Durham Happenings: September 2024
Do you remember the 21st night of September? This year you will since I’ve discovered no less than eight events on that one day in the Bull City, not to mention dozens of other events most every day of the month. Whether you’re back to school or back from vacation, September is a time to recalibrate back into rhythm and has Durham got the tools for you to do just that. We’ll be celebrating two annual
events with Pride: Durham, NC and all the Oktoberfest festivities, plus concerts, dances, markets, sports, and food fests. So dive back into Durham living with any of these September happenings.
September 2024
Sun, Sept 1st- Labor Day Weekend
But first, let’s celebrate Labor Day Weekend! Though part of LDW lands in August, I’ll still share a handful of events to kick off September and wind down your summer. Check out Discover Durham’s LDW blog post for even more ideas of how to extend the fun over this long weekend.
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- Fri, Aug 30th – Mon, Sept 2nd: Labor Day Lagers and Lemonades at The Glass Jug RTP (5410 NC Hwy 54, 27713) and Downtown (545 Foster St, 27701)
- Pitchers of lagers, lemonade shandies, pink lemonade Jell-o shots and more!
- Sun, Sept 1st, 12pm – 12am: Labor Day Weekend Kickback at The Velvet Hippo (119 Orange St, 27701)
- Brunch from 12-3pm then Jorden the DJ from 8pm to midnight
- Sun, Sept 1st, 4 – 8pm: Pre-Labor Day Indoor Picnic at The Durham (315 E Chapel Hill St, 27701)
- While The Roof is under construction, join the indoor Restaurant for burgers, dogs, and all the fixin’s as you listen to a local cover band.
Sat, Sept 28th and Sun, Sept 29th – Pride: Durham, NC
In addition to the LGBTQ-affirming Pride festivities that happen in accordance with national Pride celebrations in June, Durham hosts its own local Pride event every September to allow for cooler temps and participation among local colleges. After last year’s events were unfortunately cancelled due to Hurricane Ophelia, it’s even more important to support and celebrate Pride: Durham, NC. This annual
series of special programs celebrates community history, activism, and pride of LGBTQ+ people in Durham and statewide. With two days of events, including a parade, pop-up market, and community kickback, you’ll find some loving, affirming spaces as well as incredible vendors to support.
All Month Long- Oktoberfest Celebrations
Despite having “Oktober” in the name, Oktoberfest is an annual festival held in Munich, Germany over a two-week period in September that ends on the first Sunday in October. Celebrated worldwide, Oktoberfest typically highlights German beer, food, music, and festivities. Fortunately, Durham has opportunities to celebrate all these goodies each weekend of the month, with no shortage of stein holding competitions.
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- Sat, Sept 7th, 2 – 9pm: The Glass Jug Beer Lab RTP (5410 NC 55, Ste V, 27713)
- Celebrate Glass Jug’s 10th anniversary with a BBQ food truck, Polish/German baked goods (including soft pretzels), stein hoisting, a DJ, and German beer in Das Boot glass.
- Sat, Sept 14th, 1 – 5pm or 6 – 10pm: 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.
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- Sat, Sept 14th , 2 – 10pm: Bull McCabe’s (427 W Main St, 27701)
- Music from Appalachian Freunde Polka Band plus Festbiers/Marzens, themed menu, dance-offs and stein-hoisting competitions
- Sun, Sept 15th, 3 – 9pm: Hi-Wire Brewing Durham (800 Taylor St, 27701)
- More music from Appalachian Freunde Polka Band, German beers and games like stein hoisting, musical kegs, and keg holding
- Sat, Sept 21st, 12pm: Lonerider Distillery and Taproom (708 Ramseur St, 27701)
- Stein holding competition at downtown Durham’s Lonerider facility
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- Sat, Sept 21st, 5 – 11pm: Durham Central Park (501 Foster St, 27701)
- Hosted by The Glass Jug Downtown, will feature music by Gary’s Oompah Band, stein hoisting, family-friendly activities, food trucks, and a free silent disco sponsored by the YMCA of Downtown Durham.
