Local Events

Welcome to Durham School for Ballet & the Performing Arts, Durham's premier academy for quality training in classical ballet, pointe, modern, contemporary, tap, jazz and aerial dance. We have something to offer everyone, from our children's classes to our student-level classes and our recreational classes for teens and adults. Our instructors have been carefully chosen for their unparalleled teaching and artistic abilities. At Durham School for Ballet & the Performing Arts, we use the American Ballet Theatre's National Training Curriculum in our ballet and pointe classes. This revolutionary 8-level program combines excellent artistic training with an understanding of dancer health and child development. It offers age-appropriate, outcome-based guidelines to ensure the highest quality ballet training for all ages and skill levels. So come join us at Durham School for Ballet & the Performing Arts! Our instructors are dedicated to helping you reach your fullest potential in the world of ballet and other performing arts. We guarantee you won't be disappointed.

At Encore Academy of Dance, we know that dance is more than just a hobby – it’s a way to build life skills. Our mission is to provide a positive and safe environment for our dancers to achieve excellence in technique and poise, while also learning important life lessons along the way. We strive to develop respect, confidence and conscientiousness in our students, helping each dancer reach their fullest potential. With our guidance, we believe our dancers can grow into the best version of themselves, both on the dance floor and off.

ADF Scripps Studios provides dance instruction for all ages and levels of experience, from beginner to advanced, and from toddlers to adults. At ADF Scripps Studios, we believe in the power of dance to bring people together, express emotion, and create an atmosphere of joy and camaraderie. Our facility provides a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for dancers of all ages and levels to learn, grow, and express themselves. Our expert faculty are dedicated to helping each individual find his or her own voice in the art form and develop their skills in a non-competitive atmosphere. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced dancer, ADF Scripps Studios is the place to come to learn something new. Our year-round dance classes are available for all ages and levels, giving students the opportunity to experience the joy of movement and explore their creative side. Our expert faculty will help you develop your skills in a fun and supportive atmosphere, and you’ll be sure to leave each class feeling inspired and invigorated.

At BDTS, we strive to create an atmosphere of encouragement and support. Our teachers are passionate about helping each student reach their fullest potential, giving clear and kind corrections, and fostering a love for the art of dance. We focus on building self-confidence, strength, and grace in each of our classes, and emphasize the joy of movement. Our classes provide children with a safe, non-competitive environment where they can express themselves creatively. BDTS is dedicated to providing students with a high-quality, developmentally appropriate theatre education as well. Our theatre classes are designed to help students develop essential skills such as public speaking, problem solving, critical thinking, and teamwork. We focus on creating an environment that is both fun and challenging, encouraging students to take risks and explore their creativity. Our teachers are experienced in helping students find their voice, build self-confidence, and develop their performance skills. We strive to instill a passion for the theatre arts in each of our students.

Are you and your family looking for a fun and creative way to spend an evening? In Durham, NC there is an amazing opportunity to let your inner artist run wild! With our step-by-step instruction, everyone from the novice to the experienced artist can join in. Bring your own favorite beverages and snacks to make the night special. Unleash your creativity and make lasting memories with your loved ones! Our knowledgeable instructors will guide you through the entire creative process to ensure that you’re happy with the outcome. Best of all, no artistic experience is required. Gather friends and family and come to Durham, NC for an evening of fun and creativity! Enjoy great conversation and laughter over your favorite drinks and snacks in a relaxing and social environment. Leave with memories of a great night and a masterpiece created by you!

At Russell Lacy Music, we never forget that the real joy of mastering music is the art of it: the freedom to create and improvise, to express yourself through the music. We believe that art is a combination of self-expression, exploration, and a journey of discovery. Our faculty is dedicated to developing our students' artistic potential through careful guidance and mentorship. Russell Lacy Music is devoted to helping students become the best musicians they can be. We focus exclusively on teaching music, and understand that it has two parts: craft and art. Our faculty has the expertise and commitment to craft to ensure that every student has a strong foundation. We also recognize that the real joy of mastering music is the art of it, and are devoted to developing our students’ artistic potential through guidance and mentorship.

At Duke School, we understand what a special opportunity it is to have a summer camp experience. That's why we strive to provide an atmosphere of safety, support, and fun for campers of all ages. Our convenient location in the Triangle makes it easy for families from Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro to join in the fun. We hire only the most qualified and dedicated staff members to ensure that our campers receive the highest quality instruction and mentorship. We are committed to providing a summer of lasting memories and friendships, and we invite all children to join us for a summer of learning, growth, and fun!

Girls Rock NC is working to create a world where young people feel supported, empowered, and free to create. By providing tools, resources, and political education, we are helping young people to build a more equitable and just society. Our commitment to intergenerational collaboration and holding space for youth to access their power is proving to be an effective and impactful way to create positive change. We are proud to be working together to create a more equitable and just world.

