Things To Know Before Visiting The Ritz, Raleigh

If your idea of a good night is throwing your devil horns in the air and head-banging along to some rock legends at a live music venue, then you’re going to want to check out The Ritz in Raleigh.

This music venue is where some of the heaviest bands play in the city in a more intimate setting. It is possibly my favorite indoor live music venue in Raleigh. It reminds me of the rock music scene in Sydney that I experienced in my twenties – minus the stage diving! I also love how no matter where you are in the venue, you’ll have a decent view, and I’ve experienced nothing but great sound!

But if you’ve never been to the Ritz Raleigh before and you’re not sure what you can bring, where to park, and where to eat and drink nearby, then this guide has everything you need to know about this premier venue.

About The Ritz, Raleigh

inhaler on stage at the ritz — *Inhaler performing at The Ritz*

The Ritz is a well-known, premier music venue in Raleigh, nestled in a historic building in Midtown Raleigh, which was built sometime in the ‘60s and used for many different businesses before it was turned into the Ritz in 2015.

It was then that Live Nation came along and renovated the venue, and it officially opened its doors on February 13th. It’s known for its commitment to supporting legendary artists rooted in rock n’ roll and has hosted many legendary names throughout the years.

The venue spans 12,000 square feet and features state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment. It can accommodate up to 1,400 guests and has both standing and seating areas. The seating areas are on the top floor balcony and are in limited supply.

The venue often undergoes refurbishment to ensure that it’s in keeping with the trends and that guests get the best experience possible. The most recent addition to the venue is the exclusive R&D Riviera Lounge designed by local artists.

Bands who have played previously at The Ritz, Raleigh

david kushner at the ritz — *David Kushner – The Ritz*

Ben Folds Five
Black Crowes
Clutch
Dave Matthews Band
Deftones
Dropkick Murphys
Foo Fighters
Gregg Allman
Incubus
Jonny Lang
Morrisey
Motorhead
Primus
Ramones
Sonic Youth
Sabrina Carpenter
Tesla
The Smashing Pumpkins
Tool
Weezer
Widespread Panic
Wilco

I recently saw Hendrik, David Kushner, and Inhaler at the Ritz with my daughters and had a blast. This is a popular venue for teens and young adults! Most events are all ages – some are 21+ so pay attention. It’s a very safe, family friendly live music venue in Raleigh.

You can see all upcoming shows for the Ritz here, and in our event calendar, or head straight here to get tickets.

Things to know before you go

If you’ve never been to The Ritz Raleigh, there are a couple of things you should know before you go:

Doors open 1 hour before the show starts.
All tickets are mobile entry only. You cannot print your ticket, you must show it on your mobile.
You may be asked to show your ID.
You can bring small personal cameras, but no flash photography.
You cannot record video or bring any cameras with removable lenses without the approval of the venue.
This is a cashless venue, so be sure to bring credit and debit cards or mobile pay only.
You cannot leave the venue and re-enter. Once you leave, you leave.
There is a large, secured outdoor patio with seating, a bar, and screens broadcasting the show inside if you need to escape the crowds for a while.
No smoking or vaping is allowed inside the venue, but there is an outdoor patio inside the venue where you can smoke.
You cannot tailgate or camp in the parking lots.

General Admission: The Dance Floor

Most people will purchase general admission tickets for the dance floor. It is first come first served, so if you really love the band and want front row, you’ll want to get here on doors opening. It might be worth it as the lead singer of Inhaler – Bono’s son – did come into the first few rows of the crowd.

My 17-year-old daughter had us arrive close to opening and we had found a position in about the middle of the crowds. Note, the only obstruction to views is a black column in the middle of the dance floor, however as I discovered, it was perfect for leaning against to watch the show. I did not have to worry about anyone pushing me from behind and I had great views.

inhaler in concert at the ritz — *Inhaler*

Some people truly forget they are at a free-for-all concert and get really antsy if they’re pushed or people dance their way in front of them. I know this is not great, but rules of the mosh pit concert apply.

Find a way to hold your ground or mosh away with them. You truly can’t fight against a concert crowd. You can stand up the back or to the sides to get away from it – and still have a good view – or upgrade to the VIP section upstairs.

I found the mosh pit – ahem, dance floor – to be very tame. Things have changed since my mosh pit days (however, I recently attended a concert at the Pour House in downtown Raleigh and they were moshing pretty hard!

