Hopscotch Music Festival Kicks Off Downtown Raleigh with Wide Local Impact

The Hopscotch Music Festival returned to downtown Raleigh for its 15th year, running from September 4-6, featuring a diverse lineup including headliners Earl Sweatshirt, My Morning Jacket, and Sparks, alongside local North Carolina artists. The festival is noted for its inclusivity across genres and strong support for local musicians, ensuring at least one local artist on every bill and offering free day parties at various venues around the city to make the event accessible. The festival is viewed as a key cultural event for Raleigh, helping to sustain the city's live music scene amid the departure of other festivals like Dreamville, and it contributes positively to local businesses and tourism, with recent data showing increases in hotel occupancy and tax revenues. Festival-goers and local business owners alike emphasize Hopscotch's role in maintaining Raleigh's vibrant music culture and attracting visitors. Day parties and performances take place in locations including Moore Square, City Plaza, and multiple downtown venues, creating a multifaceted musical experience described as a "three-day adventure." The festival stands out as a unifying event that supports a variety of musical tastes while boosting the local economy and community spirit.