Durham Happenings: September 2023
September may mean the start of the school year, but it’s also a time to celebrate all across Durham. Labor Day Weekend marks the end of summer and in classic Durham style, there will be ample events all weekend long. Plus, Bull City hosts three annual, must-see community-wide events: CenterFest, Bull City Summit, and Pride: Durham, NC. I’ll share all about those events, plus a little something for everyone all month long!
Labor Day Weekend
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Fri, Sept. 1st, 11am – Mon, Sept. 4th, 10pm: Pineapple Labor Day Party at Glass Jug (RTP – 5410 NC 55, 27713; Downtown – 545 Foster St, 27701)
Bid farewell to summer with the bold, juicy flavor of a sweet pineapple. The Glass Jug will be hosting a pineapple party at both of their locations all Labor Day Weekend, which will include tropical slushies, a pineapple cocktail (downtown), guest pineapple beer taps, El Jefecito food truck on Fri, and music by Mister Felix on Sat (RTP).
Fri, Sept. 1st, 6:30-10pm: PLAYlist Concert Series with Queen Esther at Durham Central Park (501 Foster St, 27701)
Kick off your LDW festivities at the penultimate PLAYlist concert of 2023 with Queen Esther, described as “a Black Lucinda Williams.” She’ll be performing songs from her newly released jazz album and some Billie Holiday classics. The evening will begin with a DJ from 7-7:30, then a dance party will follow the performance until 10pm. Food trucks and craft beer vendors will be on site. PLAYlist is free to attend.
Sat, Sept. 2nd 10am – Sun, Sept. 3rd, 4pm: NC Disneyana at Durham Armory (212 Foster St, 27701)
Do you have a soft spot for Disney pins, cosplay, and souvenirs? Then check out the 3rd annual NC Disneyana at the Durham Armory. This two-day family-friendly event will feature 20+ vendors, pin trading, photo booths, and even animal ambassadors from Piedmont Wildlife Center. Dress up as Snow White and catch a photo with some real life woodland creatures, or just spend the day with other Disney fans, swapping collectibles and enjoying cosplay parades. Tickets are $10-$20 and children 12 and under are free.
Sat, Sept. 2nd, 12-4pm: Mystic Bake Off at Mystic Farm + Distillery (1413 Stallings Rd, 27703)
What do locally made spirits and homemade desserts have in common? They’ll both be featured at the Mystic Bake Off! Folks can sign up to bake a delicious treat that falls into one of three categories: chocolate, chocolate-free, and vegan. Each baker receives two complimentary cocktails and free admission (with pre-registration). Guests can pay $10 to sample the baked goods, get 1 complimentary beverage, and vote between 12-3:45pm with the winners being announced at 4pm.
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Sat, Sept. 2nd, 1:30-6pm: Bull City Confectionaries Grand Opening (1912 E NC-54, 27713)
True Durhamites will recognize Bull City Confectionaries as a delicious origin of local, moist bundt cakes for the past 8 years. Now this dessert staple will be getting a brick and mortar home in South Durham, between Hwy 55 and Fayetteville on NC 54. Celebrate this massive accomplishment at their grand opening where the first 20 people to arrive will receive a free treat.
Sun, Sept. 3rd, 12-4pm: Labor Day Food Truck Rodeo at Durham Central Park (501 Foster St, 27701)
Durham’s annual Labor Day Food Truck Rodeo takes place at Durham Central Park and will feature over 35 food trucks and craft beverage vendors. With Monday being a holiday, it’s the best time to dive full force into Sunday Funday by bringing some chairs or a picnic blanket and making the most of the whole afternoon. The rodeo is free to attend, just pay for what you want to eat/drink.
Sun, Sept. 3rd, 1-4pm: Black Farmers Market at Durham Tech (1637 E Lawson St, 27703)
Support Black farmers from NC while also getting your grocery shopping done for the week. This event takes place weekly at alternating locations between Durham and Raleigh and is rain or shine. Also, check out the Grazefully Rooted Farm-to-Table Dinner that benefits the Black Farmers Market on Sept 23rd.
Sun, Sept. 3rd, 5-11pm: Pre-Labor Day Cook Out at The Durham Hotel Roof (315 E Chapel Hill St, 27701)
The Roof of The Durham Hotel is typically closed on Sundays, but being a holiday weekend means Labor Day Sunday will host a rooftop cookout. This free event will feature chicken shawarma, roasted eggplant, roasted potatoes/onions/peppers, along with the usual, incredible craft cocktails The Durham has concocted.
Must-See Annual Events
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Sat, Sept. 16th, 10am – Sun, Sept. 17th, 5pm: CenterFest across Downtown Durham
Celebrating it’s 48th year, CenterFest is Durham’s annual fine art festival presented by Durham Arts Council. Juried visual artists are showcased at various venues across Downtown Durham and there are performances, food vendors, nonprofit tables, and a Creative Kids Zone. The event is free to attend, with a $5 recommended donation at the entrances to support Durham Arts Council and future CenterFest activities.
