Raleigh has recently been evolving in the music scene, ranking number five on the list of best music cities in the lower United States. Popular music venues – ranging from arenas such as PNC Arena, outdoor venues like Red Hat Amphitheatre and Coastal Credit Union Music Park, and indoor venues like The Ritz – allow communities to come together to sing and dance their nights away.

Long summer evenings provide the perfect opportunity to take advantage of Raleigh’s growing music scene. Finding activities to attend can be stressful, so we’ve compiled a list of some live music events and venues to take your summer to the next level. 

Red Hat Amphitheater 

Red Hat Amphitheatre, located in downtown Raleigh, is an incredible outdoor venue to spend time at this summer. Consisting of everything from a pit section, ground-level seats or sitting on the lawn, you’re definitely going to get a good view of the stage no matter where you’re located. This venue also has all sorts of concession options just steps away from your seating locations, but no outside food or drinks are allowed. Red Hat has also gone entirely cashless, so make sure you bring a credit or debit card with you. As for parking, there are numerous parking garages located around the area. 

This summer, events include Noah Kahan, Barenaked Ladies, Louis Tomlinson, YUNGBLUD, Tyler Childers, Jake Owen and much more. Live Nation has a list of the artists playing, so if you’re looking for an outdoor venue in downtown Raleigh, Red Hat Amphitheatre is the way to go. 

Coastal Credit Union Music Park

The Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek is undeniably an excellent place to sing your heart out to your favorite bands and musicians as the sun goes down on a warm summer night. You have the option of seats or sitting on the lawn, both providing a great view of the stage. When looking for food and drinks, you have a variety of options, although the prices can be slightly high. Parking-wise, there are often long lines to get into the venue; if you are hoping to see the opening act, I’d recommend leaving your house with the idea that there may be multiple lines you end up waiting in. The Coastal Credit Union Music Park offers a variety of different concerts throughout the summer, allowing there to be something for everyone. 

Live Nation has a list that includes upcoming events; check out the list and plan your trip to the Coastal Credit Union Music Park this summer!

Hopscotch Music Festival

Music festivals are the perfect way to connect with the Raleigh community, enjoy live music and soak up the beautiful summer weather. Hopscotch Music Festival happens annually, this year it will go on from Sept. 7 to Sept. 9. This festival includes three days of live music at City Plaza and Moore Square stages. The early bird passes are already sold out but more general admission and VIP passes will be available soon. 

If coming from out of town, Hopscotch has partnered with the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Raleigh to offer a discounted rate to people who are attending the festival. Parking is available throughout the city of Raleigh and there are many local restaurants throughout downtown that are perfect to stop in if you get hungry. One of the best parts of this festival is that it allows people to go from venue to venue, catching local acts and big names, truly living up to the name “hopscotch.”

IBMA Bluegrass Live! 

Going from Sept. 29 to Sept. 30, the IBMA Bluegrass Live! festival is a must-go for all North Carolinians. The lineup includes the Del McCoury Band, Mighty Poplar, Jake Blount and so many other incredible artists. The festival is taking place in downtown Raleigh with the mainstage located at the Red Hat Amphitheatre; events such as an arts market, family-friendly activities and food trucks will be located all over Fayetteville Street. 

Entry into the street festival itself is free, but anyone interested in seeing the mainstage performance will have to reserve tickets, which start at $50 for a one-day pass. Anyone who buys tickets for the main stage can come and go from Red Hat throughout the day, which allows attendees to experience everything the festival has to offer. For parking, there are multiple parking garages located all around the festival area. Be a part of this incredible event, and come to the IBMA Bluegrass Live! festival. 

The Ritz

The Ritz is another “must-visit” music venue for this summer! This is an indoor option and allows you to enjoy all your favorite music from the comfort of an industrial-style space. The venue has general admission and standing room, but you are able to upgrade your tickets to get premium seating on the balcony, as well as other perks. The venue does not allow guests to re-enter, so make sure you’ve got everything you need for an enjoyable concert experience before entering. In addition, food is not served so make sure to eat beforehand, but with downtown Raleigh so close by, you’re sure to find a restaurant before you go. 

This summer, enjoy shows from All Time Low, Caifanes, Kip Moore, Shakey Graves and more at this incredible venue. Live Nation has an ongoing list of the artists to come, so check out their website before planning your visit. There is $14 parking at the venue or at the gravel lot across the street, and you can pay either cash or card. 

If any of these events sound interesting to you but you’re worried about price, have no fear! Live Nation’s concert week starts today, May 10, and goes until the 16. Hundreds of artists are selling their tickets for $25 this week. These tickets sell out quickly, so make sure you get them fast. For any questions, check out this website. We hope you all enjoy a summer full of live music!