Make the most of your summer weekend in Durham with farm-to-table meals, live performances and plenty of parties.
Compiled by Kelli Rainer
Bull City Classic Pickleball Tournament – Friday through Sunday – Durham Sports Commission hosts this event at Bethesda Park to raise money for the Piney Wood Pickleball Facility. Participants ranging in age from 19 to 91 compete in mixed doubles, women’s and men’s doubles, and women’s and men’s singles. All skill levels are welcome.
The Return of Films – Friday-Sunday – The Carolina Theatre brings back weekend film screenings starting this Friday with two new feature films: “Stillwater” starring Matt Damon and “The Green Knight” starring Dev Patel.
Algonquin Club – Friday, noon – As part of its monthly history series, the Neighborhood Improvement Services Department and Durham Parks and Recreation host a webinar about the Algonquin (Tennis) Club, a former social club and a community center that was primarily used by African-Americans in the Hayti neighborhood.
Wonderpuff Grand Opening – Friday-Sunday, noon-5pm – The artisanal cotton candy vendor opens its long-awaited storefront this weekend at Boxyard RTP.
AfterHours Up Close: Beer & Butterflies – Friday, 6-9pm – Adults are invited to the Museum of Life and Science’s Magic Wings Butterfly House to explore the butterfly conservatory and gardens. Each ticket includes a complimentary drink, expert-led discussions on fermentation and butterfly cycles, and take-home art and tinkering activities.
CD Release Party – Friday, 7:30-10pm – Join Durham-based alt-country band Lisa R & The Lucky Stars at The Blue Note Grill to celebrate the release of their new album, “My Memories Are Made of Songs.” No cover required.
Honey in the Hive – Friday, 9pm-1am – The Festivals of Art, Thought & Culture kicks off the Fresh Fruit Festival with a launch party to celebrate the post-pandemic reopening of The Fruit. The event includes a reveal of the new “Hive” bar, four DJs spinning tracks, food trucks and more.
Live Music: Kamara Thomas – Saturday, noon-2pm – Boxyard RTP hosts the Durham-based country-Americana singer-songwriter for a live performance under its covered pavilion. Kamara was a featured artist at Lincoln Center in New York and leads Country Soul Songbook, an online community and platform that includes performances, interviews and more to highlight historically marginalized voices.
Saturday in the Gallery – Saturday, noon-8pm – Abstract painter Donna Stubbs, one of the featured artists in 5 Points Gallery‘s current exhibit, “Refresh,” welcomes guests into the space and delves into the meanings behind her artwork.
Craft Beer & DIY Tie-Dye – Saturday, 3-6pm – Make your own tie-dye T-shirt at The Glass Jug Beer Lab on its downtown patio overlooking Durham Central Park. Guests can purchase a ticket in advance, which reserves a white shirt with the brewery’s logo as well as a complimentary beer.
Evening on the Farm – Saturday, 5-6:30pm – Take a tour of Prodigal Farm, get an up-close look at the goats as they return to the farm for the night, and enjoy a cheese platter tasting.
Live! in the Lot – Saturday, 6-8pm – Amy Ray Band performs folksy country at an outdoor concert live in Motorco Music Hall‘s parking lot. Kentucky singer-songwriter S.G. Goodman opens the show.
The Grass Grazed Farmers Table – Saturday, 6-8pm – Grass Grazed Farm hosts this four-course, farm-produced meal that bridges the gap between food and community. Attendees can explore where their food originates and how it is raised.
Movies on the Monster – Saturday, 7pm – Come out to the Durham Bulls Athletic Park for a screening of “Raya & The Last Dragon,” with funds benefiting the Durham branch of the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina.
Mel Melton & The Wicked Mojos – Saturday, 7:30-10pm – The Zydeco/Cajun-inspired blues band performs live at The Blue Note Grill.
Flourish: Inside Out – Saturday, 11am-3pm and 6-9pm – OM grown dancers presents this family-friendly, outdoor community event at Mystic Farm & Distillery. The morning session features outdoor classes for both kids and adults, including yoga, contemporary dance and creative movement. The evening portion invites audience members to enjoy musical performances, drinks and food while exploring the grounds.
Not Your Average Party – Saturday, 10pm-1am – South Carolina-based rapper Omega the Poet performs at GPAZZ Live Music Hall for a fun night featuring free Champagne. This event is meant for creatives, party-goers or anyone looking to discover new and different music.
Blacker the Berry – Sunday, 4-9pm – This evening event at Durham Central Park showcases local culinarians and soulful sounds, with the goal of supporting local and minority-owned brands.