Mon, Sept. 18th, 8pm – Sun, Sept. 24th, 2am: Bull City Summit across Downtown Durham
Following on the heels of CenterFest, Bull City Summit begins the evening of Mon, Sept. 18th and continues all week until the wee hours of the night on Sat, Sept. 23rd (technically Sunday, Sept. 24th). Only in its second year, BCS is a showcase festival/conference celebrating innovation in music, art, science, and technology. Each day will consist of conference sessions, panel discussions, networking lunches, happy hours, plus evening concerts. Tickets range from $15 for a single evening concert to $175 for an all-access pass.
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Sat, Sept. 23rd, 10:30am – 8pm: Pride: Durham, NC at Duke East Campus (712 Broad St, 27705) and CCB Plaza (201 Corcoran St, 27701)
This year’s annual Pride celebration will honor the courage and leadership of the trans communities, particularly the Black and brown trans women and non-binary folks who have paved the way for LGBTQ+ rights and truth in North Carolina. The theme “Give Them Their Flowers” will run through the three-part day, consisting of a parade on Duke East Campus from 10:30am-12:30pm, a festival from 12-4pm, and then a concert over at CCB Plaza
Events by Category
In honor of the variety of events happening in September, I wanted to shake things up and present generalized categories of happenings. Whether you stick to one category or sample something from each, you can certainly fill up your calendar in a hurry.
Health + Wellness
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Thurs, Sept. 7th, 8am – 4:30pm: Duke Caregiver Community Event at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel (4700 Emperor Blvd, 27703)
If you are a caregiver for an adult in your life, check out this $10 conference ($75 for professionals) with a variety of educational tracks and supportive resources.
Sat, Sept. 9th, 8am: Love Durham Run 5k at Herndon Park (511 Scott King Rd, 27713)
Conquer a 3.1-mile out-and-back run down the American Tobacco Trail in support of the Durham Civitan Club. Registration is $35 and there are awards for age groups, fastest stroller, and most festively dressed.
Sun, Sept. 17th, 9:30am – 12:30pm: Lower Eno River Discovery Paddle with Two Sisters Adventure Company (27704)
Enjoy a leisurely Sunday morning guided kayak or canoe paddle trip down the Lower Eno River with Two Sisters Adventure Company. Tickets are $40/person (including all paddling equipment) and check out their calendar for other guided/self-guided events.
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Thurs, Sept. 21st, 9:30am – 4pm: Dementia Inclusive Forum at Durham Convention Center (301 W Morgan St, 27701)
In recognition of World Alzheimer’s Awareness Day, Dementia Inclusive Inc is hosting a free daylong forum about dementia, addressing brain and pathology, risk factors, symptom management, and family caregiver support.
Sun, Sept. 24th, 10am – 12pm: Unity 5k at Ponysaurus Brewing (219 Hood St, 27701)
Join Together We Stand, a nonprofit started in the wake of the Ahmaud Arbery murder in 2020, in a community conversation and a social run/walk from Ponysaurus. Proceeds will benefit North Carolina for Community and Justice, a Greensboro nonprofit working to build more respectful and inclusive communities free of bias, bigotry, and racism.
Sat, Sept. 30th, 5-9pm: Streetery Baile en la Calle at CCB Plaza (201 Corcoran St, 27701)
Rescheduled from June 24th, learn some new moves from a Latin dance instructor and then try them out alongside performances by Takiri Folclor.
Shop, Eat, + Drink Local
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Sat, Sept. 9th, 12-3pm: The Coco Drip at American Tobacco Campus (300 Blackwell St, 27701)
A wonderful market of Black women-owned businesses in the beautiful ATC. Vendors will cover haircare, jewelry, apparel, crafts, desserts, and other unique products.
Sat, Sept. 16th, 1-10pm: Oktoberfest at Motorco Music Hall (723 Rigsbee Ave, 27701)
Steins of German beer, German music, and German food, oh my! Reserve a table for your group from either 1-5pm or 6-10pm to enjoy the festivities.
Sun, Sept. 17th, 11am-3pm: Makrs Society Fall Market at Durham Central Park (501 Foster St, 27701)
Shop more than 35 local vendors at the monthly Makrs Society market. Feast at food trucks and dance to live music, all while getting an early start on your holiday shopping.
Fri, Sept. 22nd: Grand Opening at Durham Beer Garden (812 N. Mangum St, 27701)
Keep your fingers crossed for Durham Beer Garden to make its potential grand opening date! This taproom/bottle shop/event space holds a lot of promise, so keep an eye on their Instagram for updates.
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Sat, Sept. 23rd, 3-8pm: Taste of Soul Variety Edition at Durham Central Park (501 Foster St, 27701)
The finale Taste of Soul event of 2023 brings an array of food truck flavors plus a variety of vendors and a DJ to keep the energy high. Come savor the flavors!
Sat, Sept. 23rd, 4pm: Grazefully Rooted Farm to Table Dinner at Historic Stagville (5828 Old Oxford Hwy, 27712)
Learn about what was once one of the largest plantations in North Carolina while enjoying a 6-course meal from the owners of The Palace International and supporting The Stagville Memorial Project. Tickets are $125/person.
