Halloween costume parties, concerts and after-dark museum frights fill the Bull City this weekend. Catch a Broadway nanny, wander among 19th-century spirits, chase blues and zydeco, and dance through haunted trails, block parties and two brand-new citywide festivals – plus so much more!
Compiled by Amanda MacLaren
Durham Fringe Festival – Through Sunday – Downtown Durham becomes the stage for this inaugural 10-day festival, presented by the Carolina Theatre as a pillar of its centennial celebration. More than 50 Durham-based artists transform storefronts, galleries, bars, alleyways and green spaces at more than 20 venues with dance, theater, clowning, comedy, poetry, puppetry, live music and interactive experiences.
‘Radio Golf’ – Thursday-Friday, 7pm; and Saturday, 2pm – Switch Theatre Co. stages the final chapter of August Wilson’s 10-play American Century Cycle in the PSI Theatre at the Durham Arts Council. Real estate developer Harmond Wilks stands on the verge of becoming Pittsburgh’s first Black mayor, but his plan to redevelop the Hill District hinges on a single rundown house owned by longtime resident “Old Joe” Barlow, who may share a deeper connection to Harmond’s past. John Frazier directs DeAndre Sanders, Gus Hummings, Shamere Reid, Wayne Edmondson and Gerald Campbell.
Witches Night Out on the Roof – Thursday, 6-10pm – Gather your coven and head to the rooftop at The Durham Hotel for a moonlit evening of femme empowerment. DJ Emelcie spins while woman-owned pop-ups offer tarot readings with Erin Harker of Magick Makers, aura photography from Alexandra Williams of APW Media and flash tattoos by Ayden Love of TinyFire. The witchy menu features the Potion No. 9 cocktail, herby-avocado deviled eggs under a cobweb of crème fraîche and mini pumpkin cheesecakes.
AfterHours: Science of Fear – Thursday, 6:30-10pm – Costumed grown-ups take over the Museum of Life and Science for spooky crafts, fearsome games and expert insights into the biology behind our deepest fears. Help break the Curse of the Cretaceous on the Dinosaur Trail, ride the Ellerbe Creek Railway, get up close with spiders and sign up for the Terror Trials. DJ Damien Maass keeps folks dancing on the Train Plaza, and local vendors including Moon Dog Meadery, Melanated Wine and Spirits and DSSOLVR pour samples.
Museum of Left Behind – Friday, 11am – Weird Art Productions – the team behind Weird Windows and Parties on Parrish – gathers objects from those who are no longer here into a pop-up community exhibition at NorthStar Church of the Arts. The collection takes its cue from the Museum of Broken Relationships and honors human loss specifically. The exhibition is part of the All Onyx World Festival.
All Onyx World – Friday, 5pm – Durham artist and activist Jooselord (Raheem Williams) honors his son, Onyx Nyne Williams – who died of glioblastoma in March at age 5 – with this new citywide festival. More than 30 North Carolina artists spread across seven venues – Durham Central Park, The Fruit, NorthStar Church of the Arts, Motorco Music Hall, Boom Club, Rubies on Five Points and The Pinhook – alongside family activities, skating, visual art, local vendors and spaces for remembrance. G. Yamazawa, Reuben Vincent, CJ Monet and more perform before a tribute to Onyx and a headlining set from Jooselord. The day also raises awareness for the Onyx Is Hope Foundation, which assists families navigating childhood cancer.
Halloween Phantasmagoria – Friday, 6:30-9:30pm – Grab a flashlight and wander the grounds of Duke Homestead State Historic Site to explore 19th-century notions of spiritualism, awe and wonder. Staff keep the surprises under wraps, and returning visitors will find new encounters this year. None of the experiences aim to scare, though some content may not suit young children. Dress for the weather – the evening unfolds mostly outdoors on uneven terrain.
One Card Lift – Friday, 7-10pm – Brothers Chris, Geoff and Linc Ely finally share a stage after years of high school bands, college gigs and solo recording projects. Now retired, the Durham-born trio cranks out ’90s alternative covers, rock favorites and a few originals at The Blue Note Grill.
‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ – Friday, 7:30pm; Saturday, 2pm and 7:30pm; and Sunday, 1pm and 6:30pm – Catch the touring musical comedy based on the 1993 Robin Williams film at DPAC. An out-of-work actor disguises himself as a Scottish nanny to spend time with his kids, setting off a hysterical and heartfelt chain of events.
The 9th Annual Rocky Horror Picture Show Halloween Ball – Friday and Saturday, 7:30pm – Fasten your garter belt for a Carolina Theatre Retro Film Series tradition: a full theatrical screening packed with special effects, a blazing light show, fog and callbacks in historic Fletcher Hall. Rain-soaked Brad and Janet take refuge in the castle of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a mad scientist from outer space on the verge of unveiling his greatest creation.
