There are over 6,000 public parking spots in Downtown Durham, yet a common refrain is “it is hard to find parking downtown.”
Hence this quick guide to the question, “But, where do I park?”
Click below for an interactive, searchable downtown Durham parking map:
The city runs five parking garages and three surfaces lots in downtown Durham. All of these parking spots are free after 7 PM and on the weekends.
As of July 1, 2026, two of our downtown Durham parking garages will also offer FREE ONE HOUR PARKING every day.
NOTE: During downtown events that draw over 250 people, the city does set “Special Event Parking” at $7. This helps with traffic flow and allows the city to “raise the gates” for easier, faster exit throughout the event.
The city has a convenient guide to downtown parking.
American Tobacco Campus’ has three garages for plentiful parking options!
These decks always offer two hour free parking (unless there is a Bulls Game or another special event).
For more information on parking at American Tobacco Campus, DPAC, Durham Bulls Game, etc. checkout ATC’s Public Parking Information Guide.
Brightleaf Square:
Two free hours in the private lots surrounding Brightleaf Square. Parking validation required via the Park Moblie app
Carolina Theatre:
Durham Center Garage, a city-owned garage, directly across the street at 109 S. Mangum St.
The Durham Central Park Farmers Market:
400 Foster St. and Corporation Street at the Historic Durham Athletic Park
Durham Food Hall:
The Auctioneer Bar inside the Food Hall will validate parking from the Liberty Warehouse garage on West Corporation Street
