Durham Happenings: July 2024

Oh say can you see…all the incredible events coming up in Durham this July! Not only is the Bull City chock full of Fourth of July festivities, but there are activities to help you avoid the doldrums of summer. Even though many of you may be like me and traveling for half the month, make the most of the time you have here in town by hitting up these fantastic outings.

But first, let me highlight a great cause for y’all to donate to that runs from July 10th all the way through Aug 9th: Crayons 2 Calculators’ Fill That Bus! This community-wide school supply drive connects Durham Public School teachers with free supplies before the start of the new school year. You can shop on Amazon, host a supply drive, or drop off supplies at several Durham breweries. Show your support of DPS teachers and let’s FILL THAT (proverbial) BUS!

Another ongoing July event that can help with the increased heat is Summer Splash at the Museum of Life and Science. Every Sunday and Wednesday in July, MLS will be adding water play elements to their outdoor spaces from 1-4pm. So in addition to the permanent fixtures at Earth Moves, Hideaway Woods, and Into the Mist exhibits, you’ll find even more ways to stay cool on those hot summer afternoons.

Independence Day

 

Thurs, July 4th , 9:30 – 11:30am: Children’s Independence Day Parade at Durham Central Park (501 Foster St, 27701)

The longest-standing event at Durham Central Park, the Children’s Independence Day Parade, provides an opportunity for kids of all ages to participate in their own parade. Kids can decorate bikes, trikes, wagons, and strollers starting at 9:30 a.m. The parade will then pass through the park at 10:30 a.m., followed by free popsicles, fire truck tours, and a DJ. This event is free and open to all! Don’t forget to swing by Glass Jug for slushies and free hot dogs afterwards.

Thurs, July 4th , 10am: Watts-Hillandale Independence Day Parade and Celebration at Oval Drive Park (2200 W Club Blvd, 27704)

Take part in Durham’s longest continuously observed Independence Day festival at the Watts Hospital-Hillandale Independence Day Parade. What began as a neighborhood affair is now in its 75th year. Volunteers begin decorating the Oval Park playground with hundreds of American flags plus flags from every state and nation. Then, Sheriff’s Office motorcycles, Durham fire trucks, and color guard lead the parade of trikes, wagons, and strollers all decorated for the occasion. Come early to claim your spot along the festooned parade route.

Thurs, July 4th and Sat, July 6th , 10am – 5pm: Festival for the Eno at West Point on the Eno (5101 N Roxboro St, 27704)

The 45th annual Festival for the Eno is the largest outreach event for the Eno River Association, a non-profit protecting the Eno River basin. This family-friendly event offers performances, workshops, craft and food vendors, and educational outreach. Pick between attending Thursday or Saturday, or get tickets to both dates! Adult tickets cost $35, youth tickets are $10. Be sure to arrive early and park at Durham Memorial Stadium to take the shuttle over to the festival.

Thurs, July 4th , 10 – 11:30am: Frederick Douglass Community Reading at Historic Stagville (5828 Old Oxford Hwy, 27712)

Visit the revered land of Historic Stagville to read aloud the words of Frederick Douglass in front of the dwellings of formerly enslaved folks at Horton Grove. This participatory event provides copies of Douglass’ Fourth of July address “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July,” which everyone is invited to read together. Reflect on the history of slavery and the promises of freedom as part of your Independence Day.

Thurs, July 4th , 11am: Red, White, Brew, and Cue at Old Mill Farm (8913 NC Hwy 751, 27713)

Interested in a full day of live music, NC BBQ, farm animals, and summer beer? Check out Red, White, Brew, and Cue, the 4th annual Fourth on the Farm at Old Mill Farm in South Durham. Ticket options range from $12 general admission to $120 Premium 4-pack, with some packages including BBQ plates, booze, and Locopops. Kids can enjoy visiting with the goats on site while adults can kick back with some good food and enjoyable music.

Thurs, July 4th , 12:30 – 5pm: School of Rock’s July 4th Jam at Motorco (723 Rigsbee Ave, 27701)

Want some free live music to kick off your holiday weekend? Join School of Rock at their July 4th Jam as they rock out all afternoon at Motorco. House bands from School of Rock locations in Chapel Hill and Raleigh will be joined by visiting house band from School of Rock Main Line in Pennsylvania. The event is free and open to the public, ending at 5pm so you can catch some fireworks later.

Thurs, July 4th , 2pm – Sun, July 7th , 9pm: Fourth of July at Glass Jug (RTP – 5410 Hwy 55, 27713; Downtown – 545 Foster St, 27701)

Both Glass Jug locations are celebrating all weekend long. Visit downtown or South Durham to get red, white, and blue slushies from Thurs – Sun. Glass Jug will be grilling up free hot dogs with an optional $3 donation to Durham Central Park at the downtown spot on Thurs, July 4th (conveniently just after the Children’s Parade ends!). At the RTP location, Chef Chick’s bakery will be selling baked goods all weekend and Oak City Deli and Grill Food Truck will be there on Fri the 5th from 5-8pm.

