5 Free Things to do at Duke in April 2025
Celebrate a revered campus musician, student work and springtime this month
April 6 – Farewell Organ Recital with Robert Parkins
Robert Parkins was first appointed as the Duke Chapel Organist in 1975 and has performed on the campus landmark’s four pipe organs ever since. On Sunday, April 6, the retiring Parkins will deliver his farewell concert, playing early Spanish and south Germanic pieces on the chapel’s Brombaugh, Flentrop, and Aeolian organs. The performance starts at 5 p.m.
April 9 – Experience Morocco: The Culture of Tea
Celebrate National Arab American Heritage Month and the culture of Morocco through its tea. Organized by the Duke Department of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, the event featuring opportunities to sample tea from Morocco takes place at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9 on the second floor or Bay 6 in Smith Warehouse.
April 17 – The Freedman’s Savings Bank & Black Economic Futures
Join Samuel DuBois Cook Distinguished Professor of Public Policy Sandy Darity as he welcomes Justene Hill Edwards, an Associate Professor of History at the University of Virginia for a discussion about her new book, “Savings & Trust: The Rise and Betrayal of the Freedman’s Bank” at 4:45 p.m. on Thursday, April 17 at the Center for Documentary Studies. In their conversation, Darity and Hill will explore the history of Black banking and Black economic futures.
April 19 – Duke Campus Farm Contra Dance
The Duke Campus Farm will host its spring Contra Dance at 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 19. One of the farm’s signature events, the Contra Dance features food, dancing and live fiddle music as well as an opportunity to enjoy a an evening at Duke’s one-acre working farm that produces organically grown produce and helps the Duke community learn more about sustainable food systems. While the event is free, a $5 donation is suggested to pay for the band.
April 24 – Center for Documentary Studies Spring Celebration
From 5-9 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, Duke students, staff, faculty and community members can enjoy a showcase of the work created by students in the Center for Documentary Studies’ courses. The event will feature refreshments and live music as well as opportunities to screen a pair of student-produced films exploring the impact of the center’s work.
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