Durham’s Festival Scene: A Changing Landscape
As Durham emerges from the pandemic, its festival scene looks different. Three of the city’s marquee events face uncertain futures or have been shelved altogether.
Why Festivals Matter
Festivals are more than just entertainment; they are economic engines. They showcase Durham’s vibrant culture to both visitors and locals. For example, Dreamville recently drew tens of thousands to Raleigh, many of whom experienced the area for the first time. The festival proved that the region can host large-scale music events.
A Shift in Durham’s Festival Landscape
Durham once persuaded Moogfest, an electronic arts festival, to relocate from Asheville in 2016. The event brought cutting-edge musical acts, global visitors, and national media attention. However, the festival was abruptly canceled in 2019 for “logistical reasons” and hasn’t returned since.
Similarly, Duke’s Center for Documentary Studies has long hosted Full Frame, one of the nation’s most influential documentary festivals. Although it went virtual during the pandemic, this year marks the first time the event has been entirely canceled since its inception in 1998. The event is expected to return in person next year. However, financial struggles and leadership changes at the Center raise questions about its future.
Another beloved event, the Art of Cool festival, was last held in 2019. Known for bringing big names like Jill Scott and Ari Lennox to downtown Durham, the festival was unique for being entirely homegrown. It highlighted the local Black music scene, making it a standout event. Yet, despite its success, the festival, now owned by the DOME Group, will not take place this year. The organizers plan to revive it in 2024, but the delay leaves a gap in the city’s cultural calendar.
A New Hope: Bull City Summit
While some festivals struggle, there’s excitement around a new player in town. Nicole Thompson, CEO of Downtown Durham Inc., has high hopes for Bull City Summit. This music, business, and technology-focused festival debuted last year and returns from September 18-24. The lineup includes soul singer Lee Fields, alternative rock bands like Death From Above 1979, and dozens of business world speakers.
As Durham’s festival scene evolves, Bull City Summit could become a key event that bridges the gap left by its predecessors. The city’s culture remains rich, and the potential for new traditions is on the horizon.