Durham Magazine

14/08/2025

Ready to pack your weekend with art, film, music and more in the ? 🎭🎨🎶

Step into Shakespeare’s world as Scrap Paper Shakespeare brings "Love’s Labor’s Lost" to life at Shadowbox Studio 💌, or immerse yourself in dozens of powerful stories at OUTSOUTH Q***r Film Festival – the Southeast’s second-largest LGBTQ film festival, presented by The Carolina Theatre of Durham. 🎬🌈

Friday night, wander around Downtown Durham, Inc. for Third Friday Durham – find a live art battle with Weird Productions, Durham Art Guild and disco queen AZUL at CCB Plaza, 🎨⚡ and explore new exhibitions at Ella West Gallery, 5 Points Gallery and The Daily Beer Bar – plus beats, brews and a femme-fueled dance party at The Velvet Hippo Bar & Lounge. 🖼️🕺

Sway to soul-infused string melodies with Mallarme Chamber Players at Missy Lane's Assembly Room during Summer Strings of Soul 🎻✨, travel back in time at Duke Homestead State Historic Site's Brightleaf Harvest Day 🚜, or hunt for your next creative treasure at the Intergalactic Bead Show at the Durham Convention Center. 💎

Toast to a good cause with Fullsteam/Fullsteam - Boxyard RTP, RTP Uncorked and Animal Aid Alliance NC's Rescue Brew Launch Party at Boxyard RTP 🍺🐾 – meet adoptable pups, groove to DJ Marrs, and say hi to the towering Horse King.🐴

What’s topping your weekend list? Tag us in your adventures 📸 and tap the 🔗 below for the full scoop!

From annual festivals to fundraisers and more, read on for everything fun you can eat, drink and do in Durham this weekend.

13/08/2025

Heard about the 𝒉𝒐𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒔𝒕 new Durham restaurants? 🔥🍽️🌯

🌮 We spoke with chef Oscar Diaz about the vision behind his Tulum-inspired restaurant, Aaktun, which blends Peruvian, Colombian and Chilean flavors on its menus, as well as its coffee and grab-and-go baked goods bar. ☕️🍰

For a cross-cultural take on classic Thai dishes, head over to Chef Jack Ungsriwong’s Thaiangle Restaurant. 🍲 Opened in February 2024, Thaiangle offers meals that 𝚋𝚕𝚎𝚗𝚍 traditional Thai cuisine with an American Chinese 𝕥᭙ⅈડ𝕥.

Next up is in 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐟 𝐒𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐞, where you can find delectable Detroit-style pizzas 🍕 and locally brewed favorites from Ponysaurus Brewing Co., Bull City Ciderworks - Durham and more. 🍻

If you’re looking for a family-friendly burger joint, try Marshall Davis and Angela Salamanca’s Patty Boy, which brings North Carolina influences to an Oklahoma-style smashburger at the Durham Food Hall. 🍔

We asked the folks behind Durham’s hottest new restaurants what makes each one stand out

07/08/2025

Summer is halfway over today! ☀️🍂 Have you had a chance to sit back, relax, reflect and reset to prepare for the months ahead?

It's not too late to make the most of the season we're in with advice from our city's most trusted wellness professionals – and Best of Durham winners – who share their best tips for resetting your body and mind to find balance and joy.

A few of their suggestions include:
🧘‍♀️ Join a yoga, barre or Pilates class (reserve your spot at one of our readers' favorite studios such as yoga off east, Neighborhood Barre Durham or InsideOut BodyTherapies) to relieve stress while moving your body 👟

✨ Dedicate time to strengthening your emotional well-being, whether through a counseling session at Waypoint Counseling & Maternal Wellness, Radical Healing or Insight Counseling Center, PLLC or by finding activities that bring you comfort and joy 🎨

🌳 Find peace in nature as you explore Durham’s outdoors spaces, such as Sarah P. Duke Gardens 🌻

Find new balance this season with these tips for resetting your body and mind from trusted local wellness professionals

07/08/2025

Ready to make the most of your weekend in the ? 🌈✨

Ease on down the road to DPAC as The Wiz Broadway brings showstopping funk and soul to the stage with a spin on the classic tale 🎭✨, or celebrate a decade of skyline views at ’s rooftop anniversary bash – think complimentary treats 🍰☕, a special toast 🥂 and a rooftop dance party with DJ Gemynii and shirlette ammons. 🎶🌃 🕺

Baseball fans: don’t miss the action-packed Home Run Derby X with Durham Bulls Baseball Club for big swings and big league energy ⚾🔥. For music lovers, let South Asian rhythms wash over you during the Durham Raga Revival at The Carolina Theatre of Durham 🪕🎻, or spread out with Durham Parks and Recreation at Piney Wood Park for an indie-soul sunset concert with Emma Jane & Tre. Charles. 🎤🌅

Sunday, turn up for a great cause at Girls Rock NC’s Pass the Mic Fest in Durham Central Park with live youth bands 🎸, an open mic 🎤, workshops 🛠️ and community vibes all afternoon. 🤝 Or, shop your way through the Summer Patchwork Market 🛍️🎨 – browse more than 55 artists and makers, and snag a free tote bag if you’re among the first 100 shoppers! 👜✨

What’s your can’t-miss pick? Tag us in your weekend adventures 📸 and hit the 🔗 below to read our full lineup and get all the deets!

