At Duke in April: 5 Free Must-Do Events for Music, Art, and Community
Hi everyone, both Blue Devils and guests! Five Free Things to do at Duke in April. This month is like an unexpected mixtape: just when you think you know what to anticipate, boom! Everything gets turned up to eleven with terrific music. A comprehensive playlist of free activities originating in the heart of North Carolina is about to be released by Duke University and the local community.
I have compiled a list of free events and activities around the Duke campus for students on a tight budget or who are simply frugal with their leisure dollars. This collection includes outdoor trails and cultural displays, so there’s something for everyone. Are you ready to burn up your schedule in the greatest manner possible? Here are five free things to do at Duke in April 2024.
April 7: Ciampa Quartet & Min Xiao-Fen Present a Symphony Against the Pipa
Prepare to be blown away by a genuinely exceptional musical combination on April 7th—this isn’t your typical Friday night. The virtuoso Min Xiao-Fen collaborates with Durham’s extraordinary string quartet, the illustrious Ciampa Quartet. Min Xiao-Fen, who is well-known for her proficiency in the pipa, a traditional Chinese lute, adds an exciting twist to the beloved classical tones. This is more than simply a concert—it’s an enchanting evening that combines the best of classical and modern music from the East and the West. You won’t want to miss this immersive event, which is being held in the center of Duke University. And yes, it is completely free. Ideal for music lovers and cultural vultures looking for something new and exciting!
April 14: Honoring Mary Lou Williams, Our First Lady of Jazz
Mary Lou Williams was a celebrated pianist and composer who left an enduring musical legacy. She worked with jazz greats including Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, and Duke Ellington. At Duke, where she served as an artist-in-residence from 1977 until her death in 1981, she also made her impact. Her legacy lives on in the Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture on campus.
The music of Williams will be honored at Duke University Chapel on Sunday, April 14, at 4 p.m. Williams’ music as well as other pieces that influenced her will be performed by the Duke Chapel Choir, the North Carolina Central Vocal Jazz Ensemble, and a number of special guests as part of Duke’s Centennial celebration.
April 14: Discover the Nesher Family Day
The Nesher Museum of Art is opening its doors for a day packed with family-friendly activities on April 14th, so mark your calendars for that date. And guess what? You’re welcome! This event, dubbed “EXPLORE,” is designed for the naturally curious, from adult museum experts to tiny Picassos. Enjoy some awesome live performances, engage in hands-on interactive art projects, and yes, there will be scavenger hunts that promise to convert every corner of the museum into a treasure mine of information. For families looking to add a little creativity to their weekend plans without breaking the bank, this is the ideal option. What’s the finest thing, then? It is completely free!
April 28: Carillon Recital in Duke Chapel
Mark April 28 on your calendar so you don’t forget it—it will be an unforgettable audio journey! Duke Chapel is home to a wonderful musical tradition known as the carillon recital in addition to being a visual feast with its recognizable towers towering upwards. Imagine yourself relaxing on the chapel quad with a light spring wind blowing through your hair when all of a sudden, the air is filled with the magnificent sound of bells. The entire tower comes alive with the song when the carillon, an instrument made up of fifty bronze bells that individually weigh as much as a small car, is played on a keyboard.
April 26 – Duke Campus Farm Community Work Day
The Duke Campus Farm is hosting a community Labor Day on Friday, April 26 from 1-4 p.m. Volunteers may assist the farm’s student staff and gain firsthand experience with sustainable agriculture. While early registration for the event is requested, everyone is welcome.
The Duke Campus Farm will host a Land and Listen event later that Friday from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., giving guests the chance to take in some peaceful time on the one-acre farm in Duke Forest and listen to a brief performance of environmental poetry.
The Spring Contra Dance, which takes place on Friday, April 12 from 7 to 10 p.m., is another exciting Duke Campus Farm Event happening in April. There will be live violin music, dancing, and refreshments during the event.
