It seems like we just told you what everyone would be doing this summer, (check our our ultimate guide to Summer in Durham) but the end of the season will be here before we know it (September 22). Here’s what to make sure you’ve done before it’s over.

Cheer on the Bulls

DBAP | 7:04 p.m. | Schedule | $8+

The Durham Bulls games are a summer must-do, even if it means melting in the stands or on the hill while you enjoy Bull Durham Beer. Check out the promotional calendar for upcoming events, which include Bark in the Park, Friday Night Fireworks, $1 Concessions night and $2 Taco Tuesday night.


Zip around town on a Bike

Lime, Spin, Ofo | First ride free, $1 per half hour

We’re big fans of the bike shares around Durham, courtesy of Lime, Ofo, and Spin, and if you haven’t already, it’s time to jump on the bandwagon and find out what all the hype is about. Ride around downtown and check out some local shops!


Share a beer at a local brewery

Whether you’re looking for a family friendly vibe or a millennial-centric patio, the city’s ever-expanding brewery scene has something for everyone. Some top picks: Bull City Burger and Brewery, Durty Bull, Fullsteam, Ponysaurus, Clouds Brewing, Barrel Culture, Beer Study.

Bull City Burger and Brewery

Spend an afternoon walking or biking along the American Tobacco Trail

Hop on American Tobacco Trail for 22+ uninterrupted miles. It was once a railroad track that was converted into a beautiful trail for biking, walking, and running. You can even ride horses on the trail! Pro tip: No bike? No problem. You’re likely to find bike shares (Lime, Ofo, Spin and Mobike) along the trail.


Eat your way through Durham’s ice cream scene

Find classic soft serve at The Parlour (Vegan options available), pops at Locopops ($2.75) and handmade ice cream sandwiches at Rose’s. Stop by for the deliciousness that is Paleteria La Monarca Michoacana. See more local sweet spots to cool off

Paleteria La Monarca Michoacana
Paleteria La Monarca Michoacana

Rock out at Durham Central Park

501 Foster St | Details | Free

PLAYlist is Durham Central Park’s 10 week summer concert series with shows every Friday night from 6-8pm, rain or shine. And each show will have a great mix of local craft beer vendors and food trucks. Only 2 more shows left in August so don’t miss out!

There are also more great shows at Brightleaf Square and American Tobacco campus, See More Free Concerts around Durham


Catch some free flicks

This summer you can catch free movies at various parks around Durham, with Rock the Park. Ponysaurus’s free movie series is a warm-weather staple. Nab a beer and some $1 snacks. This summer’s lineup, through September 16, includes Back to the Future, Die Hard 2, and Superman. Or you can beat the heat with the kiddos at Northgate Mall, the movie theater offers a summer movie series with FREE admission for parents and children to enjoy together.


Go Patio Hopping

This time of year, there’s nothing better than enjoying dinner and drinks on an open-air patio. BOTB Picks: Guglhupf, Namu, The Durham Hotel, Unscripted, Foster’s, Parts & Labor, Fullsteam, see them all here.

Alley Twenty Six

Get your yoga on

Stop by Durham Central Park on Saturdays until August 25th for a free yoga class or start your day with a class on top of The Durham Hotel, $10 drop-in fee for locals.

The Durham Hotel
The Durham Hotel

Start the countdown to fall with a hard cider flight

Bull City Ciderworks | $10

Let’s be honest, cider is amazing all year along but there’s nothing like a good cider by Bull City Ciderwork’s fire pit in the fall. Gear up for the coming season and get a flight to try 4 or 5 different ones at once.

Bull City Ciderworks
Photo by Kaitlin Martin BOTB

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Katelyn Belch
Author: Katelyn Belch

Founder of Best of the Bull and Shop Durham. It’s my chief goal to keep you in the know about all things Durham.