News Summary
The Hopscotch Music Festival returns to Raleigh for its 15th year from September 4 to 6, showcasing a diverse lineup of artists. Major headliners like Earl Sweatshirt and My Morning Jacket will perform alongside emerging local talent. The festival will influence the local economy positively, drawing thousands of visitors and boosting local businesses. Road closures and transportation advice are issued to facilitate attendee access, while the festival continues to champion a DIY ethos and community engagement in North Carolina’s vibrant music scene.
Raleigh Celebrates 15 Years of the Hopscotch Music Festival This Week
The city of Raleigh hosts the 15th annual Hopscotch Music Festival from September 4 to September 6, marking a significant milestone for one of the region’s most prominent cultural events. The festival, which began in 2010, continues to draw thousands of music fans and tourists to downtown Raleigh each year.
Major Headliners and Diverse Lineup
This year’s festival features a lineup of notable artists including Earl Sweatshirt, My Morning Jacket, and Sparks. In addition, emerging acts such as Yeule, Geese, Fust, and Nilüfer Yanya will perform across multiple stages. Local artists like Gumhead and Alec Lomami are also part of the schedule, with approximately 25% of past lineups including local talent.
Festival Locations and Activities
The main stage is situated in City Plaza, with additional performances planned at Moore Square and several downtown venues, including Kings, Slims, Lincoln Theater, and Neptunes. The festival spans three days, with a single general admission pass costing $199. Unlike previous years, single-day tickets are not available. However, attendees can enjoy free day parties, which feature informal performances and local artist showcases.
Impact on Local Economy and Businesses
Economic data indicate that the festival positively impacts the local economy. Visit Raleigh reports that in 2023, hotel lodging and tax collections in Wake County increased by nearly 8% compared to the previous year. Additionally, the county experienced a 4% rise in prepared food and beverage tax collections, reflecting increased tourism and dining activity during the festival period. Hotel occupancy rates in Wake County also grew by 1.8%, surpassing both state and national averages.
Local businesses are preparing for the influx. For example, Total Herbal Care, a local shop, anticipates a surge of new and returning customers during the festival days. Many restaurants, bars, and retail stores in downtown Raleigh expect higher foot traffic, contributing to the city’s economic vitality during the event.
Transportation and Logistics
To accommodate attendees, road closures will be enforced in central downtown Raleigh, and visitors are encouraged to use ride-sharing services or public transportation. The city advises planning ahead to avoid traffic delays and ensure smooth access to all festival venues.
Community and Cultural Significance
The Hopscotch Festival is recognized for its diverse musical genres, ranging from ambient and indie to hip-hop and metal. It emphasizes a DIY ethos and actively involves local artists and businesses in its planning and execution. This approach fosters community engagement, artistic collaboration, and promotes North Carolina’s cultural vibrancy.
Concerns and Future Outlook
While the festival’s ongoing success benefits Raleigh’s economy and cultural scene, there are concerns related to recent changes in the city’s music event calendar. The Dreamville Festival has undergone modifications, and the bluegrass festival has been discontinued, raising questions about the future diversity of Raleigh’s music offerings. Nonetheless, organizers and local officials remain committed to maintaining and expanding the festival’s role as a key cultural event in the region.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Festivals and Events Scheduled for September in Raleigh
Additional Resources
- WRAL: Hopscotch Music Festival Returns
- Wikipedia: Hopscotch Music Festival
- CBS17: 2025 Hopscotch Music Festival Kicks Off
- Google Search: Hopscotch Music Festival
- ABC11: Hopscotch Festival 2025 Returns
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Music Festivals
- Daily Tar Heel: Hopscotch Fest Preview
- Google News: Hopscotch Music Festival 2025
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