Hellathon ‘26: A Mettlesome Halloween Variety Hour – Friday and Saturday, 8-9pm – Face your demons at a spooky, kooky comedy hour set in the underworld at Mettlesome. Expect a true variety show, with live musicians, comedians, performed sketches and more, and a different lineup each night of the run. Tristan Yonce directs, with assistant director Rose Werth and tech by Mira McMahon.
Halloween Karaoke & Costume Contest – Friday, 8-10pm – Belt out your best spooky anthem on the beer garden stage at The Glass Jug Beer Lab’s RTP taproom while DJ Dheet spins. Show up in your finest seasonal getup to compete for prizes, and sip craft beer, canned cocktails, wine and the brewery’s THC lemonade between songs.
Halloweekend – Friday and Saturday, 9:30pm-1:30am – Make a two-night stand of Halloween weekend at The Velvet Hippo. Participate in a costume contest with Jorden The DJ on the decks on Friday, and get your glow on with a blacklight dance party hosted by Gay Agenda on Saturday.
Fall Fest – Saturday, 8am-noon – Sip hot cider while you shop fresh fall produce, baked goods and seasonal treats from Durham Farmers Market vendors at Durham Central Park. Vote in the annual vendor costume contest and strike a pose at the fall photo booth. Kids race in sacks, play pumpkin ring toss and get their faces painted as something spooky or cute.
Howl-Ween Market – Saturday, 8am-noon – Pups and kiddos parade their best costumes for prizes at South Durham Farmers Market, where vendors hand out treats to trick-or-treaters. Climb aboard emergency vehicles at a touch-a-truck event (duty permitting), and warm up with hot soup from Ternawtheri Farms.
Halloween Drag Brunch at Counting House: The Garden of Frights and Delights – Saturday, noon-2pm – Spend Halloween afternoon at Counting House restaurant inside 21c Museum Hotel Durham with a brunch buffet and two rounds of performances from Stormie Daie, Naomi Dix and Spray J, plus music by DJ Luxe Posh. Come spooky, glamorous or over-the-top – a costume contest unfolds as part of the show.
All Hallow’s Smash: An Iron Pour and Smash Fest Pre-Party – Saturday, noon-3pm – Liberty Arts and The Scrap Exchange team up for a pre-trick-or-treat afternoon in the Scrap sideyard. Swing a sledgehammer with Liberty Arts’ iron-breaking captains to break down bathtubs and scrap iron that become art at the annual Iron Pour, or try coke sand smashing and test-drive smash contraptions. Little ones stomp bubble wrap and visit the Make N’ Break crafting station while The Glass Jug pours beer and Durham Congee Corner serves snacks.
‘American Horror Story’ Halloween Party – Saturday, 2-10pm – Sip themed cocktails from cauldron mugs, sparkling purple potion shots and “experimental” Jell-O shots as a healthy dose of cultish weirdness takes over DSSOLVR. Paint mini pumpkins, grab a biohazard snack bag and strike a pose in an inflatable coffin or against a police lineup backdrop at the photo booth. Three Count Records spins in the evening, BDawgs Food Truck serves eats on site, and costumed guests – show-inspired or not – vie for skeleton trophies.
After-Dark Halloween Party – Saturday, 2pm-2am – Boxcar Bar + Arcade turns Halloween into a 12-hour marathon. Little ones trick-or-treat at chocolate, sweet and sour candy stations and paint pumpkins on the patio while supplies last. Costumed guests score goodie bags with arcade tokens, and themed drinks and pizza specials like the Bacon Buffalo Body Bag keep the party fueled. DJ Drop spins into the night, and prizes go to the best overall, scariest and most original costumes.
Sleepy Fest: Cattyrompus – Saturday, 2pm-2am – Sleepy Cat Records celebrates its festival’s fifth anniversary with a Halloween takeover of The Pinhook and Rubies on Five Points. The afternoon “Prowl” features Twain, Chessa Rich, Lou Hazel, Woke County Speedway and more across both venues, plus a live-scored puppet show, mask making and DIY fest tee printing. Naomi Dix and Stormie Daie host the late-night Hell Cat Dance Party at The Pinhook, and Strut the Yard leads a silent disco Soul Train down Main Street.
Sweet Dreams: An Early Halloween New Wave Party – Saturday, 4pm – Dance through the darker side of the ’80s at Stanczyks with synth-pop, post-punk and more from Eurythmics, Blondie, Tears for Fears, Depeche Mode, The Cure, New Order and Dead or Alive. Come in costume and make it home before the witching hour.
Halloween Pet Costume Party – Saturday, 5-8pm – Dress your four-legged friend in their spookiest (or silliest) getup and drop by Ment Beverage Co. to snap a few photos and grab a treat for your pup. The casual come-and-go format lets pets join the Halloween night fun alongside their humans.
