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.
Become A CenterFest Sponsor
CenterFest offers an unparalleled opportunity to align your brand with creativity, culture, and connection
-
High Visibility: Engage directly with 25,000+ attendees in a dynamic, high-traffic setting
-
Brand Alignment: Position your organization as a champion of the arts and community
-
Targeted Reach: Connect with families, young professionals, creatives, and engaged residents
-
Multi-Channel Exposure: Gain recognition through digital campaigns, social media, press, and on-site branding
-
Meaningful Impact: Support local artists, arts education, and free, accessible cultural experiences
Sponsorship Opportunities Include:
-
Entrance gates and high-traffic activations
-
Booth and large trailer exhibiting opportunities
-
Kidzone and family programming
-
A new digital only sponsorship category
Check out the sponsor deck for more information on ways to partner.
As a free, community-centered event, CenterFest relies on the support of sponsors to remain accessible while continuing to grow its impact across Durham’s creative economy. We would love to partner with you for 2026, reach out to our Director of Development and Communications, Laura Montgomery lmontgomery@durhamarts.org with questions.
gate.
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.
Become A CenterFest Sponsor
CenterFest offers an unparalleled opportunity to align your brand with creativity, culture, and connection
-
High Visibility: Engage directly with 25,000+ attendees in a dynamic, high-traffic setting
-
Brand Alignment: Position your organization as a champion of the arts and community
-
Targeted Reach: Connect with families, young professionals, creatives, and engaged residents
-
Multi-Channel Exposure: Gain recognition through digital campaigns, social media, press, and on-site branding
-
Meaningful Impact: Support local artists, arts education, and free, accessible cultural experiences
Sponsorship Opportunities Include:
-
Entrance gates and high-traffic activations
-
Booth and large trailer exhibiting opportunities
-
Kidzone and family programming
-
A new digital only sponsorship category
Check out the sponsor deck for more information on ways to partner.
As a free, community-centered event, CenterFest relies on the support of sponsors to remain accessible while continuing to grow its impact across Durham’s creative economy. We would love to partner with you for 2026, reach out to our Director of Development and Communications, Laura Montgomery lmontgomery@durhamarts.org with questions.
gate.
Centerfest 2026 Timeline
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January 30, 2026
Visual Artist Application Opens on Zapp
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February 13, 2026
Performer Application Opens on Submittable
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March 30, 2026
Non-Profit & Gov’t Services, Applications Open on Submittable
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May 1, 2026
Visual Artist Application Closes
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June 2026
Visual Artists Notified of Status
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June 1, 2026
Performer Application Closes
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July 13, 2026
All other applications close
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July 20, 2026
Performers Notified
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August 17, 2026
All Applicants Notified of Status
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September 19 -20, 2026
Festival Takes Place
