Durham Performing Arts Center
4.8(8.3K)google
PerformanceConcertDate SpotIndoorCity LandmarkMust-SeeLocal Favorite
Overview
The Durham Performing Arts Center (often called the DPAC) opened November 30, 2008 as the largest performing arts center in the Carolinas at a cost of $48 million. The DPAC hosts over 200 performances a year including touring Broadway productions, high-profile concert and comedy events, family shows and the American Dance Festival. Operated under the direction of Nederlander and Professional Facilities Management (PFM), DPAC has twice been listed as the #1 performing arts organization in the Triangle region by the Triangle Business Journal.
Practical Info
Mon10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tue10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wed10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat10:00 AM – 2:00PM
SunClosed
Suggested Duration2-3.5 hours
Best TimeYour visit should align with a premier national touring Broadway production or comedy show. Arrive 1 hour prior to the evening curtain call (typically 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM) to experience the bustling urban energy inside the glass-and-steel multi-level grand atrium overlooking the city.
Getting ThereLocated in central downtown Durham at 123 Vivian St. Drivers should utilize the adjacent massive American Tobacco District multi-level paid public parking garages. Via transit, both the Durham Amtrak rail station and the GoTriangle regional bus hub are within a 5-minute walk.
Travel Tips
- DPAC lacks free parking; the closest garage is East Cross Street Garage, which charges flat event rates (5-10 dollars) during major Broadway shows. Gridlock is severe; arrive 45 minutes prior to curtain.
- Enforces a strict bag policy banning backpacks and large totes exceeding 12x12x6 inches; no coat check or bag storage is available on-site. Violators must walk items back to their vehicles, delaying entry.
- Late arrivals face a strict seating hold and are barred from entering the auditorium until intermission or specific scene breaks chosen by the production; tickets are non-refundable for missed segments.
Reviews
Positive
- The acoustics and sightlines are absolutely flawless; no matter where you sit, the sound is crisp and there are no obstructed views.
- It consistently brings top-tier Broadway national tours like Hamilton and Wicked, offering world-class cultural experiences locally.
- The staff is extremely professional and polite, managing the entry and seating of over 2,000 patrons with impressive order.
- Great location with ample city parking decks nearby and plenty of trendy restaurants within walking distance, perfect for a date night.
Heads up
- The seating rows are quite tight; taller guests will find the legroom cramped and uncomfortable during a three-hour show.
- The 20-minute intermission is not long enough for the massive lines at the women's restrooms, causing some to miss the start of Act 2.
- Concession prices inside are exorbitantly high; a simple small glass of wine or snacks feel overpriced to the point of price-gouging.
- When the show ends, the vehicle traffic flow exiting the nearby parking decks is terrible, causing lengthy gridlocks.