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DPAC

4.4 (340 reviews)
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Updated 1 week ago

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Recommended Reviews - DPAC

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Monique R.

This was my second visit to DPAC and I have some additional insights from my first visit. The vocals for the performance were incredible and it was nostalgic to hear and some of throwback Alicia Keys songs. The stage presence from this cast was phenomenal and I felt immersed in the story of her childhood and learned so much about her life that I didn't know. Tips that I've learned form my two visits: Arriving early is a must so that you can get to your seat in time to take in the lobby, get a snack, etc. I'm all around a stress free experience, so giving yourself time is essential. There are signs that let you know how to get to your section, however you can always ask. The staff at DPAC in my experience is friendly and professional.

Section 3, Center Orchestra view
Taylor K.

Visited DPAC for the first time last night and had a great experience! I was so impressed with how well organized and well-run everything was, from the parking deck attendants to the security/ticket lines to the signs showing you where the end of the bathroom line was lol. Convenient parking garage options and easy to find. It did cost $12 to park though, which was $2 more than I expected lol (DPAC site's know before you go needs to be updated! ) Avoided the long snack/drink lines by going to the bar to grab sodas during intermission - no line there! 4 stars because I found the seats to be rly uncomfortable

Lori R.

This really is one of the best venues in the country for seeing large indoor shows. The acoustics are capable of being awesome. But do know that it depends on the show and how things are mixed. As season members for the Broadway shows, our most recent show "The Outsiders" was one of the best shows we've ever seen sound-wise. Which makes sense because they won a Tony for it. Love that all the staff at DPAC are always super friendly. They are there to guide you, smile, wish you pleasantries, and just make your experience extra enjoyable. Parking is in decks nearby. Sometimes VIP parking is available in the lot right at the Theatre for a charge, but you can't count on it. Our Broadway season tickets include parking in a couple of the decks, and we choose to use the deck near Burt's Bees and find that it is easy to get in and out of. Do know that alcohol is pricey and only so-so quality-wise. For instance, bourbon choices are Jim Beam or Maker's Mark. In the $18-$25 range for a double, and by double do know that would be a single somewhere else. Wine is also up there in price. Of course you can bring your sippy cup back for a refill and save a buck if you want. Would love to see them offer Italian or French options. A cup of tea will run you around $5.50 which will include two tea bags that you can refill yourself, so that's always a good option. There are snacks available including big pretzels. The best part of DPAC are the shows themselves. They bring the best of the best. Whatever is touring, they give you the opportunity to see it. And there's really not a bad seat in the house. Although I will say the one time I had seats in the back row of the upper balcony to see Robin Williams (yes it was that long ago), my fear of heights left me uneasy the whole time, LOL. Which means I will keep my feet on the ground when I see shows there. The only theatre of this size that we've been in that we found to be somewhat better is the Tanger Center in Greensboro, which learned from DPAC by making more aisles and less long rows, and removing problem tripping areas like the side aisles near the front at DPAC. Otherwise, DPAC is as close to perfect as you can get for a theatre of this size.

Stardew Valley Symphony
Ally F.

Aesthetic: Clean, modern performing arts venue in the heart of downtown Durham. Experience: We had a beautiful night out at a great venue. We visited to watch the Stardew Valley Symphony of Seasons show, and the venue didn't disappoint. The workers were very kind and helpful during the show, and they were good about pointing us in the right direction. We ordered a water and a beer, and they were exactly what you'd expect, hydrating and a bit overpriced. We would definitely visit this venue again, it was a perfect night out.

Kellie R.

I visited DPAC for the Ben Schwartz and Friends comedy show. I've always heard wonderful things about DPAC and I was super excited to finally go after all these years of living here. DPAC is easy to find and there's plenty of parking surrounding it. There are some bars and restaurants nearby if you choose to make a night out of your visit. The theater itself if clean and the staff are all very welcoming and helpful. The restrooms are clean and there are plenty to choose from. There are also quite a few bars inside and a few food kiosks. We did buy a couple of beers to "enhance" our show. There isn't a ton of seating in the lobby in case you get there early. However, there are picnic chairs outside if you choose to wait in the sun. The seats are comfortable but they're a bit tight together. Acoustics were good, though, we were just here for a comedy show and not for a play. The staff are very strict about rules, so be aware that they are always watching if you take out your phone or (like our seat neighbors), try to steal closer seats. I love how attentive the staff here are. Overall, we were super happy with our visit and will definitely come back.

