[ad_1]
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — One of Raleigh’s most iconic cultural events returns with the new 2025 Raleigh Wide Open Music Festival, taking place on October 3-4.
The festival will get an early start on Thursday evening, Oct. 2, with a free Kickoff Celebration at The Corner at NC State’s Centennial Campus.
The free two-day festival builds on the city’s success as a destination for bluegrass, Americana, gospel and folk music in downtown.
The festival also includes separately ticketed evening shows at Red Hat Amphitheater, produced by Live Nation.
In addition to great live music, attendees can indulge in the bustling craft and maker markets, beer gardens, food trucks and art vendors.
Full Artist Lineup
Stage locations Map
What’s up with the name?
The revived “Raleigh Wide Open” name is a nod to the city’s past while embracing its future, signaling an era of growth, creativity and connection.
According to its website, the Raleigh Wide Open name was born in Raleigh and dates back to 2006. That’s when downtown experienced a cultural renaissance. Fayetteville Street re-opened to traffic, and within a few years, the new Raleigh Convention Center was built and the Red Hat Amphitheater opened.
“Each year, this event brings together thousands of people across generations and backgrounds. It’s a celebration of what makes Raleigh special: great music, community spirit, and a deep appreciation for tradition and progress,” said David Brower, who is the executive director of PineCone.
“The return of Raleigh Wide Open is a welcome reminder of what makes this city shine. It’s more than a music festival. It’s a statement about Raleigh’s growth, creativity, and the strong partnerships that fuel our cultural identity,” said Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell.
ABC11 is the official media sponsor of the event.
Download the ABC11 App to get Breaking News and Weather Alerts
Copyright © 2025 WTVD-TV. All Rights Reserved.
[ad_2]
WTVD
Source link