Downtown Raleigh will become the center of North Carolina’s independent music scene when the Hopscotch Music Festival returns September 10–12, 2026. The three-day festival will bring more than 100 artists to outdoor stages, music halls and intimate clubs throughout the heart of the city.

Known for combining nationally recognized performers with emerging and local talent, Hopscotch offers music fans an opportunity to discover artists across rock, hip-hop, indie, electronic, alternative and experimental genres.

Hopscotch Music Festival 2026 details

• Dates: Thursday, September 10–Saturday, September 12, 2026
• Location: Downtown Raleigh, North Carolina
• Main outdoor venues: City Plaza and Moore Square
• Club venues: Lincoln Theatre, Kings, The Pour House Music Hall, Slim’s, Neptunes and Nash Hall
• Tickets: Three-day general admission, VIP and single-day passes are available
• Official website: HopscotchMusicFest.com⁠

Who is performing at Hopscotch 2026?

The 2026 Hopscotch lineup is led by headliners Dexter and the Moonrocks, Cory Wong and King Princess. Additional featured performers include Momma, Duckwrth and Soccer Mommy, along with dozens of established, emerging and independent artists.

More than 100 performers are scheduled across multiple venues, giving festivalgoers the freedom to move between large outdoor concerts and smaller club performances. Visitors should review the official Hopscotch schedule⁠ before arriving and use the festival app to build a personalized itinerary.

Outdoor stages and downtown Raleigh clubs

Hopscotch’s downtown format is one of the features that separates it from traditional music festivals. City Plaza on Fayetteville Street will host major outdoor performances, while Moore Square will serve as another central festival destination.

The club portion of the festival will extend into several well-known Raleigh venues:

• Lincoln Theatre
• Kings
• The Pour House Music Hall
• Slim’s
• Neptunes
• Nash Hall

Because club capacities are limited, admission may be available on a first-come, first-served basis. VIP passholders receive priority access, but entry is not guaranteed once a venue reaches capacity.

New Moore Square Commons experience

New for 2026, festival passes include access to Moore Square Commons, featuring local food, crafts and live musicians. The addition creates another gathering space where attendees can eat, shop and experience Raleigh’s creative community between performances.

Official Hopscotch day parties will also take place at locations around downtown Raleigh from Wednesday, September 9, through Sunday, September 13. These events expand the celebration beyond the main festival schedule, although admission policies and age restrictions may vary by location.

Hopscotch Music Festival tickets

Current three-day pass options include:

• Three-Day General Admission: $179
• Three-Day VIP: $399
• Single-Day Passes: Available for Thursday, Friday and Saturday

The listed prices include ticket fees, with taxes calculated at checkout. Prices and availability are subject to change, and quantities may be limited. Festivalgoers should purchase passes only through the official Hopscotch ticket page⁠ and Etix, the festival’s verified ticket provider.

What attendees should know

Hopscotch is a cashless festival. Credit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay will be accepted at festival bars and merchandise locations.

City Plaza and Moore Square are open to all ages, and children ages 12 and younger may attend free. Individual club shows have their own age requirements, ranging from all ages to 21 and older.

Attendees may bring approved small bags, clear bags and empty reusable metal or plastic water bottles to the outdoor stages. Chairs, blankets, umbrellas, outside food and beverages, professional cameras, pets and weapons are prohibited. Club policies may be different from the outdoor-stage rules.

Wristbands must be picked up at Wristband City, located at Church on Morgan, 136 E. Morgan Street. Attendees must present their Etix ticket digitally or in print. Complete entry policies and pickup information are available in the festival’s Know Before You Go guide⁠.

Getting to Hopscotch in downtown Raleigh

Festival organizers encourage attendees to use GoRaleigh buses, rideshare services or other public transportation. Downtown Raleigh has more than 70 parking garages and lots, but street closures and event crowds may affect availability.

City Plaza is located along Fayetteville Street between Davie and Lenoir streets. Moore Square is approximately an eight-minute walk from City Plaza, making it possible to move between the two main outdoor festival areas without driving.

Experience one of Raleigh’s biggest music weekends

Hopscotch Music Festival gives residents and visitors three days to explore new music while supporting downtown Raleigh’s clubs, restaurants, bars and small businesses. With more than 100 performers, two outdoor destinations and six participating club venues, the 2026 festival is positioned to be one of Raleigh’s biggest entertainment events of the year.

Festival schedules, venue policies and performance times may change. Attendees should check the official Hopscotch website and mobile app for the latest updates.

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Published by Bryan Tomlinson | BTDesigns.pro |

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