Missy Lane's Block Party 2025

The Missy Lane’s Block Party launches Saturday October 4 with a bold new vision for downtown Durham. Co-founded by Dr. Cicely Mitchell—co-founder of the original Art of Cool Festival—MLBP is a brand-new cultural celebration that transforms the 300 block of East Main Street into a high-energy corridor of live music, food, and community.

Two Ways to Experience the Block Party

There are two ways to enjoy MLBP:

1. Free Community Programming at the Durham County Main Library
   Open to all. Drop in for family-friendly activities, conversations on music and arts, and a quiet wellness space for rest and reflection.

2. Ticketed Music & Entertainment on the 300 Block (Missy Lane’s)
   Access to the big show. Enjoy the main stages and curated nightlife on East Main Street featuring world-class artists—including Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah, Teedra Moses, Bilal, and more—plus soul food, cocktails, and immersive experiences. A valid ticket is required for this portion of the festival.

Both options celebrate Durham’s creative spirit. Ticket proceeds support the Missy Lane’s Charitable Foundation and its mission to preserve and advance the legacy of Black American music.

This signature fundraising event supports the Missy Lane’s Charitable Foundation, a nonprofit focused on preserving and advancing the legacy of Black American music through performance, education, and public programming. Presented in partnership with Stretch Music, MLBP merges world-class artistry with a mission-driven approach. Unmanageable serves as the fiscal agent for the Missy Lane’s Charitable Foundation and provides strategic and production support for many of Missy Lane’s most ambitious projects, including the Block Party. A public call for community programming will open soon, inviting local partners to contribute activations and content to the block party experience.

Festival highlights include mainstage performances by nationally recognized artists, a culinary pavilion featuring top Durham chefs, and a community stage with youth and emerging talent. The footprint will extend to the Durham County Main Library, which will serve as a hub for free activities, music and arts conversations, and a mental health sanctuary for guests seeking rest and reflection. With an expected audience of over 2,500 attendees, the Missy Lane’s Block Party is set to become a standout cultural event in downtown Durham.