5 Free Things to do at Duke in September 2024

Explore everything from art to a gala music celebration and a midday walk

The start of the academic year always brings renewed energy and events to Duke’s campus in September. And as always, there’s no shortage of things to do at the start of 2024-25.

During the academic year, the Working��ţӰ�� editorial team searches the and elsewhere to find five free things to do at Duke. Check back in October for the next batch of events.

Sept. 3 – 16 ‘As Water Falls’ installation at Rubenstein Arts Center

“” is a virtual, interactive waterfall from Montreal-based digital art studio . The installation will spend almost two weeks at and is free and open to the public during regular operating hours. The installation explores different aspects of water “shedding a light on our relationship with this precious element.” Audience members can interact with and manipulate the experience, as the piece reacts to mobile phone flashlights.

Sept. 21 – 50 Years of Biddle Gala Concert

Celebrate the Biddle Music Building with the Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. The evening will showcase students, faculty and alumni in performances ranging from guitar to piano to vocals to strings. Highlights include performances by the Duke Music Department’s newest faculty member, Colin Fullerton, a performance of the Finale from Mendelssohn’s Octet featuring Ciompi Quartet, chamber music students and alumni from Duke Music Department, the Duke Chorale and a finale featuring Duke Symphony Orchestra and Duke Opera Theater. Part One of a two-part documentary to commemorate the milestone will premiere during the concert, and following the performance, a mural celebrating the journey and diversity of the Duke Music Department will be unveiled in the Biddle Music Building fountain area.

Sept. 22 – Carillon Recital featuring Aaron Colston

Bring a lawn chair or blanket to Abele Quad and enjoy the music from , among the oldest and largest such instruments in the American South. Both the instrument and recital series are named in honor of the late J. Samuel Hammond (1947-2021), University Carillonneur Emeritus, who played Duke’s carillon from 1964 until his retirement in 2018. Aaron Colston, a Duke Chapel carillonneur, presents this recital on the Chapel's bells from 5-6 p.m., rain or shine. Paid parking is available on a first-come-first-served basis in the Bryan Center Garage at 125 Science Drive.

Sept. 26 – Midday Meander

Learn more about Sarah P. Duke Gardens as Kavanah Anderson, director of learning and community engagement at the Gardens, leads a conversational stroll from 12:15-1 p.m. that deepens your relationship with plants. Share plant stories, dig into horticulture history and question what you know during this . Can’t get enough of Duke Gardens? There are also opportunities to attend the on Sept. 14 from 8-11 a.m. to pick up your own bit of nature or on Sept. 27 from 8-9 a.m. to build on your bird observation skills.

Three people stand in an art museum, observing a painting on the wall

Sept. 27 – Art for the Next 100 Years

Join a tour led by Duke alumni and students through several galleries at the Nasher Museum of Art from 1-2 p.m. to discuss works “,” in honor of Duke's Centennial celebration. Explore the Nasher’s role now and in the future through an “inclusive, forward-thinking, contemporary collection and artistic program.” is required.

Send story ideas, shout-outs and photographs by writing working@duke.edu or filling out .

Follow Working��ţӰ�� on , and and subscribe on .

��ţӰ��