Hopscotch Hacked 

How to make the most of Hopscotch Music Fest 

Happy Hopscotch to all who celebrate! It’s that time of year again—the 15th annual DTR indie music fest is back Sept. 4–6, once again hailing NC for the complex sound haven it is while spotlighting acclaimed music across all genres and from around the world, plus up-and-coming artists and household names. 

Known to consistently predict the next big names in indie, Hopscotch has hosted the likes of up-and-comers Japanese Breakfast, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Waxahatchee and MJ Lenderman long before their breakout. Bottom line: Even if some names don’t ring a bell (yet), trust—you’ll be seeing and hearing a lot more from them soon. Until then—here’s how to make the most of the three-day rhythmic romp. 

Soundcheck? 
Two stages, one in City Plaza and one in Moore Square, will showcase the headliners, and an array of smaller venues around DTR will host Day Parties to give the smaller names a stage (P.S. Day Parties don’t require a pass to attend!). 

Lineup Legends? 
Earl Sweatshirt and Built to Spill will headline Thursday, with My Morning Jacket and Godspeed You! Black Emperor on Friday, and Sparks and Crumb on Saturday—all with opening support from the likes of Geese, Superchunk, Florry and more. 

Pick Your Pass
🎫GA tickets |$160+ 
Access to three days of live music at both stages, plus late-night comedy sets 

🎫VIP tickets |$340+ 
Additional perks including VIP swag bag, priority access to late-night sets and VIP-only amenities at both stages  

Map Your Moves
Use the Hopscotch app to locate your can’t-miss sets ahead of time—the walk between stages doesn’t take long, but it will feel a lot longer when your fave artists play within minutes of each other. 

Bag the Rules
It’s prime time to break out the belt bag, or skip the bag entirely and keep those hands free for fist pumping and dancing. Pro tip: Any bag larger than 13 x 15 inches must be clear.

Skip the Surge
Ride the rail—and the bus. Rideshare can get pretty pricey, so opt for public transit. If you choose to drive, park in a city parking garage to avoid an astronomically priced ticket.

Weather or Not
It’s a rain or shine event, which is great until you forget a poncho (s/o to anyone who braved the Soccer Mommy set of 2023). Check the weather in the morning and pack accordingly. 

Cool Kicks
Read: Comfy boots or sneakers are the only choices. Your feet will thank you. 

Hot Shopping
If you’re after merch for a specific artist, head to the merch booth at their stage on the day of their set. And don’t forget to check out the festival merch—it’s designed by local artists. 

Not able to Hopscotch? Follow us on socials for a behind the scenes look at the fest! 

Must-See NC Artists
Fust 
Blue Cactus
Manas
Superchunk
Daughter of Swords
Magic Tuber Stringband
Scarlet House
Victoria Victoria 
Nathan Matthews Ensemble