Things to know before visiting Coastal Credit Union Music Park (Walnut Creek Amphitheater)

As the summer season approaches, you might be looking to spend the evening laying back on the lawns at a concert at Coastal Credit Union Music Park, also known as Walnut Creek Amphitheater.

This is one of Raleigh’s premier open-air music venues and is where you will find some of the biggest artists and bands playing during its opening season from April to September. It’s always been a favorite live music venue of ours for its laid-back atmosphere and quality of artists, and ability to have a decent view no matter where you sit or stand.

But if you’ve never been to Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek before and are not sure what to bring, parking, or where to eat or drink nearby, this is everything you need to know before you go.

About Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek

The Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek opened its doors in 1991 as the Hardee’s Walnut Creek Amphitheatre and was constructed by the City of Raleigh. 

Over the years, it has changed its name several times, with its current name The Coastal Credit Union Music Park being adopted in 2016.

It’s a 20,500-seater capacity venue spanning more than 77 acres and cost $13.5 million to build. It was designed to host large concerts throughout the summer, hosting some of the biggest bands in the world.

It also hosts some of the most notable festivals in the state, such as Charlotte Blues Festival, Furthur Festival, H.O.R.D.E. Festival, JazzFest, Lollapalooza, Mayhem Festival, Ozzfest, Smokin’ Grooves Festival, SoulFest Uproar Festival, and Warped Tour.

Out of the 20,500 seats, half of those seats are undercover, allowing this venue to open rain or shine.

Bands who have played previously at Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek

• Aerosmith
• Alanis Morissette
• B.B. King
• The Beach Boys
• The Black Crowes
• Black Sabbath
• Blink-182
• Bob Dylan
• Bon Jovi
• Britney Spears
• Bryan Adams
• Coldplay
• Culture Club
• Dave Matthews Band
• Def Leppard
• Drake
• Duran Duran
• Eagles
• Elton John
• Fleetwood Mac
• Iron Maiden
• Jane’s Addiction
• Kanye West
• Kings of Leon
• KISS
• Korn
• Lauryn Hill
• Lil Wayne
• Luther Vandross
• Lynyrd Skynyrd
• Mary J. Blige
• Matchbox 20
• Metallica
• The Monkees
• Mötley Crüe
• ‘N Sync
• Neil Young
• Nelly
• Nickelback
• Nine Inch Nails
• David Bowie
• Pearl Jam
• Phil Collins
• Phish
• Poison
• Prince & The New Power Generation
• R.E.M.
• Red Hot Chili Peppers
• Rod Stewart
• Shania Twain
• Sheryl Crow
• Steve Miller Band
• Sting
• The Who
• Tina Turner
• Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
• Tony Bennett
• Tool
• Tori Amos
• Usher
• Van Halen
• Zac Brown Band
• ZZ Top

Some of the artists, we’ve personally seen include Jack Johnson, John Meyer, Coldplay, Sam Hunt, Maren Morris, and Chris Stapleton.

Subscribe to our email list so you don’t miss all our event updates, we also have an event calendar, and a weekly events guide sharing all the upcoming concerts at Walnut creek Amphitheater. Click here for upcoming concerts and tickets at Coastal Credit Union Music Park.

Things to know before you go

If you’ve never been to the Coastal Credit Union Music Park, there are a couple of things you should know before you go:

• Performances happen rain or shine. Be prepared for rain and check the forecast before you go.
• Plan to arrive at least 1-2 hrs before the start of the show, as there are traffic delays on the night of events.
• Gates open 90 minutes before the show starts.
• Children aged 2 and under can enter the venue for free but must sit on an adult’s lap.
• You can buy snacks, hot food, and cold drinks, as well as alcohol, from several kiosks located around the venue.
• You can rent lawn chairs from two locations on the lawn by the stairs to the East Plaza and the West Plaza.
• There is an Uber pickup location outside Parking Lot F.
• Accessible parking can be found in the C Lot by Gate 1.
• First aid can be found in the West Plaza.
• You can bring 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.
• Tailgating is allowed.
• Overnight camping is not allowed.
• Re-entry is not permitted at Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek. Please ensure that everything you will need for the event is brought in with you. 
• Lawn seating is first come, first serve.
• Smoking and/or vaping is not allowed in the seated areas, and there are designated smoking areas located in the plazas. 

Seating at Coastal Credit Union Music Park

At Walnut Creek amphitheater, you have seating options.

The most popular ticket option is general admission, aka, the Lawn. Seating here is first come first served, so if it’s a favorite band, I would get here early and claim your spot. Unfortunately, we didn’t for Coldplay, and we were right up the very back and the sound was terrible. Not sure if it’s been fixed (as we now get there early) but they really needed more speakers back there.

Definitely bring a blanket or towel to sit on while you wait but be warned that when the main act comes on, everyone typically stands. So, you’ll definitely be squashed in and unable to see if you stay seated on your blankets.

