5 Free Things to do at Duke in April 2024
From eclipse festivals, to celebrations of jazz legends, to carillon concerts, here’s what you can enjoy this month.
At Duke, April is one of the most colorful months of the year. It’s not just because of the blooming flowers, but also due to the wide variety of events taking place across campus.
Whether it’s catching a solar eclipse, enjoying the music of a jazz great or spending an afternoon listening to the Duke University Chapel bells, here are some of the many free and fun things you can enjoy at Duke this month.
During the academic year, the Working@Duke editorial team searches the Duke Event Calendar and elsewhere to find five free things to do at Duke. Check back in May for the next batch of events.
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April 8 – Eclipse Viewing Festival
Head over to the Sarah P Duke Gardens on the afternoon of Monday, April 8 to enjoy indoor and outdoor nature-themed activities for all ages and grab a pretty spot for the solar eclipse which will temporarily darken the sky.
The event is open to the public, though parking fees may apply.
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April 14 – Nasher Family Day
The Nasher Museum of Art’s monthly Family Day will give visitors a chance to celebrate Earth Day through art. Guests can make their own art with recycled materials supplied by the Scrap Exchange. They can also find inspiration by interacting with live animals from the Piedmont Wildlife Center and meet artists who express themselves by using unconventional materials.
The event runs from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. and is open to the public.
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April 14 – Our First Lady of Jazz: Celebrating Mary Lou Williams
As an acclaimed pianist and a composer, Mary Lou Williams collaborated with jazz icons like Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis and left an indelible musical legacy. She also left her mark at Duke, where she was an artist-in-residence from 1977 until her death in 1981. The Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture continues her legacy on campus today.
At 4 p.m. Sunday, April 14, at Duke University Chapel, there will be a celebration of Williams and her music. As part of Duke’s Centennial celebration, the Duke Chapel Choir, the North Carolina Central Vocal Jazz Ensemble and several guest artists will play Williams’ music and other works that inspired her.
A night earlier, on at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 13, the Duke Wind Symphony will debut Williams final unfinished work in a free performance at Baldwin Auditorium.
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April 26 – Duke Campus Farm Community Work Day
From 1-4 p.m. on Friday, April 26, the Duke Campus Farm will hold a community work day where volunteers can work alongside the farm’s student crew and get a hands-on feel for sustainable agriculture. All are welcome, though advance registration to the event is encouraged.
Later that Friday, from 4:30-5:30 p.m., the Duke Campus Farm will hold a Land and Listen event allowing visitors to enjoy a short piece of environmental poetry and soak in some quiet time on the one-acre farm located in Duke Forest.
Another fun Duke Campus Farm Event taking place in April is the Spring Contra Dance from 7-10 p.m. on Friday, April 12. The event will feature food, dancing and live fiddle music. Head here for more information on the event.
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