Hopscotch Music Fest is coming to downtown Raleigh Thursday, Sept. 5 through Saturday, Sept. 7 — here's what you need to know about the indie music fest.

You might recognize some of the fest's top artists, like St. Vincent, Faye Webster, and Snail Mail, who are all rocking the City Plaza stage. If you're excited to see them, get to the stage early and enjoy other artists before your fave starts.

There's a couple NC-based acts joining the festival this year, including Durham's Sluice and Asheville's MJ Lenderman, Wednesday + Indigo de Souza — don't miss these semi-locals' sets. City Editor Allie here: I saw Sluice open for another artist a couple months back, and I'm obsessed.

Indie rock band Japanese Breakfast closed out Hopscotch 2023 with a bang. | Photo by Garrett Poulos

If that's not enough, the festival is continuing its comedy lineup with slow + chill comedian Joe Pera headlining — the shows will be at various clubs throughout RAL.

If you're not feeling up for the whole three day festival, check out day parties that don't require a festival ticket at some of Raleigh's coolest venues, including a Sunday party at Ajja, jazz at the Rialto, and pop + international music at Artspace.

Heads up — the two main stages are at City Plaza and Moore Square, meaning you can expect downtown road closures + high traffic on the streets, sidewalks, and local biz.

Tickets are still on sale starting at $159 for all three days and late night sets throughout Raleigh. If you plan on attending, make sure you have an appropriate bag and download the fest's official app to stay on top of set times + FAQs.

Hopscotch vibes minus the festival

Not convinced a three-day pass is for you? Lucky for you, you don't have to miss out on the fun. Raleigh is full of Hopscotch day parties, events + more to enjoy without purchasing a pass.

Here's some events to hop on for a weekend of fun.

Longleaf Swine's Rock + Roast | Friday, Sept. 6 | 1-5 p.m. | Indulge in hot dogs fresh off the grill paired with specials on whiskey.

Same Old Same Old Pre-party | Friday, Sept. 6 | 7-9 p.m. | Find vintage and unique digs while preparing for Faye Webster's performance with her music on a loop.

Whiskey Kitchen Day Party | Saturday, Sept. 7 | 12-5 p.m. | Listen to local acts for free like Araja, Perishes, and Kalob Petty.

Jimmy V's Osteria + Bar | Sept. 6-7 | All day | Need a quick bev in between the good times at City Plaza? Stop by for an $8 Voodoo Ranger Juicy Haze IPA all weekend long.

Mala Pata x Neptunes | Sept. 6-7 | All day | Feast your tastebuds on food + drink specials like $14 chicken + beef burritos, $22 triple dip platters, and $12 margs.

Skate Raleigh Pop-up | Sept. 6-7 | 2-10 p.m. | Enjoy the Hopscotch pop-up skate park on Martin Street while grooving to music sets by various DJs.