Centerfest FAQs & Map & Parking
CenterFest takes place in downtown Durham, about one mile south of I-85 and just north of the Durham Freeway (NC 147). CenterFest will involve the closing of nearly the entire downtown Loop. Main and Chapel Hill Streets will be closed, as well as Market Street and parts of Parrish. Blockages will be placed at Morgan/Morris, Main/Great Jones, W. Chapel Hill/Ramseur, Main/Corcoran, Parrish/Corcoran, and W. Chapel Hill/Corcoran. Many municipal parking lots surround the CenterFest site, as well as neighborhood street parking. Some lots will charge a special event parking fee while others are free.
Parking for CenterFest
For current information on parking in Downtown Durham, visit the Park Durham website. The Downtown Durham Inc. Parking Map is also a helpful guide. We anticipate that all City of Durham garages will be free. However, all users of city parking decks will still have to pull a ticket to enter/exit.
Is Centerfest happening this year? Where is it?
Yes, CenterFest will be located in the downtown Durham loop on Main and Chapel Hill Streets in the Five Points and CCB Plaza areas.
How does the festival impact downtown Durham businesses and residents?
Click here to review the CenterFest Downtown Business Alert Packet.
How much does it cost?
The event is free, but we have a suggested donation of $5.00 at the gates. While we strive to keep CenterFest a free event, Durham Arts Council incurs substantial cash expenses of over $100,000 in presenting this annual arts festival for the community, and returning the festival to the downtown location has increased costs substantially. For this reason, we ask that those who can afford to do so make a donation of $5 per person as you enter the festival. Children twelve and under are free. We appreciate your support in making CenterFest happen.
Can I bring my dog, cat, ferret, etc?
Leashed pets are permitted on CenterFest grounds. Owners must pick up after their pets. The Festival has large crowds of people, many children, loud noises and other pets. Patrons are advised only to bring pets that will remain well-behaved in this environment. As an issue of public safety, owners of unruly animals may be asked to leave. Guide animals are welcome at all Festival venues.
What payment methods are accepted at Centerfest?
We are able to take Mastercard, VISA, American Express, Discover, Apple Pay and Google Pay! We also take cash.
Will I be able to maneuver in a wheelchair?
The festival site is completely accessible. If you have other special needs, please contact the Durham Arts Council in advance of the festival to ensure your needs will be met.
Are there kids’ activities at CenterFest?
Bring your kids to the Family Fun Zone in the center of the festival next to Ninth Street Bakery to enjoy hands-on arts and get your face painted and angel hair (fee based) by Paint Savvy. There will be exciting festival rides for adults and children (tickets sold at ride location).
Can you suggest a hotel or other things to do while in town?
For information on Durham, including accommodations, visit Discover Durham. Here’s Discover Durham’s guide for how best to explore Durham during CenterFest.
What restaurants and shops can I visit downtown?
Click HERE for the map.
Can I still get a booth at CenterFest 2024?
The deadline to apply was May 1, 2024. Selected exhibitors for 2024 are now posted. The CenterFest 2025 Visual Artist will open in January 2025.
Can I still apply to perform at CenterFest 2024?
The deadline to submit a performer application was June 10, 2024. Selected performers will be posted in the coming weeks. The Centerfest 2025 performer application will open in April 2025.
Can I receive community service hours for volunteering and can I volunteer with my friends?
We need you and your friends to volunteer and these hours will count toward any requirements you have; please bring a document for our volunteer coordinator to sign. Click here for volunteer opportunities.
Who is coordinating CenterFest this year?
The Durham Arts Council produces and presents CenterFest each year with the assistance of regional event producers and volunteers.
Centerfest 2024 Map
