2026 Raleigh Wide Open Music Festival

The streets of downtown Raleigh come alive for the Raleigh Wide Open Music Festival, presented by PNC, with multiple stages of music, arts vendors, food trucks, an N.C. Family Fun Zone, and more — all celebrating roots music and community. You’ll hear bluegrass, folk, country, rock, norteño, gospel, and lots of other genres blended in, played by real humans who make music about real things. Best of all, it’s free! There are no tickets or wristbands needed. Just show up ready to enjoy a great time with friends, family, and neighbors.

It all starts on Thursday evening, Oct. 1, with a Kickoff Celebration featuring music under the string lights at The Corner on N.C. State’s Centennial Campus. Then, on Friday, Oct. 2, and Saturday, Oct. 3, downtown Raleigh comes alive with multiple stages of music and a celebration of community that spans several city blocks.

Best of all, it’s FREE. We’re grateful to our generous sponsors and donors, whose support ensures the music is accessible to everyone. You don’t need a ticket, wristband, or reservation. You just need to show up and be ready to enjoy a great community event!

See the full artist lineup and schedule and learn more at raleighwideopen.com.