This September, downtown Raleigh will once again transform into a massive celebration of sound and community. The Hopscotch Music Festival is returning for its 15th anniversary from September 4 through September 6, 2025. Known as one of the most dynamic and adventurous music festivals in the country, Hopscotch brings together dozens of venues, hundreds of performances, and thousands of fans right in the heart of North Carolina.
Whether you are a longtime fan of Hopscotch or curious about the buzz around this Raleigh music festival, this guide covers everything you need to know about Hopscotch Music Festival 2025. From this year’s big headliners to local talent, venue highlights, ticket options, travel tips, and why the 15th anniversary is shaping up to be one of the best yet, we’ve got it covered.
What Makes the 15th Anniversary Special
Hopscotch has always been a festival that prides itself on being different. Launched in 2010, it was designed to be a festival where you can walk from one intimate club show to the next, discover unexpected artists, and still catch big outdoor performances. Its 15th anniversary this year promises to honor that tradition while pulling out all the stops with one of its most ambitious lineups yet.
This milestone year is not just about looking back at how far Hopscotch has come, but also pushing forward with new ideas, fresh collaborations, and surprises that will only be revealed once the festival kicks off in September.
Big Names and Headliners for Hopscotch 2025
Hopscotch Music Festival 2025 has booked some of the most exciting headliners in the industry. Fans can expect performances by Earl Sweatshirt, Sparks, and My Morning Jacket.
Earl Sweatshirt brings his unique blend of introspective hip-hop and alternative beats. Sparks, the legendary art-pop duo, will deliver a theatrical and wildly creative show. And My Morning Jacket’s sweeping, psychedelic rock sound is sure to be one of the weekend’s highlights.
These artists alone make Hopscotch Music Festival 2025 a major draw, but they’re only part of a lineup that features over 100 acts.
More Than Just Headliners: A Packed Lineup
The strength of Hopscotch has always been in its deep lineup that mixes household names with hidden gems. Built to Spill, Godspeed You Black Emperor, and Crumb will headline the indie rock and experimental crowds. Fans looking to discover new favorites will be excited to see artists like Geese, Nilüfer Yanya, and YHWH Nailgun on the schedule.
Hopscotch also shines a spotlight on North Carolina’s vibrant music scene. Local artists including Superchunk, Blue Cactus, Tre. Charles, Fust, and Alec Lomami are set to showcase why the Triangle area is known for its creativity and sound.
Downtown Raleigh Becomes the Festival Grounds
One of the best parts of Hopscotch is how it uses the city itself. Hopscotch Music Festival 2025 will once again set up two main outdoor stages at City Plaza and Moore Square. These stages will host the biggest acts and largest crowds, providing a classic festival experience right in the center of Raleigh.
Beyond the main stages, Hopscotch spreads out into clubs and music halls across downtown. Venues like Lincoln Theatre, Kings, The Pour House, Neptunes, Slim’s, and Transfer Co. Ballroom will host shows that go deep into the night. These smaller rooms give fans the chance to see incredible artists up close in settings that feel personal and electric.
It all happens within walking distance. No long drives or complicated shuttle systems. You can catch a headliner outdoors, duck into a club for a late-night set, and grab a bite to eat from a local restaurant all within a few blocks.
Hopscotch Tickets and VIP Options
Tickets for Hopscotch Music Festival 2025 are already on sale, and as always there are several options.
The three-day General Admission pass is the most popular, giving you access to both main stages and all participating club venues for the entire weekend. It’s priced around 160 dollars right now, which is a solid value for a festival of this size.
There’s also a three-day VIP and Club Fast Pass, priced around 340 dollars. This option gives you all the standard access plus faster entry into packed club shows, VIP lounges, and additional perks that make the experience smoother and more comfortable.
Passes tend to go up in price as the festival approaches, and they sometimes sell out completely, especially for VIP. So if you know you want to be there, it pays to buy early.
Why Hopscotch Stands Out
Hopscotch is not your average outdoor music festival. Its programming is famously eclectic. It might be the only festival where you’ll find avant-garde jazz, indie rock, hip-hop, folk, experimental electronica, and metal all on the same schedule.
The whole event feels closely tied to Raleigh itself. Local promoters, record stores, poster artists, and even chefs are deeply involved. The sense of community around Hopscotch is part of what makes it such a memorable experience.
At night, as the big outdoor shows wrap up, fans flow into dozens of small venues to keep the party going. Seeing an up-and-coming band in a small Raleigh club packed with passionate fans is a big part of the Hopscotch magic.
Raleigh Culture and Where to Eat and Drink
Hopscotch is as much about the city as it is about the music. Raleigh’s downtown is full of top-notch restaurants, local breweries, and lively bars. Glenwood South and Fayetteville Street are packed with places to eat and drink before or after shows.
Even though alcohol isn’t served at the main stages, Raleigh’s craft beer scene more than makes up for it. The Raleigh Beer Garden boasts hundreds of taps. Cocktail lounges like C. Grace offer expertly mixed drinks in cozy settings.
Sweet treats also abound. Between shows, grab a box of hot doughnuts from Krispy Kreme or a delicate macaron from Lucettegrace.
Staying in Raleigh for Hopscotch
Because everything is so walkable, staying downtown or close to it makes the most sense. Hotels like The Umstead or boutique options near Fayetteville Street put you right in the action. Airbnb rentals in Oakwood or Boylan Heights give you a more local feel.
Rideshares are plentiful, but many festivalgoers never even need a car. Being able to stroll from your hotel to a show is one of the festival’s major perks.
Supporting the Local Scene and Getting Involved
Hopscotch thrives because of its ties to Raleigh’s creative community. Events like POSTERscotch let fans buy handmade festival posters and artwork directly from local artists. SiteWork installations bring visual art into unexpected downtown corners.
There are also volunteer programs that trade shifts for GA tickets. If you’re looking to save money and meet other fans, volunteering is a smart way to get involved.
How to Plan Your Festival Weekend
With over 100 artists performing across so many venues, it pays to plan ahead. The festival releases daily schedules closer to the event, and building your personal list of must-sees can help make sure you catch your top choices.
It’s smart to arrive early for club shows, especially smaller venues that fill up fast. Packing comfortable shoes, sunscreen for the daytime outdoor sets, and something warm for cooler evenings will keep you ready for anything.
And don’t forget to pace yourself. Hopscotch is a marathon of great music and community energy, not a sprint.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss Hopscotch Music Festival 2025
This is a big year for Hopscotch. The 15th anniversary means organizers are pulling together an even stronger lineup, more special events, and memorable moments designed to celebrate what makes this festival stand out.
Fans travel from all over the country to experience this one-of-a-kind Raleigh music festival. With big names like Earl Sweatshirt, Sparks, and My Morning Jacket on stage, plus the chance to discover your next favorite band in a downtown club, there’s truly something for everyone.
From the supportive local arts scene to the convenience of downtown’s walkable layout, Hopscotch shows how a festival can bring an entire city together. It’s a weekend full of incredible live performances, community spirit, and the kind of unforgettable nights that remind you why you love music in the first place.
