Join us at the JB Duke for unique and exciting events throughout the year!

Special Events for Guests and the Durham Community

We are thrilled to offer exciting pop-up events and workshops throughout the year for guests of the hotel and Durham locals to enjoy!

Guest Bartender Series Returns

Thursday evenings starting at 5 p.m., Aug. 21 - Sept. 11

Join us for the return of our Guest Bartender Series, a lively celebration of Durham's dynamic and ever-evolving cocktail scene. Each Thursday from August 21 through September 11, some of the region's top bartenders will step behind the chic Lobby Lounge bar, shaking up inventive cocktails to support great local causes.

Sip on expertly crafted drinks from beloved Durham spots like The Bar Beej (a 2025 James Beard Award semifinalist), Conniption Bar & Lounge, Alley Twenty Six (a 2022 James Beard Award finalist for Outstanding Bar Program) and Liberty & Plenty. Each bartender's standout creations will also remain on the menu the following week, with 10% of proceeds donated to their chosen local nonprofit. Each bartender's guest appearance starts at 5 p.m. No tickets or reservations are required.

August 21 Connor McKenzie (Conniption Bar & Lounge)
Partnering with: Animal Protection Society of Durham
August 28 Amy Waas (The Bar Beej)
Partnering with: NAMI Durham
September 4 Shannon Healy (Alley Twenty Six)
Partnering with: Club Boulevard Elementary PTA
September 11 Will McDonald (Liberty & Plenty)
Partnering with: Wake Tech Foundation

Artist in Residence Series

Tuesday evenings starting at 6 p.m., Aug. 5 - Oct. 21

Join us for the return of Artful Evenings, an artist-in-residence series showcasing standout creative talent from across the Triangle. Each Tuesday, a featured artist takes over the hotel's sleek Lobby Lounge, transforming it into a living, breathing art studio where new masterpieces come to life before your eyes.

Summer/Fall 2025 Artist Schedule:

August 5: Chasity Dailey
August 12: Greg Janicke
August 19: Arnie Kozak
August 26: Laura Oleniacz
September 2: Beth Palmer
September 9: Greg Janicke
September 16: Ricky Meyer
September 23: Arnie Kozak
September 30: Beth Palmer
October 7: Laura Oleniacz
October 14: Chasity Dailey
October 21: Ricky Meyer

Enjoy weekly guest programming!

Any guest dining or staying at the JB Duke are welcome to enjoy our weekly complimentary Saturday morning yoga and Saturday evening stargazing offered across the street at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club.