- Sat, Sept 28th, Octobullfest at Bull City Burger (107 E Parrish St, 27701)
- Sign up for one of four rounds in Sept to pre-qualify for the US Steinholding Association North Carolina State Championship in Charlotte after this Steinholding qualifier, which also happens to serve as a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity of Durham. A full street festival with food, German beer, music, and a bounce house for kids.
Other Noteworthy September Events
Every Tues in Sept, 6pm: Artful Evenings at JB Duke Hotel (230 Science Dr, 27708)
In partnership with The Durham Art Guild, the JB Duke Hotel will host a new, local artist in their lobby each week for live art demonstrations. Enjoy artists working in fiber, graphite, and paint throughout the month.
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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 celebrating the roots of America’s music to ATC. Grab a meal from nearby Boricua Soul or Zweli Ekhaya, snag a Bullpen-friendly beverage, and set up a concert picnic evening by the ATC water tower.
Wed and Thurs through Sept 12th: Be Our Guest Bartender Series at JB Duke (230 Science Dr, 27708) and Washington Duke Inn (3001 Cameron Blvd, 27705)
Triangle’s top mixologists will guest star as cocktail creators at the JB Duke lounge on Wednesdays and the Washington Duke Inn’s Bull Durham Bar on Thursdays. Drinks will be available the following week with 10% of proceeds supporting the bartender’s local nonprofit of choice.
- Wed, 9/4 and Thurs, 9/5 – Darryl Russell, Weldon Mills Distillery, supporting America’s Gold Star
Families - Wed, 9/11 and Thurs, 9/12 – Greg Ewan, Aunty Betty’s Gin & Absinthe Bar, supporting A Place at the Table
Every Fri in Sept, 5:30 – 9:30pm: Fall Nights at ZincHouse Winery and Brewery (6225 Wake Forest Hwy, 27703)
The Makrs Society hosts a five-week, kid-free, night-market series with 30+ vendors, live music, food trucks, wine, beer, and bourbon from ZincHouse.
Every Sat in Sept, 10 – 11am: Durham Pride History Hike at West Point on the Eno (5101 N Roxboro St, 27712)
Durham Parks and Recreation hosts these weekly history hikes at West Point on the Eno, one of Durham’s most historic parks. Learn about Durham’s rich LGBTQ+ history on this one-hour hike where all ages are welcome.
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Every Sat in Sept, 5 – 8pm: Music on Main at The Streets at Southpoint (Cinema Circle, 6910 Fayetteville Rd, 27713)
Bring your own chair, grab dinner from a nearby restaurant, and carry your favorite drink in Durham’s newest social district as Duke Arts sponsors new artists each week outside of AMC Theatres.
Sun, Sept 1st – Sun, Sept 8th , 3 – 8pm: Goodbye Wonderpuff at North Star Church of the Arts (220 W Geer St, 27701)
Durham’s resident cotton candy connoisseur will be spinning sweets for one final week in the Bull City.
Tues, Sept 3rd, 7:30 – 9:30pm and Wed, Sept 4th , 4:30 – 6:30pm: Outdoor Circus at Mystic Farm and Distilling Company (1413 Stallings Rd, 27703)
Hideaway Circus brings to Durham Canvas Sky, a production of world-class circus performers. Tickets from $25 (bring your own seat) to $65 (front row reserved seat).
Thurs, Sept 5th, 8am – 4:30pm: Duke Caregiver Community Event at Sheraton Imperial (4700 Emperor Blvd, 27703) Family caregivers can hear from experts, connect with support services, and find help to navigate their caregiving journey for $15 (lunch included). Professionals can attend for credit for $75.
Thurs, Sept 5th, 6 – 9pm: Chunky Blanket Workshop at DSSOLVR (630 Rigsbee Ave, 27701) Hand-knit your own throw blanket with Wine + Design Durham and grab a drink from host bar, DSSOLVR. Cost is $60.