Jamie S.

We came to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. This was our first play at DPAC, and we had a great time! We were in the orchestra in row BB, and even though we were so far back, we could still see the stage and actors well. The staff we encountered were all very helpful and friendly, and the bathrooms were nice and clean! We didn't try any of the snacks since we ate at Queen Burger right by the theater before the opened the doors. Parking was $15 in the garage, and my only complaint is there isn't direct access from the theater to the garage without going back outside. (Would be nice if you could access from the building!) Overall an awesome experience for my kid's first show!

Nancy N.

The DPAC (aside from the baseball stadium) is perhaps the most popular attraction downtown, and for good reason. Every year, there are tons of shows that come through whether it's off broadway, comedians, singers, kids shows, magic shows, etc. I have never gone to one of those events but had the honor of attending the Summit's Christmas service there. Just wow. It's as a beautiful service, with ambient lights, excellent acoustics and stunning decor. The staff is on point, they are quick to answer any questions and guide people to where they need to go. The place is immaculately clean and quite classy. There is also a box office that is open during certain hours where you can also grab some tickets, which is rare in a day and age where everything is done online. Parking is easy, as the East Deck is more than accommodating to guests -- except during a Bulls game though, be mindful of the baseball schedule. Nevertheless, you can always park at the Justice parking lot or the North Deck - plenty of options but be sure to plan ahead.

Danielle C.

If you're entertaining visitors, DPAC should be at the top of your list! They offer an incredible lineup of Broadway hits, concerts, comedy shows, and seasonal events, and the experience is always first-class. The theater is clean, easy to navigate, and located near plenty of restaurants, so it's perfect for a fun evening. I always take guests here, and they're blown away every time. Highly recommended!

Marissa M.

Ease On Down. I purchased a Center Orchestra seat in Section 3 Row V for The Wiz tonight on Ticketmaster. I have been eyeing tickets for this production for over a year now. I missed their first premiere in New York when Avery Wilson and Deborah Cox starred in the show. What I failed to realize is that they were not casted in this production. I want to take some time out to thank my fellow yelpers who chipped in to help with all the planning logistics for my first visit to DPAC. YOU CANT WIN . Parking Downtown in this area was a challenge for a Saturday night with a local baseball game going on. Luckily, I scored free parking in the American Tobacco Campus garage. The staff was kind enough to waive the $10 Fee when I mentioned The Wiz. It literally felt like I was Dorothy trying to navigate to DPAC. After spending over $100 on a ticket, I refuse to pay for parking. The American Tobacco Campus aka The Bull Pen connects you to DPAC, so it's a quick 4 minute walk from the North & South parking decks. There are plenty of eateries you can access in the Bull Pen as well. I advise you arrive 1.5 hours ahead of opening. Upon arrival, I quickly made it through security and the ushers were very kind and helpful. They escorted me to my assigned row and I was very satisfied with my seat selection. Sect 3 Row V, Seat 113 puts you Center stage ! I advise only purchasing Orchestra seats for the venue. This is a large venue with a small stage ! I don't advise purchasing Grand Tier or Balcony seats. It would be impossible to see anything sitting up that high if you do not have 20/20 vision. I made it a point to use the restroom upon arrival. The intermission is too short and there are way too many people and not enough space. During Act I there was a technical issue with the set design and they paused the show but failed to communicate why. The cast scurried quickly off the stage. I found this tacky and as a result many people left their seat assuming it was intermission. When they learned that it wasn't, they had to all rush back to their seats creating a disturbance. This also scared me because we did not know what to believe was occurring. An emergency of some sort. Someone should have made an announcement! I WISH I WERE HOME The Wiz is my favorite movie and I have enjoyed other live performances of it. This one was not a favorite for me. The choreography and vocal talent was enjoyed, however I didn't enjoy the digital set, or this rendition in terms of the writing and stage play. The audience became overly rowdy with the comedy parts of the script and it was redundant and annoying after a while. TEENIE TEENIE TEENIE !!!!! DPAC appears to pack the chairs in the theater but the stage is not within view for every seat because it's too tiny. I prefer the Martin Marietta Center in Raleigh over DPAC. It just isn't worth the commute downtown Durham and the fight or high price for parking.

