Join us at the JB Duke for unique and exciting events throughout the year!
Special Events for Guests and the Durham Community
We are thrilled to offer exciting pop-up events and workshops throughout the year for guests of the hotel and Durham locals to enjoy!
“Step into Spring” Dance Class Series @ JB Duke Hotel & Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club
The JB Duke Hotel and Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club are proud to host a weekly series of social dance classes led by local ballroom experts. Read about each class offering below.
"Foxtrot Fever" with Jordan Jewell of Move with Grace Ballroom
Thursday, March 6 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club
Experience the timeless elegance of the Foxtrot. This beginner-friendly session will introduce participants to the graceful movements and effortless charm of the Foxtrot, a dance known for its smooth flow and versatility. Whether they are first-timers or seasoned dancers, the class offers the perfect blend of fun and finesse, making it an unforgettable experience for all.
“Mastering Merengue” with Sadie Zimet of Ninth Street Dance
Thursday, March 13 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the JB Duke Hotel
Get ready to step, sway, and spin to the infectious rhythm of Merengue. This beginner-friendly class will introduce participants to the high-energy, accessible dance style hailing from the Dominican Republic. Whether they are looking to try something new or refine their moves, this Merengue class offers a fun, welcoming atmosphere for dancers of all levels.
"Salsa Spirit" with Jordan Jewell of Move with Grace Ballroom
Thursday, March 20 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club
Feel the rhythm and ignite your passion for Salsa dance. This beginner-friendly class will introduce participants to the lively footwork, dynamic body movement and partner connection that define Salsa—one of the most exhilarating and expressive Latin dance styles.
“Swing in Style” with Sadie Zimet of Ninth Street Dance
Thursday, March 27 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the JB Duke Hotel
Popularized in the 1940s, swing dancing has made a comeback in recent years as a high-energy, approachable social dance form. Guests of this class will improve their coordination, relieve stress and connect with others as they explore slow and quick variations of basic East Coast Swing movements including the triple step, rock step and twist.
About the instructors:
Jordan Jewell, owner of Durham-based Move With Grace Ballroom, has been a competitive dancer since age 17. After competing for Purdue University and UNC-Chapel Hill, Jordan transitioned to teaching, earning accolades and training under world-renowned ballroom dancers along the way.
Sadie Zimet, a Durham-based artist and instructor, has been teaching ballroom and social dance in the Triangle since 2013. Her expertise spans a wide variety of styles, including East and West Coast Swing, Tango, Cha Cha, Salsa and more. In addition to her dancing skills, Sadie is an award-winning musician and Appalachian clogger.
Each ballroom dance class will be held from 6-7:30 pm, with the first hour dedicated to dance instruction. The participants will then head to an intimate Q&A session from 7-7:30pm with the instructor to learn about the history and culture of the dance they just mastered. A complimentary cocktail sample, inspired by the dance theme of that class, will be served to all participants.
The dance class and Q&A session is priced at $25, and advanced registration is required at the link below. Beginners are welcome, and dancers may register alone or as a couple (please complete a separate registration form for each participant). A diverse selection of sharable appetizers, creative entrées and handcrafted cocktails are available for additional purchase during the Q&A session. Menus can be found here: Washington Duke Inn Menu & JB Duke Hotel Menu
REGISTER HERE!
SOLD OUT! Paint Your Pet Event
Wednesday, March 5, 6:30 - 8:30pm, JB Duke Hotel Atrium *Rescheduled due to weather
Unleash your creativity at our "Paint Your Pet" class, where you can craft a heartfelt tribute to your beloved furry (or not so furry) companion through the joy of painting! Whether you want to capture the playful spirit and charm of your dog, cat, bird or reptile, this class provides a unique opportunity to commemorate your pet’s personality on canvas.
The workshop, priced at $65, includes one-on-one instruction from expert artist Victoria Lowry, all necessary painting supplies and an 11”x14” canvas for guests to unleash their imagination. To ensure an enjoyable and seamless design process, each guest will be supplied with a pre-drawn guide of their pet. Reference photos must be emailed to victorialowryart@gmail.com by Sunday, February 16. At the end of the session, participants will journey home with a beautiful keepsake to display for years to come.
THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT! Registration information can be found here should you wish to join a waitlist. Each ticket sold contributes $20 to the Animal Protection Society (APS) of Durham, making this not only a fun event but a meaningful way to support animal welfare.
Beverages and bites are available for event attendees to purchase at the Lobby Lounge. View JB Duke Hotel’s full Lobby Lounge food and beverage menus here.
"Artful Evenings" Artist in Residence series
Tuesday evenings, January 14 to April 1, all artists will begin at 6pm
We have partnered with The Durham Art Guild for “Artful Evenings” Artist in Residence series to take place every Tuesday from January 14 to April 1 at the JB Duke Hotel. This live activation will feature a rotation of six local artists in the Lobby Lounge, where they will work on their art while engaging with guests. We will feature artists with different mediums for variety, and each artist will appear twice, so guests can see the progression of their art over time.
Tuesday, January 14 and Tuesday, February 11 – Sophia Rene, painter
Tuesday, January 21 and Tuesday, March 4 – Rakia J, Black Peace, painter
Tuesday, January 28 and Tuesday, March 11 – Matt McCarthy, painter
Tuesday, February 4 and Tuesday, April 1 – Peter Draws, drawer
Tuesday, February 18 and Tuesday, March 25 – William Garcia w/ Zion + Isabella, painter
Tuesday, February 25 and Tuesday, March 18 – Joel Tesch, painter
Enjoy weekly guest programming!
Any guest dining or staying at the JB Duke are welcome to enjoy our weekly complimentary Saturday morning yoga and Saturday evening stargazing offered across the street at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club. These activities are currently on hiatus for the winter and will return in the spring.