Durham and Chapel Hill event weekends: what to do between sessions
Duke in Durham and UNC in Chapel Hill, 15 km apart in North Carolina's Research Triangle, with barbecue and gardens.
Events we cover in Durham and Chapel Hill
8 May 2027*UNC Chapel Hill Commencement
Durham and Chapel Hill, United StatesGraduation9 May 2027*Duke Commencement
Durham and Chapel Hill, United StatesGraduation
Durham and Chapel Hill, United StatesGraduation9 May 2027*Duke Commencement
Durham and Chapel Hill, United StatesGraduation
Arriving
Raleigh-Durham (RDU) is 20 minutes from both campuses.
Where to stay
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | RTP and I-40 hotels | Chains between the campuses. |
| Mid-range | Downtown Durham and Franklin Street | Walkable districts. |
| Splurge | Washington Duke Inn and Carolina Inn | Campus hotels. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: Hampton Inn and Suites Durham/North I-85
- Mid-range: The Durham Hotel
- Splurge: Washington Duke Inn and Golf Club
Tours
Where to eat
With kids
- Museum of Life and Science.
- Morehead Planetarium.
Rainy-day backups
- Nasher Museum of Art.
- Ackland Art Museum.
Free things to do
- Duke Gardens.
- Old Well and UNC campus.
- American Tobacco Trail.
Getting around
- You need a car or rideshare between the towns. Hotels for commencement weekend often sell out a year ahead and require two- or three-night minimums. Book as soon as the date is posted.