Micah B.

DPAC is such a wonderful venue. Every time I visit, the experience is top notch: from Broadway shows to concerts, the performances are always incredible. The space itself is beautiful, the acoustics are excellent, and the staff is welcoming and organized, which makes every event run smoothly. It is one of the best places in the Triangle to see live entertainment, and I could not recommend this venue more.

Prior to show starting
Britt J.

My girlfriend & I decided to book last minute tickets to see the Lion King & it was one of the best experiences. While we were in Section 10, the view was still great! The DPAC did a great job managing the crowd flow & offering a free Photo Booth ! I'd recommend this facility any day for a fun date night! Food: I grabbed a water & housemade cookie! the cookie was gone before the show started but overall, beautiful experience in a well kept facility.

Angela L.

My cousin took me to see MJ The Musical while in town for my birthday last year. The DPAC is a nice venue. We ended up staying at a nearby hotel to enjoy the surrounding area. The drinks they offered were tasty. Loved the Photo Booth for the show. Would definitely go to more shows when in town. Staff were friendly.

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8 days ago

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1 month ago

Great shows at this location regularly..amazing concerts, comedy, Broadway shows and more...

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5 months ago

We saw the outsiders last night. The show was great the venue is always good. The service was awesome! We didn't get any food this trip!!

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6 months ago

Best night out and performances are just like being on Broadway. Treat yourself to a night out with the theater or a performance!

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11 months ago

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Nice theater. The staff is very friendly. We enjoyed the Back To The Future Musical. The performance was fun!

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Ask the Community - DPAC

Where can I find the closest parking?

There is a parking garage right next to the center

If I wait until the day of the show is it likely to purchase a ticket at an affordable price last minute on Ticketmaster as a single person?

It depends on how popular the performer is and how many tickets are sold. I know Ticketmaster now has variable pricing so if there are only a few tickets left, they won't drop prices, and might actually raise them. If the show is not selling well,… Read more

Where is the best place to eat near the Dpac?

In total there are nearly 60 restaurants in Downtown Durham. Some of our favorites are listed… Read more

What is the best way to get the best seats for an event at DPAC box office - online, on the phone or in person at the box office that day they are available?

Anne I would make sure you're on their email list in case they send out any pre-sale info. If you know anyone who is a season member, they can often get better seats early. Otherwise, be ready when what you want goes on sale. I've done okay both… Read more

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

Review Highlights - DPAC

We visited the Durham Performing Arts Center for the first time last night to see the comedian Joe Rogan.

Mentioned in 7 reviews

Read more highlights

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The Dinner Detective - Bad dessert!

The Dinner Detective

(14 reviews)

$$$

The only plausible murder in this sham of a "show" was of good taste and believable acting…read more If anyone can be bored to death, then the Dinner Detective is to blame for the crime. Detective Noel chewed the scenery with her soap opera one note delivery born out of community college summer acting programs or a month as an intern at summer stock. Someone tell her the pink hair trend is over and her forty-plus year old self should catch up. Why do they need a 23 minute preamble before the actual "show"begins? For 75$ why did they serve crappy Duncan Hines boxed cake? C'mon. The entree was ok, a saving grace, and the friends at my table were fun and understood how stupid it all was. If you need a particular brand of torture and a reminder of why "dinner theatre" is a lie and an affront to actual quality entertainment- have at it. But I warned you.

Worst experience EVER!! The Raleigh Dinner Detective "dinner" experience was probaly the worst…read moreexperience I've had since covid. The manager/owner didn't care that there was an issue only gave a "how dare you call and complain" attitude, when all we wanted was a simple apology and confirmation that it would be fixed. This was supposed to be a fun dinner outing, but they ruined the evening!! We booked for a birthday dinner experience and checked in only to find out that they "miscounted" the seats and did not have a place for us to sit. SERIOUSLY, THIS IS A DINNER EXPERIENCE! How do you not have enough seats??? They had to bring out a separate table to seat us, which meant we would not get the FULL EXPERIENCE. There were no actors at the table, no QR codes, no clues under the chair. When speaking with the manager/owner on the phone, she was aggressive and rude. The manager claimed that it was a "human" mistake and that we had to have more "grace" while they fixed it. Then she said we should leave as we weren't the "right kind of people" because we didnt have enough grace. As customers we tried and wanted to have a fun experience and were so disappointed that we did not get that experience. To further complete the disastrous experience, the food was not as promised when we booked...the "chocolate mousse cake" was basic dry yellow cake with chocolate frosting. The host tried, but the whole experience was lacking. I would definitely not suggest this experience if you want to be entertained and have a decent meal because even with reservation you might not get a seat!

