Skip to content
120 Morris St Downtown Durham

 

Untitled (1920 x 1080 px)
Untitled (1920 x 1080 px)
CenterFest

About Centerfest

Since 1974, Durham Arts Council has brought the Durham community together with an annual arts festival in the fall. As Durham’s signature fine arts festival, CenterFest showcases juried visual artists from across the country and fills multiple stages with stand-out local performers. Art shoppers are dazzled by world-class ceramics, paintings, photography, jewelry, fiber art, woodwork, glass, and more. Creators are based in Durham, the Triangle and across the country. CenterFest also features musicians, dancers and unique street performers to provide continuous entertainment. Kids will have a blast at the Creative Kids Zone, food vendors keep guests fueled for fun, and Durham’s nonprofit and government services sector inspire and inform festival goers. Taking place in the heart of Durham’s historic downtown, a concentration of local businesses and eateries elevate the visitor experience! 
 
Admission is free with a $5 suggested donation at the gate. Donations support the festival and the arts in Durham.
 
Centerfest 2025 will be September 20th and 21st in Downtown Durham! Come and celebrate our 50th anniversary!
 

About Centerfest

Since 1974, Durham Arts Council has brought the Durham community together with an annual arts festival in the fall. As Durham’s signature fine arts festival, CenterFest showcases juried visual artists from across the country and fills multiple stages with stand-out local performers. Art shoppers are dazzled by world-class ceramics, paintings, photography, jewelry, fiber art, woodwork, glass, and more. Creators are based in Durham, the Triangle and across the country. CenterFest also features musicians, dancers and unique street performers to provide continuous entertainment. Kids will have a blast at the Creative Kids Zone, food vendors keep guests fueled for fun, and Durham’s nonprofit and government services sector inspire and inform festival goers. Taking place in the heart of Durham’s historic downtown, a concentration of local businesses and eateries elevate the visitor experience! 
 
Admission is free with a $5 suggested donation at the gate. Donations support the festival and the arts in Durham.
 
Centerfest 2025 will be September 20th and 21st in Downtown Durham! Come and celebrate our 50th anniversary!
 

Centerfest 2025 Timeline

  • January 31, 2025

    Visual Artist Application Opens on Zapp

  • February 2025

    Performer Application Opens on Submittable 

  • March 2025

    Non-Profit, Gov’t Services, Political Booth & Food Vendor Applications Open on Submittable

  • May 1st, 2025

    Visual Artist Application Closes

  • June 2025

    Visual Artists Notified of Status

  • June 2025

    Performer Application Closes

  • July 2025

    All other applications close

  • July 2025

    Performers Notified

  • August 2025

    All Applicants Notified of Status

  • September 20 & 21, 2025

    Festival Takes Place

CenterFest23 Durham Arts Council-381
CenterFest23 Durham Arts Council-237

Centerfest 2025 Timeline

  • January 31, 2025

    Visual Artist Application Opens on Zapp

  • February 2025

    Performer Application Opens on Submittable 

  • March 2025

    Non-Profit, Gov’t Services, Political Booth & Food Vendor Applications Open on Submittable

  • May 1st, 2025

    Visual Artist Application Closes

  • June 2025

    Visual Artists Notified of Status

  • June 2025

    Performer Application Closes

  • July 2025

    All other applications close

  • July 2025

    Performers Notified

  • August 2025

    All Applicants Notified of Status

  • September 20 & 21, 2025

    Festival Takes Place

CenterFest

Past Festivals

Questions about CenterFest?