Are you looking for a creative and fun way to spruce up your home? AR Workshop Durham is the place to go! Owned by Leslie Wright, AR Workshop Durham offers a hands-on DIY Workshop experience. You can create wood signs, canvas pillows, wall hangings, framed signs, wood boxes, lazy susans and more! Leslie has a background in residential real estate and home staging, giving her a great eye for design and color selections. AR Workshop Durham is the perfect place to express your creativity — they serve Durham, Chapel Hill, Duke, Brier Creek, Hillsborough, Bahama, Mebane, Timberlake, Rougemont, Bethesda, Efland, Burlington, Brightleaf Square, and Downtown Durham.

Welcome to Happymess ArtPost, Durham's own locally owned art supply store! Our shelves are stocked with all the art materials to bring your creative vision to life. Whatever your age and skill level, your artistic journey begins here. We also offer art lessons, camps, and workshops to help you on your creative path. Our experienced instructors will help you refine your artistic skills, no matter where you’re starting from. Our extensive range of classes and workshops will help you develop your artistic abilities and explore new techniques. At Happymess ArtPost, we believe in the power of creativity. Our goal is to help you discover the artist within and create something truly unique. Come and explore our store and join us for an art lesson, camp, or workshop. We look forward to seeing you soon!

The Durham Arts Council, Inc. is the driving force behind bringing art to the city. By providing leadership, inspiration, and promoting access to the arts, DAC is helping to foster a vibrant cultural development in Durham. Through earned revenues, grants, and contributions from corporations, foundations, individuals, as well as support from the City of Durham, Durham County, North Carolina Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts, DAC is able to bring the arts to the people of this community. The mission of DAC is to create an environment in which creativity and the arts are highly valued and seen as positive and transformative forces. By working towards an excellent and sustainable arts and cultural sector, DAC is helping to ensure that Durham is a great place to live and work. The Durham Arts Council, Inc. is committed to making Durham a vibrant and culturally rich city. DAC strives to provide access to and experience of the arts to all members of the community, while also working to make the arts and culture a vital part of Durham’s educational and economic life. Through their dedication to creating an excellent and sustainable arts and cultural sector, DAC is helping to make Durham a great place to live and work.

Durham Parks and Recreation (DPR) provides opportunities for the Durham community to get active and connect with each other. DPR’s mission is to support the City’s Strategic Plan by helping residents get outside and explore the outdoors, stay healthy, and learn new skills for a lifetime. With creative and challenging recreational activities, DPR is dedicated to helping residents stay physically, mentally, and socially healthy. From outdoor activities to sports to fitness classes, Durham Parks and Recreation (DPR) has something for everyone. DPR works to promote wellness, the outdoors, and lifelong learning for the Durham community. With a variety of recreational activities to choose from, DPR strives to give residents the opportunity to stay physically fit, mentally alert, and socially engaged. By connecting our whole community to wellness, the outdoors, and learning, DPR strives to make a positive impact on our city.

At Sew Crafty, we are passionate about encouraging creativity and inspiring empowerment! Learning how to create something with one’s hands is an incredibly satisfying experience. We have a wide array of materials at our disposal, which can be transformed into something beautiful with the right guidance and techniques. In today’s world, it is more important than ever to have a balance between virtual and tactile activities. That is why we strive to make the experience of learning to sew and quilt both enjoyable and accessible for people of all ages. Our goal is to create a safe, inviting atmosphere where everyone can explore their creative side and use their hands to express themselves!

At Notasium, we believe that music should be a part of every child's life. Our 3,000 square foot play space is the perfect place for children of any age to explore the world of music. With open play and birthday parties available, there's something fun for everyone! We also offer group music classes and individual music lessons on a variety of instruments, including piano, guitar, drums, and woodwind and brass instruments. At Notasium, we're passionate about helping children discover the joy of music. Our inspiring 3,000 square foot play space is the perfect place to explore, learn, and create. With open play and birthday parties available, children of all ages can have a blast! Additionally, we offer group music classes and individual music lessons for a range of instruments, including piano, guitar, drums, and woodwind and brass instruments. At Notasium, we strive to awaken a love of music in children of all ages. Our 3,000 square foot play space is the ideal spot for children to discover the wonders of music. From open play to birthday parties, we have something fun for everyone! We also provide group music classes and individual music lessons for a variety of instruments, such as piano, guitar, drums, and woodwind and brass instruments.

The Living Arts Collective is dedicated to providing a safe and inclusive environment for creative expression. We believe that through sharing our stories, we can bridge gaps between diverse communities, create understanding, and foster collaboration. We seek to nurture our community by creating a space for all to share their art and experience the joy of creative exploration.