The secret sauce to a great city could rest in the Power of 10.
Think big. Think 10. Raleigh’s future isn’t just about streetscapes and skyscrapers—it’s about crafting places people actually want to be. And that doesn’t just happen. Enter the “Power of 10,” a simple yet transformative concept: Every city needs at least 10 destinations, and each destination needs at least 10 things to do.
Originated by the Project for Public Spaces (PPS), the framework reveals why cities like New York and Atlanta lure people in—and keep them coming back. Such is the philosophy behind Raleigh’s 2009 Comprehensive Plan, which directed 60% to 70% of new growth to eight growth centers focused along key urban and transit arteries like the Beltline and 540—think Midtown, West Raleigh and Village District—plus 15 multimodal corridors, extending the Power of 10 principle to shape a vibrant and connected city.
As former COR Chief Planning Officer and current City Council Member Mitchell Silver puts it: “If I come Downtown—as a senior couple, a single, a family—what are the options? You have restaurants—then what do you do? Places like New York… there’s so much to do, probably like a power of 100. That’s what makes those places exciting—people come back again and again. That’s the goal.”
Building on that foundation, new potential pockets now emerge as the Comprehensive Plan 2030 gears up to shape the city’s next chapter through 2050.
Placemaking in Action
As aspirational as it is practical, Raleigh’s growth framework already reflects this principle. The point isn’t just garden variety shopping, dining or strolling, notes Silver. The real magic is layering elements—rest, play, art, music, food, history, connection—so people linger, explore and return.
As such, applying the Power of 10 isn’t just theoretical. Standalone attractions like museums or parks serve as a great draw, but deliver “the power of two, maybe three, at best,” says Silver. “People come, look, maybe hit up the gift shop—and leave. The real challenge: What can you build around the museum or park?” The telltale sign—are there people there? And do they stay there?
He nods to Nash Square—lonely trees, empty walkways and angled parking that could morph into a vibrant hub where people actually want to linger. Even the strongest attractors can stumble without a complementary cast. Take Wilson’s Whirligig Park—a momentary magnet that, on its own, risks being forgettable, explains Silver. But with the upcoming Carolina sports and entertainment stadium and planned ~50-acre live-work-play mixed-use project, that fleeting draw evolves into a full, thriving ecosystem.
Looking to 2050
Given Raleigh’s demographic shift, the urgency for this approach grows sharper. The city is young: ~60% under age 40, and ~80% under 55. Yet, Silver warns, “the [older] minority is trying to drive planning decisions. We need young people to speak up.” Future growth hinges on creating these multidimensional hubs—places where people don’t just pass through but stay, engage and thrive.
Layer on a looming constraint: Raleigh is projected to run out of developable land within 20 years. Yet, the simple reality remains—people are coming. The city’s population boomeranged ~50%, adding roughly 200K residents in the last 20 years. “I called it Mayberry the Metro,” says Silver of the now more than 65 people relocating to Wake County every day. So it’s not a question of if—but how we manage it.
By honing in on our people-centered placemaking pockets—through public spaces, new mixed-use developments and urban design innovations—Raleigh can scale up its Power of 10. And in doing so—from blueprint to buzzworthy—transform a city of streets into a city of destinations.
Urban Growth Centers – 2009 Comprehensive Plan
Brier Creek
Crabtree
Downtown/Central Business District
Midtown/North Hills
New Bern/WakeMed
NE/Triangle Town Center
Village District/University area
West Raleigh
Potential Pockets for Urban Growth: 2030–2050
Capital Boulevard
City Market
City Plaza
Downtown South
Moore Square
Triangle Town Center (reimagined)
WakeMed Corridor (BRT)
Warehouse District
Emerged Naturally – Raleigh Iron Works
Raleigh Iron Works
A game changer for East Raleigh—and key connector between Downtown and Midtown—Raleigh Iron Works is a work-stay-play hub on the former Peden Steel site. Breaking ground in fall 2021, Phase One boasts 200+ apartments, buzzy retail, and ambitious public art and maker/pop-up programming, anchored by standout F&B spots from Brodeto and Little Rey to St. Pierre and Ponysaurus Brewing—and, yes, that trademark slide bringing a playful touch that’s core Raleigh.
The best of Raleigh’s 15th annual Hopscotch Music Fest
Another Hopscotch is in the books. It’s been 15 years since the music fest staked its claim as one of the most far-ranging fests in the Southeast, and it continues to hold its ground as a must-see for any indie music fan—local to Raleigh or not.
