Your Guide to Blacktoberfest
Blacktoberfest Beer Fest and Proximity Brewing Company have teamed up in Old East Durham for an amazing weekend of beer, food, art and entertainment at the country's best Black craft beer festival.
The sixth annual Blacktoberfest is Black Brew Culture's celebration of beer, music, entertainment and vendors and three days of events hosted by Proximity Brewing Company.
Festival Highlights
Location: Garland Court, 491 S. Driver St.
Date: October 18, 2025
Time: 2-8 p.m.
General Admission: $45
Festival admission includes a five-ounce Blacktoberfest tasting glass, unlimited five-ounce pours from over 20 participating partners, including six Black-owned wine and spirits brands, plus more than 30 food and retail vendors, live bands and DJs. This year's Blacktoberfest signature brew is Blktoberfest, a harvest ale made in partnership with Proximity Brewing Company and Dirtbag Ales.
Base VIP Three-Day Experience: $150
- Friday, October 17: Proximity and Middle Of May Rare and Vintage Party. Enjoy small plates, rare and barrel aged beer sampling and meet and greet with the brewers. Peruse the vintage clothing market from Middle of May while listening to special guest DJs.
- Saturday, October 18: Blacktoberfest. All-day event includes swag and special access to the festival's VIP section, exclusive food menu, access to rare and pre-release beers, and an indoor lounge area. Also includes access to the afterparty, which will feature catered food, Old Hillside Bourbon and cocktails and music by DJ Vaughn.
- Sunday, October 19: Sunday Brunch.
- Platinum and Diamond upgrades are available for the VIP passes.
Check out the Blacktoberfest website for upgraded VIP experiences.
Non-Alcohol Access: $20
Saturday festival admission for non-drinkers! 30+ food and retail vendors, live bands and DJs.
Proximity and Middle Of May Rare and Vintage Party: $20
Friday, October 17, 5-9 p.m
Enjoy small plates, rare and barrel aged beer sampling and meet and greet with the brewers. Peruse the vintage clothing market from Middle of May while listening to special guest DJs.
Blacktoberfest 2025 Afterparty: $20
Saturday, October 19, 9-11 p.m.
Garland Court, 491 S. Driver St
Keep Blacktoberfest going with a special afterparty featuring music from DJ Vaughn. Enjoy an exclusive catered food menu plus bourbon tastings and a full cocktail menu from Old Hillside Bourbon.
Sunday Brunch: $50
Sunday, October 19, 12-3 p.m.
Garland Court, 491 S. Driver St
A special Sunday Brunch complete with Proximity Brewing Company beer pairings and bottomless mimosas. The menu will be announced closer to the date of the festival.
Head to Blacktoberfest's website for full descriptions of each ticket tier.
Where to Stay
If you're coming to town for Blacktoberfest, you'll want to experience more of the culture and community the city has to offer between beer tastings and mingling with other festival-goers. To stay near the festival, spread out with a suite at Springhill Suites Durham City View.
If you'd like to stay near the small businesses, restaurants and bars downtown, try a boutique stay at The Durham Hotel where you can enjoy a nightcap at the rooftop bar. The Aloft Durham Downtown offers luxury and amenities in American Tobacco Campus.
For ease of access to the airport, plus proximity to shopping and dining in the Southpoint area, check out the Hilton Garden Inn Durham Southpoint.
Experience More of Durham
Let us be your guide as you get to know our city. Stop by the Visitor Info Center at 212 W. Main St. for maps, guides and plenty of tips from Discover Durham Destination Experts.
Here are a few resources to help you plan your trip:
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