When you’re attending a music festival, the last thing you want to feel is stressed about where to park, what to eat, or who can help you out. Avoid the headache and let us guide you through this experience attending Hopscotch Music Festival in Downtown Raleigh.
Since 2010, Hopscotch has taken place in the heart of downtown and attracted visitors from across the country. It’s a vibrant and community-centered celebration of music, art, and culture that blends local flavor with nationally-recognized acts.
The festival is widely known for its diverse lineup with genres ranging from punk to hip-hop and everything in between (plus some standup comedy). Household names such as St. Vincent, Faye Webster, and JPEGMAFIA–to name a few–play alongside NC-based artists going big like Babe Haven and Jooselord.
Didn’t get tickets? Don’t sweat it! Get in on the Hopscotch fun at one of the 20+ day parties in Downtown Raleigh or the family-friendly Marbles Kids Museum party Totscotch. Not to mention, the festival falls on September First Friday this year!
"Martini" - Sofia Bolt | Bars & Nightlife
Order a drink (or two) at one of these watering holes located inside, or near, the festival footprint. Some of these spots are also club venues or day party locations for the festival! Learn how you can enjoy alcoholic beverages while walking around the city in the Sip N' Stroll Downtown social district.
"Underdressed at the Symphony" - Faye Webster | Shopping
Grab any last-minute clothing, shoes, or accessories for your festival fit to make sure you’re looking fresh. Find all Downtown Raleigh secondhand/vintage shops here.
"Lean Beef Patty" - JPEGMAFIA | Dining
Fuel your body through the long festival days at these downtown eateries.
Amitie Macaron ⎻ French pastries and sandwiches
Anthony's La Piazza ⎻ Staten-Island style pizza & pasta
The Big Easy ⎻ Cajun and Creole dishes
Budacai ⎻ Asian-fusion bites and boba
Chido Taco ⎻ Counter service taquería
Element Gastropub ⎻ Plant-based pub foods
El Rodeo ⎻ Classic Mexican food
Heirloom Brewshop ⎻ Cafe by day, Southeast Asian dinner restaurant by night
Longleaf Swine ⎻ Whole-hog BBQ with Southern sides
Mustang House ⎻ Authentic Indian and Nepalese cuisine
ORO Restaurant & Lounge ⎻ Surf & turf with international spice
The Pizza Times ⎻ Fast casual pizza whole or by the slice
Sono ⎻ Elevated sushi spot
Tonbo Ramen ⎻ Latin-Japanese fusion ramen bar
Transfer Co. Food Hall ⎻ 9 local eateries & bars inside a food hall
"Color my life" - Chicano Batman | Arts & Entertainment
Stay entertained and have fun during your downtime exploring the city. Check out 160+ pieces of public art while you're out exploring as well!
Hopshot Putt Putt at Raleigh Beer Garden
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
Side Quest Game Lounge and Bar
"Come Away With Me" - Tim Heidecker | Getting Around
- Parking areas in Downtown Raleigh
- Alternative modes of transportation throughout Raleigh including self-serve bicycle and scooter rentals
- GoTriangle and GoRaleigh buses
DTR Ambassadors
The Downtown Raleigh Ambassadors are on the job 7 days a week and are trained to ensure that all downtown visitors have a welcoming, safe experience.
All of our Ambassadors proactively engage the community by providing the following services:
- Direction and way-finding assistance
- Motorist assistance
- Safety escorts to and from any location in downtown
- Special event safety and information
- Quality of life assistance and outreach
- Aggressive panhandling and suspicious activity observation and reporting
To request assistance from an Ambassador, please call the hotline at 919-368-7962