There is a reserved lawn section if you want to guarantee pole position on the lawn. Don’t forget you can rent chairs or bring in your own small ones. I wouldn’t recommend it for the general lawn as everyone stands, although it might be a good option for the reserved lawn as you won’t have people in front of you.

Families will be thrilled by the family zone at the front of the lawn, which we used when our daughter was a baby for the Jack Johnson concert (kids under 2 are free). Typically, you can spread out on your blanket there the whole time and the kids have space to crawl or run around! Kalyra even fell asleep!

There are also tickets with reserved seating which is the undercover section at the front of the stage – of course these will cost you more! But if you want the best view and protection in case it rains, you might be willing to pay the extra.

And if you want to be even more special, there are VIP tickets and packages, providing VIP amenities. There are private restrooms, a private bar, and select food and beverage options available to guests who purchase the VIP Club upgrade.

Bag policy

All bags are subject to searches upon entering the venue, and there may be additional levels of screening such as metal detectors and pat downs.

Similarly to the Red Hat Amphitheater, the Coastal Credit Union Music Park is run by Live Nation events, and they have their own policy when it comes to bags.

They allow clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC tote bags that are 12” x 6” x 12” or less, or small clutch bags (6”x 9”). If your bag doesn’t meet the requirements, you will be asked to put them in your vehicle.

At many Raleigh events I go to, people will stop and ask me where I got my clear bag! You guys, clear bags are essential these days if you attend a lot of events. I have the following:

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

What you CAN’T bring

The following items are prohibited:

• Alcohol
• Audio or video recording equipment e.g. GoPros
• Big picnic blankets, small ones allowed only
• Bottles
• Cameras
• Chains
• Coolers
• Illegal drugs
• Fireworks
• Laser pointers
• Lawn chairs with seats higher than 9 inches
• Outside food and drinks
• iPads and tablets
• Pets (except service animals)
• Professional cameras aka any with detachable lenses
• Selfie sticks
• Signs larger than 8.5″ x 11″ (a standard A4 sheet of paper)
• Strollers 
• Weapons of any kind

What you CAN bring

But the following items are OK:

• Binoculars
• Blankets and beach towels
• Backpacks
• Cell phones
• Low-sitting lawn chairs (the seat can be no higher than nine inches off the ground)
• Ponchos/rain jackets
• Seat cushions
• Small battery-operated handheld fans/neck fans, or paper fans
• Umbrellas (small only)
• Water (one sealed bottle of water per attendee) or refillable aluminum and/or plastic water bottles up to one gallon in size are permitted but must be empty upon entry into the venue.

Food & Drink at Walnut Creek Music Park

Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek offers a wide variety of concession options through the venue. This includes cheeseburgers, hot dogs, nachos, pizza, tacos, pretzels, candy, popcorn, fountain soda (Pepsi Products), water, and Red Bull.

There is alcohol sold in the plazas as well – no outside alcohol allowed. They have a range of options from draft and canned beer, cider, and seltzer, wine and cocktails.

Alcoholic beverages AND food are venue prices – i.e. overpriced. Try and eat before you can (I find venue food pretty awful anyway) and just drink water from your own refillable bottle. OR go ahead and splurge – you decide. Concessions are located throughout the venue in each of the three plazas.

Where is Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek?

Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek is located at 3801 Rock Quarry Road, Raleigh. Drive times to the Coastal Credit Union Music Park from nearby towns:

• From downtown Raleigh to Coastal Credit Union Music Park:  4.6 miles (11 minutes drive)
• From Cary to Coastal Credit Union Music Park: 14.4 miles (17 minutes drive)
• From Apex to Coastal Credit Union Music Park: 17.6 miles (21 minutes drive)
• From Wake Forest to Coastal Credit Union Music Park: 21 miles (29 minutes drive)
• From Durham to Coastal Credit Union Music Park: 31.9 miles (33 minutes drive)

Where to park for the Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek

There are nine parking lots at the venue, and parking is included when you buy a ticket. If you prefer to have premier parking (aka not having to queue to leave after the show and have less of a walk to the gate), then there is a fee for this of $20.00.

You can drop off at Gate 2 and pick up at Lot F but turn your flashers on, so the staff knows that you are picking up and dropping off. If you are picking someone up, arrive 45 minutes before the end of the show and put your flashers on otherwise the staff won’t let you in.

NOTE: as there are only two roads in and out of Walnut Creek, the traffic is typically nightmarish! Get there as early as possible to avoid arriving late to the show and good luck on the way out! I don’t even recommend Ubers as you’ll have the same problem, you’ll just be paying for it! You’d be better paying for the premier parking – unless you are intoxicated, then of course uber it!

