Find Waldo Local Scavenger Hunt – Thursday-July 28 – Find Waldo in Durham! The children’s book character from “Where’s Waldo” is hiding in a number of local businesses through the month of July. Free “Waldo Passports,” which lists participating stores, will be available for pick-up at The Regulator Bookshop. Find “Waldo” in each store and get your passport stamped, and then join The Regulator for the “Grand Prize Party” on July 28 at 3pm for a Waldo-themed party and the opportunity to win prizes.
Children’s Independence Day Parade – Thursday, 9:30-11:30am – Decorate your bike, stroller or wagon with materials from The Scrap Exchange, then parade through Durham Central Park to celebrate the Fourth. Afterwards, enjoy fire truck tours, music and popsicles!
Festival for the Eno – Thursday, 10-6pm; Saturday, 10-6pm – For 40 years, the Eno River Association has drawn thousands of folks to the shaded banks at West Point on the Eno to sing and dance to music while celebrating the beautiful natural area. This year’s festival features more than 70 bands across five stages with food, drinks, and crafts from more than 80 regional artisans, all while learning about natural resource conservation and raising funds for land protection in the Eno River basin.
Independence Day Parties – Thursday, noon-2am; Friday noon-2am – Boxcar Bar + Arcade opens for special holiday hours. There will be drink specials, pizza and a Skee-Ball tournament.
July 4th Hip Hop BBQ – Thursday, noon-4pm – Join Durty Bull Brewing Company and The Glass Jar Beer Lab to celebrate the Fourth with the release of their new IPA “It Was Just a Dream,” along with free food and games. Proceeds benefit APS of Durham.
Refresh on the Fourth Fundraiser – Thursday, noon-7pm – Cool off at Motorco with an adult beverage, kiddie pool and waterslide slide while supporting the Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association. See if you can soak the Foothills Brewing crew, musicians and politicians in the dunk tank.
Pilobolus – Thursday, 7pm; Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 1pm and 7pm – This American modern dance company joins American Dance Festival at Page Auditorium to perform four timeless pieces that highlight the surreal, playful, and athletic approach to dance and theater that Pilobolus is known for. This program contains male and female nudity on Thursday and Saturday evenings. Friday evening’s performance contains modest backside nudity only.
Independence Day Celebration – Thursday, 6:05pm –Celebrate patriotism and civic pride with Durham Parks and Recreation, Durham Bulls and USA Baseball. Attend the baseball game at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park and enjoy a dynamic fireworks show following the game around 9:15pm.
Frederick Douglass Community Reading – Friday, 11am –Commemorate Independence Day with a community reading of Frederick Douglass’ powerful Fourth of July address, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July,” at Historic Stagville. This free, participatory event is open to people of all ages. Copies of the speech will be provided to all attendees to read out loud as a group.
20th Anniversary Celebration – Saturday, 7:30am – Join the Durham Farmers’ Market as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. The market will recognize several vendors for their long-standing contributions at 7:30am followed by cake at 8am (it’s never too early!).
Yoga with Michelette – Saturday, 8-9am – Relax and rejuvenate with a free yoga session. Hosted by Athleta at The Streets at Southpoint, this event also includes discounts and gift card drawings.
Jim DiBattista – Live! – Saturday, 4-6pm – Unwind with food from The Dankery and drinks from Durty Bull accompanying live acoustic rock.
NCFC u-23 vs. Tobacco Road FC – Saturday, 6pm – Catch a glimpse of future stars as two local clubs collide for an anticipated contest at Durham County Stadium.
Rock the Park – Saturday, 6-8pm – Keep the Fourth of July weekend rolling and join Durham Parks and Recreation for a night of live music. Hosted at Forest Hills Park, the free event features a performance by Ras Medy as well as several food vendors.
Bring It! Live: The Dance Battle Tour – Saturday, 8pm – This hit Lifetime series is back for a fourth touring season, featuring the legendary Coach Dianna Williams and her team of Dancing Dolls. At DPAC, this interactive show will include never before seen routines and an all new fan vs. Dancing Doll stand battles.
Kaycie Satterfield and Sarah Jordan – Saturday, 9-11pm – Stop by Fullsteam Brewery to enjoy a night filled with live music as these two touring artists showcase their talents.
The Beat Market – Sunday, 1-5pm – Join the Durham Beat at Locopops for food from The Bamboo Cookhouse, beer from Bull City Burger and Brewery and tasty local sweets – plus, live music from Al Riggs and Ally J.
A Trip Around The World – Sunday, 2pm – American Dance Festival hosts a series of short dance films inspired by and featuring dancers from around the world at The Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University.
Sunday Blues Jam – Sunday, 5-8pm – Wrap up the holiday weekend with barbecue and blues. Hosted by The Blue Note Grill, this free event features several local blues artists!
-Compiled by Robert Eigenrauch
