Raleigh Wide Open is scheduled to return to downtown Raleigh for a three-day, free music festival from October 1–3, 2026. The event will feature bluegrass, Americana, and family-friendly programming across multiple outdoor stages and public spaces. Following its 2025 debut, organizers are positioning the festival as a significant attraction for local businesses and visitors.
Producers PineCone announced the festival dates and confirmed that PNC Bank will present the free, community-focused event, according to the organization. PineCone said it will provide a formal artist lineup, as well as volunteer and vendor application information, in the coming months. The festival is set to begin with live performances, food trucks, and family activities at N.C. State’s Centennial Campus before moving into downtown Raleigh.
Kickoff and downtown stages
The free festival kickoff is scheduled for Thursday evening, October 1, at N.C. State’s Centennial Campus, with evening performances and vendors hosted by The Corner, according to the university’s events calendar. Friday and Saturday programming will take place on Fayetteville Street, featuring multiple stages, an art market, food trucks, and beer gardens, per the NC State calendar. Organizers note that the downtown stages are intended to be family-friendly and accessible.
A name with roots
The Raleigh Wide Open name references street festivals from the mid-2000s that were part of the International Bluegrass Music Association’s World of Bluegrass. Local organizers revived the branding after IBMA moved to a different host city. MusicNC has reported on the festival’s return as part of Raleigh’s effort to maintain roots music in downtown. The 2026 edition will be the festival’s second year under the Raleigh Wide Open name.
What last year looked like
The 2025 festival weekend drew an estimated 155,000 attendees and, according to PineCone, generated millions in economic activity for downtown businesses. PineCone’s recap noted full stages along Fayetteville Street, with a combination of free outdoor performances and ticketed headline shows. Applications and partnership information for artists, vendors, and volunteers are available on the festival’s official website…