From annual festivals to fundraisers and more, read on for everything fun you can eat, drink and do in Durham this weekend.

06/08/2025

𝕋𝕠𝕒𝕤𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝟙𝟘 🍾✨

This summer The Durham Hotel celebrates ten years since its transformation into a boutique hotel and event venue.

The downtown landmark completed a subtle refresh of its gathering spaces in April, and subsequently unveiled extended evening hours at its ground-floor coffee bar plus updated food and beverage menus. 🎉

☕The Coffee Bar is now open from 7 a.m.-9 p.m. on weekdays and 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m. on weekends, serving small plates, shareable entrees and desserts plus a range of cocktails, mocktails, tea, wine, beer and boozy caffeinated drinks made with Counter Culture Coffee brew. ☕️🍰

🍸The Roof – which now accepts reservations for tables under the covered portion and for the couch pods on the open-air portion of the rooftop for parties larger than six – offers a build-your-own spritz bar on Sundays, small plates, desserts and gorgeous city views. 🌆

𝙅𝙤𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙁𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙖𝙮:

➡️ Enjoy cake, iced coffee and sparkling wine during a reception at the Coffee Bar from 2-4 p.m. – and don't miss the community toast at 3 p.m.! 🥂

➡️ Head to The Roof for DJ sets by Gemynii from 6-8 p.m. and 9-10 p.m., a live performance by Shirlette Ammons and guests at 8p.m., plus $5 bubbly and a special anniversary cocktail menu all night long! 🪩

This downtown landmark completed a refresh of its ground-floor coffee bar and rooftop restaurant and bar as it marks a decade

01/08/2025

🎭🎶 Raise the curtain – our 𝘼𝙧𝙩𝙨 & 𝙀𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙪𝙚 just dropped, and it's taking center stage! 🎨✨

Our August/September edition is your passport to Durham’s most creative corners and tastiest tables.

Inside, you’ll find:
🎭 A peek behind the curtain at Walltown Children's Theatre
🎨 The colorful story of the African American Quilt Circle
🎻 A conductor striking a new chord at The Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle
🖍️ Back-to-school (and planning!) essentials from top stationery shops
📅 Your ultimate fall arts guide to can’t-miss concerts, exhibits & more

PLUS:
🌭 Hot dogs you’ll love at first bite (bun intended)
🍹 The latest buzz: hemp-infused drinks and cool summer sips
🍵 A Japanese tea ceremony with Durham culinary legends

From the people and places powering the Bull City’s creative scene to chef-driven eats worth savoring, consider this issue your go-to guide for every moment – and every bite – this season.

👀 Dive in at the link below!

📸 by John Michael Simpson at Walltown Children's Theatre

Discover decadent 'dogs, buzzy beverages and tea traditions. Plus, learn about Durham’s talented makers, performers and so much more!

31/07/2025

This weekend, the Bull City comes alive with music, flavor and celebration. Catch BIA headlining the PlayList Concert Series at Durham Central Park, or sample new releases and local flavors at Mead Day with Ment Beverage Co. Enjoy youth performances at Bop at the Box, party in neon at The Velvet Hippo’s second anniversary, savor Latin food and culture at Durham Fiesta Latina and so much more!

From annual festivals to fundraisers and more, read on for everything fun you can eat, drink and do in Durham this weekend.

25/07/2025

🌇 Ready to explore this weekend? We've curated a stacked itinerary for spending a summer Saturday in 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝔻𝕀𝕐 𝔻𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕣𝕚𝕔𝕥. ☀️

👉 This vibrant pocket of downtown home to more than 20 Best of Durham winners, from cafes and restaurants to breweries, live music venues and more.

Start your day off with a coffee from Cocoa Cinnamon/Little Waves Coffee Roasters or Foster Street Coffee ☕, followed by a delicious pastry from Little Barb’s Bakery in Durham Food Hall 🍪 before you stroll the Durham Farmers' Market at Durham Central Park and visit vendors including Melina's Fresh Pasta, Isaac's Bagels and Lo & Behold Natural Body Care.

Then, browse local shops while enjoying brews 🍻 from Atomic Clock Brewing Co or The Glass Jug Beer Lab - Downtown Durham in The Bullpen, downtown's social district.

