RALEIGH, N.C. — Music lovers from all over the state have converged on the Capital City for the 14th annual Hopscotch Festival.

What You Need To Know

  • The 14th annual Hopscotch Music Festival is underway in downtown Raleigh

  • Concerts will run through late Saturday evening

  • Downtown businesses see a direct economic benefit from the festival

  • Neptunes Parlour co-owner Erin Wheeler says they are partnering with festival promoters and neighboring merchants for the weekend

Not only will you find some groovy tunes, but there’s a chance for businesses such as Neptunes Parlour to make a little profit.

“It’s amazing. We are busy from Wednesday to Sunday,” Erin Wheeler said.

Wheeler wasn’t kidding about the steady stream of folks wandering into Neptunes Parlour on Friday afternoon. It’s known as a funky yet free-spirited watering hole, music venue and downstairs dive bar.

She hosted a day party at Neptunes like the other establishments that partnered with Hopscotch, such as Kings and Slims, to make a buck or two.

“It brings people of all cultures. It brings people out during the day downtown,” Wheeler said.

Wheeler and her husband own the bar. They invited businesses like Black and White Coffee Roasters to get in on the action, too, by giving them space inside their bar to serve customers.

It's an opportunity to make thousands of dollars together. 

“I think Raleigh is a really special city to live in. I feel like it's a small town, big city, and we are growing,” Wheeler said.

Multiple business owners said they love Hopscotch because of the economic benefit and because it represents progress and where the city is going.

The Hopscotch Festival has two stages: one in Moore Square and the other at the end of Fayetteville Street at the City Plaza.

Concerts will be ongoing through late Saturday evening.