Durham Happenings: October 2023

October is here which means spooooky season is upon us! There is no shortage of Halloween-themed events this month and there’s even a few non-Halloween options for those just looking to enjoy Durham in the Fall. From activities for kids and families to more adult-oriented festivities, be sure to explore all our Bull City has to offer in the ideal not-too-hot, not-too-cold weather.

Halloween Activities

Other Fall Fare

Halloween Activities

Every Saturday, 6-7pm: Durham True Crime Walking Tour at American Tobacco Campus (334 Blackwell St, 27701)

If you listen to true crime podcasts or if you just want to learn more about the darker side of Durham, check out Triangle Walking Tour’s Durham True Crime Tour. This is a newer addition to their set of Durham tours (which also includes Downtown Durham History and Durham African American History) and while these tours are available year-round, what better time than the Halloween season to learn about murderers, cult leaders, and random acts of sniping in the Bull City. Tours cost $10/person.

Fri, Oct 6th – Thurs, Oct 12th: Universal Monsters Film Series at Carolina Theatre (309 W Morgan St, 27701)

Kick off your Halloween season with a double (or triple) feature of Universal Monster movies. Carolina Theatre will be playing nearly 20 showings of classic films, like The Wolf Man, Creature from the Black Lagoon, and The Bride of Frankenstein. Tickets cost $10/film or you can order a 5-film pass for $30 (available only at the Box Office, which you should buy from anyway to avoid fees!).

Fri, Oct 6th, 8 – 11pm: Creepy Clown Trail at West Point on the Eno (5253 N Roxboro St, 27712)

An adult-only twist on the traditional flashlight scavenger hunt, Durham Parks and Rec plans to scare your pants off at this creepy, clown-themed event. Follow the urban legend of a clown car that crashed into the Eno River where the car was recovered, but the occupants never were… I get goosebumps just reading that sentence, so I can’t imagine how creepy it’s going to be in person! Tickets cost $1.50 for City residents/$6.50 for non-residents. Book your 1-hour timeslot here.

Sat, Oct 7th, 6:30 – 9pm: Halloween Flashlight Scavenger Hunt at West Point on the Eno (5253 N Roxboro St, 27712)

This family-friendly adventure employs the use of your own flashlights to seek out hidden, reflective Halloween “targets” around West Point on the Eno. Sign up for your one-hour timeslot ASAP as they are filling up. Tickets cost $1.50 for City residents/$6.50 for non-residents.

Sun, Oct 8th, 1 – 3pm: Spooky Stories at Nasher Museum of Art (2001 Campus Dr, 27705)

Get to know about traditions and legends related to spooky celebrations from around the world at this family-friendly event. The Nasher has partnered with Paperhand Puppet Intervention to host an afternoon of stories, arts, and crafts for kiddos. Admission is free for all to the Nasher ever since COVID, so enjoy this no-cost activity.

Sun, Oct 8th, 7pm: Funhouse, a Terrifyingly Twisted Circus Show at Motorco (723 Rigsbee Ave, 27701)

Experience a “carnival of nightmares” produced by Purple Marble Circus, which specializes in shows featuring acrobatics, burlesque, pole dance, drag, contortion, and more. This 18+ show will dazzle you with sideshow acts that are terrifyingly twisted. General standing-only tickets remain for $20/person.

Mon, Oct 9th, 10 & 11:30am: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow at Carolina Theatre (309 W Morgan St, 27701)

Open to DPS schools as well as the general public, Carolina Theatre will be hosting two morning performances of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” the 1819 classic story by Washington Irving made most famous by Disney (right??). Now your kids can enjoy the thrilling and somewhat chilling tale live and in-person. Tickets cost $9.50/person.

Fri, Oct 13, 5 – 8pm: Fright Night at Edison Johnson Rec Center (500 W Murray Ave, 27704)

Join Durham Parks and Rec for a family-friendly, bone-chilling night of carnival games, costume parades, and a haunted trail. This free Halloween extravaganza is for all ages and does not require pre-registration.

