Moogfest – Thursday-Sunday – Moogfest brings the future to Durham. The festival, which aims to synthesize art and technology, features various workshops and lectures by day, and musicians that have pioneered and that are on the forefront of electronic music by night. (See our 7 Moog musts here!) The Modular Marketplace, for example, is free and open to the public and will feature special discounts and demonstrations.
“The New Colossus” – Thursday-June 4 – The Little Green Pig Theatrical Concern is presenting “The New Colossus,” a new play inspired by Anton Chekhov’s “The Seagull.” This play explores the pitfalls of making art and making love in modern day America. The New Colossus is being presented as part of Manbites Dog Theater’s Other Voices Series.
Nasher Teen Meetup – Thursday, 4:30-6:30pm – Have a teen interested in art? Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University offers this free, hands-on screen-printing workshop to high school students with a valid ID. The workshop will be led by Bill Fick, co-owner of Supergraphic print studio in Durham and visiting assistant professor in the Department of Art, Art History and Visual Studies at Duke. Teens are encouraged to bring their own T-shirt, tote bag or other item to screen print.
Michael Perry – Thursday, 7pm – “The New York Times” bestselling author will be at The Regulator Bookshop for a reading and book signing for his new novel, “The Jesus Cow.” Perry will be joined by musical guest Phil Cook, a banjoist and member of the local band, Megafaun.
“Rare Earth” Solo Exhibition – Friday, 5-7pm – Join the Durham Arts Council in the opening reception for “Rare Earth,” a new solo exhibit by Marjorie Pierson. “Rare Earth” explores Southern environment and identity, in a narrative juxtaposing disappearing landscapes in south Louisiana with unexpected environments from around the world.
40 Years of Durham Symphony Orchestra – Friday, 5-8pm – The Museum of Durham History presents a free concert by the Durham Symphony Orchestra, celebrating 40 years of music and service to the community. Food trucks will be on site. Although this event is free, donations are appreciated to support the symphony.
“Picturing Sound” Exhibition – Friday, 5-10pm – Join Arcana Bar and Lounge’s reception for this new exhibit that comprises works that visualize sonic performances, image individual tones and re-purpose musical paraphernalia. Featured artists Gemynii, Frank Myers, and James Cartwright highlight the always-synaesthetic experience of sound by putting to paper the visual aspects that accompany it.
Blues on the Plaza – Friday, 6:30-9pm – Northgate Mall presents the fourth performance in its May concert series. Rhythm and blues band Handsome Al and the Lookers perform on The Plaza, so settle into the night with beer and wine provided by Bull City Burger and Brewery and food from local food trucks, such as Heavenly Smoke and Big C Waffles.
Ashton Applewhite – Friday, 7pm – The author will be at the Regulator Bookshop to discuss her new book, “This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism.” “This Chair Rocks” is a call to acknowledge ageism and embrace a more positive and accurate view of what life holds in store for us when we grow older.
Underground: Cocktail Pop Up Series – Friday, 7pm-1am – 21c Museum Hotel mixes things up with Freaky Friday-themed cocktails in this pop-up event presented by its restaurant, Counting House. Expect classic drinks like you’ve never seen – from a margarita with bourbon to an old fashioned with rum! Space is limited and will be granted on a first come, first served basis.
The Reconstruction and Performance of Switchboard Synthesizers – Friday, 7:30-9:30pm – For Third Friday Durham, The Carrack offers this free event as part of The Exchange Project: Antenes, a Brooklyn-based DJ and Moogfest performer, will reconstruct manual telephone switchboards so they can be used as a functioning synthesizer.
A Conversation on Justice – Friday, 8pm – Dean Strang and Jerry Buting, defense attorneys for Steven Avery in the Netflix documentary series “Making A Murderer,” will be at Durham Performing Arts Center to talk about the case and its broader implications on the American justice system. A Q&A session at the end of the talk will offer audience members the opportunity to address questions directly to the attorneys.