Thurs, July 4th , 3 – 10pm: 4th of July Cookout on the Roof at the Durham Hotel (315 E. Chapel Hill St, 27701)

Come enjoy a classic cookout with beautiful views of downtown from The Durham Hotel’s Roof. A la carte food options include Left Bank Butchery hot dogs, house-blend burgers, and more plus the bar will offer cocktails, beer, and wine. Snacks and drinks kick off at 3pm and the grill fires up at 5pm. The event is free to attend, just pay for food/beverage.

Thurs, July 4th , 6:35pm: Durham’s July 4th Celebration with the Bulls at Durham Bulls Athletic Park (409 Blackwell St, 27701)

City of Durham’s “official” Fourth of July celebration takes place at the end of the Durham Bulls game, which is against Norfolk Tides and starts at 6:35pm. At the end of the 7th inning, gates to the ballpark will open for free viewing of the Durham Parks and Recreation fireworks display, which begins at 9:15pm. You can also watch the fireworks from behind Diamond View 3, Burt’s Bees, Tobacco Road Sports Café, and Ponysaurus. Most central downtown parking decks will cost $7 per car (credit card only), so plan your parking accordingly. Pro tip: the Bulls are playing on Fri and Sat nights as well and will also have fireworks after those games if you want to celebrate on a less crowded (and more affordable) night.

Other Noteworthy July Events

Don’t limit yourself to only celebrating around town over July Fourth; Durham has plenty to do throughout the entire mid-summer month. Here’s your one-line round-up of all the goings-on!

Wednesdays from 9:30am – 11am: Fun Caravan at Durham Parks and Recreation Sites

DPR takes their show on the road with drop-in recreation games and activities at local parks

Wednesdays at 8pm: Flashback Flicks at Washington Duke Inn (3001 Cameron Blvd, 27705) and JB Duke Hotel (230 Science Dr, 27708)

New classic outdoor movies each Wednesday on the grounds of two beautiful Duke University hotels

  • Wed, July 3rd at JB Duke: Field of Dreams

  • Wed, July 10th at Washington Duke: Rocky

  • Wed, July 17th at JB Duke: Apollo 13

  • Wed, July 24th at Washington Duke: The Parent Trap

  • Wed, July 31st at JB Duke: Sleepless in Seattle

Thurs, July 4th , 8pm – 1:30am: Lip Sync 4 Ur Lyfe at The Pinhook (117 W Main St, 27701)

Perform drag for the first time or just lip sync your heart out, hosted by Stormie Daie

Fri, July 5th , 5:30 – 9:30pm: Summer Night Market at ZincHouse (6225 Wake Forest Hwy, 27703)

MAKRS Society hosts a kid-free artisan market at ZincHouse Winery and Brewery with live music, beer, wine, bourbon and cigar lounge

Fri, July 5th , 6 – 10pm: PLAYlist Concert with Larry and Joe at Durham Central Park (501 Foster St, 27701)

Learn about how music and social movements coalesce with musical duo Larry (asylum seeker and Venezuelan Llanera musician) and Joe (Grammy-nominated bluegrass and Appalachian musician)

Thurs, July 11th and 25th , 7 – 9:30pm: Summer Jazz Jam at Missy Lane’s Assembly Room (310 E Main St, Ste 100, 27701)

Local award-winning trumpet player and composer, Al Strong, has curated a series of jazz performances in the cocktail bar and lounge of recently opened Missy Lane’s Assembly Room

Fri, July 12th , 6 – 8pm: Pasta Making Class at Il Laboratorio (3101 Guess Rd, Unit E, 27705)

Learn how to make 3 types of pasta from scratch with the owner of Melina’s Fresh Pasta

Fri, July 12th , 6 – 9pm: Live Music Nights with Chris Cloer at Bull McCabe’s (427 W Main St, 27701)

Free, family-friendly live music under the twinkly lights on the Bull McCabe’s lawn

Fri, July 12th , 6:30 – 9pm: Cocktails and Charcuterie at Boxyard RTP (900 Park Offices Dr, 27709)

Create your own craft cocktail and artisan charcuterie try with Get Mixed with Jamye and Meat + Graze

Fri, July 12th , 7pm: Live Pro Wrestling at Mystic Farm and Distillery (1212 N Mineral Springs Rd, 27703)

Bourbon Bash III featuring live wrestling and ringside seats; all ages welcome

Sat, July 13th , 1 – 4pm: Book Harvest Block Party at Durham Bulls Athletic Park (409 Blackwell St, 27701)

Free books and family-friendly entertainment on the concourse of the Durham Bulls stadium

Sat, July 13th , 11:30am: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory at Carolina Theatre (309 W Morgan St, 27701)

Watch the original Willy Wonka on the big screen for free as part of the Retro Film Series

Sat, July 13th 5pm thru Sun, July 14th , 6pm: NC Food Truck Fair at Durham Central Park (501 Foster St, 27701)