Jupiter Lounge

The Jupiter Lounge is a VIP experience where guests can enjoy the show from a private raised platform on the second floor, giving you an unobstructed view of the stage. It also has a private bar with specialty cocktails and high-quality liquor and snacks.

You get Fast Lane access and more room to move around. However, it does not include balcony seating, but there are seats at the bar.

Tickets to the Juniper Lounge are sold separately from the event tickets as an upgrade only. I considered it for David Kushner as my 13-year-old daughter was nervous about standing room only on the dance floor, but tickets were quite a lot more. So, we just stood up the back on the dance floor and it was not a problem at all

Check out the Inhaler Concert in my Reel:

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A post shared by Craig & Caz Makepeace | Raleigh Influencers (@thisisraleigh)

Bar & Merchandise at the Ritz

Lining the outer edges of the floor are a left-and right-wing bar with a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at semi-decent prices for a venue. ID checks will happen at check in gates, and you will be given a wrist band if you are of age. There are a few snacks available like popcorn (not much though).

At the back is a merchandise table. Get here early OR go throughout the concert, or as soon as the last song ends to beat the crowd as lines can get long.

Bag policy

As this venue is operated by Live Nation events, the same rules apply for The Ritz as they do other venues (Red Hat Amphitheater, the Coastal Credit Union Music Park).

Bags will be searched when entering the venue, and only bags that measure less than 12” x 6” x 12” in size will be allowed (or small clutch bags).

You don’t need a clear bag, but rules are always changing so I say a clear bag is now a live music and festival essential. At many Raleigh events I go to, people will stop and ask me where I got my clear bag! YI have the following:

Clear bag backpack
Clear cross body purse
Clear purse with gold chain (taking clear bags to a new fancy level)

What you CAN’T bring

The following items are prohibited:

Aerosols
Alcohol
Any item deemed unsafe by staff
Audio or video recording equipment e.g. GoPros
Backpacks
Banners
Beach balls
Cameras with detachable lenses
Drugs
Fireworks
Flyers
Frisbees
Glass bottles
iPads and tablets
Laser pointers
Outside food and drinks
Pets (except service animals)
Selfie sticks
Skates
Spiked jewelry or belts
Strollers
Wallet chains
Weapons of any kind

What you CAN bring

But the following items are OK:

Cell phones
Medical bags or kits
Small compact cameras

Where is The Ritz, Raleigh?

The Ritz is located in North Raleigh at 2820 Industrial Dr, Raleigh, NC 27609. Drive times to the Ritz in Raleigh from nearby towns:

From downtown Raleigh to the Ritz Raleigh: 4 miles (7 minutes drive)
From Cary to the Ritz Raleigh: 12.7 miles (16 minutes drive)
From Apex to the Ritz Raleigh: 17.6 miles (20 minutes drive)
From Wake Forest to the Ritz Raleigh: 15.2 miles (23 minutes drive)
From Durham to the Ritz Raleigh: 26.9 miles (28 minutes drive)

Where to park for The Ritz, Raleigh

There are two parking lots outside the venue, both owned by the venue. They both have accessible spaces and cost $15 to park on the day of the show and tickets can be purchased with credit card only. You can purchase parking in advance and get a discount.

There are several businesses nearby, like Costco – do not park at them! They are extra vigilant on concert nights, and you will be towed.

I have not checked this out, but there might be some residential streets nearby you can park for free and walk in. Or you can uber. Traffic in and out has not yet been a problem for me.

Where to eat nearby

Lady holding a cocktail in her hands with mosaic tile background — *Las Ramblas*

The Ritz is conveniently located in the Midtown neighborhood, allowing you easy access to the North Hills shopping complex where there is a variety of restaurants, bars, and hotels that would make for the perfect pre-show dinner.

There are some fast-food restaurants nearer to the venue, but since this shopping complex is only a 7-minute drive away, we think it’s worth traveling to for better quality food. Here are some of our favorite places to eat and drink in North Hills and : Unveiling North Hills: A First-Timer’s Essential Guide (shop, eat, play, stay)

Raleigh Iron Works

A new Raleigh neighborhood close to the Ritz is Raleigh Iron Works., My daughter and I have eaten at Little Reys before a Ritz concert and appreciated the quick service and affordable prices. Their tacos are delicious as are their queso dip! Also in this development is Ponysauraus brewing for a drink and more bar-style food!