Fri, Oct 13th, 7 and 9pm: Candlelight Concert: Favorite Halloween Movie Themes at Hayti Heritage Center (804 Old Fayetteville St, 27701)

International phenomenon Candlelight by Fever is bringing its incredible show of flickering flames and musical melodies to the Bull City. There are several opportunities to witness the magic of orchestral wonder by candlelight (like Marvin Gaye/Stevie Wonder on Oct 6th and the music of League of Legends on Nov 14th), but to hear classic Halloween movie themes on Friday the 13th in October will just be *chef’s kiss*. Don’t take my word for it; get your ticket for $40-55 and check it out yourself!

Fri, Oct 13th – Sun, Oct 15th: Splatterflix Film Series at Carolina Theatre (309 W Morgan St, 27701)

Spend a long weekend at the Carolina Theatre immersing yourself in the goriest, scariest horror movies ever made. With over 30 showings to choose from, including slashers like Friday the 13th, supernatural flicks like Poltergeist, and “horror-comedies” like Dude Bro Party Massacre III, there’s bound to be something to get you in the Halloween spirit. Tickets are $12/film or $100 for a 10-film pass (available only at the Box Office).

Sat, Oct 14th, 3 – 5pm: Pumpkin Splash at Edison Johnson Aquatic Center (500 W Murray Ave, 27704)

Get into the pool with your little ones and pick a pumpkin from the floating pumpkin patch. Durham Parks and Rec will provide stickers and paint to decorate pumpkins on the pool deck. Life vests are available for anyone who needs one. Cost is $6 for City residents and $11 for non-residents.

Thurs, Oct 18th, 5:30 – 8pm: Pup-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest at Hi-Wire Brewing (800 Taylor St, 27701)

Bring your pup out to Hi-Wire for a Halloween costume contest that will have you wagging your tail. It’s free to enter your pup and there will be categories for spooky, silly, and creative canines, plus a dynamic duo award. Don’t forget to snag a pic with your pup at the photo booth with a $15 donation to Animal Protection Society. The event is free to attend and participate, though $1 of every flagship pint will be donated to APS, so drink up!

Wed, Oct 25th, 10:30 – 11am: Halloween Storytime on The Durham Roof (315 E Chapel Hill St, 27701)

Partners from Durham County Library will host a special Halloween Storytime on the open-air rooftop at The Durham Hotel. There will be Halloween stories and songs and everyone is encouraged to wear your Halloween costume. The event is free and includes complimentary hot chocolate on the Roof, though you can purchase juice, coffee, and pastries from the Coffee Bar in the lobby.

Wed, Oct 25th, 6 – 8pm: Psycho Outdoor Movie at South Regional Library (4505 S Alston Ave, 27713)

Bring your own chair or blanket to post up behind South Regional Library for an outdoor showing of creepy classic Alfred Hitchcock film Psycho. Each participant gets a raffle ticket to win “Bone Jovi,” a 5-ft tall poseable skeleton to spruce up your Halloween décor. The film is rated R, so teens aged 16+ are welcome if accompanied by a parent. Registration is encouraged, but not required.

Thurs, Oct 26th, 5:30 – 7:30pm: Trunk or Treat at Durham Central Park (501 Foster St, 27701)

Kids have the opportunity to visit decorated car trunks to collect treats, build Halloween crafts, and play spooky games. Taking place at Durham Central Park, the Durham Y’s Trunk or Treat event allows kids to dress up and enjoy the holiday haul without having to hit up the entire neighborhood. The Y is still looking for families to volunteer as trunk hosts or activity attendants, so see how you can participate.

Thurs, Oct 26th and Fri, Oct 27th, 7:30pm: Rocky Horror Picture Show Halloween Ball at Carolina Theatre (309 W Morgan St, 27701)

The 6th annual tradition of Retro Film Series brings a full-theatrical immersive experience of cult classic, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, to the Carolina Theatre. If you’ve never been, it’s an interactive bonanza you’re sure to remember. I’ll just hint at what you’ll experience by sharing one of the rules is that guests are allowed to bring props such as glow sticks, newspapers, rubber gloves, and mini flashlights, all which have their role to play during the show. Check out the show either Thurs or Fri night; tickets are $15.

