Summer Days, Nasher Nights – Thursday, 5-9pm – Enjoy a two-course dinner special at the Nasher Museum Café before the free screening of Resurrect Dead: The Mystery of the Toynbee Tiles, in which one man becomes obsessed with solving hundreds of cryptic tiled messages about the resurrection of the dead that have been appearing in city streets across the U.S. and South America over the past three decades, at 7pm. The Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, 2001 Campus Dr.; Free admission, make reservations for dinner by calling 919-684-6032
Business After Hours – Thursday, 5:30-7:30pm – Network, enjoy light refreshments and participate in series of fun-filled and unique activities on the 23,000-square-foot, wall-to-wall trampoline play areas. Don’t want to jump? Enjoy the high-flying action from the mezzanine viewing area. Sky Zone, 1720 Guess Rd., Ste. 90; $25, free for Chamber members; 919-425-0800
Nasher Creates: Adult Studio – Thursday, 6-8pm – Join a drop-in creative workshop led by local illustrator Jordan Grace Owens and stay for a drink at the cash bar. Grace will be helping visitors make paper dolls. The Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, 2001 Campus Dr.; Free admission; 919-684-5135
Doug Varone and Dancers: Stripping the Dance – Thursday, 6:30pm and 8pm – An interactive look at the process of creating ReComposed, based on the pastel drawings of Joan Mitchell. Aspects of the dance will be stripped and put back together again in front of the audience and with their help. The Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, 2001 Campus Dr.; Free admission; 919-684-5135
Science of Sour — Thursday, 6:30-9:30pm — From kefir to kraut to kimchi to kombucha, celebrate the fermentation process. Local experts will bring you tastings while scientists discuss how friendly microorganisms produce these yummy flavors and why a healthy microbiome begins with a diet that includes fermented foods. Enjoy food trucks, Triangle craft beer and a DJ. Museum of Life and Science, 433 W. Murray Ave.; $20-$25; 919-220-5429
The Monti Story Slam – Thursday, 7:30pm – Unlike The Monti, anyone with a story to tell has a chance to tell a one at The Monti StorySLAM. This is a competitive event, so there will be judges. At each event, there will be eight storytellers chosen at random; each story is five minutes long; one winner will be declared at the end of the night. This show’s theme is “My Greatest Moment.” Motorco Music Hall, 723 Rigsbee Ave.; $12
Footprints – Thursday, 8pm – Celebrating the most talented emerging choreographers and dancers, Footprints delivers an outstanding presentation of three ADF-commissioned world premieres by groundbreaking artists – Wynn Fricke, Gregory Maqoma and Anna Sperber – performed with impeccable technique and infectious energy by talented ADF students. Reynolds Industries Theater, 125 Science Dr.; $34.50; 919-684-4444
Trivia Night — Thursday, 9-11pm — Test your comic book knowledge in a special night of trivia sponsored by the Durham Comics Fest and Duke University Libraries. Must be 21 or older to participate. Fullsteam Brewery, 723 Rigsbee Ave.; Free admission; 919-682-2337
Rodger Belman and Dancers: Open Class Showing – Friday, 1:30-3:15pm – Join Rodger Belman and his Dance Composition students for an open class showing of their recent rehearsals in the museum. His dancers have been visiting and responding to the sculptures and art in the Great Hall. The Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, 2001 Campus Dr.; $5; 919-684-5135
The Luxuriant Sedans – Friday, 5:30pm – The harmonica-infused Warehouse Blues concert series continues with this Piedmont musical sensation. The band’s deep musical versatility takes the blue soul in its music and adds an element of rock ‘n’ roll energy that celebrates individuality. A harmonica workshop will be led by Mike Wesolowski (includes a chance for a free harmonica!), plus local beer for sale and food trucks. Durham Central Park, 501 Foster St.; Free admission; 919-794-8194
