The 2025 Raleigh Wide Open Music Festival welcomed 155,000 attendees across a weekend of music, food, art, and community gathering on Oct. 3-4. Presented by PNC Bank and produced by PineCone, the event showcased the power of music to unite people of all ages and backgrounds, once again confirming Raleigh’s status as a leading destination for cultural tourism and artistic celebration.
The weekend kicked off with a successful celebration Thurs., Oct. 2, at North Carolina State University’s Centennial Campus, where a large crowd gathered for live music and remarks from community leaders. The two-day festival featured 40 world-class bluegrass, Americana, gospel, and folk performers on four free outdoor stages, as well as a ticketed headline show at Red Hat Amphitheater in partnership with Live Nation. Attendees enjoyed local food trucks, craft beer, art vendors, and interactive experiences throughout downtown Raleigh.
“The numbers speak for themselves, but the feeling on the ground was even more powerful,” said David Brower, executive director of PineCone. “We saw families dancing, artists connecting with new fans, and local businesses thriving. That is what this festival is all about.”
The festival, a successor to the bluegrass festival that first took root in Raleigh in 2013, has become a vital annual tradition that supports local artists and artisans, uplifts small businesses and brings significant economic activity to the region. Organizers are already looking ahead to 2026 and are inviting partners, sponsors and community members to be part of what comes next.
“This event captures the heart of Raleigh,” said Raleigh Janet Cowell. “It is inclusive, it is creative, and it reflects our city’s commitment to being a place where community and culture thrive together. I could not be more proud.”
Stay tuned for announcements about PineCone’s plans for the 2026 Raleigh Wide Open soon.