When it comes to entertainment, the Durham Performing Arts Center is the place to go. Located in the heart of downtown Durham, this is the place to catch a Broadway show, watch a stand-up comic, or see your favorite bands play. It isn’t just a stage — it’s an integral part of the community.
If you’ve never been to the DPAC, and you’re looking to go for the first time, here is everything you need to know about visiting the Durham Performing Arts Center.
We share everything from its history, what to bring (and not bring), where to park, where to eat and drink nearby, where to stay, and what to wear.
About Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC)
The Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) officially opened its doors on November 30th, 2008 with a concert given by B. B. King, and since then it has garnered a glowing reputation for offering sensational live performances in Durham.
It hosts over 200 performances a year, mostly from national touring artists – from stand-up comedians to globally-recognized musicians and bands, to runs of Broadway productions and musicals.
It’s famous for its excellent acoustics and innovative design, which was designed by architectural firm Architectural Resources Cambridge and has earned multiple awards, including being recognized by the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM).
It has a seating capacity of 2,712 seats on three levels, knocking The Belk Theater in Charlotte off the top spot for the largest theater in North Carolina.
Over the years, it has received many notable accolades, such as being in the top 50 of the “Best Large Theaters in the U.S.” list by Pollstar for three consecutive years, as well as twice being listed as the #1 performing arts organization in the Triangle region by the Triangle Business Journal.
It’s also said to be one of the top 10 highest-grossing theaters in the country, alongside venues like Madison Square Garden and the Hollywood Bowl. In its first seven months, it’s said to have brought in $10.9 million to the local economy.
In 2017, it was recorded to have been the 5th highest-grossing theater in the country, and sixth on a global scale, by Pollstar. The highest attended shows were the Broadway shows, The King and I, and Finding Neverland in 2017.
Also in 2017, it underwent a $1.8 million renovation to remove seats and carpet.
Durham Performing Arts Center is owned by the city of Durham and is operated by Nederlander Organization and Professional Facilities Management.
Read more: Raise The Curtain For The Best Theatres In Raleigh: Where To Catch A Show
Past performances
To give you an idea of the kind of entertainment you will find at DPAC, here are some notable past performances.
Musicians and comedians
- Alice Cooper – 2009
- Aretha Franklin – 2012, 2016
- B.B. King – 2008, 2011, 2013
- Bob Dylan – 2015, 2016, 2018
- Carol Burnett – 2011, 2013, 2019
- Chris Rock – 2017, 2022
- Chris Tucker – 2013, 2015, 2023
- Diana Ross – 2011, 2015
- Dolly Parton – 2019, 2011
- Ellen DeGeneres – 2024
- Jay Leno – 2014, 2017, 2019
- Jerry Seinfeld – 2011, 2013, 2015, 2018, 2023
- John Cleese – 2015, 2017, 2023
- Mike Tyson – 2013
- Ringo Starr – 2010, 2014, 2019
- Robin Williams – 2009, 2013
- Steve Martin & Martin Short – 2017, 2022
- Tony Bennett – 2013, 2015, 2017, 2020
- Whoopi Goldberg – 2013
- Willie Nelson – 2009, 2011, 2013
- ZZ Top – 2012, 2021
Broadway productions and theater
- RENT starring Adam Pascal & Anthony Rapp – 2009
- Fiddler on the Roof starring Topol – 2009
- Legally Blonde The Musical – 2009
- Grease – 2009
- Hair Spray – 2010
- The Lion King – 2011
- Rock of Ages – 2011
- War Horse – 2012
- Mary Poppins – 2013
- Ghost The Musical – 2013
- Dirty Dancing – 2014
- Phantom of the Opera – 2014
- Annie – 2014
- Wicked – 2015
- The Sound of Music – 2015
- Matilda – 2016
- The Bodyguard The Musical – 2017
- Mama Mia – 2017
- School of Rock – 2017
- Les Misérables – 2018
- The Book of Mormon – 2018
- Hamilton – 2018
- Chicago – 2019
- Cats – 2019
- Jesus Christ Superstar – 2022
- Moulin Rouge – 2023
It has also hosted the American Dance Festival from 2009 – 2018, and it also hosts a Triangle production of A Christmas Carol every year in December – a bucket list Christmas experience in the Triangle.
Broadway at DPAC
The DPAC is most well-known for its Broadway productions, so if you’re a huge fan of Broadway musicals then you might want to sign up for season tickets or member benefits. See more here.
We absolutely love seeing shows at DPAC and have previously seen Frozen and Les Misérables here and hoping to see the Book of Mormon this year. It’s such a fantastic venue and the Triangle is so lucky to have these touring Broadway shows.
