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About Durham Performing Arts Center
The Durham Performing Arts Center stands as one of North Carolina's premier cultural destinations, hosting an impressive range of performances from Broadway touring productions and classical concerts to contemporary dance and intimate jazz shows. This modern venue has established itself as a cornerstone of Durham's vibrant arts scene, welcoming both world-renowned artists and emerging local talent across genres that span from bluegrass and folk to R&B and alternative rock.
Attending a performance here means experiencing top-tier acoustics and sightlines designed to create an intimate connection between performers and audience, regardless of where you sit. The venue's contemporary design ensures that every seat offers an engaging view, while the carefully calibrated sound system delivers crisp, clear audio whether you're enjoying a delicate piano recital or an energetic rock concert. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between sophisticated elegance and welcoming accessibility, making it equally comfortable for opera enthusiasts and comedy show attendees.
Situated in the heart of Durham, the center sits within the city's dynamic downtown district, surrounded by innovative restaurants, craft breweries, and bustling nightlife. The area has transformed into a cultural hub that perfectly complements an evening at the theater, offering plenty of options for pre-show dining or post-performance drinks. Arriving for a show means stepping into a neighborhood that pulses with creative energy, where historic tobacco warehouses now house art galleries and the city's renowned food scene.
With 41 upcoming events spanning everything from magical performances to thought-provoking lectures, browse CultureTicks to discover your next memorable evening at this exceptional venue.
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Dining
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Dining Tips
Finish dinner 30+ minutes before showtime. Most restaurants offer pre-theater menus.
Highly recommended, especially for evening performances. Book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Most listed restaurants are within 5-10 minutes walk. Factor in extra time during busy hours.
Based on 7,922 Google reviews
Recent Reviews
Spectacular venue for concerts, musicals, plays, and whatever else they may host. The seating is very comfortable, well spaced, and straightforward to navigate. The lobby is really nice and has some basic refreshments available including beer and wine, and hot nuts! Not kidding. The building is beautiful inside and out, totally modern and high quality. The staff is friendly and helpful. Parking is available nearby in several parking decks and surface streets as well. The area around DPAC is also great and very cool to explore. Restaurants, hotels, the American Tobacco District, and downtown Durham all within walking distance. Such a great place to have nearby, it is a treat to see shows here. Recently attended the Sound of Music production (which was excellent!) and also a Wailin’ Jenny’s concert (also excellent!).
Beautiful building! Helpful Nice Staff! Easy in and out. Parking lot attached and down the street. Good drinks 🍹 Good restaurants in walking distance nearby if that's something ya wanna do before/after. Will 100% continue to book tickets here - easy decision.
I recently attended the Tye Tribbett “We Outside Tour” at DPAC (Durham Performing Arts Center), and it was an amazing experience from start to finish! The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful — everyone made the evening smooth and enjoyable. I also love that the venue is cashless, which made transactions quick and convenient. The atmosphere, sound, and seating were all top-notch. DPAC truly knows how to create a first-class experience for its guests. I can’t wait to attend another event here!
Amazing venue. Very beautiful setting. I was there for the weekend to attend Luftgekühlt 11 and take photos for Bramo (the app that expands the show and has car details and more depth to connect and bring their story's to life) these were so.e shots of the event and campus. Very well run facility.
DPAC is a great gem hosting everything from the Broadway touring shows to cute little candlelight concerts to the Lucy Dacus concert, where I coincidentally got married on stage!! We usually get the cheap seats in the balcony but there is truly no bad place to sit in this theater. It's always clean and well-staffed with people available to help you find your seat and answer questions. I always have a great time at DPAC!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about visiting
What events are coming up at Durham Performing Arts Center?
Check the Events tab on this page for all upcoming performances at Durham Performing Arts Center. You can filter by genre and date to find shows that interest you.
How do I get to Durham Performing Arts Center?
Visit the "Getting There" section for directions, parking information, and public transit options for Durham Performing Arts Center. We also include nearby restaurant recommendations for a complete night out.
Does Durham Performing Arts Center have accessible seating?
Most performing arts venues offer accessible seating and accommodations. Contact Durham Performing Arts Center directly for specific accessibility information, including wheelchair access, hearing assistance, and service animal policies.
What should I know before visiting Durham Performing Arts Center?
Review the venue details section for important information including capacity, seating layout, and house rules. Arriving 15-30 minutes early is recommended, especially for popular performances.
What time should I arrive?
We recommend arriving at least 30-45 minutes before the performance start time to allow for parking, security screening, and finding your seats. Some venues may have stricter arrival policies for late seating.
Can I take photos during the performance?
Photography and video recording are typically not permitted during performances out of respect for the artists and other patrons. Please check with the specific venue for their policy.
What is the cancellation policy?
Ticket sales are final. However, if a performance is cancelled or significantly rescheduled, refunds will be issued. Please review our terms and conditions for complete details.
Is there a bag policy?
Most venues have bag size restrictions. Large bags, backpacks, and luggage are typically not permitted. Small purses and clutches are usually allowed. Check the venue's specific bag policy before attending.
Accessibility Services
Durham Performing Arts Center is committed to accessible services
Wheelchair Access
Wheelchair-accessible seating is available throughout the venue. Please contact the box office when purchasing tickets to ensure appropriate accommodations.
Assistive Listening Devices
Assistive listening devices are available for patrons who are hard of hearing. Please inquire at the venue or when purchasing tickets.
Service Animals
Service animals are welcome at all performances. Please notify staff upon arrival.
For specific accessibility questions, please contact the venue directly or reach out to our support team.