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Dreamville Festival: Fashion, Food, and Parties in Downtown Raleigh


The 4th annual Dreamville Festival, hosted by rapper and NC-native J. Cole, is coming to Raleigh April 6th – 7th. Thousands of fans from all 50 states (and beyond) will flock to the historic Dorothea Dix Park to watch their favorite musical artists perform live less than 2 miles away from the heart of NC’s capital city: Downtown Raleigh.

Downtown is a convenient and central location for Dreamville attendees to spend their time away from festival grounds. It’s a vibrant center of activity home to a thriving creative culture and small business community. Local businesses come together to celebrate one of Raleigh’s biggest weekends with specials, parties, pop-ups, and so much more. 

Dreamville Festival describes itself as a “one-of-a-kind celebration of local culture, food, and art.” So in the spirit of Dreamville’s love for all things local, we put together this guide of unique, locally-owned businesses and attractions for festival-goers visiting Downtown Raleigh.


“Out Late” - Lil Yachty | Bars & Nightlife

Order a drink (or two) at one of these fun downtown bars & nightlife concepts. Enjoy alcoholic beverages while walking around the city in the Sip N' Stroll Downtown social district. 

The Architect Bar and Social House

The Anchor Bar

House of Art

Johnson Street Yacht Club

Legends Night Club 

Neptunes Parlour

The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop

Ruby Deluxe

Slim’s Downtown  

William & Company

Zenith Raleigh

 

“Shirt” - SZA | Shopping

Grab any last-minute clothing, shoes, or accessories for your festival fit to make sure you’re looking fresh. Find more shopping in Downtown Raleigh.

Edge of Urge

Father and Son Antiques

Munjo Munjo

NASHONA

Needle & Thread Co.

Pallbearer Vintage

Raleigh Denim Workshop

Sircastleteees 

Social Status 

ThriftWiz

Unlikely Professionals

Unorthodox Vintage

 

"Collard Greens" - ScHoolboy Q | Late Night Bites

End your long day with a much-needed meal at one of these Downtown Raleigh eateries serving food late into the evening. Need some fuel before the day starts? Check out our list of restaurants serving breakfast.

The Big Easy

Char-Grill

Chido Taco

Centro

El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant

The Flavor Hills

Gringo A Go Go

Hibernian Irish Pub & Restaurant

MoJoe’s Burger Joint 

Morgan Street Food Hall

The Pizza Times

Tin Roof 

Vic's Italian Cafe & Pizzeria

Woody’s at City Market 

Benny Capitale's Pizza 

 

“Photograph” - J. Cole | Public Art

Here’s some picture-worthy public art in Downtown Raleigh, tag us on Instagram to be featured! 

8-bit to 5G

All Are Welcome

Ann and Allen Iverson

Disco Alley

Parks for the People

Like Father, Like Son

The Mount Rapmore of the 2010s  

SONARC

 

“Dopamine” - Bas | Things to Do

Stay entertained and have fun during your downtime exploring the city. 

311 Gallery

Artspace

Boxcar Bar and Arcade 

CAM Raleigh 

The Green Monkey

Epic Axe

Hunky Dory

Lump Gallery 

Marbles IMAX Theater

NERD Escape Room

Original Selfie Museum

Side Quest Game Lounge and Bar

 

“Planez” - Jeremih | Transportation

Transportation options to-and-from the festival and ways to get around Downtown Raleigh. 

 

Dreamville Pop-Ups and Parties

Find Dreamville Festival's lineup of official events around Downtown Raleigh here.

City Beats & Visual Vibes First Friday ⎻ Moore Square

Friday, April 5th

A free and family-friendly Dreamville Fest kick-off in the heart of Downtown Raleigh featuring a local vendors hosted by Black Flea Market, a movie showing of Black Panther, live performances, food trucks, and more!

Dreamville Public AccessCAM Raleigh

Friday, April 5th

CAM is hosting a day full of FREE inside looks behind some of your favorite artists and producers, sit downs with music industry executives, and exclusive workshops by EngineEars breaking down some of your favorite songs.

Boozy Brunch & Dreamville Karaoke Neptunes Parlour

Friday, April 5th

Stop by during the day for drinks, donuts, and Dreamville-themed karaoke.

Dreamville Eve Party Longleaf Hotel + Lounge

Friday, April 5th

Mid-century hotel, Longleaf Hotel + Lounge, is hosting DJ King Akira and Thirsty Pigeon Records for their Dreamville Eve celebration.

Bolé and PartyHouse of Art

Friday, April 5th

Savor African BBQ (included with ticket) alongside afrobeats music to get pumped for your Dreamville weekend.

DayDream Pre-Festival Block PartyKilljoy Cocktail

Friday, April 5th

One block party extending across two different venues to get amped up for Dreamville weekend.

Dreamville Weekend PreParty, Meet Me At The LondonThe Bridge DTR

Friday, April 5th

Dive headfirst into Dreamville Weekend at downtown British Pub, The Bridge.

Dreamville After-Party with DJ Moeskino and DJ Kenny Kal Haymaker

Saturday, April 6th

Get ready for a night filled with beautiful people, incredible music, art, dancing, food, and great vibes.

Dreamville-Themed Yoga Classes Dose Yoga and Smoothie Bar

Friday, April 5th & Sunday, April 7th

Don't let Dreamville FOMO get to you, grab your mat and visit Dose Yoga for hot yoga sessions featuring music from this year's headliners.

Road To The DreamCornerstone Tavern

Saturday, April 6th + Sunday, April 7th

Jumpstart your morning with the hottest beats from Waka Flacka Flame's DJ and vendors offering tooth gems & henna.