11am: Refreshing Your Foundation Plants Workshop at For Garden’s Sake (9197 NC Hwy 751, 27713)
Learn how to refresh your foundation plants, or the trees, shrubs, and focal plants around which you build your home garden. FGS Plant Coach Debbi Barrett will lead this $15/person workshop.
Sat, Aug 31 st , 9pm: Make It Rain: Gogo Night and Dance Party at The Pinhook (117 W Main St, 27701)
Shake it up at this queer-friendly dance party, featuring “DJ” Stormie Daie. Tickets are $10 advance/$15 day of.
August may mean that September is right around the corner with the start of the school year, impending Fall weather, and the return from vacation, but I invite you to make the most of this time by exploring our city and enjoying any number of the events above.
Looking for recurring weekly events, like running clubs, yoga, vinyl nights, dancing, & more? Check out The Guide to Recurring Events in Durham!
I’m Chrysti!
Durham real estate agent and enthusiast for all the best the area has to offer.
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