Step Inside: Red Hat Amphitheater in Raleigh, North Carolina

Summers stay red hot in Raleigh, North Carolina, with Red Hat Amphitheater bringing the best of live entertainment to the City of Oaks. From April to October, the outdoor venue becomes a hot spot in the downtown scene with some of the biggest names in rock, country, rap, pop and more as well as stunning views of the state capital city skyline.

Find everything you need to know about Red Hat Amphitheater before your next show below.

Red Hat Amphitheater History

Red Hat Amphitheater opened in 2010 as the Raleigh Amphitheater, adding a landing spot for the already pedestrian-friendly downtown area next to the Raleigh Convention Center. Owned and operated by the City of Raleigh and named after the hometown software company Red Hat, which purchased the naming rights in 2012, the city-centered venue is truly a product of its surroundings with rows of lush green trees lining the edges of the immediate urban backdrop.

Over the years, Red Hat Amphitheater has grown from a temporary performance space to become a major focal point of downtown Raleigh. However, the venue will undergo its first major change beginning in Fall 2024, when it is set to move one block south as a means to expand the neighboring Raleigh Convention Center. The shift has been projected to raise the current 6,000 seating capacity by approximately 500 to 1,000, with sights to reopen before the 2026 concert season.

The outdoor venue has embraced its warm, summer vibes with an equally inviting artist slate that has featured classic rock acts such as Steve Miller Band and Bryan Adams, country artist Tyler Childers, singer-songwriter Maren Morris, rappers like Kendrick Lamar and Nas and jam bands Phish, Widespread Panic, Umphrey’s McGee and Goose. The amphitheater also hosts the IBMA World of Bluegrass festival and Hopscotch Music Festival as well as the annual Amped Up Music Series to promote local bands and artists. Dave Matthews Band crossed over from their home state of Virginia to open the spot on June 4, 2010.

Get to Know Red Hat Amphitheater

Venue Features

Red Hat Amphitheater is an open-air music and entertainment space that is split between a seated front section, an interchangeable seated or standing area and a lawn space. The downtown refuge is much less an escape from the hustle and bustle, but instead an immersive experience that allows guests to still feel the buzz of the surrounding city. The massive stage will surely grab fans’ attention, yet its clear backdrop brings a serene scene of signature oaks behind it into view.

Seating and Viewing Options

Tickets at Red Hat Amphitheater are divided into sections for reserved seating and general admission on the lawn. Reserved seating comprises the main audience area, with Section 2 offering the closest views from the center. Particular events also include an open, general admission pit in lieu of the front section. The lawn space can fit 1,000 concertgoers and lines the outer wall across from the stage. Guests on the lawn should note the location of two towers in Sections 6 and 7 that could potentially cause an obstructed viewing experience. Lawn chairs and blankets are additional perks that can be added to a lawn ticket. VIP at Red Hat Amphitheater can be located in the box seating area in Section 3.

Red Hat Amphitheater holds a capacity of 5,990 guests. To view the venue’s different viewing configurations, check out Red Hat Amphitheater’s seating chart.

 

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Venue Accessibility

Shows at Red Hat Amphitheater feature accessibility options from the moment guests arrive until it’s time to head home. Parking around the venue includes accessible spaces on each first-floor garage, while drop-off and pick-up can be arranged at the amphitheater’s box office on the corner of Cabarrus Street and McDowell Street. Entrances, restrooms and amenities are ADA-compliant with attached ramps. All sections include wheelchair accessible seating with the purchase of a Wheelchair Accessible ticket. Each space features a companion seat next to it, though companion seat tickets must also be purchased ahead of the show.

Guests requiring assistive listening systems or any specific accessibility needs are advised to contact the venue no less than 72 hours before the event.

Parking and Admission at Red Hat Amphitheater

Red Hat Amphitheater is located at 500 South McDowell Street in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina. The venue does not have its own designated parking lot, but there are over 70 locations in the area that provide paid garage or metered spaces. At the nearest decks on Lenoir Street and South Street, parking at Red Hat Amphitheater costs $1 for the first hour, though rates vary by time and length of stay. A comprehensive, up-to-date list of parking options can be found on the downtown Raleigh website. For public transportation, visitors can take the free R-LINE bus service directly to the venue.

Doors open around 90 minutes to two hours before showtime. Shows at Red Hat Amphitheater are typically all-ages, though restrictions vary by event. Unless stated otherwise, all children two years old and younger can attend for free.

Before hitting the line, be aware that Red Hat Amphitheater uses a clear bag policy barring any bag larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″. Other items that won’t make it past the gate include umbrellas, posters, glass containers, coolers, strollers, selfie sticks, illegal substances and weapons. However, guests are advised to bring a raincoat or poncho as shows are presented rain or shine. Find the full list of Red Hat Amphitheater’s rules for entry on the venue’s visitor page.

Nearby Attractions

Food & Drink Near Red Hat Amphitheater

Although the venue doesn’t allow outside food, there are a ton of food options within walking distance of Red Hat Amphitheater. Before heading inside, guests can visit nearby spots such as Whiskey Kitchen for burgers, Poole’s for a modern diner experience, Berkeley Cafe for light bites, Mustang House for Indian food and the Transfer Co. Food Hall for assorted vendors. Red Hat Amphitheater is also located within the Sip N’ Stroll Downtown Social District, which allows visitors to explore a designated slice of the city with alcoholic beverages in-hand. Inside the venue, concession stands and a food truck can help solve any mid-set snack cravings.

Hotels Near Red Hat Amphitheater

The downtown setting makes Red Hat Amphitheater an ideal spot for fans looking for a quick getaway after the show. Within one block, guests can book a room at the Residence Inn Raleigh Downtown on Salisbury Street, the Sheraton Raleigh Hotel on Salisbury Street or the Raleigh Marriott City Center on Fayetteville Street. Closer to Nash Square, guests can stay at the Holiday Inn Raleigh Downtown, the AC Hotel Raleigh Downtown or The Casso, Raleigh.