Raleigh Wide Open Music Festival Kickoff Celebration at NC State University
- When: Thursday, October 1, 2026, 6:00 pm - 9:30 pm
- Location: The Corner on N.C. State's Centennial Campus, 941 Main Campus Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606
- Cost: Free Admission
The fun starts on Thursday evening, Oct. 1, with a free Kickoff Celebration at The Corner on N.C. State's Centennial Campus. Three festival bands will perform, and attendees can bring chairs and a picnic OR enjoy food and drink from trucks onsite. We'll have festival merch (including our famous banjo-playing squirrel T-shirt!) available for purchase. Performers include Redbud, Jerron Paxton, and Brek featuring Hank Smith and Pattie Kinlaw. We'll also welcome some special guests and announce the winner of the Icelandair contest!
Then, on Friday, Oct. 2 and 3, the streets of downtown Raleigh come alive with multiple spaces for live music, a N.C. Family Fun Zone, food and drink vendors, arts and crafts makers, and more. It’s a cornerstone annual event that brings people together around bluegrass, Americana, folk, and other traditional music. And best of all, it's free!
The festival is produced for the community by Raleigh-based nonprofit PineCone (the Piedmont Council of Traditional Music).
- Website: raleighwideopen.com
- Contact Phone: (919) 664-8333
- Contact Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Category: Shows & Concerts, Free
Check website for listing of performance times and locations.
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