Durham Next Launches Initial Feasibility Study for New Music and Live Events Venue Downtown

For Immediate Release:

[DURHAM, N.C.] April 16, 2026 — Durham Next has launched a feasibility study to assess the possibility of a new music and live events venue in downtown Durham. The evaluation will be led in partnership with DPAC, the Durham Performing Arts Center, to explore development options to address the ongoing booking demand that outpaces the venue’s availability.

“We all know the transformational impact of DPAC for downtown and the small business community over the last two decades — this feasibility study marks the very beginning of us dreaming about what the next venue like that could look like,” said Tara Kenchen, executive director. “Durham Next was created to convene community partners from both the public and private sector, formalizing a framework for collaboration to support the exploration of projects just like this.”

The initial study will evaluate market demand, competitive positioning, financial sustainability, operational considerations and community impact related to developing a high-quality venue capable of hosting concerts, live performances, festivals, private events and cultural programs.

“We’re pleased to have initiated conversations with the City of Durham, DPAC and other partners who would be needed for a project like this to be successful,” continued Kenchen. “The feasibility study is the first step towards understanding what’s possible before we engage the community to help shape the vision.”

Since 2008, DPAC has welcomed more than seven million guests and hosted over 3,300 events. Consistently ranked among the top theaters in the country, the venue receives more interest from national and regional tours than it can accommodate, resulting in millions of dollars of lost economic impact for the community. Meanwhile, demand is growing for flexible, general admission venues with capacities over 3,500 that can support the festival-style experience increasingly expected by performers and audiences across genres. With 30 venues of this type already open nationwide and another 25 planned or under construction, the market is moving in a clear direction, and Durham has an opportunity to keep pace.

The selected consultant will provide a clear, data-driven analysis to inform strategic decisions, including specific recommendations on viability, scale, positioning and long-term sustainability. Durham Next will then ensure its Community Advisory Council is activated, supporting a larger community engagement phase of the project dependent on the study’s initial findings.

Learn more about this project and track our ongoing progress at durhamnext.org/projects/durham-music-events-venue-downtown-feasibility-study.