Raleigh’s music festival, Hopscotch, is back for 2021, starting Thursday!
Wristbands are still available for the full festival and individual days.
Here’s what to know about Hopscotch 2021:
An all-outdoor footprint: Two main stages in Downtown Raleigh, one in City Plaza and one in Moore Square, will host attendees at 75% capacity, the website says.
When: The festival is Thursday-Saturday (Sept. 9-11).
COVID-19 safety: Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the day of attendance is required. Accepted vaccination proof includes a vaccination record card, a photocopy of the record or a picture of the vaccine record on your phone. [more info]
Day parties: Part of the Hopscotch experience is hearing music at venues all over town and most events are free, many outside. Some require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.
About the Hopscotch 2021 lineup: 25% are from North Carolina, while others are performers from elsewhere.
2021 Hopscotch schedule + day parties
Find the official festival schedule here and the full day parties lineup here. A few on our must-see list include:
Thursday
Begin your Hopscotch experience with a day party at Transfer Co. Food Hall. Hopscotch band Magic Tuber String Band will host an “old time jam” at 1 p.m., followed by Weirs at 2 p.m.,MJ Lenderman and the Wind at 3 p.m., Lonnie Walker at 4 p.m., The Veldt at 5 p.m. [learn more]
Ruby Deluxe, Pour House and NC State libraries also have day parties. [list]
At the official festival, reader Lisa S. recommends Sarah Shook & the Disarmers, playing at 7 p.m. on the Moore Square stage.
Shannon & the Clams, one of this editor’s favorites, will be playing at 8:45 p.m. on the Moore Square stage.
Friday
Check out day parties in the Warehouse District, which begin at 12 p.m. at Boxcar Bar + Arcade and at 2 p.m. at Crank Arm Brewing Co. [details]
Pop-Up Raleigh will host its festival market 1-10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with booths in Moore Square and lining Martin Street. See the full list of vendors.
The Longleaf Hotel & Lounge will host a day party with Citrus Cityy Records on Friday and Saturday on the outdoor patio beginning at 2:15 p.m. Proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test required. [schedule]
Slim’s Spazzscotch 2021 will include a few North Carolina bands for Spazz Presents’ 10th annual Hopscotch day party, 12-6 p.m. [info]
Inside the festival, it’s the final tour for Dr. Dog, which is playing at 8:45 p.m. on the Moore Square stage.
Flying Lotus earlier this year released an anime series score and won a Grammy as a producer for Thundercat’s ‘It Is What It Is’ album. Catch the LA-based act at 9:30 p.m. at City Plaza stage.
Saturday
Anisette Backyard Music Brunch outdoors at the Raleigh bakery will include performances 10 a.m.-1 p.m. [info]
More free day parties are at Berkeley Cafe, The Longleaf Hotel & Lounge, Transfer Co. Food Hall, Pour House, Ruby Deluxe and others.
Pop-Up Raleigh will host its festival market 1-10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with booths in Moore Square and lining Martin Street. See the full list of vendors.
Festival attendees could get an early listen of new Parquet Courts songs at their performance at 7 p.m. at the Moore Square stage. A new album is anticipated for October.
Saturday’s headliner is Animal Collective, which will end the official festival at 9:30 p.m. on City Plaza stage.
Sunday
Recover at The Day After Party at Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop, 1-6 p.m. 21+, proof of vaccination required. [RSVP]
What are you most looking forward to experiencing? Send your recommendations to editor@raleighconvergence.com for a collaborative Hopscotch itinerary!