Aether Arcana Opening Reception — Friday, 7-10pm — Durham based artist Cade Carlson utilizes experimental spray paint techniques and collage to create abstract narratives that employ dream logic. Her newest exhibit includes a series of mixed media works depicting an originally designed 52-piece Tarot deck containing personal symbols and mythology, along with other works. The Carrack Modern Art, 111 W. Parrish St.; Free admission; 704-213-6666
Drink and Draw — Friday, 7-9pm — For experienced and aspiring cartoonists alike, the hardest part of creating comics is often making the time to draw. Enjoy a relaxing evening sipping coffee and exploring your creativity. All ages welcome. No drawing experience is required. Cocoa Cinnamon, 420 West Geer St.; Free admission
Lester Fricks – Friday, 7-9pm – Enjoy a mix of traditional country, bluegrass, Americana and old-time tunes as part of the Brightleaf summer concert series. Brightleaf Square, 905 W. Main St.; Free; 919-682-9229
Audio Under the Stars presents Dog Days: Stories of Indolence and Frenzy – Friday, 8-10pm – Audio Under the Stars is a summer-long audio festival that features a curated playlist of the most compelling and fun audio and play it back in the cozy backyard of the Duke Center for Documentary Studies. For this month’s Dog Days theme, reflect on when the Dog Days were once considered an evil time when “wine grew sour and dogs turned mad.” From family vacations to fever dreams, dive into a different side of summer. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket. Dang Good Dogs will be selling hot dogs, turkey dogs and veggie dogs all night. Audio Under the Stars happens rain or shine. Duke Center for Documentary Studies, 1317 W. Pettigrew St.; Free; 919-638-8878
Doug Varone and Dancers — Friday, 8pm and Saturday, 1pm and 7pm — Since its inception in 1986, this group has commanded attention for their expansive vision, versatility and technical prowess. From the smallest gesture to full-throttle bursts of movement, Varone’s work can take your breath away. In “ReComposed,” co-commissioned by ADF and the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, he creates a dance inspired by American abstract artist Joan Mitchell’s pastel drawings. With lighting design by Robert Wierzel, Varone’s work hauntingly echoes Mitchell’s explosions on canvas. Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 Vivian St.; $19.25-$46; 919-680-2787
Comics Fest — Saturday, times vary — Spend the day hanging out with fellow comic book lovers. Meet local artists such as Paul Friedrich, Jimmy Gownley, Keith Knight and Malcolm Goff to chat about their process and work. Participate in collection swaps and workshops, plus prizes and drawings! Southwest Regional Library, 3605 Shannon Rd.; Free admission; 919-560-8590
PickleFest Durham – Saturday, noon-3pm – Discover a world of fermented foods from your backyard and beyond! With local picklers sampling the tastiest in fermented foods, live music by The Boys From Carolina, local brews from Haw River Farmhouse Ales and a make-your-own custom Bloody Mary bar, you are in for a great time! Andrea Weigl will be sampling a delicious recipe from her new book Pickles & Preserves, and signed copies will be available for sale. The Rickhouse, 609 Foster St.; Free
Footloose — Saturday, 8:30-10:30pm — Continuing the Rock the Park Concert and Movie Series, this toe-tapping musical is perfect for a date night. Pack a picnic or enjoy local eats from on-site vendors. Durham Central Park, 501 Foster St.; Free; 919-560-4355
Bull Moon Ride and Run — Saturday, 8:15pm — Grab your glow sticks and brightest lights for this 12-mile bike ride and simultaneous 5K run through downtown Durham. Cold beer, food and a party will be waiting at the finish line. Durham Bulls Athletic Park, 409 Blackwell St.; $37-$45
Durham Comics Fest Film Screening: She Makes Comics – Sunday, 3-5pm – This documentary film traces the history of women in the comics industry from the medium’s beginnings in the late 19th century to the present day, featuring dozens of interviews with vital figures including Ramona Fradon, Trina Robbins, Joyce Farmer, Karen Berger, Kelly Sue DeConnick and Becky Cloonan. Plus get a chance to win a gift certificate to Rue Cler! Contains some adult language and artwork. Southwest Regional Library, 3605 Shannon Rd.; Free admission; 919-560-8590