The Blue Note Grill

The Blue Note Grill

(264 reviews)

$$

Visited on a Wednesday evening. Brett Chambers Open Mic was featured. Band was strong possessed…read morewhat appeared to be large repertoire songs. Music was mainly R&B classics. Open mic singers were quite good. Food was terrific and wait staff were fantastic. I had the fried catfish, chili, and coleslaw. All the dishes were fresh and perfectly cooked. Only blip was the sound engineer on several songs had mics/sound system too loud for the small venue. I really enjoyed the overall experience.

It's super weird attending a concert seated at a dinner table. We were happy that a band we really…read morelike played there but it was so strange sitting through the music especially in such tight quarters. Definitely don't order their brisket. IDK what that was but it was not any brisket that this Oklahoma girl had ever experienced. My husband loved their burger though. I tried to order an appetizer, they said they were out of it. I think the bar needs at least one more bartender. I went to order a drink and the bartender never acknowledged me. She was super focused on making drink orders that were brought in by the servers. I did not know we were supposed to order a drink from a server because I was there for a long time before I saw a server. Once I realized I had to order a drink through a server I was able to order a drink and it came in a decent amount of time. I tried to order a beer, they said they were out of it. Really enjoyed their Old Fashioned. I'd go back if a band I really love came through.

Liberty & Plenty Distillery - The Liberty & Plenty Distillery lounge is situated in the front of the distillery, and features a full cocktail bar and patio.

Liberty & Plenty Distillery

(16 reviews)

What a lovely surprise to find this gem tucked away in downtown Durham! I had heard great things…read moreabout their espresso martini, so when we finally visited, we had to try it. And, it truly lived up to the hype. One of the best we've ever had! I also tried two other cocktails made with their house-distilled rum and gin, and both were delicious and perfectly balanced. The seasonal menu is creative and reasonably priced, we were genuinely impressed. The ambiance is charming and cozy despite a bit warm inside (the AC was pretty weak), but quiet and tastefully decorated with velvet couches, exposed walls, vintage touches, and fresh flowers on each table. We had fun flipping through their amazing cocktail book collection on the shelf too. The bartenders were very friendly and offered us focaccia from Ninth Street Bakery to pair with our drinks for free, which was such a thoughtful and tasty addition. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience and are so happy to see a micro-distillery thriving in the heart of Durham. Can't wait to return for an official tour and to sample more of their spirits!

Really fun cocktail bar- that specializes in rums! First impression- I called ahead to see if our…read moredog was allowed to sit on the outside patio, and they told me not only is she allowed, but we aren't allowed to come without her. That response will get a smile every time. Super dog-friendly, to say the least, both outside and inside. Outside has several tables under a covered area, and inside has a few couches (with tiny tables) and a long bar you can sit at. We've been a few times now, and the service is super friendly and helpful, every time. It's small and intimate inside, but we never have a problem finding a seat! I love that they have snacks you can help yourself to, in airtight jars at the bar (peanut butter filled pretzels, sour worms, etc). Also important to note- the inside is NOT air conditioned. We stopped in on a HOT day, and it's brutal inside, with cloth couches and just one small fan. Love this bar, all of their cocktails (wine available too), and all of the staff! Will be back (a lot)!!