Two days of food trucks and excitement, including adult-focused activities on Sat night (axe throwing and mechanical bull) and family fun on Sun afternoon (inflatable water slide and carnival games)

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Sat, July 13th , 6 – 8pm: Rhythm and Reels Presents DJ N.A.B.S. and Company at Rock Quarry Park (701 Stadium Dr, 27704)

Durham native, DJ N.A.B.S. brings innovative music to this Durham Parks and Rec series event

Sat, July 13th , 6:30pm: Black Fire This Time at Hayti Heritage Center (804 Old Fayetteville St, 27701)

Poetry reading of local Black authors featured in the national anthology series, Black Fire This Time

Sat, July 13th , 8pm – 1am: Y2K Glow Party at Boxcar Bar + Arcade (621 Foster St, 27701)

Dress in your best Y2K lewks and dance to vintage 2000s MTV jams with free glowsticks and themed drink specials

Mon, July 15th , 9 – 11pm: Views from The Durham at Durham Hotel Rooftop (315 E Chapel Hill St, 27701)

Stargazing, craft cocktails, and DJ tunes all on the The Roof of the Durham Hotel

Wed, July 17th , 7 – 9pm: Skip the Small Talk at Fullsteam Brewery (726 Rigsbee Ave, 27701)

Get to know community members through “big talk” conversational prompts

Thurs, July 18th – Mon, July 22nd : Oyster Fest at The Durham Hotel (315 E Chapel Hill St, 27701)

Live music, grilling, and oysters on The Roof, NC seafood specials in The Restaurant, and hotel room packages featuring Oyster Fest shirts

Fri, July 19th – Sun, July 21st : Flying Home at Durham Armory (212 Foster St, 27701)

Weekend-long swing dance party full of lessons, competitions, and dance nights

Fri, July 19th , 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, July 19th , 7:30 – 11:30pm: TRL Silent Disco at Hi-Wire Brewing Durham (800 Taylor St, 27701)

Dance to your own beat with 3 channels of 90s and 00s top hits

Sat, July 20th : Petting Zoo at Two Roosters Golden Belt (800 Taylor St, 27701)

Celebrate Two Roosters’ birthday with a petting zoo on National Ice Cream Day

Sat, July 20th , 12pm: Candle Making and Wine Flights at Cloer Family Vineyards (8624 Castleberry Rd, Apex, 27523)

Blend your own scent, pour your own candle with Usu Company Candles, and drink some delicious local wine at this Apex hidden gem.

Sat, July 20th , 4 – 9pm: Family Fun Saturday: Neighborhood Cookout at Guglhupf (2706 Durham Chapel Hill Blvd, 27707)

Burgers, BBQ, and picnic sides plus live music, balloon animals, and arts at crafts thanks to Chef Dave of Guglhupf

Sun, July 21st , 12 – 3pm: Vegan Mingle at Pure Vegan Café (2812 Erwin Rd, 27705)

Meet other area vegans and enjoy delicious vegan food, games, and prizes

Sun, July 21st , 2 – 5pm: Pollinator Art Market at Moon Dog Meadery (1104 Broad St, 27705)

Celebrate the bees with a pollinator-themed market, featuring mead, art, flowers, preserved insects, and more

Sun, July 21 st , 5:30 – 9pm: Durham Farmer’s Market 25th Anniversary Dinner at Durham Central Park (501 Foster St, 27701)

Farm-to-table family-style dinner celebrating the DFM’s 25th anniversary

Tues, July 23rd and Wed, July 24th at 7:30pm: Momentum of Isolation at Reynolds Industries Theater (125 Science Dr, 27708)

American Dance Festival performance about social isolation and loneliness

Wed, July 24th , 6 – 8pm: Sweet Social at The Durham Hotel Rooftop (315 E Chapel Hill St, 27701)

Monthly baker highlight featuring sticky buns from Lutra Bakery and Café

Thurs, July 25th , 7 – 9pm: Fresh Black Films South at Hayti Heritage Center (804 Old Fayetteville St, 27701)

Experience five diverse films from emerging Black filmmakers, curated by The Luminal Theater

Sat, July 27th , 9am – 12pm: Event Item Yard Sale at American Party Rentals (3633 S Alston Ave, 27713)

Local party/event rental company selling four years’ worth of discounted items

Sat, July 27th , 11am – 2pm: BBQ Fundraiser at Duke Homestead (2828 Duke Homestead Rd, 27705)

Support Duke Homestead Education and History Corporation with $12 bbq lunch for on-site picnic or takeout

Sun, July 28th , 2pm: Alfred Hitchcock Film Series Kickoff with Rope at Carolina Theatre (309 W Morgan St, 27701)

The first of monthly Hitchcock films showcasing the renowned suspense director.

Stay cool out there, Durhamites! Though honestly, it’s hard not to with all these hip happenin’ events going on around town this month.

Chrysti-Peak-realtor-Durham-2

I’m Chrysti!

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

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