Fri, Sept 6th, 6 – 10pm: PLAYlist Presents Sierra Green and the Giants at Durham Central Park (501 Foster St, 27701)
Enjoy Sierra Green’s soulful New Orleans rooted performance with food trucks and DJ after party, all for free.
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Sat, Sept 7th, 8am – 1pm: DPR Community Yard Sale at Campus Hills Park (2000 S Alston Ave, 27707)
Register by 9/3 to sell your old treasures and declutter your home while making a few bucks.
Sat, Sept 7th, 10am – 2pm: Grand Opening of The Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice (906 Carool St, 27701)
Explore the grounds of the newly renovated Pauli Murray Center, home to Durham’s lauded social
justice leader.
Sat, Sept 7th, 1 – 7pm: Book Fair at Fullsteam (726 Rigsbee Ave, 27701)
Relive the Scholastic Book Fair glory days at one of Durham’s favorite breweries before the downtown location closes later this year. Featuring local authors and Drag Story Hour with Stormie Dae at 6pm!
Sat, Sept 7th, 7pm: Home Run Derby X at Durham Bulls Athletic Park (409 Blackwell St, 27701)
Watch MLB pros lead teams in a 3-on-3 co-ed competition featuring power hitting. Tickets are $10.
Sat, Sept 7th, 7:30pm: Rhythm and Reels: Wonka at Durham Central Park (501 Foster St, 27701)
Kick off the second half of DPR’s Rhythm and Reels series with the first of three outdoor movies at Durham Central Park.
Sun, Sept 8th, 12 – 4pm: Food Truck Rodeo at Durham Central Park (501 Foster St, 27701)
Dine and drink from 50+ food and beverage trucks while meandering through Durham’s outdoor living room.
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Tues, Sept 10th – Sun, Sept 22nd: Bull Durham, A New Musical at Reynolds Industries Theater (Bryan University Center, 125 Science Dr, 27708)
Theatre Raleigh presents a musical version of Durham’s favorite movie, Bull Durham, written by the film’s original screenwriter. Tickets range from $35-85.
Wed, Sept 11th, 6 – 8:30pm: Sweet Social: Auntie’s Ice Cream at The Durham (315 E Chapel Hill St, 27701)
Enjoy a sweet ice cream treat in one of several African flavors on The Durham’s newly refurbished Roof.
Wed, Sept 12th, 5:30 – 7pm: A Path for Hope at Leigh Farm Park (370 Leigh Farm Rd, Support suicide prevention and awareness with this walk in partnership with Durham and Orange County. This family-friendly event will offer a community resource fair, an art activity, and a short memorial walk.
Thurs, Sept 12th, 6:30 – 10pm: AfterHours: Bees, Beer, and Butterflies at Museum of Life and Science (433 W Murray Ave, 27704)
It’s a night at the museum, where adults get to frolic around the butterfly house, sipping beer, learning about bees, and riding the train at sunset. Tickets are $35 for museum members, $40 general admission.
Fri, Sept 13th, 1 – 7pm: Triangle Vintage Market at Bull McCabe’s (427 W Main St, 27701)
Reduce, reuse, and recycle clothing for the better of the planet at this pop-up vintage market with 20 men’s and women’s vintage clothing vendors. Free entry, live music, and drinks/food available from Bull McCabe’s.
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Fri, Sept 13th, 8pm: The Monti: Animal Instincts at Carolina Theatre (309 W Morgan St, 27701)
Kick off The Monti’s season with stories of when people’s animal instincts took over, for better or worse. Tickets are $34.
Fri, Sept 13th, 7 – 9:30pm: Carolina Culinary Showcase at 21c Museum Hotel (111 N Corcoran St, 27701)
Support No Kid Hungry at this all-female chef-led dinner celebrating North Carolina’s culinary heritage. Tickets cost $125.
