The 5th annual Dreamville Festival, hosted by rapper and NC-native J. Cole, is coming to Raleigh April 5th – 6th. 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.
“Welcome to the Party” - PARTYNEXTDOOR | 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 Anchor Bar
The Davie
Halftime Sports Lounge
Johnson Street Yacht Club
Legends Night Club
Moon Room
Neptunes Parlour
Ruby Deluxe
Slim’s Downtown
Stella's On West
Venom Nightclub
William & Company
Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing
Zenith Raleigh
“Mirror” - Lil Wayne | 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.
The Burrow
Edge of Urge
Father and Son Antiques
Munjo Munjo
NASHONA
One For All Thrift
Pallbearer Vintage
Raleigh Denim Workshop
Sircastleteees
Social Status
ThriftWiz
Unlikely Professionals
Unorthodox Vintage
"LET HER COOK" - Glorilla | Late Night Bites
End your long day with a much-needed meal at one of these Downtown Raleigh eateries serving food later into the evening. Need some fuel before the day starts? Check out our list of restaurants serving breakfast.
The Big Easy
The Brass Tap
Char-Grill
Chido Taco
Centro
El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant
The Flavor Hills
Gringo A Go Go
Hibernian Irish Pub & Restaurant
Insomnia Cookies
Le Dive
MoJoe’s Burger Joint
Morgan Street Food Hall
The Pizza Times
Raleigh Beer Garden
The Raleigh Times
Vic's Pizzeria
Woody’s at City Market
“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.