Downtown Raleigh Events | Red Hat

At the heart of Downtown Raleigh’s bustling cultural and entertainment scene is the Red Hat Amphitheater, a premier outdoor venue that offers panoramic views of the city skyline. This amphitheater hosts a diverse range of events, from high-energy concerts featuring top artists to community-focused gatherings and cultural festivals, providing a versatile space designed to accommodate diverse tastes and preferences. The venue enhances the visitor experience with multiple seating options, including relaxed, elevated lawn seating, traditional closer-to-stage seating, and premium box seats that come with added amenities like food and beverage services.

Adjacent to the amphitheater, the Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex plays a pivotal role in the city’s cultural and economic development. This complex is dedicated to driving sustainable economic growth by boosting local convention and entertainment sectors, fostering innovation, and enhancing Raleigh’s cultural presence. Its mission is clear: to make Raleigh a top destination for entertainment and business meetings through innovative management and a strong commitment to diversity and excellent service. Together, the Red Hat Amphitheater and the Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex significantly bolster Raleigh’s cultural and economic landscape, offering a communal space for residents and visitors to celebrate and engage with the arts, thus solidifying Downtown Raleigh as a cultural jewel in North Carolina.

The Red Hat Amphitheater is easily accessible by Cardinal Bikeshare, Dockless E-Scooter Program | Raleighnc.gov, GoRaleigh, or R-Line, getting to the venue is a breeze.

Located at 500 South McDowell Street, ample parking is available nearby with accessible options, ensuring everyone can have an ease of access. Here is a map of parking decks in Downtown Raleigh.

The closest public parking decks to Red Hat Amphitheater are located at:

Lenoir Street between Salisbury Street and McDowell Street

South Street between Salisbury Street and McDowell Street

Davie Street between McDowell Street and Dawson Street

Cabarrus Street between McDowell Street and Dawson Street

Salisbury Street between Cabarrus Street and Davie Street

Accessible parking spaces are available on the first level of each garage. You may visit the Accessibility page for more information.

Please be informed that the listed parking decks are owned and operated by McLaurin Parking. The Red Hat Amphitheater does not control the parking rates for these garages.

Highlights include performances by Kehlani, Vampire Weekend, and many others, each bringing unique flair to the amphitheater. The series kicks off with Kehlani's “CRASH WORLD TOUR,” featuring special guests FLO and ANYCIA, setting a vibrant tone on October 1, 2024. Following this energizing start, the iconic Violent Femmes take the stage on October 2, infusing the venue with their timeless rock sound. On October 3, Conan Gray elevates the mood with his poetic pop. Lake Street Dive mixes soulful jazz and rock music on October 4, ensuring that every melody lingers long after the night ends.

On October 9, Vampire Weekend, joined by Cults, blends indie rock with an eclectic rhythm, offering a dynamic Wednesday performance. The mood turns introspective on October 13, with Ray LaMontagne and Gregory Alan Isakov, enriched by harmonies from The Secret Sisters. Stephen Sanchez and The Paper Kites carry this reflective atmosphere into October 15 with their soft, thoughtful tunes.

The energy surges back with Jungle on October 16, turning the amphitheater into a dance floor with their electric beats. Lainey Wilson brings her bold country flair on October 18, and Becky G closes out the series on October 19 with her vibrant pop and dance rhythms, capping off a month of unforgettable performances.

Don’t miss the holiday ice skating rink, transforming the venue into a winter wonderland complete with cozy lounges and festive activities. Skaters and spectators alike can revel in a festive Winter Wonderland at the ice rink, enhanced by cozy stations equipped with outdoor lounging furniture and heat warmers. The ambiance is further warmed by inviting fire pits, perfect for gathering around. A 20ft decorated holiday tree and decoration stations, including a 6ft lighted bulb display, provide ideal backdrops for holiday photos. Visitors can indulge in hot cocoa, beer, wine, and an array of sweet treats at the snack bar, while enjoying giant jenga and cornhole games. Special community partner nights invite local organizations to participate, adding a unique community spirit to the venue. For an elevated experience, private igloo lounges offer exclusive food and beverage services, comfortable seating for up to 8 people, and include swag and skating tickets, making for an unforgettable winter outing.

Arrive early, book conveniently located accommodations, and explore Raleigh’s Downtown before the event to maximize your visit.

Red Hat Amphitheater is a community focal point that offers unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s always something exciting happening at Red Hat.

Ready to plan your visit? Check out upcoming events and secure your tickets at Red Hat Amphitheater!

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