Sat, Sept 14th, 8am: Love Durham Run 5k at Herndon Park (511 Scott King Rd, 27713)
The Durham Civitan Club brings the Love Durham 5k to the flat American Tobacco Trail in South Durham. Award categories include genders by age as well as first place stroller and most festively dressed. Registration costs $40.
Sat, Sept 14th, 10am – 1pm: Storytelling and Hands-On Crafts with the Stagville Memorial Project at Durham Main Library (300 N Roxboro St, 27701)
Family Day with storyteller Donna Washington in partnership with the Stagville Memorial Project followed by hands-on crafts.
Sat, Sept 14th, 11am – 12:30pm: Rainbow Story Time at Durham Main Library (300 N Roxboro St, 27701)
Read stories about the importance of voting and civic engagement with partners Kids Voting Durham.
Sat, Sept 14th, 11am: Takiri Folclor Latino at Carolina Theatre (309 W Morgan St, 27701)
Explore Latin American rhythms and dance as part of the Carolina Theatre’s Family Saturday Series, curating affordable arts experiences for all ages. Tickets cost $6.55.
Sat, Sept 14th, 12 – 3:30pm: R+Beads at Cecy’s Gallery (417 Foster St, 27701)
Learn how to make your own jewelry from Angela with R+Beads while noshing on snacks and wine in Cecy’s Gallery. This event is part of the Parties for the Park fundraising series for Durham Central Park. Tickets cost $20.
Sat, Sept 14th, 12 – 4pm: Live at Boxyard (900 Park Offices Dr, RTP, 27709)
Immerse yourself in live art demonstrations with local artists under the theme of “Bringing Traditional Crafts into the Modern Century. Artists will range from sculpture to leather, screen printing to florals, macrame, and yarn.
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Sun Sept 15th, 8am: Donate Life NC Hero Run at Herndon Park (511 Scott King Rd, 27713)
Dress up like a superhero, bring the kids, and raise awareness of organ donation in NC. There are 5k, 1-mile, and sleep-in registration options starting at $20.
Sun, Sept 15th, 12 – 6pm: Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at ZincHouse (6225 Wake Forest Hwy, 27703)
Rideshare over to ZincHouse to celebrate the halfway point toward St. Patrick’s Day 2025! There will be bagpipes, Irish dancers, live music, food trucks, and over 400+ wine, beer, and other beverage options.
Sun, Sept 15th, 11am – 7pm: Durham Punk Flea Market at Durham Armory (220 Foster St, 27701)
SE Punk Flea Market takes over Bull City with loads of DIY vendors and artists selling wares like weirdo art, vinyl records, vintage clothes, and who knows what else. $10 admission, children 12 and under are free.
Sun, Sept 15th, 11am – 5pm: Triangle VegFest at Durham Central Park (501 Foster St, 27701)
Plant-based foodies, get ready for a festival of health-conscious, animal-friendly food and gear vendors. $5 suggested donation, $15 swag bag, or $25+ VIP ticket options
Sun, Sept 15th, 12 – 3pm: Puppy Brunch at Velvet Hippo (119 Orange St, 3rd Fl, 27701)
Enjoy Velvet Hippo’s Sunday brunch specials (like $15 mimosa pitchers!) with a side of baby puppies available for adoption from Hope Animal Rescue and buy a special bevvie to benefit the pups.
Sun, Sept 15th, 4 – 10pm: Sunday Supper: Southern Comfort at The Durham (315 E Chapel Hill St, 27701)
The Durham Hotel kicks off a new monthly Sunday Supper series in their indoor Restaurant. September will celebrate the rich flavors and traditions of the South with crispy fried chicken, mac and cheese, other great sides, and a surprise dessert. Price is $45/adults, $15 for kids under 12.
Mon, Sept 16th, 6:30 – 8pm: Swift Night Out at The Durham Roof (315 E Chapel Hill St, 27701)
Observe majestic chimney swifts (birds, not the other kind of Swift) as they migrate to South America and roost on Durham rooftops on their way. Free and family-friendly.
