The best things to do in Durham this weekend, Aug. 28-30
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A curated list of the best things to do the weekend of August 14th - August 16th. You've worked hard this week-go have a little fun.
Movies and wine go together like Hall & Oates, Burt & Ernie and PB&J. Soak in some summer breezes on the lawn while sipping local wine from Doyle's Vineyard-there's nothing more romantic!
The quaint Doyle's Vinyard opens its lush outdoor space to moonlit movie gazing. And did we mention it's free? Roll up at 7:30p (movies start right after sunset, but you'll wanna get there early and claim your space!), bring some lawn chairs, and enjoy blockbuster classics with local vino (or soda and water for purchase if you're packin' some little ones), food truck desserts, and wine slushies! There's no classier way to beat the summer heat than sip sweet vino while frolicking in the grass. Free. (Photo via @doylesvineyard)
Chill Summer Tunes in Brightleaf
Come to the beautiful Brightleaf Square every Friday for music, shopping, and snacking! Summertime is best enjoyed plopped a chair outside and jamming to sweet, sweet tunes while eating something amazing. Brightleaf epitomizes all of that, giving you a killer warehouse ambience to kickback and listen to local acts while surrounded by top notch eateries (so no outside food or bev, please!) Get in touch with Durham's art scene and architecture with this outdoor summer concert series! Free. (Photo via @browniesnstuff)
Saturday Markets + Music in Saxapahaw
Craving that hometown feeling? Travel along the Haw River to the renovated Saxapahaw riverfront every Saturday for live music, a homegrown farmer's market, and family fun. The New York Times says so!
Each year from May to August, the weekends in Saxapahaw are a sight to behold. Pilgrims from all over North Carolina (and beyond) gather along the banks of the beautiful Haw River for free music, a lively farmers market, and food trucks to boot. Just past the General Store and the now infamous Hall River Ballroom, you'll find an outdoor makeshift amphitheater that utilizes a nearby hill for effect. It doesn't get much more hometown than this! Live music sets the scene, with genres ranging from funk to bluegrass. Before or during the show, browse the tents and take your pick from local produce and beautifully crafted Triangle-area art. This is a family-friendly event, with entertainment such as giant slip-n-slides, games, and other activities.
The Farmers Market runs from 5-8p and the music runs from 6-8p (unfortunately, this event doesn't allow dogs). While the music itself is free, you're encouraged to pay it forward by contributing to the "Swan Bucket" passed through the crowd each week for the band. Support local and join the fun! Free.
Location: Rivermill Village, Saxapahaw. (Photo via @barviking)
Yoga and wine-is this what dreams are made of? Say Namaste to the grapes-Doyle's Vineyard, known for giving you cute summer flicks and wine slushies all in one, wants you find your flow and and unwind... with wine. Come to the vineyard every Thursday for a little yoga session on the deck or in the Cave (a chic wine tasting room that'll make you feel like you're actually in Napa) followed by a hearty glass of local vino. Each session is $15, which includes a glass afterwards. (Photo via @wellness_adventures)
South American Meets Southern at Luna
This brand new restaurant brings Peruvian and South American deliciousness to the Bull City. When you start throwing around mentions of yucca fries, rotisserie chicken, empanadas, chili-braised jackfruit (lookin' at you, vegans!) and jicama, you don't quickly forget! Come on over and restore your senses with top notch Latin American eats and wash it all down with some agua fresca... Or booze it up with signature cocktails and NC brews. Whatever your choice, your bound to come back for more!
Luna is open for lunch Monday through Friday 11a-3p and for dinner Monday through Saturday 5-10p. Closed on Sundays. (Photo via @tastethetriangle)
Summer Concerts in a Renovated Tobacco Campus
Calling all bluegrass, jazz, and NC lovin' people! Bring your lawn chair and a few adult beverages for live entertainment in the beautiful American Tobacco Campus, one of the cultural gems of Durham.
You couldn't imagine a more "North Carolina" setting than the Back Porch Music concert series in Durham's American Tobacco Campus. Set beneath the Lucky Strike water tower and surrounded by renovated tobacco warehouses, bluegrass and jazz acts from around the state (and even the country) belt upbeat music to seam-busting crowds from around the Triangle. The setting is truly spectacular, as the beauty of American Tobacco campus is truly unique to the entire Triangle.
Over the course of the summer, eight free, three-hour outdoor concerts will be held in this wildly popular and beautiful venue. Enjoy marque, family-friendly opening and headline bands as well as food and drink vendors. Before and after the series you'll be surrounded by shops and nearby bars, so pop in and grab whatever you need. If you find yourself needing to leave the American Tobacco campus afterwards, there are nearby bars and other downtown hotspots only a few blocks away. (Photo via @defreifeld)
Pop Over to the LoMo Market Pop Up
Sweet tunes, great gifts, awesome peeps and DIY bouquets-get local with LoMo's pop up events! LoMo Market, the tiny food truck that brings farmers' market goodness around the Triangle, likes to throw parties. Join them at their warehouse for a Saturday pop-up shop with live music, artisan vendors, fresh coffee, organic cosmetics, DIY bouquets and more! (Photo via @lomomarket)
Everything's more fun on skates. Put your party pants on and get your body glitter ready to glide your way through the night. 90s kids know what it feels like... to want to experience the 70s. So this is your chance! Disco Sweat-a dance party series with vintage vibes and great grooves-is throwing a Roller Disco. There'll be deep disco, boogie, and Italo beats while you spin around the rink. Flashy attire is highly recommended-just make sure you're comfy enough to strut your stuff! There'll be DJs (Magical Body, Karina S, Misty Touch, E Main, ZR DJ, C. Slaw & Nicole Misha), there'll be photo documentation and there'll be more than one on-wheels rendition of Boogie Nights.
The event is BYOB (cans only), 21+ and starts at 10:30p sharp. $12 entrance fee gets you a set of rental skates too (but if you have your own bring 'em!). Bring cash, look fab, and get your Saturday night fever burning!
Location: Wheels Fun Park, Durham. (Photo via @tylikeabowtie)
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