Tailgating at Walnut Creek

Tailgating is quite popular for concerts at Walnut Creek. So, carpool with your friends, pack a cooler and a picnic and enjoy time outside soaking up the sun before heading in and spending way too much money on overpriced drinks!

I’ve heard of many Raleigh locals coming just for the tailgating and staying in the parking lot to listen to the concert for free! Hey- then you can leave before everyone else and escape the traffic exit chaos.

Where to eat and drink nearby

Frank’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant

Just an 8-minute drive from Coastal Credit Union Music Park is Frank’s, a small pizzeria in a strip mall with NY-style pizzas, pies, and sandwiches. It has a fantastic steak and cheese sub and the pepperoni pizza is always a hit in our family. It’s one of our favorite pizza places in Raleigh. Oh, and it has parking outside.

Bojangles

Bojangles is your typical Southern American fast food joint with fried chicken and burgers. They are a chain with several locations around Raleigh, but it is one of the closest restaurants to Coastal Credit Union Music Park (7-minute drive) and has a huge parking lot, so if you need something quick and easy before a show, this is a good shout.

Trophy Brewing & Taproom

If you’re looking for somewhere to grab a beer before a concert, Trophy Brewing & Taproom is a brewery on the edge of downtown and just off the I-40 and has ample parking. 

It would take just over 10 minutes to drive to the venue, but you can avoid driving into the city center and avoid the traffic there.

Trophy Brewing & Taproom is one of our favorite breweries in Raleigh because it has a relaxed ambiance and a beautiful outdoor patio. It also frequently has food trucks outside so you can grab a quick bite to eat before a show too.

Where to stay nearby

Tru by Hilton Raleigh Garner

Less than a 10-minute drive from Coastal Credit Union Music Park is Tru by Hilton in the Garner district of Raleigh. This 3-star hotel is a good option if you want to stay nearby on a budget, but without sacrificing comfort. It has an indoor pool, a 24-hour front desk, and spacious rooms with a TV and free WiFi. Plus, there is ample parking as well. See rates and availability here.

SpringHill Suites Raleigh Garner

Located a 7-minute drive away, this is the closest hotel to the Coastal Credit Union Music Park and offers affordable luxury. It has a fitness center, lounge, indoor pool, and a communal kitchen where you can cook your own meals. You can park your car for free, and there’s a buffet breakfast served each morning. Rooms are spacious and modernly decorated. See rates and availability here.

3-BR Home 5 mins from Coastal Credit Union Music Park

Located in a quiet suburban neighborhood, this spacious family home is perfect for those who prefer a self-contained experience. It has stylish decor and well-maintained amenities, with enough space for up to 6 guests. It has an open-concept layout, a fully equipped kitchen, a games room, three bedrooms, and a private backyard. See prices and availability here.

The StateView Hotel, Autograph Collection

The StateView Hotel is one of our favorite hotels in Raleigh and although it’s not close, it’s a 15-minute drive along the I-40 highway, which means you don’t need to drive into downtown to get there and just breeze along the highway to get to the venue.

We love this hotel for its location next to Lake Raleigh, its outdoor saltwater pool, comfortable rooms, and delicious farm-to-table food at the onsite Flask & Beaker Restaurant. Read our complete review of The StateView Hotel in Raleigh. And then See rates and availability here. You can find more accommodation in Raleigh using the map below

FAQs about visiting Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek

Is Coastal Credit Union Music Park accessible?

Yes, the whole Coastal Credit Union Music Park is accessible, and if you need further assistance, you can get help at the Guest Services hub located inside Gate 2.

What is the dress code for Coastal Credit Union Music Park?

There is no dress code for the Coastal Credit Union Music Park, but it’s recommended to wear smart casual attire with comfort in mind! Prepare for the weather – especially if Raleigh has experienced rain, as the lawn may be soft and muddy.

What is VIP club access at Coastal Credit Union Raleigh, NC?

You can get VIP box tickets for concerts at Coastal Credit Union Music Park, which comes with access to a VIP Club with wait service, private restrooms, multiple outdoor bars, and outdoor dining and seating.

Can I bring a blanket to Coastal Credit Union Raleigh?

Yes, you can bring a small blanket or beach towel to Coastal Credit Union Music Park, but not large ones.

Can you refill water bottles at the Coastal Credit Union Music Park?

Yes, there are water filling stations outside the restrooms in East Plaza and the West Plaza at Coastal Credit Union Music Park. I love music venues who offer this!

Is there public transportation to Walnut Creek?

Sorry y’all, this is Raleigh, there ain’t no public transportation!! But hold the bus. #17 GoRaleigh bus will route from the GoRaleigh Station to Rock Quarry Rd at Sunnybrook Rd – followed by a short walk to the entrance of the venue. How reliable that will be with the traffic and times, I am not sure. LMK if your experiences in the comments below! Please see the City of Raleigh transit webpage to view options available in the nearby area.

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