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5 Things to Do Over Fall Break

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Spend your long weekend recharging and exploring Durham!

Looking for ways to spend your long weekend over Fall Break? We’ve rounded up some of the exciting things to do around Duke, both on campus and in the greater Triangle. Don’t forget to check out DukeGroups for additional campus events!

Tiled images of students in at the Duke Field Hockey Stadium. Superimposed text, reading "1. Cheer on Duke at a Home Game"

Show your school spirit by supporting one of Duke’s athletic teams! We’re hosting a full weekend of match-ups. Will we see you in the stands?

Friday, October 13:

  • 4 PM: Duke Field Hockey vs. Louisville. No tickets required!
  • 5 PM: Duke Women’s Soccer takes on Clemson. Free for students! Ticket info here.
    • There’s a Duke International Student Center (DISC) meet-up for this game! Meet outside Koskinen Stadium. First 25 students will receive a free DISC clear stadium bag.
  • 8 PM: Duke Men’s Soccer challenges NC State. Free for students! Ticket info here.

Saturday, October 14:

Sunday, October 15:

  • 3:30 PM: Duke Field Hockey vs. Virginia. No tickets required!
Tiled images of Duke students walking by trees whose leaves have turned orange. Superimposed text, reading, "2. Embrace the Fall Vibes"

Whether you want to get cozy or you prefer to gear up for Halloween, Fall Break offers the perfect chance to celebrate that autumnal change in the air.

  • Pumpkin Patch Express: Experience the magic of fall with a trip to the pumpkin patch at the Museum of Life and Science. You can pick out your own pumpkin for carving and enjoy other fall activities. More information available here.
  • Durham Farmers Market: Savor fresh produce, artisan foods, and handcrafted goods at the Pavilion in Durham Central Park. The market will be open Saturday, October 14, from 8 AM to noon. Details here.
  • Splatterflix Film Series at the Carolina Theater: Delight in horror classics at this historic Durham theater. Dive into the chilling details here.
Tiled images of a bridge in the Sarah P. Duke Gardens. Superimposed text, reading "3. Get Some Fresh Air"

If you’ve been feeling stressed or overwhelmed lately, spending time in nature can reduce anxiety and give you a chance to recenter yourself. Let’s lace up those hiking boots and get outside! Here are some of our favorite spots to explore the outdoors:

  • Sarah P. Duke Gardens: Located between East and West Campuses, this 55-acre public garden offers 5 miles of walking paths.
  • Duke Forest: This outdoor classroom and living laboratory is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays. Visit their website for information about approved activities, maps of hiking trails, and more!
  • Eno River State Park: Enjoy 30 miles of trails just northwest of Durham, or just pack a picnic basket if you don’t want to hike! Access points and trail maps can be found here
Tiled images of the Durham skyline, with the water tower in the foreground. Superimposed text, reading "4. Explore Durham."

New to the Bull City? The long weekend is the perfect opportunity to explore Durham! Here are some of the best ways to see the city.

  • Triangle Walking Tours: Discover the history and hidden gems of Durham through guided walking tours. Explore the available tours here.
  • Bull City Race Fest: Test your stamina or cheer on the runners in this year’s Bull City Race Fest on Saturday. Check out the races and the routes here.
  • The Zine Machine Printed Matter Festival: On Sunday, October 15, this free festival brings together more than 70 vendors for a celebration of all things print! Stop by The Fruit to see the full range of zines, comics, and prints available for sale. Learn more here.
Tiled images of the NC State Fairgrounds, with a ferris wheel in the foreground. Superimposed text, reading "5. Visit the N.C. State Fair"

Just a short drive from Durham, the North Carolina State Fair kicks off on October 12th and continues through the 22nd. Each day offers a different lineup of local talent and entertainment, and you can sample foods you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. Visit the North Carolina State Fair website for a full schedule!