DURHAM and RALEIGH EVENTS

JANUARY

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade
Named "One of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast," the parade features floats, marching bands, steppers, horses, motorcycles, school groups and more; parade starts on Fayetteville Street at Lakewood and ends at Elmira Avenue, Durham; http://www.king-raleigh.org

FEBRUARY

Black History Month
Durham or Raleigh; http://www.durham-nc.com or http://www.visitraleigh.com

 
Annual Valentine's Day Jazz Festival
Hayti Center, Durham; http://www.hayti.org

Hayti Heritage Film Festival 
A celebration of African American cinema that brings renowned and aspiring filmmakers together with enthusiasts and academicians; films showcase the richness of Black culture while embodying universal themes; Hayti Center in Durham; http://www.hayti.org

Native American Powwow
Annual celebration of Native American culture; North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics; http://www.durham-nc.com 

Raleigh Blues Festival
RBC Center, Raleigh; http://www.visitraleigh.com

MARCH

Spirit of Hayti Awards Ceremony & Gala
Celebrating 30 years of service to the arts and cultural preservation; Hayti Center, Durham; http://www.hayti.org or http://www.durham-nc.com

Annual Durham Spring Carnival
Games, rides, prizes, music, food and entertainment for the entire family; Durham County Stadium; http://www.durham-nc.com

APRIL

Full Frame Documentary Film Festival
Festival includes over 100 films; Durham; http://www.fullframefest.org

MAY

 
Artsploure - Raleigh Arts Festival
Free outdoor festival featuring internationally renowned jazz and blues headliners, an Art Market, interactive art installations and"Kidsplosure" arts and crafts activities for children and their families; Downtown Raleigh; http://www.visitraleigh.com

Taste of Durham Festival
International celebration with food, music and entertainment; Durham; http://www.tasteofdurham.org

Bimbe Cultural Arts Festival 
Annual music and arts festival; Durham Central Park; http://www.ncfestivals.com/events/eventdetails.asp?event=391

JUNE

American Dance Festival 
Largest modern dance festival in the world; Duke University, Durham; http://www.americandancefestival.org

Juneteenth
Featuring live music, children's activities, food, vendors, workshops and more; African American Cultural Complex; http://www.aaccmuseum.org

JULY

Festival for the Eno 
Annual festival featuring 100 performers on 5 stages; Durham County Stadium; http://www.durham-nc.com

Amistad Saga: Reflections
Don't miss the annual production of the only outdoor drama written, produced, and directed by and about African Americans in the US; African American Cultural Complex; Raleigh; http://www.aaccmuseum.org

SEPTEMBER

Bull Durham Blues Festival
Durham Bulls Athletic Park; http://www.bulldurhamblues.org

North Carolina State Fair
The largest event in the state, the Fair features concerts, games, rides, side shows, food and other family-friendly entertainment; North Carolina State Fairgrounds, Raleigh; http://www.ncstatefair.org

OCTOBER

Durham Arts Council’s Centerfest
One of the North Carolina’s oldest street fairs featuring food, entertainment, arts and crafts; Downtown Durham; http://centerfest.durhamarts.org

Saint Augustine's College Homecoming
Featuring College Gospel Explosion, Miss Saint Augustine's College Coronation & Ball, Talent Show, Golf Tournament, fashion expo, Alumni Career Expo, Bid Whist Tournament, Homecoming Parade, step show and more; St. Augustine College; http://www.st-aug.edu

DECEMBER

Kwanzaa Celebration
Begins 12/26; annual 7-day celebration of the African American culture at Hayti Heritage Center; Durham; http://www.hayti.org