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Your guide to Packapalooza in Raleigh, NC

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The NC State Memorial Belltower | Photo by RALtoday

NC State’s annual Packapalooza street festival and concert returns on Sat., Aug. 27 for its 10 year anniversary.

Packapalooza is a free event that welcomes students, alumni + the community for a day of on-campus celebrations. The event marks the end of NC State’s Wolfpack Welcome Week with music, entertainment, food + vendors running from 2-10 p.m. The festival takes place on Hillsborough Street stretching from Dan Allen Drive to the Bell Tower on Pullen Drive.

The all-day bash is one of NC State’s largest events with previous years attracting 85,000+ people, more than 300 vendors, and 40+ sponsored organizations. This year’s festival will include a performance by Raleigh-based country band American Aquarium and will feature Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling competition winner and NC State alumni Abby Lampe.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the featured zones:

Food vendors

It’s not a Raleigh event without the support of local eateries. Food vendors of all kinds will be in attendance like Gonza Tacos y Tequila.

Play + arts

NC State’s Wellness + Recreation is offering a chance to shoot hockey pucks with Canes players, kick a field goal, or win at cornhole. Get a taste of NC State talent with a mixture of live performances + mixed media art. The NCMA will also be hosting an interactive mural.

International Services

Did you know that NC State is home to students from 126 countries? Learn about the many cultures that make up this college community while students perform talents from different continents.

Go green

This wolf has green thumbs. Find out how NC State departments and organizations are moving toward a more sustainable future. Check out alternative vehicles + learn how you can live a greener lifestyle.

Pack pride + warrior zone

Don’t miss the chance to meet workers from NC State PD, Raleigh PD, Raleigh Fire Department + the National Guard.

Services

Learn about community service + civic engagement opportunities on campus and around Raleigh. Wake County festival-goers can even register to vote.

Wolfpack zone

Learn about NC State’s athletic history, take a tour of the bell tower, and pick up some sweet merch.

Kid zone

This fun area will be located on Horne Street and will include kid-friendly activities + a chalk artist.

Check out the day’s full lineup here.

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