Some upcoming shows for 2025 include Bull City Food & Beer Experience, The Book of Mormon, Sesame St Live, The Rocket Man Show and Steve Martin & Martin Short. See all ticket availability here.
We share DPAC’s shows in our event calendar and our Raleigh weekend guide. Subscribe to our email so you never miss the latest finds, and best festivals and events in the Triangle.
Where is the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC)?
The Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) is located in downtown Durham at 123 Vivian Street. It’s located next to the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. To get there, drive on I-885 or NC-147 and take Exits 3B or 4.
Drive times to Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC):
- Greensboro to DPAC: 55 minutes (53.7 miles) via I-40 E
- Chapel Hill to DPAC: 25 minutes (11.1 miles) via US-15 N/US-501 N
- Cary to DPAC: 23 minutes (19.0 miles) via I-40
- Raleigh to DPAC: 30 minutes (24.6 miles) via I-40
Where to park for DPAC?
The closest parking structure is next to the theater, called East Parking Deck. If you are visiting the DPAC, there is a discounted rate if you park on the third floor and up.
It has electric car hook-ups on the first floor, and you can prepay $4 and book a space using the ParkMobile App. Parking costs $10 for evening events at the DPAC.
There are also the North Deck and South Deck parking units, which are all run by the American Tobacco Campus and have the same fees as the East Parking Deck.
There are also over 800 spaces at the parking deck on 555 Mangum Street. It’s not recommended to park in the Corcoran Street or Church Street parking garages because they close before the shows finish.
Bag policy
No large bags or luggage are allowed in the venue, but if you plan to bring a small bag, be sure to leave the following items at home:
- outside food and beverages (including alcohol)
- professional cameras
- Weapons
- illegal drugs
- laser pointers
- strobe lights
- other irritants such as noisemakers
- Any recording devices
- E-cigarettes and vapes
You may bring with you the following items:
- Empty plastic water bottles, which can be filled at the water bottle filling station in the lobby
- Or sealed or unopened water bottles up to 20 ounces
- Personal safety items such as pepper spray, keychain alarms, and other devices allowed by law
- Prescription medication
- Seat cushions if 3 inches of depth or less
- Service animals
- Small snacks for dietary reasons
- Umbrellas
- Parenting bags with diapers etc
Anyone bringing a bag will be searched upon entering the venue.
Common courtesy practices for first timers
If it’s your first time visiting the DPAC, then there are a few things you should be aware of before booking your ticket.
- If you’re tall or need more legroom, there are seats with extra legroom in the Grand Tier, Section 6, Row J. Or, you can pick a seat in the aisle, which has removable armrests that rotate open which gives the seat extra width and also aids people getting in and out of the seat.
- Don’t be late. Arrive at least 15 minutes before show time. Allow 15 minutes to find a parking spot. Doors to the lobby open an hour before show time and you can get a pre-show drink or snack from the onsite bar.
- Allow more time if there’s a Durham Bulls home game – this will mean parking will be more difficult to find.
- Politely consider your choice of perfume or cologne as you will be sitting close to other people, who may be allergic or have reactions to the smell.
- There are usually 15-20 minute intermissions and lines form for the restrooms, so don’t delay in the break.
Snacks and refreshments
There are three areas in the DPAC lobby where you can get light snacks and refreshments.
They are the Broadway Bar in the Entry Lobby (Ground Floor), Encore Café and Stage Door Bar in the Orchestra Lobby (2nd Floor), and Applause Café and Backstage Bar in the Grand Tier Lobby (3rd Floor).
The bars will have wine, beer, and mixed drinks.
Where to eat and pre-drink before a show
Alley Twenty Six
On show nights, you can receive discounts on food and cocktails on a pre-show dinner menu and late-night dinner menu at Alley Twenty Six. It’s located just three blocks from the theater and is the only restaurant to be a finalist for a James Beard Award.
Bull City Burger and Brewery
We love a microbrewery, and what better way to start an evening of exciting entertainment than with a craft beer and a juicy burger?
Bull City Burger and Brewery is two blocks away from DPAC and is famous for its tasty burgers made with fresh and locally sourced ingredients. The vibe is casual and welcoming, and also family friendly.
On show nights, Broadway Season Seat Members can receive a free pickle chips appetizer with the purchase of any combination of two burgers, hot dogs, or veggie burgers.
American Tobacco Campus
Across the road from the Performing Arts Center is the former Tobacco District, which has been revitalized into a bustling business park with upscale restaurants and cafes.
