Things to know before visiting The Lincoln Theatre: Raleigh’s Historic Live Music Venue

We have seen a lot of great live music in Raleigh, but there’s something magical about watching a show at the intimate Lincoln Theater.

The Lincoln Theatre is one of the most historic and established music venues in Raleigh, known for hosting some of the best national and regional touring acts along with local artists and tribute bands.

As far as homegrown concerts go, it doesn’t get much more local than seeing American Aquarium at the Lincoln Theatre. The founder and lead vocalist, BJ Barham, grew up near Raleigh and attended NC State for a brief time!

In this guide, we share everything you need to know about visiting this historic venue, from what you can and can’t bring, what kinds of events you can expect, and where to park.

About The Lincoln Theatre Ralaeigh

Built in 1939, the Lincoln Theatre venue originally served as a movie theatre catering primarily to the African American community during the time of segregation.

It was owned by Bijou Amusement Company, a movie theater business headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee and its Nashville theater was one of the premiere venues for African American audiences in the Southern United States.

The Lincoln in Raleigh closed in 1975, and reopened in 1991 as a bar, then as an internet cafe, before assuming its original name and becoming one of Raleigh’s beloved live music venues that continues to today. 

Firstly, I love the location in the heart of downtown Raleigh and that there are ample bars and restaurants within an easy walk to hit up before or after the show. And several hotels are also a short walk away if you visit Raleigh from out of town. 

One pain point about PNC Arena, and especially Walnut Creek, is the lack of eating and drinking establishments within the vicinity of those venues. You pretty much go there just for the show, whereas around The Lincoln you can make a whole night of it.

I highly recommend you fuel up before the show, as there is no food served here, just a vending machine with chips and snacks. 

As an old, converted movie theater, as you enter through the front door and pass through ticket check, and from there you’ll see band merch for sale.

You then move through to enter the main bar area. There’s a full bar with a number of domestic and imported beers, wines, and mixed drinks, and drink prices were reasonable considering the times, and even with a full house it didn’t take long at all to get served, in fact, the bartender remembered what drinks we’d ordered the first-time round! 

Past the bar is the main floor area, and upstairs is a small mezzanine/balcony section.

The Lincoln Theatre capacity is about 750 standing on the floor, and 150+ upstairs.

When we visited to watch American Aquarium, it was a sold-out concert, but it didn’t feel overcrowded or overwhelming and we could move relatively easily to and from the bar and bathrooms.

Opening hours

Things to know before you go

• This is an All Ages unless otherwise posted venue. All patrons under the age of 21 will be charged a $2 surcharge at the door. State issued ID required for consuming alcohol.
• All shows are General Admission unless noted. Limited seating available on a first come first serve basis both down and upstairs. If a show has VIP table option, each table seats 4 people.
• Door and show times are available on the website. The first band of the evening will go on stage at the posted show time (that can be found on our website)
• Advance tickets can be purchased through www.etix.com. Tickets can also be purchased in person the day of the show after doors open.
• Unless you have a seated ticket (which is only available on a few select shows) there is limited seating at the Lincoln Theatre, so if you want a seat arrive right at posted door time (even earlier!)
• For the smokers in your group, they let you have reentry if you want to go outside for a smoke as there is no designated smoking area.
• There is no coat check.

Bag policy

What you can bring

• Point and shoot cameras
• Small, hand-held clutches (4.5″ x 6.5″)
• Outside food is typically permitted
• Medical bags or kits are usually accepted, but may be subject to inspection or X-ray

What you can’t bring

• Your own chairs/seating
• Professional photography/videography equipment unless approved by the band
• Cans, glass bottles, thermoses and alcoholic beverages
• Laptops or computers
• Flashlights
• Drones
• Laser pointers
• Weapons
• Strollers

Our Experience at the Lincoln Theatre

I love that seeing American Aquarium was our first experience at The Lincoln Theatre. With BJ Barham on lead vocals, it was a powerful performance to a packed theatre of loyal fans who live locally in Raleigh, and many who travel from afar. 

From the time of their Wolves album release in 2015, American Aquarium has headlined at Raleigh’s Lincoln Theatre in January (this year for three consecutive nights) known as the Roadtrip to Raleigh. 

