The 4th annual Dreamville Festival, hosted by rapper and NC-native J. Cole, is coming to Raleigh April 6th – 7th. Thousands of fans from all 50 states (and beyond) will flock to the historic Dorothea Dix Park to watch their favorite musical artists perform live less than 2 miles away from the heart of NC’s capital city: Downtown Raleigh.
Downtown is a convenient and central location for Dreamville attendees to spend their time away from festival grounds. It’s a vibrant center of activity home to a thriving creative culture and small business community. Local businesses come together to celebrate one of Raleigh’s biggest weekends with specials, parties, pop-ups, and so much more.
Dreamville Festival describes itself as a “one-of-a-kind celebration of local culture, food, and art.” So in the spirit of Dreamville’s love for all things local, we put together this guide of unique, locally-owned businesses and attractions for festival-goers visiting Downtown Raleigh.
“Out Late” - Lil Yachty | Bars & Nightlife
Order a drink (or two) at one of these fun downtown bars & nightlife concepts. Enjoy alcoholic beverages while walking around the city in the Sip N' Stroll Downtown social district.
The Architect Bar and Social House
The Anchor Bar
House of Art
Johnson Street Yacht Club
Legends Night Club
Neptunes Parlour
The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop
Ruby Deluxe
Slim’s Downtown
William & Company
Zenith Raleigh
“Shirt” - SZA | Shopping
Grab any last-minute clothing, shoes, or accessories for your festival fit to make sure you’re looking fresh. Find more shopping in Downtown Raleigh.
Edge of Urge
Father and Son Antiques
Munjo Munjo
NASHONA
Needle & Thread Co.
Pallbearer Vintage
Raleigh Denim Workshop
Sircastleteees
Social Status
ThriftWiz
Unlikely Professionals
Unorthodox Vintage
"Collard Greens" - ScHoolboy Q | Late Night Bites
End your long day with a much-needed meal at one of these Downtown Raleigh eateries serving food late into the evening. Need some fuel before the day starts? Check out our list of restaurants serving breakfast.
The Big Easy
Char-Grill
Chido Taco
Centro
El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant
The Flavor Hills
Gringo A Go Go
Hibernian Irish Pub & Restaurant
MoJoe’s Burger Joint
Morgan Street Food Hall
The Pizza Times
Tin Roof
Vic's Italian Cafe & Pizzeria
Woody’s at City Market
Benny Capitale's Pizza
“Photograph” - J. Cole | Public Art
Here’s some picture-worthy public art in Downtown Raleigh, tag us on Instagram to be featured!
8-bit to 5G
All Are Welcome
Ann and Allen Iverson
Disco Alley
Parks for the People
Like Father, Like Son
The Mount Rapmore of the 2010s
SONARC
“Dopamine” - Bas | Things to Do
Stay entertained and have fun during your downtime exploring the city.
311 Gallery
Artspace
Boxcar Bar and Arcade
CAM Raleigh
The Green Monkey
Epic Axe
Hunky Dory
Lump Gallery
Marbles IMAX Theater
NERD Escape Room
Original Selfie Museum
Side Quest Game Lounge and Bar
“Planez” - Jeremih | Transportation
Transportation options to-and-from the festival and ways to get around Downtown Raleigh.
- Dreamville Festival’s official Downtown Shuttles
- Parking areas in Downtown Raleigh - Nearby apartment Platform is offering parking to attendees
- Alternative modes of transportation throughout Raleigh including self-serve bicycle and scooter rentals
- Bus routes between Downtown Raleigh and Dorothea Dix Park
- Bike rentals from The Bike Library
Dreamville Pop-Ups and Parties
Find Dreamville Festival's lineup of official events around Downtown Raleigh here.
City Beats & Visual Vibes First Friday ⎻ Moore Square
Friday, April 5th
A free and family-friendly Dreamville Fest kick-off in the heart of Downtown Raleigh featuring a local vendors hosted by Black Flea Market, a movie showing of Black Panther, live performances, food trucks, and more!
Dreamville Public Access ⎻ CAM Raleigh
Friday, April 5th
CAM is hosting a day full of FREE inside looks behind some of your favorite artists and producers, sit downs with music industry executives, and exclusive workshops by EngineEars breaking down some of your favorite songs.
Boozy Brunch & Dreamville Karaoke ⎻ Neptunes Parlour
Friday, April 5th
Stop by during the day for drinks, donuts, and Dreamville-themed karaoke.
Dreamville Eve Party ⎻ Longleaf Hotel + Lounge
Friday, April 5th
Mid-century hotel, Longleaf Hotel + Lounge, is hosting DJ King Akira and Thirsty Pigeon Records for their Dreamville Eve celebration.
Bolé and Party ⎻ House of Art
Friday, April 5th
Savor African BBQ (included with ticket) alongside afrobeats music to get pumped for your Dreamville weekend.
DayDream Pre-Festival Block Party ⎻ Killjoy Cocktail
Friday, April 5th
One block party extending across two different venues to get amped up for Dreamville weekend.
Dreamville Weekend PreParty, Meet Me At The London ⎻ The Bridge DTR
Friday, April 5th
Dive headfirst into Dreamville Weekend at downtown British Pub, The Bridge.
Dreamville After-Party with DJ Moeskino and DJ Kenny Kal ⎻ Haymaker
Saturday, April 6th
Get ready for a night filled with beautiful people, incredible music, art, dancing, food, and great vibes.
Dreamville-Themed Yoga Classes ⎻ Dose Yoga and Smoothie Bar
Friday, April 5th & Sunday, April 7th
Don't let Dreamville FOMO get to you, grab your mat and visit Dose Yoga for hot yoga sessions featuring music from this year's headliners.
Road To The Dream ⎻ Cornerstone Tavern
Saturday, April 6th + Sunday, April 7th
Jumpstart your morning with the hottest beats from Waka Flacka Flame's DJ and vendors offering tooth gems & henna.