One of Raleigh’s most renowned cultural gatherings makes a comeback with the new2025 Raleigh Wide Open Music Event, occurring on October 3-4.

The event will begin early on Thursday night, October 2, with a complimentary Kickoff Celebration at The Corner located on NC State’s Centennial Campus.

The two-day free event capitalizes on the city’s reputation as a hub for bluegrass, Americana, gospel, and folk music in the downtown area.

The event also features independently priced evening performances at Red Hat Amphitheater, organized by Live Nation.

Besides outstanding live performances, guests can enjoy the lively craft and artisan markets, beer gardens, food trucks, and art sellers.

Full Artist Lineup

Stage locations Map

11 essential activities to experience at the festival

When you have a break between music performances, here are some activities to enjoy while at the event.

Explore the Art Scene, Local Vendors, and Food Trucks:During the breaks between music stages, the streets will be filled with over 75 welcoming vendors providing delicious food and drinks, as well as unique handmade products.

Discover N.C.’s Spiritual Legacy:Devote time to hearing our gospel artists – Chris Johnson and Freedom, the Gospel Jubilators, Jalessa Cade, Jared Payton and the Legacy Chorale, and Kingdom Voices United. Discover more about this music style through a set of lectures at the City of Raleigh Museum, situated at 220 Fayetteville St.

Pick and Grin: There will be plenty of jam sessions at Raleigh Wide Open. Bring your instrument and find a spot underneath theJam TentRight outside the Musicians Marketplace on Exchange Plaza, near the YMCA. Late-night jamming is expected to occur at the Sheraton Downtown Raleigh, which has set aside a floor for continuous jam sessions.

Test drive an Instrument: Our Musical Animal Exhibit features banjos, fiddles, guitars, and other instruments for music enthusiasts of all ages to explore. Choose a note or two, or try playing a song—simply handling an instrument is a meaningful experience that we enjoy offering to everyone.

Visit the Musicians Marketplace: Enter the musicians’ area located at 219 Fayetteville Street to explore a variety of musical instruments, equipment, and accessories, and engage with the individuals who create and sell them. You have the opportunity to try out your next guitar, purchase your first banjo, or acquire straps, strings, picks, and other gear that enhances your experience and performance while playing music.

Go Big:If you’re interested in enhancing your Raleigh Wide Open weekend with a major concert, get a ticket to catch Greensky Bluegrass and JJ Grey & Mofro on Friday, Oct. 3, at Red Hat Amphitheater. Tickets areavailable here.

Make It Fashion:Like the banjo-playing squirrel mascot from Raleigh Wide Open? Show off the squirrel with T-shirts, hoodies, koozies, and more at our Merch Tent on City Plaza. Get a PineCone shirt, now available in new colors, to support the Raleigh nonprofit that organized Raleigh Wide Open and its earlier festival.

Swing Your Partner! Square dancing offers a wonderful opportunity to appreciate classic music! Dances will take place each evening of the festival at the Martin Street Stage, featuring performances by local musicians and guidance from Phil Jamison and Nancy Mamlin. No matter if you’re an experienced square dancer or just starting out, there’s a place for you here.

Sit a Spell:Pick up an instrument, sit in a rocking chair, and take some enjoyable photos on the PNC Porch situated close to the entrance of the PNC Bank building at the corner of Fayetteville and Martin streets. No matter how you sound, you’ll appear like an expert.

Stop by the ABC11 Studio!Look at the windows ofABC11’s studioNear Fayetteville Street, you can find convenient festival information along with posters highlighting new and upcoming ABC programs. You’ll also see our Banjo Clock, which annually counts down the days, hours, and minutes until the festival begins.

Drink Responsibly: Beer and wine will be available at four distinct locations within the festival grounds. Attendees of the event can carry beverages bought from festival vendors while they listen to music and experience all that the festival provides.

What’s the story behind the name?

The renewed “Raleigh Wide Open” name pays tribute to the city’s history while looking ahead, marking a time of expansion, innovation, and community.

According to their website, theRaleigh Wide OpenThe name originated in Raleigh and dates back to 2006. This was the year when downtown underwent a cultural revival. Fayetteville Street was reopened to traffic, and within a few years, the new Raleigh Convention Center was constructed and the Red Hat Amphitheater was established.

“Every year, this gathering unites thousands of individuals from various generations and diverse backgrounds. It’s a tribute to what makes Raleigh unique: outstanding music, a strong sense of community, and a genuine respect for both tradition and innovation,” said David Brower, the executive director of PineCone.

“The comeback of Raleigh Wide Open serves as a pleasant reminder of what makes this city stand out. It’s more than just a music festival. It’s a declaration regarding Raleigh’s development, innovation, and the solid collaborations that drive our cultural essence,” said Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell.

ABC11is the official media partner of the event.

Get the ABC11 App to receive breaking news and weather notifications.