DPAC Shines Brighter Than Ever

DPAC, Durham Performing Arts Center welcomed its 2 millionth guest in early May. This is great news, no doubt. That it again received TripAdvisor's Certificate of Excellence is evidence that its patrons view the place, and the staff running it, as being at the top of their game.

A consumer review site, TripAdvisor is considered to be among the most reputable of the ilk and only awards its Certificate of Excellence to places that earn the distinction through repeated user reviews with high ranks.

"DPAC continues to show people an exceptional time when they come to Durham for a show," said Shelly Green, President and CEO of the Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau, the organization that draws people to Durham to visit. "The service, in conjunction with a world-class facility, a line-up of envy-worthy shows brought in for the SunTrust Broadway series, and a calendar full of blockbuster performances year round, make DPAC an important component in the Durham visitor mix," Green added. DPAC has won this award before.

Shows on that calendar referred to above include global superstars like Jerry Seinfeld and Bill Cosby, musicians Neil Young and Patti LaBelle, and Broadway hits like Wicked and The Lion King.

In a statement released by the theater, General Manager Bob Klaus details the service philosophy that underpins the theaters success as a destination. "We opened with just one vision; to be the Triangle's favorite place for live entertainment. This mission always starts with one-of-a-kind, live entertainment events. We follow that with what many call the "DPAC Experience," a focus on the guest and the high value we place on quality and service."

Since opening in 2008, DPAC has presented over 530 hit Broadway performances, 180 concerts, and 60 celebrity comedians. Over 328 of these events have been total sellouts including multi-week runs of Broadway shows. The theater has over 14,000 season seat members to its signature series, SunTrust Broadway at DPAC. 

DPAC is one of 13 theaters in Durham providing residents and visitors alike with great programming year round. The Carolina Theatre in Downtown Durham, like DPAC, is nationally ranked and producing a calendar of high-caliber entertainment.

Stay up to date on all that is happening in Durham's theaters with the Durham Event Calendar.

This Week at the Durham Farmers' Markets

Great variety and authenticity are expressed exceptionally well in Durham’s food - that's why Durham is the Tastiest Town in the South. Part of Durham’s exciting food culture comes from a fascination with locally grown and raised products, and from the chefs who prepare celebrated cuisine recognized in regional and national media. Each week at Durhams's farmers' markets everyone can be a chef with access to fresh local produce.

Produce available this week includes: sugar snap peas, squash, zucchini, asparagus, green onions, bell peppers, lettuce, strawberries, cauliflower, and more! Also look for meats, cheeses, flowers, specialty items and crafts.

Durham Farmers' Market
Visit the Durham Farmers' Market Saturdays from 8am- Noon and Wednesdays 3:30-6:30pm in Durham Central Park.

South Durham Farmer's Market
This week, there will be a kids activity where kids will make edible strawberry mice and food truck Humble Pig will make an appearance. Visit the South Durham Farmer's Market on Saturdays from 8am-Noon at Greenwood Commons, 5410 Highway 55.

Visit the farmers' markets, tour a farm, and discover more great agritourism opportunities in Durham.

Durham to Host ACC Baseball Championships 2015- 2018

Durham and the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) seem to have a match made in heaven for baseball fans. The ACC and the Durham Bulls have announced the ACC Baseball Championship will be held at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park from 2015 through 2018, covering  four championships.

The ACC Baseball Championship has been held in Durham eight times previously, including three of the past five years. In 2013, tournament records for single-game attendance (11,329) and championship game attendance (8,697) were set. The 2013 championship drew 58,454 fans, the fourth highest total in league history.

Earning this business in Durham carries big impact.  According to a calculation by the Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau, these games will bring $12 million over 4 years, and the games will bring this at a time when Durham is otherwise rather quiet. This is good news overall, especially for Downtown Durham, and the five new hotels either under construction, or soon to be, in that vicinity.

Learn more about all of the community's sports opportunities on the Durham Event Calendar.

Inside Historic Stagville

Durham's rich history is best explored in person and there's no better way to do that then at one of Durham's three State Historic Sites. One of thoses sites, Historic Stagville is a former plantation located about 15 minutes north of Downtown Durham. We interviewed site manager Stephanie Hardy about her job, the site, and the unique role that it plays for many of Durham’s African-American families.

Bulls Baseball Season

Craving peanuts and cracker jacks? Enjoy a rousing chorus of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” during the seventh inning stretch in Durham. Fortunately, the Durham Bulls have already hit a home run this season with the newly renovated Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Find out more about the Durham Bulls...

South Durham Farmers' Market Launches Wednesday Market

Great variety and authenticity are expressed exceptionally well in Durham’s food - that's why Durham is the Tastiest Town in the South. Part of Durham’s exciting food culture comes from a fascination with locally grown and raised products, and from the chefs who prepare celebrated cuisine recognized in regional and national media. Each week at Durhams's farmers' markets everyone can be a chef with access to fresh local produce.

The South Durham Farmer's Market has announced that it will be open on Wednesdays from 3:30-6:30 pm from May 7 through October 29 in addition to its Saturday schedule from 8am-Noon at Greenwood Commons, 5410 Highway 55.

Visit the farmers' markets, tour a farm, and discover more great agritourism opportunities in Durham.

Graduation Survival Guide

There’s no better time to enjoy Durham than spring. Amid blooming landscapes, many students at Durham’s esteemed universities like North Carolina Central University and Duke University are studying for final exams and anticipating graduation weekend. It’s one of the busiest times of year in Durham, but we've prepared a Graduation Survival Guide for locals and graduates to help everyone have a great weekend.

This Week at the Durham Farmers' Markets

Great variety and authenticity are expressed exceptionally well in Durham’s food - that's why Durham is the Tastiest Town in the South. Part of Durham’s exciting food culture comes from a fascination with locally grown and raised products, and from the chefs who prepare celebrated cuisine recognized in regional and national media. Each week at Durhams's farmers' markets everyone can be a chef with access to fresh local produce.

Produce available this week includes: asparagus, strawberries, tomatoes, radishes, greens and more! Also look for meats, cheeses, flowers, specialty items and crafts.

Durham Farmers' Market
Learn how to make strawberry jam  at 9am and 11am this week. Visit the Durham Farmers' Market Saturdays from 8am- Noon and Wednesdays 3:30-6:30pm in Durham Central Park.

South Durham Farmer's Market
This week, meet Mango Bakery, the newest vendor at the market. Visit the South Durham Farmer's Market on Saturdays from 8am-Noon at Greenwood Commons, 5410 Highway 55.

Visit the farmers' markets, tour a farm, and discover more great agritourism opportunities in Durham.

Bull City Sculpture Show

In Durham, art is a pretty big deal, so much so that starting tomorrow it will even be on street corners throughout Downtown Durham. Friday, May 2, marks the launch of the Bull City Sculpture Show which will continue through October. The show consists of large-scale installation pieces which will be in place from the Historic Durham Athletic Park to the American Tobacco Campus. Find a map and more information here.