CenterFest, Durham's free juried arts festival since 1974, fills Five Points to CCB Plaza each September. 2026 was Sept. 19-20; 2027 dates are not out yet.

Last checked Oct. 12, 2026. Facts come from the Durham Arts Council’s CenterFest page and its festival tips and accessibility page. This page is updated for each year’s festival at the same address.

CenterFest, Durham’s fine arts festival, fills downtown from the Five Points intersection to CCB Plaza one weekend each September. The 2026 festival was Saturday, Sept. 19, and Sunday, Sept. 20. The Durham Arts Council had not posted 2027 dates when we checked; we will add them here when it does.

Know before you go

  • When: one weekend in September. 2026: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
  • Where: downtown Durham, Five Points to CCB Plaza, on E. Main, Morris and E. Chapel Hill streets
  • Cost: free, with a $5 suggested donation at the gate
  • Parking: free in city lots and garages during the 2026 festival
  • Organizer: Durham Arts Council, 120 Morris St., durhamarts.org/centerfest

What CenterFest is

The Durham Arts Council has put on CenterFest each fall since 1974. The council calls it the longest-running juried art festival in North Carolina and the largest community event in Durham, and tells sponsors it draws more than 25,000 people.

In 2026 the festival had:

  • More than 120 juried artists from Durham, the Triangle and across the country, with ceramics, painting, photography, jewelry, fiber art, glass, wood and sculpture.
  • Live performances all weekend on the stage at CCB Plaza: local musicians, dancers, theater groups and cultural performers. Rissi Palmer sang the national anthem on Sunday.
  • Food from Durham restaurants and food trucks around the festival.
  • Free make-and-take art projects for all ages, and live screen printing.
  • Festival merchandise at the Five Points intersection.

Parking and getting there

From the council’s tips page, parking was free in city lots and garages during the 2026 festival. The closest garages:

  • Durham Centre Garage, 300 W. Morgan St.
  • Corcoran Street Garage, 110 S. Corcoran St.
  • Chapel Hill Street Garage, 326 E. Chapel Hill St.

Accessible parking is next to the festival in the City Centre lot on Morris Street. The council notes that some other lots around downtown may charge a special event fee. The free Downtown Durham Bull Ride carries visitors around the outside of the festival with stops near the entrance gates; call 919-682-BULL to request a ride.

Road closures

Downtown is about a mile south of I-85 and just north of the Durham Freeway (N.C. 147). During the festival, nearly the entire downtown Loop closes, including Main and Chapel Hill streets, Market Street and parts of Parrish Street, and several downtown intersections close, the council says. Allow extra time and use the garages above. Our road construction and closures page lists other work downtown.

What to know

  • Rain or shine. The festival is outdoors and is not canceled for rain.
  • Bring a chair if you want to sit at the stages; seating is limited, with some seats set aside for accessible viewing.
  • Walk your bike inside the festival.
  • Wheelchairs, walkers and scooters are welcome. Most of the festival is on paved streets with curb ramps, though some streets slope and crowds build at peak hours.
  • Cool down in the Durham Arts Council building, 120 Morris St., with air conditioning, water fountains and restrooms. A Quiet Space is upstairs in the Semans Gallery.
  • First aid: EMS is stationed in the Durham Arts Council building and along W. Morgan Street. The information tent is next to the arts council building.
  • Paying: the gate takes Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Discover, Apple Pay, Google Pay and cash.

Accessibility questions go to McKayla Walker at mwalker@durhamarts.org.

For what is on downtown this fall, see our things to do in Durham guide.

Frequently asked questions

When is CenterFest in Durham?

CenterFest is held one weekend each September. In 2026 it was Saturday, Sept. 19, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 20, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Durham Arts Council had not posted 2027 dates on Oct. 12, 2026.

How much does CenterFest cost?

CenterFest is free. The Durham Arts Council asks for a $5 donation at the gate and takes cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay and cash.

Where do I park for CenterFest?

City lots and garages were free during the 2026 festival. The closest garages are Durham Centre Garage, 300 W. Morgan St.; Corcoran Street Garage, 110 S. Corcoran St.; and Chapel Hill Street Garage, 326 E. Chapel Hill St.

What roads close for CenterFest?

Nearly the entire downtown Loop closes, including Main and Chapel Hill streets, Market Street and parts of Parrish Street, according to the Durham Arts Council.

Is CenterFest canceled for rain?

No. CenterFest is an outdoor festival that goes ahead rain or shine.