Eno River Farm - Banana ice cream was awesome

Eno River Farm

(51 reviews)

I'm not sure if it's considered the off-season right now, but when we went, unfortunately, there…read morewas no picking to be had. So there's not really too much to do other than sit on some rocking chairs & eat some ice cream (which we did enjoy doing.) I didn't even realize that there was a trail out there until after we had already left and I'm seeing other people's reviews so they may need to put up signs for that in the store area. I feel like the inside is really just ice cream, coffee, and a small little nursery area. Not sure if the drive out there was really worth it for the 15 to 20 minutes we spent out there. The banana ice cream was really awesome though and all of the employees there were very helpful and nice. Definitely a place that you go to when there's an actual event unfortunately we just missed the fall wreath making event Seems like people bring their kids out there to run around the outdoor area. Not sure if the prices of the ice cream or the plants was necessarily great, but it's a smaller owned business I'm sure so it tracks

Great farm with short trail and unique wood troll figurines…read more They have a small garden shop. The staff was friendly and quick to service. They make homemade icecream and sorbet year round. Also they serve coffees and lattes. There is some picnic tables around to enjoy coffee and icecream with a beautiful view of the farm. I tried the coffee leche icecream and the strawberry and green apple cider sorbet. There all great flavors.

Melanated Wine - Interior decor

Melanated Wine

(26 reviews)

$$

Such a cute spot. The service was amazing and the host was great! Also, black owned which is a plus…read morefor me. The decor is very chic and picture friendly.

Update: I received a notification that the business refunded $40.00. I am escalating this matter…read moreand will update when I receive a resolution. We were extremely disappointed in our experience with Melanated Wine. First, a little background. My husband and I came to Melanated Wine for their Sunday Brunch. We purchased our tickets for this brunch almost three weeks in advance, and they had an advertised menu of chicken, macaroni & cheese, collards, fruit, mimosas.. etc... This menu sounded great, so we booked the tickets.. We also were excited about purchasing wine from them to boot. When we arrive, the atmosphere was nice, a little too intimate for our taste, but whatever. The event started later than advertised, but not a dealbreaker. The music was on point, so we just went with it. Everything was flowing pretty well ( mimosas and all) until we get to the buffet. What was on the buffet? Drumroll please!!! Bacon, eggs, Sausage, BREAKFAST potatoes, grits, fruit, French Toast, and dessert. This is a far cry from what was advertised!!! At first, we were confused. We initially thought they were going to bring the other items out since what they served was more breakfast than brunch, so I asked a server. The server told me it was a different company who had the chicken menu. Her explanation made no sense, so I showed her the advertised menu, which was posted online. She told me to give her a moment. Sometime later, the owner came out to let us know of the menu change, and it was well after everyone started eating. She said she hoped everyone was okay with that. I was NOT okay with that!!! We didn't pay $45.00 per person to eat a breakfast I could have cooked at home. I let the owner know that I needed to speak with her, but I was cognizant of the fact that she was busy. I waited until the end to ask for her again. I was told that she was eating, so I made it clear that I would wait for her to finish. She then came by pretty quickly. We went outside to talk. I professionally but firmly made my dissatisfaction known. During this time, she asked if we ate the buffet and partook in the wine tasting. She then offered us a partial refund, so that there was no misunderstanding, I clarified with her how much that was, and she said she meant $20.00. I was very insulted by this and do not mind sharing with Yelp that I was pissed!! The company misrepresents the menu and doesn't even acknowledge this until we are well into the meal and only offers $20.00. Her justification was we participated in the wine tasting. Madame we would have NEVER come in the first place if this was the posted menu and why didn't you tell us of the menu change before the event. You had time as the event was almost 15 minutes late!! I firmly but politely let it be known that was NOT sufficient. I let her know that a 50 percent refund was my expectation, which was generous considering this was their error, a BIG error!! She smiled and offered a comment that I personally felt was patronizing. I didn't feel like my issue was resolved, and it came across like she thought she was doing me a favor. I left before this could get heated. If I get my refund, I will update this post! Bottom Line: I felt this business deceived me with what they advertised. There was NO disclaimer on the menu saying that the menu was subject to change. It also never mentioned a wine tasting. Typically wine tastings are offered as a promotion to encourage you to buy wine. This was not a valid reason to justify her partial refund. To be fair, most people didn't care about the menu change. It looked like we were the only ones speaking up, but whatever if they want to pay for an expensive breakfast good for them, no chance of us letting this slide. No, we won't be back!!! No, we did not purchase wine, as we were not giving them anymore money at this point!! I was told by a few people to give them a break because they are a black owned business. (Yes, I am black!!!) No, business is business!! If you are in the wrong, you need to be held accountable, period. See the photos of what was advertised and what was served!!

DPAC - theater - Updated May 2026

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