Fri, Oct 27th, 6:30 – 9:30pm: Halloween Phantasmagoria at Duke Homestead (2828 Duke Homestead Rd, 27705)

Words used to describe this annual event at Duke Homestead: magical, dreamlike, and bizarre. Explore this historic site in a way only allowed once a year. Bring your own flashlight to wander the property and experience the spooky, fantastic encounters. Buy your tickets for a specific entrance time and stay as long as you like (or until 9:30pm latest). Tickets cost $10 in advance or $15 at the door (kids 3 and under are free, though the frights may not be appropriate for young children).

Fri, Oct 27th, 7 – 11pm: Halloween Party at Lonerider Distillery and Taproom (708 E Ramseur St, 27701)

If you’ve not yet made your way to Lonerider’s new distillery location off Ramseur (across from Ponysaurus), then their Halloween Party will be the perfect time to check it out. Costumes are encouraged as they’ll have prizes for the best ones. If you are more into your emo era, you might want to check out their Emo Halloween Party on Sat, Oct. 28th.

Fri, Oct 27th, 8 – 10pm: Sip’n Carve Pumpkin Carving at Melanated Wine (4608-F Industry Ln, 27713)

Visit Melanated Wine for an evening of pumpkin carving, wine tasting, and some friendly competition. Each $45 ticket includes a wine tasting of Melanated Wines own blends, plus the opportunity to carve your own pumpkin using tools on-site. Then there will be a competition to award prizes for the scariest, funniest, and most creative pumpkins.

Sat, Oct 28th, 3:30 – 6:30pm: Barktoberfest at Durham Central Park (501 Foster St, 27701)

An annual extravaganza of all things canine, Barktoberfest is a partnership between Durham Parks & Recreation and Beyond Fences, a nonprofit that connects under-served neighborhoods with basic pet care resources. So not only can you support a wonderful cause, but you get to experience dogs in costume (where there are prizes up for grabs)! Plus enjoy musical performances, food and beer vendors, and a photo booth with Fido. No tickets needed for this free rain or shine event.

Sat, Oct 28th, 7:30 – 11:30pm: Halloween Silent Disco at Hi-Wire Durham (800 Taylor St, 27701)

I know I harp on the Silent Disco every time it comes to town, but honestly, you’re missing out if you’re not going. This time, costumes are encouraged, but not required and the music will be the best of what the DJs think the dance floor needs, plus a bit of spooky music sprinkled in for theme’s sake. Get your early bird tickets for $10 or pay $15 at the door if they’re not sold out.

Sun, Oct 29th, 12 – 4pm: Halloween Food Truck Rodeo at Durham Central Park (501 Foster St, 27701)

Hit up Durham Central Park’s final seasonal food truck rodeo of the year! Visit more than 35 food trucks and enjoy all types of food and beverage, along with family-friendly activities in the center of it all.

Tues, Oct 31st, 5:30 – 8:30pm: Hallow-Eno at West Point on the Eno (5253 N Roxboro St, 27712)

On Halloween night, Durham Parks & Recreation presents kids with a chance to celebrate safely at West Point on the Eno. This special event for kids 12 and under will delight the whole family with Fall staples like campfire stories and hayrides, plus Halloween treats, games, and crafts. No registration is needed to partake in these festivities.

Other Fall Fare

Fri, Oct 6th, 6:30 – 8:30pm: Durham Bulls Fall Fan Fest at Durham Bulls Athletic Park (409 Blackwell St, 27701)

Ever dreamt of playing professional baseball? Make your dreams a reality, at least for one night, at the Durham Bulls Fall Fan Fest. Kids 12 and under plus 919 Club members can participate in batting practice and catch on the field. There will also be fun activities, like face painting, balloon artists, and inflatables plus meet and greet time with Wool E. Bull. This event is free, but you must reserve your spot online.

Sat, Oct 7th, 12pm: Made in Durham: A Little Brother Block Party in Downtown Durham (300 block of East Main St, 27701)

Durham-based hip hop duo Little Brother is hosting a block party called Made in Durham and it’s kind of a big deal. They’ll be performing along with special guests and there will be food trucks and merch. GA tickets are $75 and VIP tickets (which have quite a few perks) are $250.

