Installations

Artsplosure is held on Fayetteville Street in Downtown Raleigh in the blocks between the State Capital and the Marin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts.

If taking public transportation, any Go Raleigh Bus Line that terminates at the Moore Square Go Raleigh Station will bring you within two blocks of the festival footprint.

Street parking is available parallel to the festival footprint and is free on weekends. There are also plentiful parking decks and open air lots within walking distance. All side streets (Davie, Martin, Hargett) between Morgan Street and City Plaza will be closed, as well as Fayetteville Street.

Artsplosure is committed to making its festivals welcoming, accessible, and enriching to all people, including people with disabilities.

The festival is free-to-the-public and presented in a centrally located and accessible location in the heart of the city. Artsplosure offers a wide variety of art and educational programs to satisfy a large range of audience interests. To ensure that all members of the community can experience high quality art, the festival will offer the following services for people with disabilities:

• The festival will take place along Fayetteville and its side streets, which are fully accessible for people with limited mobility. This City of Raleigh-owned property complies with all ADA recommendations and design standards.

• The festival’s designated accessible drop off and entry point will be located on the south side of City Plaza, adjacent to the Marriott Hotel traffic circle, on Fayetteville Street. The City will have all other street entry points barricaded with large trucks, and this location is convenient with easy ingress and egress.

• The juried Art Market will open an hour early at 10 a.m. on Sunday, October 10, for those who require longer to access the festival experience.

• Assistive listening devices, audio description, and sign language interpretation will be provided, if requested by audience members at least seven business days in advance.

• Kidsplosure arts and craft activities are especially designed to be fun and enriching for everyone.

Please take a look through these questions and visit our Facebook and Instagram pages (@Artsplosure) for helpful information.

First Aid

Adjacent to Volunteer Headquarters, located near the intersection of Hargett and Fayetteville Street.

Lost Children Inquiries

Lost children should be taken to the First Aid station, near intersection of Hargett and Fayetteville Street.

For Your Safety

Coolers are not permitted on any Artsplosure site. Dogs are permitted on Fayetteville Street, but please be considerate of others.

Accessibility

Most festival sites are accessible to people with mobility impairments. Accessible toilets are available as indicated on the map. The Art Market will open an hour early at 10:00 am on Sunday for people with limited mobility or other special needs

Merchandise

Commemorative Artsplosure festival tee shirts, posters, and tote bags are available for sale at both information booths on Fayetteville Street during the weekend.

Art Market Questions

How many artists will be selling their work?
170+!

When will the art market be open?
Saturday May 18 – 11am-7pm and Sunday May 19 10am-6pm (10am-11am will be accessible ONLY for those with special needs).

Do I have to bring cash?
Artists are responsible for their own payment methods, but most will accept both cash or credit cards.

Where can I find a list of the artists selling their work?
Check out our highlights on Instagram (@artsplosure) to see all participating artists!

Food & Beverage Questions

Is there water?
Water bottle refill stations will be available at Martin St. and Hargett St.

Is there food?
Yes – food trucks will be available on Martin Street to purchase food from.

Is there alcohol?
Yes – Trophy will offer beer for purchase for patrons 21+ by the stage on Fayetteville street at Morgan street.

Music Stage Questions

What is the musical lineup?
This year the legendary Sun Ra Arkestra, Burnt Sugar The Arkestra Chamber, Cha Wa, Charly Lowry, Yasmin Williams, Sabrosura, Zach Person, Terrence Simien & The Zydeco Experience, Paradise Motel Lounge, The River Otters, and more!

Where is the stage?
The stage is at the intersection of Morgan Street and Fayetteville Street. Just follow the music!

Do I need a ticket?
ABSOLUTELY NOT! This event has been – and continues to be – FREE to the public for the last 40+ years!

When and where is the event?
Artsplosure is Saturday May 18th and Sunday May 19th. Hours are 11am-7pm on Saturday and 10am-6pm on Sunday. The event is on Fayetteville Street in Downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, and runs from Morgan Street (the Capitol) down to City Plaza.

Can I bring my children or pets?
ABSOLUTELY YES! Kids are more than welcome all over the festival and we have Kidsplosure on Hargett Street! Well-behaved and leashed pets are welcome, too!

Where are the bathrooms?
Two bathrooms are located on Wilmington Street at Martin and Davie.

Is this event rain or shine?
YES IT IS!

2024 © Artsplosure – The Raleigh Arts Festival, Inc.

The Artsplosure program is subject to change.