Raleigh’s longest running arts festival will return to Fayetteville Street Saturday, May 20-Sunday, May 21. Artsplosure: The Raleigh Arts Festival, is an annual free artist celebration that fills downtown with a diverse selection of original works of art, live music, and fun-filled activities for the whole fam to enjoy.
Here’s the draw:
Art Market
Bring a shopping bag, you might need it. Get ready to browse and appreciate works from 175+ hand-picked fine artists and craftspeople. The Art Market will be open Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. + Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
The market will be open solely for guests with accessibility needs on Sunday from 10 to 11 a.m. Get a sneak peak.
Live Music
Fourteen talented performers will take the Artsplosure stage this weekend. The lineup includes performers like headliner Rayland Baxter, a folk singer known for songs like “Yellow Eyes.” View the full lineup.
Bonus: There will be a semi-secret silent disco Saturday, May 20 from 12 to 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 21 from 12 to 6 p.m. The location will be kept on the down low until the day of the event.
Kidsplosure
This year’s theme? Rainbows. Get your little ones excited for colorful crafts and activities like DIY button bracelets, painted rocks, and hand tattoos. There will also be musical performances, a magic show, and dance parties. View the schedule.
Installations + bites
The main attraction at this year’s festival are four art-covered pickleball courts in City Plaza. Pickleballers can rent paddles and balls or bring their own gear to play. Each court will be decorated with custom artwork and open to the public both days, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. More attractions this way.
Don’t worry, you won’t go hungry. There will be 20+ food trucks available to pick from on Martin Street.