Sun, Sept. 24th, 2-6pm: A Dog’s Canvas Paint Event at Lone Rider Distillery (708 Ramseur St, 27701)
Join Dog Moms of Durham in a doggie painting activity where the dogs create the art. You pick the canvas size ($50 – $220) and colors, then your dog creates their masterpiece.
Fri, Sept. 29th, 6-7pm: Fall Themed Cheeseperience Design at The Frontier in RTP (800 Park Offices Dr, 27709)
Local charcuterie experts Meat + Graze will walk participants through creating a fall-themed cheese board. For $65, each participant receives 3 artisan cheeses, 1 charcuterie, accompaniments, and 1 hour of instruction.
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Sat, Sept. 30th, 11am – Sun, Oct. 1st, 7pm: A Taste of Greece at St. Barbara Orthodox Church (8306 NC Hwy 751, 27713)
Come load up on delicious, authentic Greek dishes, like spanakopita, gyro, pastitsio, and incredible desserts like baklava. Admission is free, but bring bags for your second and third helpings you’ll be taking home, plus the beautiful pieces you’ll pick up at the Attic Treasures Sale.
Performances/Culture
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Every Wed in Sept, 6:30pm: Free Live Concerts at American Tobacco Campus (300 Blackwell St, 27701)
Duke Arts and American Tobacco Campus are bringing four free concerts to the awesome space beneath the water tower at ATC. Grab a meal from nearby Boricua Soul or Zweli Ekhaya, snag a Bullpen-friendly beverage, and set up a concert picnic evening.
Thurs, Sept. 7th, 6-9pm: Drag Queen Fashion Show with Stormie Daie at Nasher Museum (2001 Campus Dr, 27705)
Support local icon Stormie Daie and Mx. Princexx Periwinkle as they sport original looks at the Nasher Museum’s first-ever drag queen fashion show. This free event will feature a reception before the fashion show and a panel discussion following.
Fri, Sept. 8th, 6-8pm: “Stranger Times” Exhibit Opening at Museum of Durham History (500 W Main St, 27701)
Comparing life during COVID to life in “The Upside-Down” isn’t that far-fetched. The Museum of Durham History will kick off their “Stranger Times” exhibit with an 80s themed event, complete with live music, food, costumes, prizes, and games.
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Sat, Sept. 9th, 8pm: The Monti: Mirage at The Carolina Theatre (309 W Morgan St, 27701)
Has something or someone you thought you knew turned out to be something entirely different? Come hear tales of mirages from local storytellers at The Monti. Tickets are $22 (and you can save on fees by buying from the box office).
Fri, Sept. 15th, 7-9pm: E.T. Movie Night at Durham Central Park (501 Foster St, 27701)
Sponsored by the Museum of Durham History as part of programming for their new “Stranger Times” exhibit, movie night at DCP will kick off with E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, an 80s classic.
Wed, Sept. 20th, 7pm: Battle of the Mellow Music – Corinne Bailey Rae at Carolina Theatre (309 W Morgan St, 27701) or Ben Folds at DPAC (123 Vivian St, 27701)
I made up this competition since clearly schedulers at Carolina Theatre and DPAC have a sense of humor putting these two mellow powerhouses on the same night but in different venues. CBR tickets start at $32.50 and BF tickets start at $46, so take you pick of who you’d like to have a chill, musical evening with.
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Fri, Sept. 22nd, 7pm and 9pm: Candlelight Concert: Zelda at Hayti Heritage Center (804 Old Fayetteville St, 27701)
Candlelight Concerts have been sweeping the nation, bringing a multisensory musical experience to awe-inspiring venues. Hayti is hosting several Candlelight Concerts this fall, including this Best of Zelda and A Tribute to Frank Sinatra on Sept. 28th. Check their calendar for events later this fall as well.
Fri, Sept. 22nd, 9pm: House of Coxx Drag Show at The Pinhook (117 W Main St, 27701)
Celebrate Durham’s resident drag family as they saunter their way around The Pinhook. After the drag show, stick around for the Queer Agenda dance party.
Sat, Sept. 23rd, 5pm and 7pm: Vintage Baseball at the Historic Durham Athletic Park (500 W Corporation St, 27701)
Connect with the history of baseball at the Duke Homestead-sponsored vintage baseball game, where players will wear historic uniforms and follow historic gameplay. Tickets are $3-$5.
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Sat, Sept. 23rd: Battle of the Funny Guys – Roy Wood Jr at Carolina Theatre (309 W Morgan St, 27701) or Jo Koy at DPAC (123 Vivian St, 27701)
Yet again, those silly schedulers have double booked some hilarious comedians at separate venues. RWJ tickets start at $27 and JK tickets start at $49. Though, truthfully, Jo Koy added another show and Chris Tucker is performing the next day, so the ideal comedy weekend would be: Jo Koy 9/22, Roy Wood Jr 9/23, and Chris Tucker 9/24!
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Listen, if you ever hear anyone in Durham complaining about not having anything fun to do, you forward them this blog and challenge them to stay bored during the month of September. Durham makes it so easy to have a great time and I hope you all get to enjoy as many of these events as possible!

I’m Chrysti!
Durham real estate agent and enthusiast for all the best the area has to offer.
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