Eno River Association

Protect. Advocate. Learn.

skink link to Eno Fest

60th Anniversary Celebration Event FAQs

Eno River Association Staff Smiling at a table with information and resources about the eno river.

In 2026, instead of our traditional July Festival, we will gather for a 60th Anniversary fall benefit concert and community celebration in downtown Durham on September 12th. This special event will carry forward the spirit of the Festival— community, creativity, and care for the river.

The answer is two-fold:

  • In 2025, the day after the Festival wrapped, Tropical Storm Chantal moved through our region — a stark reminder of the increasingly extreme heat and severe weather that now define July in North Carolina. In recent years, temperatures have climbed higher and storms have become less predictable. As an organization that relies on more than 600 volunteers — many of whom are seniors — and asks artists, staff, and community members to spend long hours outdoors, we must face the realities of these growing health and safety risks.
  • At the same time, West Point on the Eno, our longtime Festival home, is scheduled to close for construction in early summer. As an environmental organization, stewardship requires us to adapt to real conditions and respond thoughtfully to the climate realities we face. It calls us to evolve how we operate to protect the long-term health of the Eno River Association and the conservation work you have sustained for 60 years.

We know this change may prompt more questions. This page is designed to answer them. Below, you’ll find information about this year’s event, how it differs from our traditional July Festival, and how to get involved as a sponsor or volunteer. While our event format may look different, our mission—protecting the lands and waters of the Eno—remains the same. Thank you for taking the time to learn more.

Read Executive Director Ryan Fehrman’s March Director’s Message for a deeper look at why the Festival is evolving.

Yes, that’s currently the plan. But not on July 4th.

The answer to this question relies on the completion date of an accessibility project at West Point on the Eno beginning on June 1, 2026. It is likely that the construction will keep the park closed through the spring of 2027 or longer.

Saturday September 12th, 2026

The afternoon portion will take place outdoors on the DPlex Plaza (301 W. Morgan St, Durham, NC 27701) from 1:00 to 5:00 PM and will feature music/art performances, merchandise, and a select group of environmental nonprofit partners.

The evening portion will be held indoors at the Carolina Theatre and will feature music sets, guest speakers, culture/history exhibit, online auction. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Concert begins at 7:30 PM.

Yes! We are thrilled to offer a free and accessible-to-all way to celebrate during the day.

Eno River Association is a nonprofit land-trust that relies on the financial support and resources of various local government agencies, individual donors, and community sponsors to fulfill the goals of our mission.

We’re so glad you want to join us! Tickets are not on sale yet. Please stay tuned to our website and social channels for an announcement about ticket sales.

Stay tuned to our website and social channels for announcements regarding performers and programming.

No—programming for the concert has been confirmed so we will not be soliciting talent submissions this year. Thank you for your interest!

Artists have always shaped the core identity of the Festival for the Eno. While the lineup at this year’s event will be smaller due to timing and venue limitations, your creativity and voice remain deeply important to us. Thank you for contributing your creative spirit to our vibrant music community and for supporting the Festival. Please stay tuned for opportunities to perform in 2027!

Great! Please contact our Director of Development and Communications, Hsi Chen, at hsi@enoriver.org with sponsorship-related inquiries.

Events like the Festival for the Eno exist because of volunteers like you, whose dedication, leadership, and care has sustained this tradition for decades. While this year’s event will not require the same large volunteer force, your presence and connection remain essential to its spirit and future. Please stay tuned for ways you can help bring the Festival’s energy and community downtown.

Yes! We will be selling at merch tables for both the afternoon and evening portions.

Please contact our Event Manager, Heather McEntire, at heather@enoriver.org or 919-620-9099 with further 60th Anniversary celebration/concert inquiries.