An Evening to Shine: Where The Future Shines Bright ✨

✨ Learn more, get tickets, and find ways to get involved at shinedps.com. ✨

An evening 45 years in the making will soon light up the DPAC stage once more as An Evening to Shine returns to DPAC on February 24, 2026, at 7 p.m. The DPS Foundation co-hosts this powerful student arts showcase and community celebration with Durham Public Schools.

For over four decades, this one night has brought our community together to celebrate the potential of Durham Public Schools: our students, their creativity, and the collective belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to shine.

This year, more than 350 elementary, middle, and high school students will participate sharing their talents through music, movement, and artistic expression.

But An Evening to Shine is about more than a spectacular performance — it’s about turning applause into opportunity.

Fueling College Dreams

Originally called Evening of Entertainment, the event was launched by the Durham Public Schools Scholarship Foundation (DPSSF) as a fundraiser to help local students pursue their dreams after high school.

To carry on that tradition, proceeds from ticket sales, sponsorships, and community support continue to directly benefit the Durham Promise Scholarship. Every year, one scholarship is awarded to a student at every DPS high school. 

Whether you attend, sponsor, or give, you’re investing in real futures—ensuring that financial barriers don’t stand in the way of the aspirations of DPS students. 

Lifting Student Voices

For many students, performing at DPAC is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Participants grow under the guidance of renowned vocal clinicians and choreographers, gain confidence, and experience what it means to shine on a professional stage. These moments matter, and they affirm students’ talents and expand their sense of what’s possible.

Celebrating Our Public Schools

An Evening to Shine showcases the brilliance, diversity, and creativity of our entire DPS community. It’s a joyful reminder of what public schools can be when students are supported, educators are empowered, and communities show up together.

A Tradition Worth Continuing

Did you know this celebration dates back to 1982? That’s 45 years of Durham coming together around the arts, students, and shared pride in our public schools. Whether you attend or support An Evening to Shine, you become part of that legacy.

Join Us

📅 February 24, 2026 🕖 7:00 PM 📍 Durham Performing Arts Center

Tickets start at $18 when purchased in person at the DPAC Box Office. If you choose to purchase online or over the phone, please note that additional fees may apply.

Get Involved

There are many meaningful ways to be part of the 2026 An Evening to Shine:

• Purchase a congratulatory note by 1/13 for the official show playbill—a cherished keepsake for students and families.

• Pay It Forward to help make the event accessible to all. A $20 gift covers one ticket, and additional support helps even more families attend.

• Volunteer for day-of support or join the Support Committee.

• Become an event sponsor and enjoy benefits like tickets and access to an exclusive VIP pre-show reception.

  
  

Whether you’re cheering from the audience, supporting behind the scenes, or investing in scholarships, your involvement helps students shine brighter, on stage and beyond.

✨ Learn more, get tickets, and find ways to get involved at shinedps.com. ✨

Come celebrate the magic of DPS arts, the dedication of our educators and families, and the promise of our students. We can’t wait to shine together.