Wed, Sept 18th, 10:30 – 11am: Storytime on the Roof at The Durham (315 E Chapel Hill St, 27701)
Durham County Library brings storytime to the Roof once a month and you can grab coffee, juice, and homemade pastries from the Coffee Bar in the lobby before going up.
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Wed, Sept 18th, 6 – 8pm: Wine and Cheesecake at HERitage Wines (5107 NC Hwy 55, Ste 102, 27713) Support two Black-owned businesses at once while enjoying pairings of 3 HERitage Wines with 3 Royal Cheesecakes.
Thurs, Sept 19th, 7 – 9:30pm: Jazz on the Roof at The Durham (315 E Chapel Hill St, 27701)
Al Strong, Durham’s resident Jazz expert, invites jazz artists from around the region to improvise on the Roof. Enjoy this free event and buy some cocktails and snacks from the bar.
Thurs, Sept 19th, 6:30pm: Rustic Flower Arranging Class at DSSOLVR (630 Rigsbee Ave, 27701)
Join local Sweet Serendipity Flowers as she guides you in a rustic flower arrangement. Cost is $40.
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Thurs, Sept 19th, 5:30 – 8pm: Creatives Happy Hour at Parts + Labor (723 Rigsbee Ave, 27701)
Artstigators invites friends, family, and all creative folks to enjoy happy hour, with sweet treats from Bold Batch Creamery and tons of local raffle prizes.
Fri, Sept 20th, 6 – 9pm: Third Friday Durham (downtown Durham, 27701)
Wander downtown Durham to find an array of art-inspired activities, from the art walk and gallery crawl to 90s jams on Unscripted’s Patio to networking at Glass Jug. Check the Third Friday website for more events and specials.
Fri, Sept 20th, 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, Sept 20th, 6:30pm: Pops on the Green at American Tobacco Campus (318 Blackwell St, 27701)
The Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle will converge on the lawn under the ATC water tower to bring easily recognizable tunes for the whole family to enjoy. Bring a blanket or lawn chair to this free event.
Sat, Sept 21st, 8am: I AM Too Sexy 5k at American Tobacco Trailhead (602 Blackwell St, 27701)
Celebrate resilience and self-love at this confidence-inspiring 5k run/walk timed by Bull City Running.
Sat, Sept 21st, 9am – 9pm: Bull City Lollygag at Historic Durham Athletic Park (500 W Corporation St, 27701)
The inaugural Bull City Lollygag is a co-ed softball charity tournament benefitting the Durham Parks Foundation. Register your team for $300 and enjoy a day full of softball, themed costumes, food trucks, DJ, and fun activities for all ages.
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Sat, Sept 21st 10am – Sun, Sept 22nd, 5pm: Centerfest Arts Festival in Downtown Durham (27701)
The center of downtown will transform into a festive arts scene, including live music and dance performances, food, and local art vendors. Visit the website to map out your weekend in advance. Free admission with suggested $5 donation to the Durham Arts Council.
Sat, Sept 21st, 10am – 3pm: Baby Goat Festival at Old Mill Farm (8913 NC Hwy 751 S, 27713) Snuggle up with baby goats, watch how goat milk soap is made, listen to live music, and have a grand time at the Baby Goat Festival. Tickets are $15 for ages 3+.
Sat, Sept 21st, 7 – 11pm: Silent Disco Emo Night at Hi-Wire Durham (800 Taylor St, 27701)
Grab your eye liner and prepare to screamo your lungs out at a silent disco for all you 2000s era emo and pop punk fans. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 day of.
Sun, Sept 22nd, 12 – 4pm: Low Country Boil at Old Mill Farm (8913 NC Hwy 751 S, 27713)
Pork in the Road food truck chef Christian Thompson will craft a full low country boil for guests to buy by the pound ($35/1-lb, $60/2-lb, or $80/3-lb).
