The annual Hopscotch Music Festival kicks off Thursday in downtown Raleigh. The event has been bringing local and national artists to the city since 2010.
Thousands are expected to attend this year’s event, featuring headliners St. Vincent, Faye Webster, Waxahatchee and The Jesus Lizard.
Headlining performances will take place at City Plaza and Moore Square, while other acts will perform at venues such as Nash Hall, Wicked Witch, Neptunes, The Pour House, Kings, Slims and Transfer Co. Ballroom.
For the second year in a row, the festival will also include comedy performances. This year’s comedians include Joe Pera, a writer and filmmaker best known for his Adult Swim series “Joe Pera Talks With You,” who will close out Thursday’s comedy night at the Lincoln Theater.
There are still a few three-day passes ($159) and VIP passes ($349) available. They all allow access to all headlining and club shows. VIP tickets include access to the VIP Oak Lounge, pre-show parties and priority access to club shows.
Day tickets, venue tickets and concert tickets will no longer be available this year.
Weather forecast for Hopscotch: Autumn temperatures and chance of rain:
Autumnal weather will continue on Thursday, with highs around 25 degrees, a mix of sun and clouds, and a slight chance of rain. There could be a few drizzles on Thursday, but no heavy rain or thunderstorms – just some light, passing drizzle that should clear up by the evening rush hour.
On Friday, maximum temperatures of around 27 degrees and a slight chance of rain, especially at night, are expected, with partly cloudy skies and slightly warmer temperatures.
While weather forecast models are struggling with the intensity of the rain, it is possible we could see some showers Friday night and isolated thunderstorms in the late morning/early afternoon on Saturday.
“It’s a front offshore that’s potentially creating a low pressure system,” WRAL meteorologist Kat Campbell said Saturday. “That’s what’s really going to bring rain.”
Maximum temperatures of around 27 degrees are expected on Saturday, with partly cloudy skies in the morning and becoming overcast in the afternoon.
Hopscotch lineup includes return of St. Vincent
The festival begins with Waxahatchee, Snail Mail and Tim Heidecker at City Plaza and JPEGMAFIA, Mavi and Previous Industries at Moore Square.
On Friday, September 6, Faye Webster, MJ Lenderman and the Wind and Feeble Little Horse at City Plaza. BADBADNOTGOOD, Chicano Batman and Peter One will be at Moore Square.
Saturday, September 7 Saint Vincent, Led by Voices, Indigo De Souza, Amen Dunes and Sofia Bolt will perform on the City Plaza stage and The Jesus Lizard, Wednesday, Durand Jones, The db’s and Ducks LTD will perform on the Moore Square stage.
It’s been 10 years since St. Vincent took the stage at City Plaza for the Hopscotch Music Festival.
Some shows are for all ages
The shows on the City Plaza and Moore Square stages are open to fans of all ages. Children up to 12 years old are admitted free.
However, restrictions apply at some Hopscotch venues where club shows take place.
Kings, Nash Hall and Transfer Co. Ballroom host club shows for all ages.
However, The Wicked Witch is 18+ only. The Pour House, Neptunes and Slims are all 21+ hopscotch venues. You will need a valid photo ID to enter age-restricted clubs.
Day parties offer hopscotch fun without a ticket
As in previous years, you do not need a ticket to participate Hopscotch Day Partieswhich begin around midday and continue into the early evening hours Thursday through Sunday at various local venues including Schoolkids Records, Ruby Deluxe, The Rialto Theatre and The Longleaf Hotel and Lounge.
In addition to the daytime parties, Hopscotch is teaming up with Marbles Kids Museum for a special Totscotch event on Saturday. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., this family-friendly music event will take place on Hargett Street between Moore Square and Marbles Kids Museum. Artists include Modern Biology, Baba McDaniel Roberts and The Loblollies with special guest Ava, the STEM Princess. The event is free and does not include museum admission.
