Artsplosure is a vibrant annual Raleigh arts festival that takes place over two days in the month of May every year, with this year’s dates set for the 16th and 17th May, 2026.
The open-air festival see the streets fill with bold canvases, live music, and the scent of local food trucks filling the warm Carolina air. What began as a grassroots celebration of creativity has now grown into one of the Southeast’s most vibrant arts festivals, and draws makers, performers and curious creatives together under one energetic event.
Each year, you can expect to find an art market, a stage with live music featuring national and regional performances, and arts and craft workshops. It’s the perfect event to visit if you want to buy handcrafted pieces or simply soak up the art-filled atmosphere – Artsplosure offers an easy, energetic way to tap into Raleigh’s creative pulse.
It’s an inclusive celebration of the city’s artistic diversity, where visitors can immerse themselves in a vibrant display of creativity and watch exceptional entertainment. Here is everything you need to know about it…
What is Artsplosure?
Artsplosure is an annual arts festival in downtown Raleigh. It’s a celebration of creativity and community, with a focus on giving local and national artists a platform to showcase their work. Since its first event in 1980, Artsplosure has been one of the biggest and most popular Raleigh events, drawing in people from all over the city and beyond. It’s estimated that around 85,000 people attend the two-day festival each year. It’s certainly one of the coolest things to do in May.
This art event is where artists of all forms come together to share their craft, whether they’re a musician, a performer, jeweler, ceramicist or photographer – it’s the best place to get exposure to emerging local and national artists.
It began as the brainchild of the City of Raleigh Arts Commission who first started planning the event in 1978 and has been happening every year since. Although known for its namesake annual Art Festival, Artsplosure have several events throughout the year. In the past, they have been responsible for the African American Cultural Festival, Destination Dix Festival, First Night Raleigh, Jazz & Blue Music Festival, J. Cole’s Dreamville Music Festival, IBM’s Wide Open Bluegrass, and Live & Local Hillsborough Street.
In 2026, you can expect to see 175 visual artists from across the U.S. who have been selected to showcase their work at the festival. This Raleigh art festival is not only a place where the community can come together and celebrate art, but it is also a competition, where cash prizes and awards are given to participating artists at the end of the festival. Artists have the opportunity to win $1,250 for the Best in Show Award, $750 for Judge’s Choice, $500 for Merit Awards (two winners) or $250 for an Honorable Mention (two winners). The awards are given to any artist from any category.
The artists are an eclectic mix, each with an expertise in a different medium of art, whether that be glass work, fiber art, jewelry making, sculpting, painting, metal work, or even Tech and Digital Art. And if you have kids, the festival also has a free arts and crafts workshops at Kidsplosure. There is also a main stage where live performances take place throughout the two-day event, and in 2026 there will be performances from T. Gold, Joseph Terrell & Sunny War, with more artist announcements announced nearer to the date.
What’s happening at Artsplosure?
This year’s Artsplosure will be held over the course of the weekend and each day will feature a lineup of exciting events and activities for visitors of all ages. The full line up of artists and events are still to be released, but here’s what you can expect.
(Art Market) Saturday May 16 – Sunday May 17, 2026
The first day kicks off at 11.00am-7pm where the 175 market stalls open to the public. Swing by to see artists showcase their work and even pick up a souvenir or two. Sunday is from 10:00am-6:00pm.
Hours:
- Saturday: 11am – 7pm
- Sunday: 10am-6pm
- NOTE: the Art Market will be open from 10:00 am – 11:00 am (Sunday) specifically for patrons with accessibility needs.
Installations
As the name suggests, Artsplosure showcases a range of interactive art pieces. The Student Art Show at PNC Plaza is a great place to swing by to see art showcased from Triangle area middle and high schools. Stop by to see artwork across multiple mediums from NC’s best young artists! The pieces for 2026 are yet to be announced, but some of our favorite from previous years should give you insight into what to expect:
- Art Putt was an interactive public art installation featuring a mini-golf course designed by local artists. Each hole had a unique artistic experience while engaging participants in a fun, playful environment. The course debuted at Artsplosure 2025.
- We enjoyed stepping into the song confessional, a booth where you could provide an anonymous confession to be recorded into a song on the spot. Today’s top bands and songwriters turn anonymous stories into new original songs.
- Thw giant rainbow bubbles that you’ve been seeing in the photos in this post. I think that was their best one so far!
Entertainment (Live Music)
Throughout the two-day event in the heart of downtown Raleigh, live music and entertainment will take place on the main stage throughout the day, located on Morgan Street and Fayetteville Street. There will be 12 performances across the stage over the weekend, starting at 11am on Saturday and 10am on Sunday. This year artists include T. Gold, Joseph Terrell & Sunny War, Housecat!, Tashi Dorji, and Bedroom Division. More musicians here.
You will also find street painters, who create beautiful chalk masterpieces on the streets. In many cases, artists invite you to participate, so don’t be shy to pick up a brush or piece of chalk and add to this buzzing event.
Kidsplosure
Families should make sure to head over to Kidsplosure, where you will find a section of the festival dedicated to children’s activities and entertainment. Kidsplosure is free and all about the kids including musical performances, zumba classes, and dance parties and tons of crafts including tissue paper flowers, lego printmaking, weaving forts, and wire whimsies.
Annual Cocktail Party & Fundraiser
In the lead up to the event, there is an annual cocktail party and fundraiser event, which takes place on Wednesday 13th May 2026 from 6pm – 9pm. The event will feature art, live music, and a live auction, where proceeds go towards Artsplosure’s mission of Art for All. The silent auction will sell off 50 items. Tickets for the cocktail party are at $100 each, and include heavy appetizers and two drink tickets. There will also be live painting, live music, a chance to get a photo with Shakespearean actors, and more. This is an upscale event and cocktail attire is encouraged.
The Details
- Where: Downtown Raleigh, Fayetteville Street
- Time: Saturday 11:00am – 7:00pm, Sunday 10:00am – 6:00pm
- Dates: May 16 – 17, 2026
- Free to enter.
- Food trucks and vendors accept cash and credit options.
- There is an “Artist hospitality station” where you can meet the artists and get refreshments.
- Parking will be available in nearby parking lots, but attendees are encouraged to take public transportation, bike, or walk to the event as parking can get crowded.
- 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. See our guide to parking in Downtown Raleigh.
- 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.
- If you don’t want to drive, there will be a designated drop-off point by the south side of City Plaza, opposite the Marriott Hotel
- Website: Artsplosure.org
FAQs about Artsplosure Raleigh
Is Artsplosure a rain or shine event?
Yes, Artsplosure is held regardless of weather conditions.
Are there any restrictions on what I can bring?
Weapons, drugs, and outside alcohol are not permitted at Artsplosure.
Is Artsplosure accessible friendly?
Yes, the festival takes place on Fayetteville Street which is flat and paved, which is suitable for wheelchair users, families with strollers, or those with mobility issues.
Final Thoughts
Artsplosure is truly a unique and exciting event that shouldn’t be missed. From local art to music and street performances, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. This year, Artsplosure Raleigh is being held on the 16th & 17th May 2026, so mark the days in your calendar!
If you’re thinking of visiting Artsposure but not sure what to see or do there, we hope you now know everything you need to know about one of the biggest festivals in Raleigh. So come on out and be a part of one of Raleigh’s biggest celebrations of creativity and community!
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