Pop-Up Thrift – Saturday and Sunday, 8am-noon – The Scrap Exchange opens its warehouse to the public for the third Pop-Up Thrift event! Everything for sale is $1 on Saturday; on Sunday, fill a bag for $5. New sections include: children’s clothing, children’s books and tuxedos.
Plant-a-Palooza – Saturday, 8:30am �� Craig LeHouiller, also known as the NC Tomato Man, will be back in the parking lot at the Durham County Library giving away free vegetable starters. He will also be available to answer any questions about gardening.
First Bloom Celebration – Saturday, 9am – Come out and smell the roses at Witherspoon Rose Culture’s annual event! There will be personal tours throughout the gardens, food trucks and special presentations by Suzanne Wainwright-Evans and Bryce Lane. 10% of all sales will benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Durham.
Walk for the Animals – Saturday, 10am-1pm – Grab your leash and join the Animal Protection Society of Durham in a walk around Duke University’s East Campus to help support abandoned animals in the area. There will be competitions and prizes, as well as games for humans and dogs!
Excess Inventory Sale – Saturday, 10am-5pm – Need to freshen up your summer wardrobe? Come to Dress for Success Triangle at Northgate Mall, for a sale with spring and summer women’s attire. Most accessories and clothing items range from $5 – $15, with designer pieces up to 90% off. All profits help support Dress for Success Triangle.
Bimbe Cultural Arts Festival – Saturday, noon-8pm – Celebrating African and African-American history, culture, arts and tradition, this family-friendly event is in its 47th year. Hosted by Durham Parks and Recreation at the Durham County Stadium parking lot, activities include live music, arts and crafts, ethnic food, local talent and a kids’ zone.
SEEDS Pie Social – Saturday, 1-5pm – Join SEEDS for their eighth annual event, and enjoy locally concocted pies, get to know SEEDS and the DIG Youth Crew, and participate in various games and activities!
Infinity Scarf Class – Saturday, 2-3:30pm – People of all skill levels are invited to join The Scrap Exchange to make their very own infinity scarves in the first of The Scrap Exchange’s summer classes. Kimberly Pierce Cartwright, a local fiber artist, teaches the class; materials provided.
Local Motive – Saturday, 2-6pm – RUNAWAY, the official Moogfest merchandise destination, presents sets from five Party Illegal DJs. Come out and enjoy local art, beer and music in this special Moogfest-driven performance!
Durham Blues and Brews Festival – Saturday, 5-10pm – Twenty-one of North Carolina’s finest breweries come together with nationally known musicians and on-site food trucks to offer one big night of fun and fundraising for local charities like the Exchange Group Family Center. This year’s music lineup includes Cool John Ferguson, Handsome Al and The Lookers featuring Emma Davis and Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials.
Eno River Paddling – Sunday, 10am – Want to get away from it all for a few hours? Join Frog Hollow Outdoors and the Eno River Association on a trip down the Eno river. This month’s tour covers West Point to Penny’s Bend and lasts approximately 2.5 hours. You have the option to use either a kayak or canoe while learning about local history from an official guide! Please call 919-416-1200 to register.
Grand Opening – Sunday, 10am-4pm – City Barbeque opens its doors in Durham and invites you to their kid-friendly grand opening! Guests can enjoy music from DJ SPCLGST, appearances by Captain America and Anna from “Enchanted,” and a barbecue sauce contest. Samples of award-winning smoked meats, including pulled pork, brisket, smoked turkey, St. Louis ribs and more will be available. 10% of sales from the day will go to Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, a local hunger-relief organization serving seven counties in and around the Triangle.
Biscuits 101 Cooking Class – Sunday, 1-3pm – Durham Spirits Co. teams up with Audra Thomas from Monuts Donuts and owner of Honeybuns Baking Co. to help you make the perfect biscuit! The menu for this class includes: pimento cheese biscuits with sausage gravy; buttermilk biscuits with salted honey butter; strawberries and cream shortcake; cornmeal shortcake with roasted rhubarb and honey lemon mascarpone. Register today to reserve your spot!
