Watch classic movies, check out the monthly PLAYlist concert, go to a festival and more this weekend
Compiled by Makayla Williams
PJ Party – Thursday, 11am-noon – Durham Parks & Recreation invites parents with children ages 2-5 for a daytime slumber party, which features bedtime stories, games, crafts, snacks and more at I.R. Holmes, Sr. Recreation Center at Campus Hills.
The Making of Major the Bull – Thursday, 6-8pm – Learn the history behind the beloved Major the Bull statue on the Patio at Unscripted Hotel, presented by Liberty Arts. Major was sculpted and cast in bronze by artists Mike Waller and Leah Foushee Waller at Liberty Arts, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. This event includes hors d’oeuvre, a cash bar and raffle.
Clarence Heyward – Artist Reception + Talk – Thursday, 6-8pm – Hayti Heritage Center hosts the Brooklyn-born painter and collagist to discuss his works in the center’s “We Are Here: Past, Present, Future” exhibit at the Lyda Moore Merrick Gallery.
Geneva Lewis – Thursday, 7pm – Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle brings the New Zealand-born violinist to Fullsteam Brewery during its Beerthoven concert series. No advance tickets required, but a donation to Urban Ministries of Durham at the door is suggested.
‘A New Leaf’ – Thursday, 7pm and 8:45pm – Franklin Cason Jr., assistant professor of the practice in the Department of Art, Art History & Visual Studies at Duke University, introduces Elaine May’s debut film at the Rubenstein Arts Center. The story follows a stunted manboy who squandered his inherited wealth and plots to marry and murder the very rich and very maladjusted Henrietta.
Eric Hutchinson – Thursday, 9pm – Motorco Music Hall hosts the singer-songwriter as he presents works from his latest album, “Before & After Life,” an introspective and jazz-tinged record that weighs happiness against sadness and was written and recorded in the days leading up to the birth of Eric’s daughter, Zelda, in 2018.
The Veldt – Friday, 6:30-8:30pm – The Black-led indie rock group performs at the American Tobacco Amphitheatre as part of Duke Performances’ free “Music in the Gardens”-style mini-series. Known for their blend of alternative rock and soul, the group was formed in Chapel Hill in 1986.
PLAYlist Concert Series: Soul Understated ft. Mavis ‘Swan’ Poole – Friday, 7-9pm – The neo-soul/funk group led by vocalist Mavis “Swan” Poole and powerful-yet-melodic drummer Jeremy “Bean” Clemons performs at Durham Central Park as part of this free monthly music series.
Slingshot Festival – Friday, 8pm-2am, and Saturday, 7pm-2am – This music, electronic art and technology festival relocates from Athens, Georgia, to Durham for its fifth annual event. The Fruit hosts dozens of performances across three stages with headliners like “the original pioneer of Detroit techno” Juan Atkins and Colombia-born, Brooklyn-based artist Ela Minus.
‘The Thing’ & ‘Escape From New York’: 40th Anniversary 4K Digital Restoration – Friday, 7-11pm – The Carolina Theatre screens John Carpenter’s 1982 science-fiction horror film followed by his 1981 science-fiction action film as part of its Retro Film Series.
Friday Movie Night – Friday, 6-8pm – Durham Parks & Recreation screens a free family-friendly movie (popcorn and drinks included!) at the I.R. Holmes Sr. Recreation Center at Campus Hills.
Patton Oswalt Live: Who’s Ready To Laugh? – Friday, 7pm and 9:30pm – NS2 and The Carolina Theatre present the comedian, actor and writer on tour. Patton is known for everything from his award-winning comedy specials to his many memorable film roles and guest appearances on TV shows (including “Parks and Recreation,” for which he received a TV Critics Choice Award).
Downtown Oktoberfest Brewery Crawl – Friday-Saturday – Celebrate the annual weeks-long German festival at Durty Bull Brewing Company, Glass Jug Beer Lab and Fullsteam Brewery with seasonal beers including the Liberator Steinbock – a four-way collaboration between the three breweries and Liberty Arts. Participants also have the opportunity to win a $20 gift card to each location – just snap a pic at each location and post it to Instagram with the hashtag #DurhamOktoberfest.