Mellow Mushroom Durham
A restaurant we often visit when visiting the American Tobacco Campus is Mellow Mushroom Durham, a pizzeria with stone-baked pizzas and a funky, industrial-look decor.
They have a lovely outdoor seating area with great views overlooking the water tower. The menu has tons of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free offerings.
On show nights, Season Seat Members can get a free appetizer with the purchase of a Medium or Large Specialty pizza.
Seraphine
Seraphine is another popular choice though it’s a bit more upscale with elegant and modern interiors.
It serves classic Southern and New Orleans-inspired dishes, such as shrimp and grits (a North Carolina favorite), gumbo, and beignets (New Orlean’s most famous dishes). If you are having a date night at DPAC, then this would be a fine choice for a place to eat before a show.
If you don’t want to dine out and are looking to save money, there are benches and hammocks you can sit and hang out in and eat your own picnic whilst admiring the serenity of the green space and water feature.
Counting House
A good option for a date night to the DPAC, Counting House is a fine dining restaurant on Corcoran Street, offering seafood dishes paired with innovative cocktails and craft beer. It has a cocktail lounge that offers post-show cocktails.
Tobacco Road Sports Cafe
For pre-drinks and a light bite, head next door to the Tobacco Road Sports Cafe, a sleek sports bar with casual pub fare, beers on tap, and views overlooking the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. (This is a favorite of ours on Durham Bulls game night!)
Killer Queen Wine Bar
If you’re going to a DPAC show with women friends, I highly suggest the Killer Queen Wine Bar for your pre-show drink. Quirky, fun, and full of sparkle, or velvet smooth if that’s more your style. What sets this bar apart is its fusion of vintage elegance and modern sophistication, creating an atmosphere that effortlessly transports you to a bygone era. It’s one of my favorite wine bars in the Triangle.
Where to stay near DPAC
Staying in a hotel and making it a staycation is one of the best ways to experience a night at the DPAC. Not only do you usually get parking with the hotels, but they often have lovely bars with views of the historic American Tobacco Campus.
Aloft Durham Downtown
Aloft is the closest hotel to DPAC and is located just behind the theater. It’s a 3-star hotel that is stylish and vibrant, with modern décor and views overlooking the American Tobacco Campus. It has a small outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and a continental breakfast.
Unscripted Durham – JDV by Hyatt
Unscripted is a 3-star hotel with a mid-century modern retro vibe that’s part of the JDV by Hyatt chain and only a six-minute walk from the DPAC. It has a seasonal outdoor pool, complimentary coffee, and free onsite parking. It also has an onsite bar that’s perfect for pre-show drinks with great views and fun igloos during the colder months.
2BR Flat 5-minute walk away!
This modern, two bedroom flat is just a short five minute walk from DPAC and is both comfortable and functional, with a fully equipped kitchen, a spacious living area, and two separate bedrooms. This apartment is located in a walk up building though, which you might want to be mindful of if you have heavy luggage or mobility issues.
The Durham Hotel
Another hotel within walking distance (about 10 minutes’ walk) is The Durham Hotel, a 4-star hotel with mid-century modern decor and lots of standout amenities. It has a fitness center, terrace, and onsite restaurant and bar for pre-show drinks and dinner. It also has parking. Their terrace is great for a pre or post show drink (been there done that!)
Durham Marriott City Center
Located a 7-minute walk from the DPAC is the Durham Marriott City Center, a 4-star hotel with spacious rooms and stylish decor. It features private parking, a terrace, and an onsite restaurant serving American cuisine. It also has free bikes for guests to use if you want to explore more of downtown Durham.
21 C Museum Hotel
Once the SunTrust Bank, this restored building is now a 125-room boutique hotel and doubles as a contemporary art museum, which means it pairs beautifully with a night at the theatre. It’s a fun Vault Bar would also be a good place for a pre or post show drink! I have had a drink with a friend here before our LEs Misérables Broadway show. It’s eclectic and inspiring design and museum adds to the innovative and exciting spirit of Durham.
FAQs about visiting DPAC
What is the best section to sit in at DPAC?
The “Grand Tier” section on the top balcony (third floor) is generally considered the best place to sit in the DPAC as it has more legroom, a good view of the stage, and a slightly lower price.
How to dress for DPAC?
There is no dress code as such, but they require you to wear shoes and shirts i.e. no flip-flops. The standard dress is casual business attire, but people can wear jeans, shorts, and other casual clothes.
What is the DPAC password for WIFI?
The WiFi password for DPAC is dpac (all lowercase).
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