Reggae grooves, Grammy-winning roots rock, an all-female Billy Joel tribute and emo karaoke fill the Bull City’s stages this weekend. Round it out with a Latin heritage festival, a 1940s Havana speakeasy party, a shark-themed pop-up week, custom Lego building over drinks and a high-energy dance spectacular at DPAC – plus so much more!
Compiled by Amanda MacLaren and Sharon Kinsella
Shark Week Hoo Ha Ha – Thursday-Saturday, noon-10pm – DSSOLVR goes all in on Shark Week with themed screenings, jaw-some cocktails and jello shots, and a fin-omenal photo booth. Guests 21 and older can try their luck at the “Sink or Swim” carnival game, picking a rubber shark from the bar’s mini pool for a shot at a prize, while shark-shaped snack bags keep the whole week feeling like camp for grown-ups.
Beer Garden Concert Series: The Hourglass Kids – Friday, 6-9pm – Glass Jug Beer Lab – RTP hosts an evening of rock and reggae as this local outfit blends psychedelic jam, funk and neo-jazz into one groove-heavy set. Grab a canned cocktail or one of the taproom’s rotating brews and settle onto the patio for a warm-weather show. Campbell’s Jamaican Cafe rolls up with jerk chicken and other bites from 5 to 8pm.
Christmas in July Party – Friday, 6-9pm – Dig out those ugly Christmas sweaters and shirts: Blnk Spce Designs turns up the holiday spirit mid-summer with a spiked hot cocoa bar, pop-up activities and sweet treats at Market on Market. Plus, don’t miss your last chance to shop festive finds and limited seasonal goodies during the month-long Christmas in July sale.
Live @ ATC – Covered in Jam – Friday, 6:30pm – Bring a chair and grab a drink from on-site vendors Fullsteam Brewery and Ment Beverage Co. as this Raleigh-based rock, funk and groove band takes over The Water Tower at American Tobacco Campus, presented by Live at Bay 7 as part of its summer lineup. Lean into the band’s deep grooves, big transitions and high-energy covers alongside original material built to keep the crowd moving.
The Mavericks & Friends – Friday, 8pm – The Carolina Theatre hosts this “multicultural American roots” act as it marks three decades of Grammy-winning, genre-crossing sound pioneered by founder Raul Malo. Their music blends stateside influences like country and rock ‘n’ roll with the border-crossing textures of Cuban grooves, Tex-Mex twang and Latin swagger. Trace the band’s evolution – from 1990s county radio hits like “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down” to the genre-bending sound that’s defined them since the 2010s.
Beach Cabana in Havana – Friday, 9pm-midnight – Boxcar Bar + Arcade transforms into a 1940s Havana speakeasy for one night, complete with a secret entrance, vintage decor and staff dressed for the era. Sip Caribbean-inspired signature cocktails; dance to Cuban jazz, Sinatra and Latin standards; and snap a photo at the vintage-style photo station. Old Hollywood glamour meets Caribbean nightlife inside the venue’s private back event space.
Modern Woman: The All-Female Billy Joel Tribute Experience – Saturday, 7:30pm – The Blue Note Grill welcomes back this tribute band for another night of all-female Billy Joel covers, mixing fan favorites with new songs and surprises. Pull on leather jackets and shades, sing along from the first note and settle in for a set built to make the week disappear.
Holy Wave / Vulture Twin – Saturday, 7:30pm – Head to The Pinhook for a subterranean pop double bill. Holy Wave performs from its new album, “I’m DaDa,” which sharpens the four-piece group’s woozy sound into something leaner, groove-driven and dream-soaked. Vulture Twin, the duo of Elizabeth Vallero and Eddie Sanchez, opens with songs from its self-titled debut EP, a three-track run of hypnotic garage rock shot through with fuzzed-out guitars and haunting synth.
Emo Night Karaoke – Saturday, 8pm – Grab the mic and take lead vocals at Motorco Music Hall, backed by a live band of touring musicians who’ve played Warped Tour and When We Were Young festival. Choose from a set list of 100-plus pop punk and emo staples, with lyrics scrolling on screens and the band jumping in on backup vocals when you want it. Sign-ups happen first-come, first-served the night of the show.
Music for the Masses: Dark ’80s New Wave Nite – Saturday, 9pm – Stanczyks brings Brooklyn’s beloved New Wave party to Durham for a night of Depeche Mode, New Order, Joy Division and The Cure. Expect a set stacked with genre staples from Bowie, The Smiths, Siouxsie & The Banshees, Duran Duran and more, plus deeper cuts from Nitzer Ebb and Front 242.
Durham Fiesta Latina – Sunday, noon-4pm – Sample authentic Latin cuisine, dance along to live music and folkloric performances, and join family activities spread across Durham Central Park during this annual celebration of Latinx culture presented by Durham Parks and Recreation in partnership with El Centro Hispano. Plus, explore booths offering resources on health, education and community services.
Lego Minifigs – Sunday, 3-5pm – Ment Beverage Co. teams up with Bricks & Minifigs for an afternoon of custom Lego building over drinks. Pick a blank minifig, sip something cold on the patio and personalize your build piece by piece before taking the finished figure home.
Derek Hough Symphony of Dance: Encore – Sunday, 8pm – DPAC welcomes back this multitalented powerhouse with a new production following the sold-out runs of Symphony of Dance, Dance for the Holidays and Live: The Tour. Fresh choreography, elaborate stage design and Derek’s signature showmanship carry the show through ballroom, tap, salsa and hip-hop numbers.
For even more weekend fun, check out:
Felicity / blankstate. / Weymouth at The Pinhook – Thursday, 8pm
Local Power Pop Showcase at Stanczyks – Thursday, 8pm
Shop Like A Chef at Kind Kitchen Group Headquarters – Friday, 6pm
Wildfire Ride at The Blue Note Grill – Friday, 7:30pm
Tease in the Seas! at The Pinhook – Friday, 8pm
Club XCX: Charli XCX + Hyperpop Night at Motorco Music Hall – Friday, 9pm
Defacto Thezpian at Stanczyks – Friday, 9pm
The Shake Somethin’ Dance Party! at The Pinhook – Saturday, 10:30am
TBS First Sunday Blues Jam at The Blue Note Grill – Sunday, 4pm
For more community events and happenings, visit our online calendar.
