Hopscotch Music Festival brings crowds, spotlight to downtown Raleigh
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Thousands of music fans are expected in downtown Raleigh this weekend as the Hopscotch Music Festival returns, providing an economic boost for local businesses while offering an opportunity to showcase the city's progress on public safety.
The three-day festival will bring performances to City Plaza and venues throughout downtown, drawing visitors from across the region and beyond.
"Hopscotch is a big deal for downtown," said Jaime Radar, co-owner of Munjo Munjo on East Hargett Street.
For business owners like Radar, the festival represents more than a busy sales weekend. It also highlights the unique culture and creativity that help attract visitors to Raleigh's urban core.
"The way the festival is spread out through so many parts, it brings so many people from out of town," Radar said. "It's days and nights of just everything that you can enjoy."
A poster for last year's Hopscotch Music Festival is up behind the counter at Munjo Munjo; Radar says he sees the impact from festivalgoers.
"A lot of people have come in and shopped around, bought a bunch of stuff and then just been like, 'we don't have this where I come from, we need stores like this,'" he shared.
That extends to vendors like Deteran Spruill, whose hot dog cart Durty Dogz is set up down the street from City Plaza, where the main stage is located.
"Just brings in new people downtown and gets our face out even more," Spruill said. "It's really important for us to grow."
Spruill said the festival has consistently brought positive experiences.
"It brings a nice diverse crowd," he said. "We've been at Hopscotch like three, four years straight now. They usually bring a nice crowd, no drama and it's always good vibes."
The festival is taking place as there is a broader conversation related to public safety, ranging from downtown to nearby Glenwood South, following high-profile incidents.
"It's gotten better. I want people to know it has gotten better," he said. "And when you're down here, it feels different. It feels safer. There's more presence from ambassadors. During the festivals, there's more presence of police and private security. They're doing a lot, and it's making a difference. We just need people to know that it's making a difference," said Radar.
Raleigh Police would not comment on their security planning for the festival, citing state law. In a statement, a spokesperson wrote in part:
"Department personnel responsible for security and logistical planning consider and evaluate a variety of factors when making safety, staffing, and traffic-related decisions for large events.
As always, spectators and participants are encouraged to notify a uniformed officer if they see anyone or anything that appears suspicious."
Hopscotch did not respond to a request for comment, though its website lists several prohibited items including:
- Weapons or replicas of weapons, including pocket knives
- Illegal substances of any kind
- Large bags or backpacks
- Laser pointers
- Chairs, blankets, tents, umbrellas
- Outside food, beverages, or coolers, including any beverages purchased as part of Sip n' Stroll
- Glass containers of any kind
- Cameras with detachable lenses, video cameras, GoPros, or audio recording equipment
- Drones of any kind
- Skateboards, roller blades, scooters, hoverboards, bicycles
- Hula hoops, flow toys
- Pets, except service animals with proper identification
Downtown safety has also been a priority of Downtown Raleigh Alliance, which highlighted the topic during its State of Downtown Raleigh report released in August. In a statement, Ileana Rodriguez, Vice President of Communications and Community Relations for Downtown Raleigh Alliance wrote:
"Downtown Raleigh really comes alive for Hopscotch. The festival brings thousands of people here to experience our restaurants, retail, and venues, and to see what our downtown energy really looks like. An event like Hopscotch takes a lot of coordination, and we're grateful to everyone who makes it happen, from the festival's organizers to our downtown business owners and law enforcement partners. Our Downtown Ambassadors will be available this weekend to help visitors with wayfinding and to coordinate with Raleigh Police so attendees can have a great time and feel safe."
Radar believes a successful festival could have a noted impact.
"I think it would help if the coverage of all the good stuff happening could be highlighted as much as the troubling things. It's not as bad as people like to hype it up to be. I think having these events and people knowing that they're going off without a hitch is pretty important," said Radar.
To learn about the schedule for Hopscotch, click here.
