News Release
Grand Re-Opening Celebration
Celebrate African and African American History, Culture, Arts, and Traditions
DURHAM, N.C. – The national award winning Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival, presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) in partnership with Durham Parks and Recreation (DPR) will celebrate its 52nd Anniversary on Saturday, May 21, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the newly improved Rock Quarry Park (701 Stadium Drive).
This family oriented, free event is a celebration of African and African American history, culture, arts, and traditions, and will feature live musical performances by Mario and Sunshine Anderson, hosted by K97.5’s Brian Dawson. Festival highlights include celebration of Hometown Heroes, book giveaways, local talent, live music, ethnic food, and a Family Fun Zone celebrating the spirit of African community and cultural traditions.
The Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival will kick-off with the Grand Re-opening Celebration of Rock Quarry Park on May 21 at 1:00 p.m. to celebrate completion of park upgrades which will better support events, festivals, and daily use. Join DPR for a ribbon cutting ceremony followed by the Salute to Elders Parade and Dance Presentation by the African American Dance Ensemble.
New park amenities include a stage platform with electrical service upgrades, an accessible walking path, a planted stormwater basin, water service, and renovated year-round restrooms near the tennis courts. A new park entrance over Ellerbee Creek near the National Guard Armory features a 12’ wide pedestrian entrance bridge adorned with metal sculptures by Durham artist Vandorn Hinnant. The Ellerbee Creek Trail was also recently repaved from Stadium Drive to Club Blvd, greatly improving non-vehicular access to the park.
Free parking will be available in the Durham County Stadium parking lots, located at 750 Stadium Drive across from Rock Quarry Park. New this year – the parking lot will only be accessible via Wisteria Avenue and Stadium Drive will be closed to thru traffic. Please carpool and arrive early! Taking public transportation is encouraged, please visit DPRPlaymore.org for more information about taking Go Durham to the Festival. Handicap parking will be available in the Durham National Guard Armory Parking Lot, located at 801 Stadium Drive, as space permits. First come, first serve.
Weekday Events
There will be several weekday events leading up to the Festival from May 18 –20. Click here for a complete list of events.
Click here for more information about the Festival, event history, and trip planning assistance.
About Durham Parks and Recreation
Durham Parks and Recreation provides opportunities for the Durham community to Play More by connecting our whole community to wellness, the outdoors, and lifelong learning. To learn more about Durham Parks and Recreation, visit us online, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or call (919) 560-4355.
Released: May 11, 2022
