Fan Fest in downtown Raleigh begins big weekend for Caniacs; Ends with big bang fireworks show

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- All the excitement began early Friday morning on Fayetteville Street for Fan Fest.

Fans enjoyed live music from two stages at the Capitol and the other at City Plaza. Governor Cooper kicked things off by sounding the siren Friday morning.

Music, food, photo ops with Stanley Cup, and a drone fireworks show capped off Fan Fest in downtown Raleigh.

There was also food trucks, dozens of vendors and mascots from all over the state including Stormy, Muddy the Mudcat, and Wool E Bull.

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Music, food, photo ops with Stanley Cup and Drone fireworks show finale at 9p!

Friday afternoon fans were given the opportunity to take pictures with the holy grail of hockey, the Stanley Cup.

All the excitement begins on Fayetteville Street for Fan Fest.

Despite the rain, fans turn to eat, play games, get autographs and take photos at 2023 Hurricanes Fan Fest.

All eyes were to the sky Friday evening for a drone light show and fireworks during closing ceremonies.

Closing ceremonies end with drone show, fireworks at Fan Fest

Carolina Hurricanes fans were treated to a big party in Downtown Raleigh all day Friday. Music, food, photo ops with Stanley Cup and it ended with a big bang--fireworks show.

Ann and Sam Ali drove to Raleigh from Northern Virgina. They said they've been to other outdoor Capitals games as well.

"We came down to experience it. We've been lucky to go to the other Caps outdoor games so we figured driving distance we'll take the day off work and really enjoy it," said Sam.

"We didn't know what we're getting into honestly and we are truly humbled by the hospitality and the kindness," Ann said

Ron Diehl attended Fan Fest with his Daughter Paige after driving Washington D.C. He said his daughter couldn't go in 2018 because they discovered she had a heart problem.

"I'm really excited, it's my first game outdoors so it's a pretty cool experience as a Caps fan," said Paige.

Ron said he has attended five outdoor games in the past.

"I've been following you guys," he said. "Seeing the rink being built so I started following you so I could see."

Raleigh native Gabe Ellisworth said he will be working the big game on Saturday.

"You see the strip. You see all the people buzzing around, it's bringing noise to Raleigh, it's bringing people, it's bringing revenue. It gets the people going what can I say," he said. "Raleigh is a hockey town. It brings the people together."

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Good Morning America's Will Reeve makes appearance at Hurricanes Fan Fest in Downtown Raleigh

Fan Fest is now underway in downtown Raleigh.