Raleigh is the capital city of North Carolina, a city famous for its many universities and scholarly institutions that give it a youthful vibe and atmosphere. This place is known for landmarks like North Carolina Museum of Art, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, as well as outdoor oases like William B. Umstead State Park, with its picnic areas and hiking and biking trails, and Pullen Park, home to rides like Pullen Park Carousel and kiddie boats. The city of Raleigh also hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, from Raleigh Christmas Parade to Dreamville Festival. Read on as we check out the top festivals in Raleigh, North Carolina.
1. Hopscotch Music Festival
Hopscotch Music Festival takes place every year in September in Raleigh, North Carolina. The three-day festival brings together over 130 bands that put together epic shows, memorable performances, and a fantastic atmosphere. Their past line-ups include names like Snail Mail, James Blake, Jenny Lewis, and many more. The event takes place downtown and has been the gathering place for rock, hip-hop, electronic, folk, and metal fans for over a decade now.
Hopscotch Music Festival
Address: Raleigh, North Carolina, United States
Website: Hopscotch Music Festival
Takes place: September
Price: from 175 USD
2. International Festival of Raleigh [Last event in 2019]
Taking place in March, International Festival of Raleigh is a celebration of global diversity, bringing together over 60 ethnic communities from Vietnam to Afghanistan. Each community will present their dance, music, art, and cuisine, sharing their traditions and culture. The fun celebration is featured on the main stage, where visitors can admire all kinds of ethnic dances. Plus, there’s an international bazaar where people can shop for global crafts. Visitors can also check out the area for international games, fun kids’ activities, and other entertaining attractions.
International Festival of Raleigh
Address: Jim Graham Building and Exposition Center, NC State Fairgrounds
Website: International Festival of Raleigh
Takes place: October
3. Wide Open Bluegrass Festival
Hosted by the city of Raleigh in North Carolina, Wide Open Bluegrass Festival is the largest free bluegrass festival in the world. The event features eight stages spread out across Downtown Raleigh, where some of the most iconic bluegrass singers, as well as some emerging artists, gather for a festival to remember. The main stage features a fundraiser to support bluegrass music professionals, while other festival attractions include a dance tent, an exhibit hall with musical instruments, workshops, and food and drinks vendors.
Wide Open Bluegrass Festival
Address: Downtown Raleigh, North Carolina
Website: Wide Open Bluegrass Festival
Takes place: September to October
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4. Lebanese Festival
Lebanese Festival takes place in Raleigh in April and offers visitors free admission. It usually happens at City Plaza and promises a day of traditional dance and music, Lebanese food, desserts, wine, and beer. The event, organized by the Triangle Lebanese American Center, celebrated its 21st edition in 2019. This festival takes place annually, bringing together the Lebanese community and the people who are eager to discover their culture and taste the local cuisine.
Lebanese Festival
Address: City Plaza, 400 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, 27601
Website: Lebanese Festival
Takes place: April
Price: Free
5. NC 'Cuegrass Festival
Every year in April, the annual NC ‘Cuegrass Festival takes place in Downtown Raleigh, shutting down the streets around the Pit for a day of bluegrass music, local brews, and celebration. The festival celebrates Southern barbecue with the best recipes from Northern Carolina, and it’s paired with a great selection of local beer and live music. The event is for a good cause because all earnings go to different programs for children, like Raleigh’s BackPack Buddies program.
NC 'Cuegrass Festival
Address: Downtown Raleigh, North Carolina
Website: NC ‘Cuegrass Festival
Takes place: April
Price: 5 USD
6. Cary's Annual Kwanzaa Celebration
Posted by 22nd Annual Kwanzaa Celebration on Monday, 21 January 2019
Celebrated annually at Cary Arts Center, the Kwanzaa Celebration is already in its 26th year as of 2020. This cultural festival honors the African American community and its cultures and traditions. The event is free to attend and includes a day packed with all kinds of activities, including the Magic of African Rhythm performance and some dance ensembles.
Cary's Annual Kwanzaa Celebration
Address: Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Avenue, Cary, NC 27511
Takes place: December
Price: Free
7. Raleigh Christmas Parade
Already a tradition in North Carolina, Raleigh Christmas Parade recently celebrated its 75th edition in Downtown Raleigh. The festival took place the weekend before Thanksgiving, representing the start of the holiday season. The highlight of this event is the grandiose parade with marching bands and huge floats, but also the live performances, the Christmas tree lighting, and all the fun and festive costumes you’ll spot along the way. The parade starts at Hillsborough Street and St. Mary’s Street and ends at Lenoir Street, and while the best way to experience the atmosphere is from the middle of the crowd, the event is also broadcasted live and has been for the past 46 years.
Raleigh Christmas Parade
Address: Downtown Raleigh, North Carolina
Website: Raleigh Christmas Parade
Takes place: November
8. Dreamville Festival
There’s a newer festival on the block: Dreamville Festival, which is at its second edition. This fun music festival hosts multiple stages where big names in the industry perform. In 2019, the music event brought artists like Big Sean, J. Cole, and Nelly in front of the crowd. It takes place in Dorothea Dix Park, Raleigh’s largest park, and brings people together for the love of music, but also for a good time. Expect to be immersed in local culture and art and be sure to enjoy the great food and drinks on offer.
Dreamville Festival
Address: Dorothea Dix Park, 2105 Umstead Dr, Raleigh, NC 27603
Website: Dreamville Festival
Takes place: April
Price: from 119 USD
9. Brewgaloo Craft Beer Festival
Spreading over the course of two days, Brewgaloo Craft Beer Festival is a big deal in Raleigh, as it is the largest craft beer festival in North Carolina. This event brings together local food trucks and vendors and features over 110 craft breweries, so get ready for a lot of tasting. The beer fest starts on Friday evening with a sampler event and continues on with a block party. On Saturday, the festival fills Downtown Raleigh, and visitors head down to eat, drink, and listen to music on one of the two stages featuring a DJ and live music.
Brewgaloo Craft Beer Festival
Address: Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States
Takes place: April
Price: from 45 USD
10. Artsplosure
Held in Moore Square Historic District in Raleigh, Artsplosure is an art festival that takes place every year in May, just before the start of summer. The event had its debut in 1980 and has since brought together nationally acclaimed artists and some of North Carolina’s best performers and visual artists. The festival is spread out over the course of three days and includes an art market, Kidsplosure - a space packed with interactive and educational activities for children, large art installations, live music performances, and student art exhibits.
Artsplosure
Address: City Market, 313 S Blount St #200b, Raleigh, NC 27601, United States
Website: Artsplosure
Takes place: Usually held in May
The fun, celebratory side of Raleigh
Raleigh is a city known for many things, whether we’re referring to its plethora of green spaces and spectacular outdoors or landmark museums. What defines the city, however, is its youthful population, as it is full of universities and educational institutions. And with such a positive, fun vibe, it’s no surprise that Raleigh is home to some of North Carolina’s most iconic festivals. No matter the time you visit the city, make sure you check our list of the top festivals in Raleigh, North Carolina.
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