It’s a way for BJ and his band to give back to their homegrown roots and to introduce the vibrant lifestyle here in Raleigh to any visiting fans – you could even meet BJ and the band members post show at the entrance which speaks to the intimacy of this venue!

As much as we love seeing mainstream bands at big stadium concerts like when we saw The Rolling Stones at The Rose Bowl in LA, and U2 at Wembley Stadium in London, Caroline and I still seek out the small, intimate venues and have fond memories of seeing one of our favorite Aussie acts, the John Butler Trio up the road at the Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro.

Knowing how popular The Lincoln Theater is in Raleigh as a small indoor venue, I had high expectations for our first concert and those expectations were at least met, maybe even exceeded. 

Near front of stage was already full when arrived, as was the upstairs balcony section with stools and small tables (arrive early to get one of those if you can’t stand for long periods), so we grabbed a spot on the floor about two-thirds of the way back on a higher tiered section – the staggered floor levels are great for those lacking in height.

No matter where you stand (or sit upstairs) this is not a big venue and there doesn’t appear to be a bad seat in the house, almost guaranteed a good line of sight and not too far from the band.

I immediately jived with the vibe and size of this place and reflected upon why it had taken us 10+ years of living in Raleigh to go to this venue – it won’t be anywhere near that long between visits!

Don’t come here expecting anything fancy, this place is all about having an intimate experience with your favorite musicians.

We’ve been here several times also for events such as the annual Audio Advice Live where we enjoy a concert by local cover band, Sleeping Booty Band. We always have a great time dancing to their high energy!

There is no food on sale except vending machines with chips and candy so fill up at one of the downtown Raleigh restaurants before you come.

I’m no sound or lighting expert, and they probably don’t have the best acoustics in the state, but the band sounded great to me and not too loud that I couldn’t easily interact with Caroline or staff. If you’re into the tech stuff you can read about it on this page.

We’ve also attended concerts during the thick of summer and the HVAC system seems to have handled it well, ahtough those events weren’t a packed crowd. Prepare accordingly!

I’m excited to go back and see more acts at this terrific music venue in Raleigh. There seems to be an eclectic group of musical performers passing through and a constant line up of acts. See the Lincoln Theatre schedule here. 

Where is The Lincoln Theatre, Raleigh?

The Lincoln Theatre is located at 126 E Cabarrus St, Raleigh. Drive times to the Lincoln Theatre from nearby towns:

• Raleigh-Durham Airport: 25 minutes
• Durham: 35 minutes
• Chapel Hill: 40 minutes
• Wilmington: 2 hours
• Charlotte: 2.5 hours

Where to park for The Lincoln Theatre

There is no parking at the venue, but there are many parking lots in downtown Raleigh. Parking options are aplenty close to the venue. On weekends street parking is free, and here is a list of parking decks in downtown Raleigh.

There is a parking deck across the street from the Lincoln Theatre that is open to the public 7pm until 6am (this may not be the case during special city events).

You can read more about parking options in downtown in our complete guide here.

Where to eat and drink nearby

As mentioned, there is no food in the venue, but you can find plenty of options nearby. Here are some nearby restaurants that we love…

Element Gastropub

For vegan cuisine, head to Element Gastropub, which serves only plant-based dishes. It offers Southern comfort food with a plant-based twist, such as fried “chicken”, burgers, and sandwiches. It’s ideal for light bites and quick meals before a gig. It’s a 2-minute walk from Element Gastropub to the Lincoln Theatre.

Rye Bar and Southern Kitchen

If you happen to be visiting Raleigh from out of town and staying at the Raleigh Marriott City Center Hotel, the onsite Rye Bar and Southern Kitchen is pretty good. It serves up classic Southern dishes and American cuisine, such as chicken wings, ribs, and steaks. Get here early as you often have to wait to be seated – it’s a popular spot.

Mazahua Azteca

We recommend this Mexican restaurant around the corner from Lincoln Theater on Davie St. It’s cuisine represents the Mazahua Indigenous people of northwest Mexico, and we found it delcious and the vibe fun. We loved our Quesabirros with delicious elote, Steak Fajitas and Passion Azteca (passionfruit and mezcal) & Oaxaca Old Fashioned cocktails. (The out-of-town strangers next to us were also raving to the waiter about how good the food was!)

