About CenterFest
Saturday, September 19th from 10am-6pm
Sunday, September 20th from 11am-5pm
Since 1974, Durham Arts Council has brought the community together each fall for CenterFest, Durham’s signature fine arts festival. The festival features juried visual artists from Durham, the Triangle, and across the country, showcasing ceramics, paintings, photography, jewelry, fiber art, woodwork, glass, and more. Multiple stages come alive with local musicians, dancers, and street performers, while the KidZone, food vendors, and community organizations offer something for all ages. Set in the heart of historic downtown Durham, CenterFest also connects visitors with the city’s vibrant local businesses and restaurants.
Admission is free with a $5 suggested donation at the gate. Donations support the festival and the arts in Durham.
Experience Durham’s Biggest Art Weekend!
Shop Fine Art
Browse one-of-a-kind work from more than 120 juried artists specialized in ceramics, painting, photography, jewelry, fiber art, glass, wood, sculpture, and more!
Watch Live Performances
Enjoy nonstop entertainment from local musicians, dancers, theater groups, and cultural performers on the “We The People” Stage at CCB Plaza throughout the weekend with acts including Rissi Palmer, Dashawn Hickman, and so much more amazing local talent!
Eat & Drink
Discover delicious bites, sweet treats, and refreshing drinks from Durham restaurants and local food trucks around the festival!
Kids Zone Crafts
Get creative with free make-and-take art projects designed for artists of all ages. Drop in, make something fun, and take home your own handmade masterpiece.
CenterFest Limited Merch
Order your Limited Edition CenterFest T-Shirt illustrated by L Jamal Walton! Shop past CenterFest merchandise at the Five Points intersection to get your hands-on limited-edition designs including t-shirts, tote bags, and tons of other goodies!
Live Screen Printing
Experience the art of live screen printing by Super G Print Lab! Shop hot-off-the-press “Culture Lives Here” limited-edition posters illustrated and signed by local CenterFest artists, L Jamal Walton.
Volunteer
Be part of the team that brings CenterFest to life! Help welcome guests, support artists, and create an unforgettable experience while making a lasting impact on Durham’s arts community.
Celebrate “We The People”
Stop by to see Sidney Brodie’s Durham Homicide and Victims of Violent Death Memorial Quilt in the Durham Arts Council’s lobby, honoring lives lost to community violence.
Explore a special CenterFest juried art category “Threads of Community” featuring works that reflect on history, identity, belonging, democracy, and the stories that connect us.
Experience Durham County Library’s rare display of the Declaration of Independence, presented as part of Duke Art’s “We The People” initiative.
Need a Ride? The Downtown Durham Bull Ride provides free transportation around the outside of the festival footprint with drop-off locations near entrance gates.
To request a ride, call 919-682-BULL.
Explore Downtown Durham
Shop, sip, and explore the unique and vibrant culture of Downtown Durham!
Free Community Hot Yoga at Dose Yoga + Smoothie Bar, right across from the Durham Arts Council! Make the most of your CenterFest weekend with this free community class on Saturday, September 19 at 1:30pm. Register Now!
Visiting from out of town? Make your trip easy with booking at the Unscripted Hotel. Reserve your room in the CenterFest Block to waive nightly reservation fees and be fully immersed in the CenterFest experience!
CenterFest 2026 Artists
Live Performances @ CCB Plaza!
SATURDAY 9.19
10:00 AM Opening Welcome
10:05 AM National Anthem with UNC Tarpeggios
10:55 AM Footnotes
11:25 AM Triangle Youth Jazz Ensemble
12:05 PM Natyarpana School of Dance & Music
12:30 PM The Magic of African Rhythm
1:20 PM Walltown Children’s Theatre
1:50 PM Professor Twang and The Honky Tonk Review
3:10 PM Durham Jazz Workshop Feat Sarah Hanahan
4:00 PM The Panoramic Dance Project
4:35 PM “September: A Tribute to Earth, Wind, & Fire”
SUNDAY 9.20
11:00 AM Opening Welcome
11:05 AM National Anthem with Rissi Palmer
11:05 AM Second Shift a Cappella
11:40 AM Flamenco Carolina
12:10 PM Secret Monkey Weekend
1:00 PM Takiri Folclor Latino
1:30 PM Bittersweet Brass Band
2:20 PM CJ Monet
3:40 PM DaShawn Hickman
4:55 PM Closing Remarks & Festival Farewell
Other Acts Throughout the Festival
YPPC Family Fun Improv Show at WTVD Theatre in Durham Arts Council
Sat. Sept. 19 at 1 PM and Sunday Sept. 20 at 2 PM
Sat. Sept. 19 + Sun. Sept. 20 – Silver Drummer Girl 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Sun. Sept. 20 – Sammy Sylvester 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Sun. Sept. 20 – @ Five Points Batala Durham 12:10 PM – 12:40 PM
CenterFest 2026 Sponsors
Durham Arts Council (DAC) has been presenting and producing CenterFest for 51 years. CenterFest is the longest running juried art festival in the state, and the largest community event in Durham. DAC is a catalyst in the cultural development of Durham – it leads, inspires, and promotes excellence in and access to the creation, experience, and active support of the arts for all the people of our community.
Duke Arts invites you to experience, create, and explore the arts with us. We champion expansive, inclusive, and impactful arts programs that build meaningful connections between campus, community, and global audiences. Our presenting initiative, Duke Arts Presents, showcases world-class creators and performers at Duke, in Durham, and beyond. Visit arts.duke.edu to learn more.
T-Mobile Fiber is redefining what customers can expect from home internet. T-Mobile Fiber delivers lightning-fast, ultra-reliable internet with straightforward pricing and no hidden fees. With speeds up to 2 gigabits designed to power streaming, gaming, remote work, and connected homes, T-Mobile Fiber provides the performance families and individuals need today and for the future. As part of T-Mobile’s mission to be the best in wireless and beyond, T-Mobile Fiber expands on the Un-carrier’s promise of simplicity, transparency, and customer-first service. From hassle-free installation to responsive support, T-Mobile Fiber ensures customers enjoy a seamless and connected experience
Learn more at fiber.t-mobile.com.
At Rivers Agency we believe business-changing ideas are born when creativity, empathy and culture converge. That’s why supporting CenterFest Arts Festival is always a natural fit for us. We have championed the arts and artists for 30 years, and our diverse client roster will always include institutions like the Durham Arts Council that drive positive cultural transformation. Find out more at Riversagency.com
WRAL is proud to support the arts and celebrate creativity through its involvement with CenterFest Arts Festival. As the longest-running outdoor arts festival in North Carolina, CenterFest brings together artists, performers, and the community for a vibrant weekend of culture and connection. From visual arts to live performances, WRAL recognizes the power of the arts to inspire, unite, and enhance the quality of life in our community. WRAL is honored to be a part of this tradition.
Susan Van Eyck
The Insurance People
Kay Gresham
VIP SPONSOR LOUNGE HOST
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 experience
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.