Phoenix Fest – Saturday, all day – This annual cultural event celebrates the Hayti community at the Phoenix Square Shopping Center. The festival features an early morning parade, all-day musical performances – including hip-hop, reggae and gospel – and food and merchandise vendors.
Angels Among Us 5K & Walk of Hope – Saturday, 7:30-9am – This 28th annual race and walk supports The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center. This year’s event gives participants two options – in-person on Duke’s campus or virtually on Oct. 2.
Pauli’s Invitation: An Activist’s Pilgrimage – Saturday, 10-11:30am – Learn about the people and places that shaped Pauli Murray with Whistle Stop Tours on a 75-minute virtual tour on Zoom. Revenue from ticket sales support nonprofits like The Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice as well as local working artists committed to arts, preservation, education and equity.
Bahama Day – Saturday, 10am-2pm – The Bahama Ruritan Club hosts this annual event featuring vendors, live performances and Bahama Day T-shirts available for purchase.
Seasonal Celebrities: Autumn Plants – Saturday, 10-11am – Jan Little, director of education and public programs at Sarah P. Duke Gardens, presents this virtual program detailing beautiful and useful fall plants. The presentation includes a basic horticulture lesson and a lesson on ornamental and native grasses for the season.
Durham’s Murals by Bike Tour – Saturday, 10am – Preservation Durham and Museum of Durham History guides take riders through downtown, showcasing the art on some of the town’s historic buildings. The ride starts at the Major the Bull sculpture.
Outdoor Movie Night at Mystic Farm – Saturday, 6pm – Mystic Farm and Distillery hosts a viewing of “The Upside” with ticket proceeds benefiting Next Step Raleigh. The evening features pre-movie yoga on the lawn, tastings/tours of the farm, a food truck and raffles.
Afters Desserts Pairing Launch – Saturday, 5:30-7:30pm – The Glass Jug Beer Lab kicks off its newest limited-pairing menu with Afters Dessert Bar. Afters Dessert owner Stephen Kennedy will be on-site to talk sweets and say hello!
Drag Show at Hi-Wire Brewing – Saturday, 7-9pm – Hi-Wire Brewing hosts a drag show in its Golden Belt Campus courtyard with performers Dana St. James, Veruca Assault, Chanté Elise Cassidy and Chloe Cassidy. The brewery will also serve $5 mimosas and have a beer station outside so patrons can easily get refills.
‘Napoleon Dynamite’ & Tots – Saturday, 8pm – The Glass Jug Beer Lab blows up its outdoor movie screen for its final movie showing of the year. Food vendors from Bull City Street Food will be on-site with diverse eats. Families and dogs are welcome.
David Wilcox – Saturday, 8pm – The folk singer performs at Motorco Music Hall.
Pumpkin Patch Express – Saturday & Sunday – Start your fall season with a trip to the Museum of Life and Science’s pumpkin patch by way of the Dinosaur Trail. Activities include a hay maze, nature-themed bingo, take-home activities and a return train ride on the Ellerbe Creek Railway. Each ticket holder receives a pumpkin, too.
Taste of Soul NC – Sunday, 1-5pm – Try many variations of barbecue dishes from a number of food trucks offering ribs, chicken and more at Durham Central Park. Enjoy games with the kids, a live DJ, merchant vendors and card games between meals.
Blessing of the Animals – Sunday, 4pm – St. Philip’s Episcopal Church invites the community to bring their pet, a picture of their pet or even a stuffed toy to receive blessing and prayer in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi.
Charlie Wilson – Sunday, 7:30pm – The R&B legend and Grammy nominee stops at Durham Performing Arts Center on his tour across America to support his eighth and latest album, “In It to Win It,” which reached No. 7 on the Billboard 200 and includes guest appearances by Snoop Dogg, Pitbull, Robin Thicke, T.I. and Wiz Khalifa.
River Whyless – Sunday, 8pm – Motorco Music Hall hosts the Asheville-based folk-rock band, who will perform songs from their newest album, “Kindness,” with Raleigh-based singer Kate Rhudy opening the show.
