CULTURAL
August 23, 2025
AfroSocaLove Festival
4:00 PM
Admission: $20+
A celebration of black legacy and union of all corners of the African Diaspora! Dance Endlessly in the evening with music from all over the world!
Soca, Afrobeat, Reggae, Dancehall, Salsa, Reggaeton, Merengue, Zouk, Kompa, and yes Hip Hop and Rnb! Live performances and DJs from across the world Bring your outfits, dancing shoes PLUS, small businesses, food, and good energy.
Durham Central Park
501 Foster St
Durham, NC 27701
www.afrosocalove.com/durham
August 30 - 31, 2025
16th Annual African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County
An annual celebration of African American culture expressed through art, music, food and community, this two-day downtown Raleigh festival showcases local, national and international artists, performers, food vendors, and area business owners.
Venue: Fayetteville St. block party; Ticketed concerts at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
400 Block Fayetteville St., Raleigh, NC 27601
www.aacfestival.org
September 20, 2025
Jollof Festival
3:00 PM
Admission: $20+
Calling all Jollof rice lovers! Get ready for a day-long celebration of this iconic West African dish, a battle for Jollof supremacy, and a vibrant cultural experience. The Jollof Wars: Witness chefs from various West African countries compete for the title of "Jollof Rice Champion." Sample their unique takes on Jollof rice and cast your vote for the most delicious contender! A Feast for the Senses: Explore a diverse range of Jollof rice vendors, each showcasing their regional specialties. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with an explosion of flavors and aromas. Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of West African culture. Enjoy music, dance performances, art, and activities that celebrate West-African heritage and culture.A Fun-Filled Day: The Jollof Festival isn't just about food! Participate in family-friendly activities, engage in friendly competition, and create lasting memories at this vibrant community event.
North Carolina Central University
1801 Fayetteville St
Durham, North Carolina 27707
September 20, 2025
The Promise of Peace: Slavery's End in North Carolina
7:00 PM
Free Admission
The close of the American Civil War with military surrenders at sites like Bennett Place assured the end of legal slavery in America. On the evening before the 160th anniversary of the Bennett Place surrender, join us as we commemorate and recognize the lives of over 330,000 North Carolinians enslaved during the Civil War.This program highlights experiences of enslaved and newly freed people through storytelling, music, and luminaries.
Bennett Place State Historic Site
4409 Bennett Memorial Rd
Durham, NC 27705
November 13, 2025
Neil deGrasse Tyson, An Astrophysicist Goes to the Movies
7:30 PM
Admission: $65.45
One of America’s most well-known scientists is returning to DPAC with an all-new lecture. Neil deGrasse Tyson is an American astrophysicist, author, and science communicator that has devoted his career to sharing his knowledge of complex concepts with others and known for his ability to make difficult concepts accessible to every audience.
Durham Performing Arts Center
123 Vivian Street, Durham, NC
(919) 680-2787
www.dpacnc.com
_________________________________________
Recurring until January 10, 2026
Durham African American History Guided Tour
10:00 am
Admission: $6.99
Durham is the home of a litany of African American historic sites. Whether you want to learn about architects, artists, athletes, or entrepreneurs, the African-American history tour will surely inspire. Join this walking tour on Saturdays hosted by a local historian to explore some of the sites related to Durham's brilliant African American history.
CCB Plaza
201 Corcoran St, Durham, North Carolina 27703
www.trianglewalkingtours.com
AfroSocaLove Festival
4:00 PM
Admission: $20+
A celebration of black legacy and union of all corners of the African Diaspora! Dance Endlessly in the evening with music from all over the world!
Soca, Afrobeat, Reggae, Dancehall, Salsa, Reggaeton, Merengue, Zouk, Kompa, and yes Hip Hop and Rnb! Live performances and DJs from across the world Bring your outfits, dancing shoes PLUS, small businesses, food, and good energy.
Durham Central Park
501 Foster St
Durham, NC 27701
www.afrosocalove.com/durham
August 30 - 31, 2025
16th Annual African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County
An annual celebration of African American culture expressed through art, music, food and community, this two-day downtown Raleigh festival showcases local, national and international artists, performers, food vendors, and area business owners.
Venue: Fayetteville St. block party; Ticketed concerts at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
400 Block Fayetteville St., Raleigh, NC 27601
www.aacfestival.org
September 20, 2025
Jollof Festival
3:00 PM
Admission: $20+
Calling all Jollof rice lovers! Get ready for a day-long celebration of this iconic West African dish, a battle for Jollof supremacy, and a vibrant cultural experience. The Jollof Wars: Witness chefs from various West African countries compete for the title of "Jollof Rice Champion." Sample their unique takes on Jollof rice and cast your vote for the most delicious contender! A Feast for the Senses: Explore a diverse range of Jollof rice vendors, each showcasing their regional specialties. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with an explosion of flavors and aromas. Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of West African culture. Enjoy music, dance performances, art, and activities that celebrate West-African heritage and culture.A Fun-Filled Day: The Jollof Festival isn't just about food! Participate in family-friendly activities, engage in friendly competition, and create lasting memories at this vibrant community event.
North Carolina Central University
1801 Fayetteville St
Durham, North Carolina 27707
September 20, 2025
The Promise of Peace: Slavery's End in North Carolina
7:00 PM
Free Admission
The close of the American Civil War with military surrenders at sites like Bennett Place assured the end of legal slavery in America. On the evening before the 160th anniversary of the Bennett Place surrender, join us as we commemorate and recognize the lives of over 330,000 North Carolinians enslaved during the Civil War.This program highlights experiences of enslaved and newly freed people through storytelling, music, and luminaries.
Bennett Place State Historic Site
4409 Bennett Memorial Rd
Durham, NC 27705
November 13, 2025
Neil deGrasse Tyson, An Astrophysicist Goes to the Movies
7:30 PM
Admission: $65.45
One of America’s most well-known scientists is returning to DPAC with an all-new lecture. Neil deGrasse Tyson is an American astrophysicist, author, and science communicator that has devoted his career to sharing his knowledge of complex concepts with others and known for his ability to make difficult concepts accessible to every audience.
Durham Performing Arts Center
123 Vivian Street, Durham, NC
(919) 680-2787
www.dpacnc.com
_________________________________________
Recurring until January 10, 2026
Durham African American History Guided Tour
10:00 am
Admission: $6.99
Durham is the home of a litany of African American historic sites. Whether you want to learn about architects, artists, athletes, or entrepreneurs, the African-American history tour will surely inspire. Join this walking tour on Saturdays hosted by a local historian to explore some of the sites related to Durham's brilliant African American history.
CCB Plaza
201 Corcoran St, Durham, North Carolina 27703
www.trianglewalkingtours.com
The Black Farmers’ Market happens rain or shine bi-monthly rotating between Durham and Raleigh to provide access to fresh foods from farms directly to customers. Join us on our journey to create a strong Black led food system right in the heart of North Carolina.
Durham
2nd Sundays
1-4 pm
Golden Belt Campus
930 Franklin St, Durham, NC 27701
Raleigh
4th Sundays
1-4 pm
Southeast Raleigh YMCA
1436 Rock Quarry Rd, Raleigh, NC
www.blackfarmersmkt.com
Durham
2nd Sundays
1-4 pm
Golden Belt Campus
930 Franklin St, Durham, NC 27701
Raleigh
4th Sundays
1-4 pm
Southeast Raleigh YMCA
1436 Rock Quarry Rd, Raleigh, NC
www.blackfarmersmkt.com