Mon, Sept 23rd, 6 – 7:30pm: Drywall Repairs Workshop at Home Repair Lab (803 Ramseur St, Ste E, 27701)
Durham County Library sponsors this lecture and hands-on workshop about the basics of drywall repair. Meet at Home Repair Lab, Durham’s own workshop for learning basic fix-it skills for around the house. Participants will receive a 50% discount ($125 value) for HRL’s Toilet Basics Class.
Mon, Sept 23rd, 6:30 – 9:30pm: Oktoberfest Beer Pairing Dinner at Atomic Clock Brewing (501 Washington St, 27701)
Dine on a five-course German-inspired menu by Executive Chef David Lopez and sip the appropriately paired beers selected by Atomic Clock’s Head Brewer Brian. Tickets are $75 GA, $50 non-alcoholic.
Tues, Sept 24th, 6 – 8pm: Bark + Bond Social at Boxyard RTP (900 Park Offices Dr, 27709)
Bring your dog to this monthly puppy playdate at the dog park of Boxyard, presented by The Dog Moms of Durham.
Sat, Sept 28th, 10 – 11am: Drag Story Hour at Boxyard RTP (900 Park Offices Dr, 27709)
Local drag artists, in partnership with the LGBT Center of Raleigh, present a monthly story hour to capture the imagination of children of all ages, with a specific focus on the 5-8 age range.
Sat, Sept 28th, 11am – 8pm: Vintage Baseball Games at Historic Durham Athletic Park (500 W Corporation St, 27701)
Enjoy America’s pastime the way it was historically played as Duke Homestead honors the struggles and achievements of the last century of Durham baseball. Tickets are $5 thru 9/15.
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Sat, Sept 28th, 11am: Winery Wander at ZincHouse Winery + Brewery (6225 Wake Forest Hwy, 27703)
Sign up for this 21+ 5k race through the vineyards and explore the 87-acre stunning space. One drink
Sat, Sept 28th, 2 – 3pm: Oktoberfest Flower Arranging Class at Weldon Mills Distillery (300 E Main St, 27701)
Create something beautiful as we wind down September by designing an Oktoberfest bouquet of sunflowers and with Sweet Serendipity florist. Cost is $45.
Sat, Sept 28th, 2 – 7pm: Jollof Festival at Congress Social Bar (471 S Driver St, 27703) Jollof Festival comes to the Bull City for the first time, giving Durhamites the chance to vote on their favorite country’s sample. Check your voter registration status for $10 off tickets.
Sat, Sept 28th, 4pm – Sun Sept 29th, 7am: Bull City Campout at West Point on the Eno (5101 N Roxboro St, 27704)
Durham Parks and Recreation will provide the hot dogs and night hikes, you bring your family and a sense of adventure. $8/residents, $13/non-residents
Sat, Sept 28th, 5 – 6pm: Yoga with Goats at Elodie Farms (9522 Hampton Rd, Rougemont, 27572)
Relax on the farm with some evening yoga surrounded by goats. Cost is $25 with all proceeds supporting the construction of classrooms in a village in Honduras.
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Sun, Sept 29th, 12:30 – 2pm: Spooky Crafty Halloween Paint and Sip at Lonerider Distillery and Taproom (708 Ramseur St, 27701)
Start your spooky szn by painting a wooden ghost friend holding a chalkboard with a saying of your choice. Cost is $30.
Sun, Sept 29th, 4 – 6pm: Trucks for the Park at Durham Central Park (501 Foster St, 27701)
Enjoy a private, mini food truck rodeo with 15+ trucks and no long lines. This event supports Durham Central Park with tickets for $55 (can feed 1-2 people depending on appetite).
Now get out there and soak up the last of summer while basking in the incoming serenity of fall, you lovely Durhamites!
For even more fun ways to enjoy the beautiful Bull city, check out these 75+ Date Night Ideas to pair with any of these fun monthly events!
I’m Chrysti!
Durham real estate agent and enthusiast for all the best the area has to offer.
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