Raleigh prides itself on having the most music in North Carolina, and when you combine this with the general explosion of outdoor activities that comes with the spring thaw, it’s easy to see how our local spring music festivals could become some of the biggest attractions in the area. Whether you’re looking for something classic, something country, or something cutting-edge, you’ll find a music festival in the Triangle Area that was made for you.
Rock ‘n’ Roll Raleigh Marathon
What’s better than running a marathon? How about running a marathon with a soundtrack? The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon of Raleigh is one of a series of music festival marathons that take place every year in cities across the country, so naturally there has to be one here in North Carolina’s state capital.
Running events include a 5k, a half marathon, and a full marathon. All the participants not only get to enjoy music on the go as they pass stages set up all across downtown Raleigh, they also get a free pass to the music events that happen throughout the rest of the weekend. And despite the name, you can expect to find a variety of music genres at the festival.
‘Cuegrass Festival
Sponsored by The Pit, a barbecue restaurant located right across from the Amtrak station in downtown Raleigh, the ‘Cuegrass Festival combines bluegrass, barbecue, and local brews for a one-day celebration of our Carolina roots. The festival has plenty to eat, listen to, and do, and The Pit donates all proceeds to SAFEchild and the Raleigh BackPack Buddies program.
Art of Cool Fest
The Art of Cool Project in Durham is dedicated to preserving jazz and jazz-inspired music styles, and every year they host a three-day festival to show off all the things you can do with one music genre. The festival makes use of two outdoor and five indoor venues throughout downtown Durham, so be ready to do some walking if you want to see everything.
Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival
Around half an hour west of Cary on US-64 is a small town called Pittsboro, and twice each year the town holds the four-day-long Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival. Not only can you find a variety of bands playing a variety of genres on five separate stages, you can also find things like arts and crafts booths, dance and music workshops and competitions, and of course, there’s plenty of food to be had.
Bass Mountain Boogie
Head west of Chapel Hill along the Old Greensboro Road and you’ll eventually stumble on Cane Creek Campground, home of the annual Bass Mountain Boogie two-day festival. The Bass Mountain Boogie features blues, soul, and country music in an appropriately country setting, and while the staff encourages festival goers to stay overnight at the campground, you’re also free to drive in from the metro area or stay at a hotel in nearby Burlington.
Spring is a time to get outside and enjoy yourself, and there are few better ways to do that than to visit one of the many music festivals of North Carolina’s Triangle Area.
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