CenterFest Accessibility - Durham Arts Council

Festival Tips + Accessibility at Centerfest

CenterFest 2026 takes place September 19–20, 2026, in downtown Durham, NC, located primarily in the Five Points intersection up to CCB Plaza.

Festival hours are 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday.

CenterFest is committed to making the festival welcoming and accessible, because the arts are for everyone! Below you’ll find information to help you plan your visit, from parking and getting around to restrooms, weather, accessibility, and more.

Have additional accessibility questions before the festival? Contact McKayla Walker at mwalker@durhamarts.org.

Centerfest2025 September 20 Durham Arts Council-Be (2)

Parking and Transportation +

Parking is free in city lots and garages during CenterFest weekend! Downtown offers several public parking garages that are just a short walk from the festival. The closest garages include:

Durham Centre Garage (300 W. Morgan Street)

Corcoran Street Garage (110 S. Corcoran Street)

Chapel Hill Street Garage (326 E. Chapel Hill Street)

Visitors are encouraged to arrive early for the best availability and to check current parking information before traveling. Artists, vendors, performers, and sponsors will receive separate information for parking from their DAC representative.

Accessible parking is available adjacent to the festival at the City Centre parking lot on Morris Street, across from the City Centre Garage.

Address:
500 W. Morgan St.
Durham, NC 27701

Please refer to the festival map for the parking location. From the parking area, you’ll find accessible routes leading into the festival. Volunteers stationed throughout CenterFest are happy to point you toward the easiest route to stages, artist booths, food vendors, or other festival amenities.

Need to get to another part of the festival? Bull Ride provides transportation around the outside of the festival footprint with drop-off locations near entrance gates. To request a ride, call 919-682-BULL.

Festival Fees +

Getting Around the Festival +

Grab a festival map and program on your way in!
CenterFest takes place throughout downtown Durham on city streets and sidewalks. Most festival areas are located on paved surfaces with curb ramps and accessible sidewalks, though some streets have gentle slopes and the festival can become crowded during peak hours. Bicycles must be walked on the festival site.
If you use a wheelchair, walker, scooter, or other mobility device, you’re welcome to bring it with you. Our volunteers are available throughout the festival to answer questions and help you navigate the site.

Stay Cool and Comfortable +

CenterFest is outdoors and takes place rain or shine! September in North Carolina can still bring warm temperatures, so, to help make your visit as enjoyable as possible, we encourage everyone to plan ahead for the weather:

Wear comfortable shoes, lightweight clothing, and sunscreen, and consider bringing a hat or sunglasses if you’ll be spending several hours outdoors. Staying hydrated is one of the best ways to enjoy the festival, so be sure to drink water throughout the day and take breaks when you need them.

If you need a place to rest, visit the Durham Arts Council (located at 120 Morris Street) for a quiet, air-conditioned space with free access to water fountains.

Restrooms +

Accessible portable restrooms and handwashing stations are conveniently located throughout the festival grounds, and their locations are marked on the festival map. Additional public restrooms are available inside the Durham Arts Council building during festival hours.
If you need help finding the nearest restroom, stop by an Information Tent located next to the Durham Arts Council (120 Morris St) or ask one of our volunteers. We’re happy to point you in the right direction.

Performances and Stages +

Performance schedules and stage locations are available on the festival map and online before the event. Seating is limited at most stages, so you’re welcome to bring a portable chair if you’d like to sit and enjoy our local performers. There will be a portion of seats at each stage marked for accessible viewing.

Sensory Considerations +

CenterFest is a lively outdoor festival with live music, artist demonstrations, street performers, food vendors, and large crowds. Throughout the day, you may experience amplified sound, changing noise levels, bright sunlight, food aromas, and busy walkways.

If you or someone in your group needs a break from the activities, visit our Quiet Space at the Durham Arts Council (120 Morris St) and head upstairs to the Semans Gallery. You’re also encouraged to bring items such as noise-reducing headphones, sunglasses, fidget tools, or other personal comfort items to help make your experience more enjoyable.

Health and Safety +

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) will be stationed inside the Durham Arts Council building and along W Morgan Street during the festival. If you or someone in your group needs medical assistance, visit the Information Tent (located next to DAC Building on 120 Morris St) or notify the nearest festival volunteer. We’ll quickly connect you with EMS or other emergency personnel.
In an emergency, call 911 and follow the directions of festival staff and public safety officials.

Downtown Durham +
Where to Stay: Making a weekend of it? Stay downtown and keep CenterFest within easy reach. Here’s a few of our favorites:

Unscripted Durham: Located just across from the festival and performance stage. Unscripted Durham is currently offering waived overnight fees for CenterFest 2026 weekend! Book now.

Durham Marriott City Center: A comfortable accommodation with CenterFest just outside the door.

The Durham Hotel: a locally owned boutique hotel with mid-century design, a Coffee Bar, and a rooftop lounge.

Looking to explore more of Downtown? Visit Downtown Durham’s website to explore local shops, restaurants, and more!

If you are a downtown business: Please click here to view the Downtown Business Alert Packet.

Road Closures +

CenterFest takes place in downtown Durham, about one mile south of I-85 and just north of the Durham Freeway (NC 147). Nearly the entire downtown Loop will be closed, including Main and Chapel Hill Streets, Market Street, and parts of Parrish. Road closures will occur at several downtown intersections, so plan for extra travel time and use designated parking areas.
Several municipal parking garages and lots surround the festival site, along with neighborhood street parking. Some lots may charge a special event fee, while others are free.

For more information on closures and Downtown Durham business impact: Please click here to view the Downtown Business Alert Packet.

Festival Tips + Accessibility at Centerfest

Can’t view the map? Download a PDF File Here.