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120 Morris St Downtown Durham

 

Screenshot 2026-02-11 143623
CenterFest

About CenterFest

Dates & Times: Saturday, September 19th from 10am-6pm
Sunday, September 20th from 11am-5pm


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.
 

About Centerfest

Dates & Times: Saturday, September 19th from 10am-6pm
Sunday, September 20th from 11am-5pm


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 2026 Timeline

  • January 30, 2026

    Visual Artist Application Opens on Zapp

  • February 13, 2026

    Performer Application Opens on Submittable 

  • March 30, 2026

    Non-Profit & Gov’t Services,  Applications Open on Submittable

  • May 1, 2026

    Visual Artist Application Closes

  • June 2026

    Visual Artists Notified of Status

  • June 1, 2026

    Performer Application Closes

  • July 13, 2026

    All other applications close

  • July 20, 2026

    Performers Notified

  • August 17, 2026

    All Applicants Notified of Status

  • September 19 -20, 2026

    Festival Takes Place

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

Past Festivals

Questions about CenterFest?