5 Free Things to do at Duke in November

From fun lunchtime events to a celebration of flowers, art and civil rights pioneers, this month has lots to offer on campus

Collage of five images.
In November, you can enjoy, clockwise from top left, flowers, art activities, holiday music, classical music and tours of the Durham community.

Whether you’re hoping to enjoy music in beautiful settings, get a taste of nature, or spend quality time with family and friends, November has plenty of opportunities for free fun at Duke.

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 soon for the next installment of events.

November 2, 9 and 17 – Midday Campus Fun

For those who spend their weekdays on the Duke campus, November offers opportunities for enriching and informative lunchtime breaks.

On most Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays – starting Thursday, November 2 – Duke University Chapel’s organists will have open rehearsals from 1-1:45 p.m.

Ciompi Quartet.
The Ciompi Quartet will play a midday concert at Goodson Chapel on Friday, November 17. Photo by Stephen Schramm.

All are welcome to come hear performances on the Chapel’s organs and pianos in a relaxed, informal setting.

Over at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens, take part in the Midday Meander from 12:15-1 p.m. Thursday, November 9.

The informal guided tour provides visitors a chance to learn about the gardens’ plants and ask questions of Duke Gardens team members. Registration is preferred.

On November 17, enjoy the beautiful sounds of the Ciompi Quartet in the sun splashed setting of Goodson Chapel with a Lunchtime Classics performance at noon.

The quartet of Duke music faculty will be joined by guest violinist Patrick Yim to perform Johannes Brahms’ String Quintet #2 in G Major.

Flowers
Enjoy beautiful chrysanthemums at the Festival of Fabulous Mums at Duke Gardens. Photo courtesy of Duke Gardens.

November 4 – Festival of Mums

See an explosion of color at the Doris Duke Center at Sarah P. Duke Gardens as the Festival of Fabulous Mums returns from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on November 4.

Co-sponsored by the Central Carolina Chrysanthemum Society and the Raleigh Garden Club, the event will highlight the skill and creativity of mum growers and floral designers from around North Carolina with colorful displays of the chrysanthemum, which is a popular flower to showcase in the fall.

Experts will be on hand to answer questions about growing and maintaining chrysanthemums and there will be fun activities and demonstrations for all ages.

Image courtesy of Duke Service Learning.

November 11 – Roots and Soul: Walking with Pauli Murray

Duke Service Learning’s Context & Connections series of tours exploring the diverse culture of Durham returns on Saturday, November 11 with “Roots and Soul: Walking with Pauli Murray.”

The tour, which goes from 10-11:30 a.m., is led by Durham performer Aya Shabu and sponsored by Whistle Stop Tours and the Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice and will visit six stops in the historic West End neighborhood which tell the story of Murray, the pioneering activist and legal scholar.

The tour is open to the public, and video from it will be available online. Reservations are recommended.

The Nasher Museum's Family Day events draw participants of all ages. Image courtesy of the Nasher Museum of Art.

November 12 – Nasher Family Day

Celebrate the season of giving thanks at the next edition of the Nasher Museum of Art’s Family Day from 1-3 p.m. on November 12.

The event, which is open to children of all ages and their families, will feature activities which will encourage gratitude for the people and things in our lives.

There will also be activities inspired by artist Beverly McIver’s portraits. McIver will also give a live demonstration of her portrait-making process.

The Nasher Museum's monthly Family Days are a traditionally popular event which is restarting this fall after a pause during the pandemic.

The annual Christmas concert is a highlight of the Duke Chorale's fall schedule. Image courtesy of the Duke Chorale.

November 28 – Duke Chorale Christmas Concert

The Duke Chorale, a student performance group led by director Allan Friedman, will have its annual Christmas Concert at 7 p.m. November 28 in Duke University Chapel.

With carols and classics, the music will be fun for all ages and there will stories and treats for children.

Admission to the event, which is a beloved campus tradition, requires one non-perishable food item for Urban Ministries or one new or lightly used children’s book for Book Harvest.

Send story ideas, shout-outs and photographs through our story idea form or write working@duke.edu.

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