Where to drink nearby

People at an outside restaurant — *Lynnwood Brewing, Raleigh*

If you want to grab a pint before the show, here are a few bars in the nearby area where you can walk to the venue.

Tap Yard Raleigh

Tap Yard is not located in North Hills, but it is a 4-minute drive (or 30-minute walk) from The Ritz and has three onsite bars serving 16 craft beers on tap, plus wines, and spirits.

It also has a huge 1-acre beer garden and food trucks where you can get a quick bite to eat. It would be the perfect place for a pre-show drink.

Pourworks

Pourworks is a small craft beer and wine bar that has a sleek, industrial design and rotating beers from North Carolina on tap. It has a small patio area and bar stool seating. This is an up-and-coming bar with a relaxed ambiance and friendly vibes. It’s a 12-minute walk to the venue.

Lynnwood Brewing Concern

Another great place for a craft beer is Lynnwood Brewing Concern, a 24-minute walk from the Ritz. It has house-brewed beer, plus quick and delicious bar food and specialty pizzas.

We love the rooftop bar and huge outdoor seating area. They also have 30 HD TVs showing the latest sporting events.

Ponysaurus

Only a 20 min walk to the Ritz in the new Iron Works district is the Ponysaurus Brewery. They have 18 taps and a full bar offering beer cocktails, liquor, wine, & their restaurant features 14” pizza, apps, burgers, sandwiches, & much more.

Where to stay nearby

A hotel and shops and cars parked out front.

If you’re visiting for a concert and don’t want to drive home, here are some hotels near the Ritz in Raleigh.

Courtyard Raleigh Midtown

The Courtyard is a 3-star luxury hotel with a seasonal outdoor pool, onsite restaurant, and free bikes for guests to use. There is free parking for guests and an a la carte breakfast offered each morning. It’s also only a 15-minute walk from the venue. See rates and availability here.

Comfort Inn Raleigh Midtown

If you want cheap and cheerful, the Comfort Inn is a motel that’s within walking distance of the venue and has free parking included, so you can avoid paying the $15 car park fee at the venue! This 3-star hotel has basic rooms that are comfortable, as well as a free breakfast buffet available to all guests. There’s a fitness center and outdoor swimming pool, too. You really won’t find better value. See rates and availability here.

Condo around the corner

If you prefer to stay in a vacation rental over a hotel, this one bedroom condo around the corner from The Ritz has enough space for three people and comes with a fully equipped kitchen, spacious living area, private balcony, and washer and dryer. See prices and availability here.

Renaissance Raleigh Hotel

We stayed at the Renaissance Raleigh Hotel on a staycation to North Hills, and it was a wonderful experience. It’s a 7-minute drive from the venue and would be a great choice for somewhere to stay if you want an elevated accommodation experience right next door to excellent dining and retail.

This is where the NHL hockey teams stay when they play the Carolina Hurricanes, plus the US Olympic Swim team has stayed here while training, so you can imagine the level of luxury it offers!

Read our full review of the Renaissance Raleigh Hotel in North Hills. You can find more accommodation in Raleigh using the map below

FAQs about visiting The Ritz, Raleigh

Is the Ritz in Raleigh accessible?

There is accessible seating on a raised platform inside the venue. On the day of the show, just ask for staff assistance.

Is the Ritz Raleigh 21+?

No, the Ritz in Raleigh is not a 21+ venue. Unless stated otherwise by the artist, all shows are for all ages! Be sure to check age restrictions before purchasing a ticket as they may vary depending on the event.

What is the dress code for the Ritz in Raleigh?

There is no dress code for the Ritz in Raleigh as such, but they do say “no shoes, no shirt, no service”. We don’t recommend wearing anything too fancy or open-toed shoes. This is a music venue – drinks will spill, sweat will pour, and you might have someone jump on your foot (by accident, of course). It’s a long time standing up so wear COMFORTABLE shoes.

Does the Ritz in Raleigh have food?

No, the Ritz in Raleigh doesn’t serve food, though the bars inside the venue do have an assortment of bar snacks available.

Does the Ritz Raleigh have seating?

Yes, there is seating on the mezzanine level at the Ritz in Raleigh, though there is a limited number of seats available and tickets must be purchased in advance. General admission tickets are standing only.

Things to know before visiting The Ritz, Raleigh