Bida Manda

A 7 minute walk away is Bida Manda, a Laotian restaurant. We know Laos food well after spending a few weeks traveling through the country, and as far as the food and ambiance at Bida Manda goes, it is hands down our favorite spot for Asian food in Raleigh.

Where to stay nearby

For those who are visiting Raleigh to attend a gig, why not make it a staycation and spend the night in one of the nearby hotels in downtown Raleigh? These are some hotels we’ve stayed at.

The Casso, Raleigh, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

The CASSO Hotel is a fantastic 3-star hotel in downtown that’s a bit more of a walk for the Lincoln, but it has a convenient location near Glenwood Avenue which is popular for nightlife, so you could easily do some bar hopping after a show.

It has a modern and stylish decor with a local theme, an onsite restaurant, and a bar serving craft cocktails – perfect for a pre-gig drink. Read our full review of the Casso Hotel.

Sheraton Raleigh Hotel

The Sheraton is just a few blocks away from the Lincoln Theatre and is one of the closest luxury hotels to the venue. It has small but comfortable rooms, and the best part – a buffet breakfast each morning with tons of options. 

If you’ve had one too many craft beers the night before, you’ll be welcoming in the morning at The Sheraton because of this breakfast buffet.

Read our full review: Sheraton Raleigh Hotel Review: The Heart of Downtown Convenience

2 BR Flat in downtown Raleigh

This two-bedroom flat is in the perfect location in downtown Raleigh in a two-story walk up building. It’s right across the street from the PNC Plaza and is within walking distance of the Lincoln Theatre, as well as the bars, restaurants, and nightlife of Moore Square area. You can also walk to Morgan Street Food Hall, Transfer Co. Food hall, and the Marbles Kids Museum. The condo comes with a fully stocked kitchen, smart Tv’s, and a laundry room.

Raleigh Marriott City Center

Less than a 10-minute walk from the Lincoln Theatre is the Raleigh Marriott City Center hotel, a 4-star hotel with modern and spacious rooms, perfect for stumbling into after a late night out at a rock show! 

It boasts an onsite restaurant serving Southern cuisine, a fitness center, and an indoor pool. It also has parking, which is a bonus for anyone driving into downtown Raleigh.

Residence Inn Raleigh Downtown

The hotel we highly recommend to anyone visiting Raleigh is the Residence Inn in downtown. We’ve stayed there a few times and have always found it to be cozy and welcoming.

It’s a Marriott hotel, so you can expect luxury without the pretentious tag. You also get a suite room with a kitchen and living space, so if you prefer to cook your own meals rather than eat out, it’s the best option.

It also boasts a splendid rooftop where you can enjoy a drink before walking for 12 minutes to The Pour House Music Hall.

Read our full review: Reasons To Stay at the Residence Inn, Raleigh Downtown

You can use the following map to find more Raleigh hotels as well as vacation rentals.

FAQs about visiting The Lincoln Theatre

More Entertainment Tips

While your planning your evening entertainment at the Lincoln Theater, check out these other guides on theatres in Raleigh, entertainment venues, and other ideas for things to do in downtown Raleigh to make the most of your time:

• Our favorite downtown Raleigh restaurants
• Top things to do in downtown Raleigh
• The best downtown Raleigh hotels
• 48 hour itinerary for Raleigh
• Awesome Music Venues in Raleigh: Where To Find Great Gigs!
• Things to know before visiting The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop
• Things to know before visiting Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
• Things to know before visiting the Red Hat Amphitheater
• Things to know before visiting The Ritz, Raleigh
• Things to know before visiting Coastal Credit Union Music Park (Walnut Creek Amphitheater)
• Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary: A Comprehensive Guide to this Local Treasure
• Guide to Lenovo Center (Formerly PNC Arena): Home of Carolina Hurricanes & NC State Basketball

Scroll through this list if you’re looking for a hotel near the Lincoln Theater.

Are you planning to visit The Lincoln Theater Raleigh? Let us know if you have any questions or comments below!