Sun, Oct 8th, 12 – 4pm: International Food Truck Festival at Durham Central Park (501 Foster St, 27701)

Did you know that Durham has nine sisters? Cities, that is! Sister Cities of Durham links our city with others around the world to promote world peace and cultural exchange. This org will be hosting an international food truck festival that will bring together food trucks and music representing several of Durham’s sister cities in places like Greece, Mexico, and Latin America.

Sun, Oct 8th, 1 – 4pm: Pittie PJ Party at Velvet Hippo (119 Orange St, 3rd floor, 27701)

In celebration of Pitbull Awareness Month, Hope Animal Rescue is hosting a rooftop party at new canine-friendly cocktail bar, Velvet Hippo. The event will feature adoptable pups, professional pup photos, barktails, and shopping for your furry friends. Bring your pup or leave with a new lifelong lap doggie!

Sat, Oct 14th, 12 – 8pm: Blacktoberfest at Garland Court (491 S Driver St, 27703)

Black Brew Culture is back to celebrate year four of Blacktoberfest in Durham, this time merged with Bull City BBQ Bash. While the main event is on Sat in Old East Durham, there will also be add-on options for a Fri evening BBQ dinner pairing hosted by Mike D’s BBQ and a Sun morning brunch event. Each event will highlight Brew Masters and Pit Masters alike along with live music and interactive activities. Tickets range from $20 non-alcohol option to $200 3-day VIP access pass.

Sun, Oct 15th, 7:30am: Bull City Race Fest at American Tobacco Campus (318 Blackwell St, 27701)

If you want the quintessential race experience through Durham, look no further than the 11th annual Bull City Race Fest. With a half marathon and five-mile option, each course will start at American Tobacco and take you throughout downtown, Trinity Park, and Duke campus. The post-race festival features local food trucks and a beer garden, plus you get to lay all sweaty on the lawn next to DPAC. It really is the best! Registration costs $100 for the half and $55 for the 5-mile race through 10/9.

Fri, Oct 20th, 4 – 8pm: Oktoberfest at Durham Central Park (501 Foster St, 27701)

The Glass Jug, Durham Food Hall, and NC Polka Time Allstars come together to bring you an Oktoberfest that’s actually in October! Lagers will be flowing, pretzels will be slung, and fun will be had for everyone in the family. Check out the commemorative steins, which get you discounted refills at Glass Jug all day long.

Sat, Oct 21st, 5pm: Farm Dinner at Elodie Farms (9522 Hampton Rd, Rougemont, 27572)

You may be familiar with Elodie Farms from their delicious cheese at the Durham Farmers Market. They also offer adult-only Farm Dinners at their Rougemont location, which include a farm tour with their goats and mini donkey JoJo, followed by a 5-course meal prepared on-site. The chef is able to accommodate common dietary restrictions as well. Tickets are $85/person, but only sold in 2-, 4-, and 6-person tables. So grab your friends and check out the most farm-to-table experience around!

Sat, Oct 28th, 9pm: GAG to Death Drag Event at The Durham Fruit (305 S Dillard St, 27701)

This 21+ event will feature two infamous drag performers: LaLa Ri, winner of Miss Congeniality of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 13 and Durham drag powerhouse and House of Coxx legend Stormie Daie. Several local DJs will be holding down the dance floor as well, so be prepared to party well into the night. Tickets are $30.46 with all fees included.

Sun, Oct 29th, 12 – 2pm: Brunch Experience at Melanated Wine (4608-F Industry Ln, 27713)

Hosted by Durham’s first Black/Woman-owned urban winery, this brunch experience promises to provide great food and entertainment. With brunch catered by JMS Catering, expect delicious waffles, mac and cheese, chicken, greens, and fruit. Don’t skimp on the endless mimosas either! Then kick back, enjoy the music and ambience of Melanated Wine. Tickets are $45/person.

Whether you lean into spooky season or indulge in the variety of fall festivities in town, be sure to make the most of October in Durham with any of the above events!