The Roguez: Beer Garden Concert Series – Saturday, 6-9pm – Catch the final outdoor show of the year at The Glass Jug Beer Lab’s RTP taproom with The Roguez, a Fuquay-Varina group blending alternative, blues, country, dance, metal, pop and rock. Subslicious serves sandwiches from its truck, and the outdoor bar pours beer right next to the stage. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to claim your spot.
Halloween Party – Saturday, 7pm – Covered in Jam plays live at Durham Beer Garden, and the festivities roll on late into the night. Come dressed up, bring your crew and grab a cold drink or a dark spirit.
A Mystic Halloween Costume Party & Haunted Trail – Saturday, 7pm-midnight – Mystic Farm & Distillery throws its 13th annual Halloween bash with specialty cocktails, live music from K Bomb & The Kool Whips and a set by DJ Ena Pop. Get a tarot reading, compete for costume contest prizes, hear horror stories told in the cemetery and brave the woods after dark. Crispy Gyoza and Smash Masters food trucks keep everyone fueled.
TSB Thrillah Block Party – Saturday, 7-10pm – The Southern Brothas transform CCB Plaza into a costumed dance party for ghouls, goblins, families and night crawlers, with ShowOut the Entertainer presiding as Major the Bull looks on. Watch for Jose Velasquez’s “Thriller” flash mob, and dance to headliner DJ Nabs, who toured with Michael Jackson. The party is part of the Durham Fringe Festival.
Deep Creeps Halloween Party – Saturday, 8pm-2am – Kingfisher and Queeny’s join forces for a two-venue bash with spooky drink specials and local DJs. Kingfisher trades its usual menu for fast drinks and fast BPMs. Expect vampire teeth. A $400 cash prize goes to the best handmade costume, so think Scrap Exchange-sourced materials and wild new creature creations.
The Mall Goth Horror Picture Show – Saturday, 9pm – Freaks, report to the dance floor at Rubies on Five Points, where Fifi Hi-Fi, Mike D and Scary Dude spin pop, disco and egregious dubstep remixes of the angsty anthems you forgot you loved. Expect candy, decorations and prizes for the best costumes, with bonus consideration for Rocky Horror looks, plus a Time Warp mob. Phones stay in the bar room to keep the dance floor device-free.
2026 Annual TBS Blues Challenge – Sunday, 1-6pm – Regional solo, duo and band acts compete at The Blue Note Grill for a chance to represent the Triangle Blues Society at the Blues Foundation’s 42nd International Blues Challenge in Memphis. Expect nothing but the blues, plus a youth category for players younger than 21.
Awadagin Pratt – Sunday, 2pm – The renowned pianist brings his America 250 program to Duke University’s Baldwin Auditorium for an afternoon celebrating the depth and diversity of American classical music as part of Duke Arts Presents’ new season. His program explores the many voices that have shaped American music, featuring works by Florence Price, George Walker, Nathaniel Dett, Judd Greenstein and Fred Hersch, as well as his own arrangement of the spiritual “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child” and Brahms’ monumental “Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel.”
Service Team Graduation – Sunday, 2-4pm – Cheer on veterans and their rescue dogs as they mark two years of training together toward greater independence, confidence and companionship. Vets to Vets United hosts the ceremony at the Hilton Durham near Duke University.
For even more weekend fun, check out:
Carolina Gayniacs Hurricanes Hockey Watch Party at The Glass Jug Beer Lab – Downtown – Thursday, 7-9pm
Clover-Lynn / Feather Pocket / with special guest Tatiana Hargreaves at The Pinhook – Thursday, 7:30pm
Bruce Cockburn with Livingston Taylor at the Carolina Theatre – Thursday, 8pm
First Responders Unified Softball Showcase: Police vs. Fire at the Historic Durham Athletic Park – Friday, 5:30-8pm
JLDOC Halloween Bingo at the Durham Armory – Friday, 6-10pm
Trunk or Treat at Greenwood Commons Shopping Center – Friday, 6:30-8:30pm
Hallow Drag Bingo with Seanica at The Glass Jug Beer Lab – Downtown – Friday, 7-9pm
Friday Fright Movie Night at Durham Beer Garden – Friday, 7pm
Wolves in the Garden Halloween Climbing Comp at The Boulder Garden – Saturday, 7:45am
Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. & The Ils Sont Partis Band at The Blue Note Grill – Saturday, 7:30pm
JZM Brazilian Jazz Trio at Succotash – Saturday, 7-9pm
Giant Robot Fright Club: Halloween Edition at Motorco Music Hall – Saturday, 8pm
Anna Maynard at The Fruit – Sunday, 7pm
The Army, The Navy: The Fake Brave Tour at Motorco Music Hall – Sunday, 8pm
For more community events and happenings, visit our online calendar.
