Welcome (back) to Duke! Durham has a vibrant arts scene to offer, but getting to know a new city can be a challenge. So, consider this week’s worth of activities your introduction to the Bull City!
August 26: Live Music Friday with Acisse Jay at the Oak House Durham
The Triangle area has a thriving music scene, with innumerable music events happening every week. Dip a toe in the water by attending the performance of Acisse Jay, a singer-songwriter from Raleigh, who will be performing at the Oak House Durham at 7:30 p.m. The Oak House Durham is a downtown craft beverage lounge, so bring a friend and enjoy some coffee and live music.
August 27: Durham Farmers’ Market in Durham Central Park
Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon, over 60 vendors fill Durham Central Park to sell everything from pottery to handmade cheese to fresh pasta. If you’re aiming for most businesses visited per hour, the Durham Farmers’ Market might just be your best bet.
August 28: Vegan Mac & Cheese Cookoff at the Durham Armory
Durham is a widely-known culinary destination, having garnered attention for its blend of southern food with flavors from elsewhere. Look no further than the Vegan Mac & Cheese Cookoff for an example, where professional chefs vye to serve up the best modern twist on a southern classic. Proceeds go to charity — the Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge — so your ticket here is going towards more than just some good food. Make sure to register beforehand to save $10!
August 29: Heritage Rhythms Dance Class at the Hayti Heritage Center
The Hayti Heritage Center, on the register of national historic landmarks, serves as a hub for cultural programs related to the African American experience in Durham. One of these programs is the Heritage Rhythms Dance Class, a weekly course on African dance styles. This invigorating class accepts all levels of experience and is taught by professionals.
August 30: Tuesday Blues Jam at the Blue Note Grill
Watching Durham’s music scene from the sidelines is one thing, but being a part of it yourself is a whole other experience. Bring your own instrument, and you can participate in the weekly Tuesdays Blues Jam at the Blue Note Grill. For those less inclined to perform, live music, barbeque and friendly company make the trip worthwhile, guitar in-hand or not.
August 31: Queer Country Night at the Pinhook
Line dancing and whisky help make up a staple of the LGBTQ+ scene in Durham. Every Wednesday from 8 p.m. to midnight, the Pinhook becomes honky-tonk central, so head downtown for some country music fun at Queer Country Night.
September 1: Open Farm Day at Elodie Farms
Can goats be considered art? If your answer is yes, you might enjoy Open Farm Day at Elodie Farms, where you can spend a Saturday afternoon in the company of goats. Even if you said no, yoga and farm-store ice cream in the countryside might be your style. Either way, entrance to the farm is free, making this thirty-minute trip north of Duke a relaxing and budget-friendly introduction to the Durham county countryside.
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Jonathan Pertile is a Trinity senior and recess editor of The Chronicle's 118th volume.