Raleigh Wide Open Music Festival enters final day of its 2 days of free concerts

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- People come from all over the country to experience the sights and sounds of Raleigh.

Bluegrass, Gospel and Folk music will once again fill the air along Fayetteville Street.

"This is the fourth time we've been down and it's always just like a great time," said Vermont resident Nick Curcio.

"The music is great. It's a great vibe," said New Jersey resident Tori Sailer.

Pine Cone is producing and promoting the Raleigh Wide Open Music Festival this year.

Executive Director David Bower says it's just one gathering that cements the City of Oaks as a music town.

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There are other big festivals, such as Dreamville and Hopscotch, that draw in thousands of people and bring in millions of dollars in revenue.

Wide Open is expected to further bolster Fayetteville Street's comeback after COVID.

"We're going to have absolutely drop-dead gorgeous weather this weekend," said Bower. "We're really all about trying to encourage more live music."

Restaurants are preparing for a big weekend while also contributing to Raleigh's music scene.

Birdie's Restaurant is located on Fayetteville Street and keeps the music going weekly for customers.

"They wanted all year and we have it all year now," said Birdie's General Manager Nick Cleveland

Live music is offered every Friday.

Staff is now gearing up for a busy weekend with Wide Open.

"We're making sure that we're ready for all the influx of people coming in," said Cleveland.

150,000 people are expected to attend Wide Open between Friday and Saturday.