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CenterFest to pause in 2027 as Durham Arts Council plans its future

The downtown arts festival is expected to return in September 2028, with residents and artists invited to help shape its next chapter.

Photo: Durham Arts Council

CenterFest will take a year off in 2027 as Durham Arts Council rethinks the future of the downtown festival that brings art, music, and neighbors into Durham’s streets.

The council announced the pause Monday, Nov. 2, saying it would spend the year evaluating the event, strengthening community partnerships, and exploring possibilities for its future. A return is anticipated in September 2028.

“This is a pause, not a farewell,” the council said in its release.

The organization plans to invite residents, artists, and supporters to a public forum to share ideas. The announcement didn't give a date or location for the forum or specific dates for the festival’s anticipated return.

“We are taking this opportunity to thoughtfully evaluate the festival’s future, strengthen community partnerships, explore new possibilities, and consider how CenterFest can continue to evolve alongside the community it serves,” the council said.

Updates and an invitation to the forum will be shared through the council’s ArtVibes newsletter, according to its online announcement.

A downtown tradition with roots in 1974

CenterFest is a two-day arts festival where visitors can browse and buy artwork, catch live performances, and bring children for hands-on creative activities.

Its roots go back to 1974, when Allied Arts, the organization later renamed Durham Arts Council, held a downtown Street Arts Celebration.

Today, the festival features juried visual artists, whose work is selected for participation, from Durham, elsewhere in the Triangle, and across the country. Their offerings include ceramics, paintings, photography, jewelry, fiber art, glass, and woodwork. Music, dance, street performances, food vendors, and children’s activities round out the weekend.

The 2026 festival took place Sept. 19-20, stretching from Five Points to CCB Plaza. It featured more than 120 juried artists and offered free admission, with a suggested $5 donation to support the festival and local arts.

In Monday’s release, the council thanked the artists, partners, volunteers, and generations of festivalgoers who have helped sustain the event.

Another chance to gather this month

Residents won’t have to wait until 2028 for the council’s next downtown arts gathering.

The Durham Art Walk Holiday Market is scheduled for Nov. 21-22, with about 200 local artists across 12 downtown locations, according to the release.

The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Starting at Durham Arts Council, 120 Morris St., the market spans indoor and outdoor venues with handmade goods, live music, and local food. Participating locations and other details are available on the Art Walk Holiday Market page. Durham Arts Council

The council also highlighted the downtown Durham tree lighting, scheduled for Nov. 21.

“Our commitment to bringing the community together through the arts continues,” the council said.

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