Wrap the night up by catching musicians performing at Motorco 🎸 or with a trip to Boxcar Bar + Arcade to play some classic arcade games. 👾

Visit the link below for the full schedule! 🌟 And kudos to all the winners of this district, in addition to those mentioned above:
Locals Seafood
Virge Yoga
Hutchins Garage
Locopops Durham
Welcome Tattoo
Louella Wine Beer & Beverages
Heal Tree
Sherlocks Glass & Dispensary
The Glass Jug Beer Lab - Downtown Durham
Durham Distillery featuring Conniption Gins's Conniption Bar & Lounge - Formerly Co**se Reviver Cocktail Bar

Explore the best of this vibrant pocket of downtown, including bakeries, unique shops, craft breweries, lively nightlife and more.

21/07/2025

🍕 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡 𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐧 🚨

Dino's Pizza, from award-winning chef Matt Kelly and co-owner/chef Tom Cuomo, is 𝙉𝙊𝙒 𝙊𝙋𝙀𝙉 at University Hill. Expect nostalgic vibes, crispy pies, wings, pasta and plenty of patio space for hangs with family and friends.🍝 🍽️ 🍗

📍3109 Shannon Rd., Ste. 100
🕔 Wednesday-Sunday, 5-10 p.m.

📖 Tap the 🔗 below to read our most recent article highlighting Matt's 10th recognition as one of Durham’s best chefs – as voted by our readers – as well as spotlighting the talented chefs at his restaurants who continue to "keep Durham tasty."

From revitalizing Nanas to helping launch the family-friendly Dino’s, Matt Kelly continues shaping Durham’s food scene while spotlighting the next generation of star chefs

17/07/2025

This weekend in is stacked with can’t-miss moments! 📚🎺🎶

Celebrate summer and community at Book Harvest’s annual Block Party, where families can dive into a day of books and fun at the Durham Bulls Baseball Club Athletic Park. Sip and slurp your way through the fourth annual Oyster Fest at The Durham Hotel, and catch Durham’s own Al Strong playing jazz on The Roof. 🎷🍸

Don’t miss your shot at a seat for Les Misérables US at DPAC 🎭✨, and experience bold new moves with two American Dance Festival performances: the visionary Alonzo King Alonzo King LINES Ballet and a powerhouse Limon Dance Company program.

Find inspiration in art, live music and gallery crawls during Downtown Durham, Inc.'s Third Friday Durham, including King Nobuyoshi Godwin Art's new exhibit at 5 Points Gallery, and honor local legacies at the opening of Museum of Durham History and Friends of Geer Cemetery - Durham, NC’s "Day of Honor Posts" exhibit. 🎨🖼️ Rock out with The Wallflowers at The Carolina Theatre of Durham, and soak up the city’s creative energy all weekend long.

Where will you be? Tag us in your weekend adventures👇 and find our full lineup of events and details at the 🔗 below. 🗓️

From annual festivals to fundraisers and more, read on for everything fun you can eat, drink and do in Durham this weekend.

14/07/2025

🎭 Big news from Duke Arts this morning! 🎉 Deborah F. Rutter, former The Kennedy Center president and one of the nation’s most accomplished arts leaders, is joining Duke University as its new vice provost for the arts! 💙🎨

Starting Sept. 1, she’ll bring her passion for innovation, access and community connection to campus and beyond.🌟 She succeeds John Brown, who stepped down June 30 after five years in the role.

💬 “It has been my life’s passion to enable the extraordinary talents of artists to inspire, challenge, console, delight and invigorate us through the free expression of their art, and to facilitate broad accessibility to the transformative experiences they make possible.” – Deborah Rutter

Welcome to Durham, Deborah! 👋

📸 by Todd Rosenberg

10/07/2025

The weekend in the is packed with creativity! ✨💃🎸

Groove to the funky beats of the Sam Fribush Organ Trio at Durham Central Park 🎹🕺, and dive into two bold American Dance Festival shows at Duke University: Miguel Gutierrez's "Super Nothing" and three ADF-commissioned world premieres at "Footprints." 🎭🔥

Chill with jazz fusion and bluegrass under the stars with and Counterclockwise String Band at Durham Parks and Recreation’s Summer Concerts in the Park 🌳🎶, or turn up the energy with genre-blending live music from The NuBeing Collective at Missy Lane's Assembly Room. 🎤✨ Cheer on cardboard-clad warriors at 🤖🥊, then laugh out loud with W. Kamau Bell at The Carolina Theatre of Durham. 😂🎤

Unforgettable performances, outdoor jams and wild, one-of-a-kind fun are all on tap. Where will you be? Let us know in the comments!👇🌟

Check the 🔗 below for the full roundup and all the details! 🗓️

From annual festivals to fundraisers and more, read on for everything fun you can eat, drink and do in Durham this weekend.