All too often festivals evolve into a mess of airport-level security, mountains of litter and sunbaked Porta Potties. But Hopscotch—after a decade and a half—has stayed humble, avoiding the drama of a large fest while still sporting a rival lineup. It consistently boasts the perfect combination of legacy sets (think Built to Spill, Superchunk and Godspeed You! Black Emperor) and fresher acts destined to be the next big thing (see: Geese, Geordie Greep and Florry). And it’s all right in our backyard.
The festival is built to be a choose-your-own-adventure with staggered acts at the main stages and club shows, but it’s not easy to see it all. Here are our fave moments you may have missed.
Earl Sweatshirt Did Not Care Earl Sweatshirt had his priorities in order: He strutted on stage, performed some of his recent releases live for the first time, then brought out the happy-go-lucky Charlotte rapper MAVI. And his background visuals reflected this nonchalant mood—a dog with sunglasses on a surfboard was the sole image of the set. “This is my mood board,” he said of the image. “I wanna feel like that.”
Fust or Bust What’s Hopscotch without a local folk mainstay? Durham-based Fust took a well-deserved main slot on the City Plaza stage Friday and didn’t disappoint with a laid-back set layered with easy-on-the-ears violin. NTM the slow set was a subtle start to a day full of loud alt tunes.
North Carolina! Underwater! Between 3D Country and Cameron Winter’s solo work, NYC-based Geese has built a big fan base, and the crowd was buzzing at their City Plaza set on Friday. New singles “Taxes” and “Trinidad” riled the crowd up even more, and unheard tastes of their new album (“Au Pays du Cocaine” was otherworldly) left unmatched anticipation for the upcoming release—and hopefully a return to Raleigh soon.
MMJ Are Gods Live My Morning Jacket has always held a top spot as one of the greatest live rock bands, and on Friday night they proved they are sound in that sentiment. City Plaza’s production upped the ante for the group—the colorful strobe lights were the finishing touch to their jam sesh.
City Plaza Artists Loved Shish Kabob Forget the Red Hat shimmerwall—artists loved City Plaza’s Shish Kabob sign. The simple name was peak entertainment: Earl Sweatshirt thanked (?) the restaurant for being there, and Geese’s Cameron Winter swore “lightning would strike him down” if the whole crowd didn’t receive Shish Kabob gift cards. What’s a festival without a running bit?
Crumb, Caught in the Rain Crumb’s music is destined for the dark, and the rain that crashed their Saturday night set at Moore Square added a grounding element to their groggy but calm dreamscape. Dry feet—and equipment—may have made for an easier set, but there was something liberating about live psych-rock in the rain, and the crowd wasn’t mad about getting a little wet.
Club Shows Are Unmatched Not only is all of Downtown involved—from churches to restaurants—but the music practically never ends, with club sets starting around noon and playing until the early hours of morning. These shows boasted an array of NC artists and beyond—some coming from as far as Cali—and ranged from mosh-worthy to cry-worthy, in the best way (hemlock at Pour House was very much the latter). Hopping club shows was easily worth the late nights.
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.
Garrett Poulos, courtesy of Hopscotch Music Festival
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.
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!
Local restaurateur is filling one of City Plaza’s empty jewel boxes.
Raleigh has long been working to bring people back Downtown, especially in a postpandemic primarily hybrid- or remote-based world—and V Pizza’sAnthony Rapillo thinks pizza is part of the answer. Come mid-November, the former Happy + Hale jewel box in City Plaza gets a glow-up via Veloce Italian Market, a V Pizza sister spot designed to lure back the 9-to-5 and event crowd.
But for owner Anthony Rapillo—also of Flour & Barrel, La Taqueria and The Side Door fame—the concept is just as much about driving Raleigh’s thriving future as it is harkening back to his youth.
From left: Ryan Parker, Anthony Rapillo, William Yagasits | Photo by Sean Junqueira, courtesy of Veloce
“I grew up with a market in Queens called Ragtime,” he recalls. “It was incredible. The smell when you walked in the door… I always imagined that was what Italy smelled like—olives, salads, breads, canned goods, cannoli, etc. That place was everything an Italian market is and should be, and I want that smell and that atmosphere to live in Veloce.”
Taking inspo from that mainstay memory, Veloce will specialize in 10- and 13-inch pizzas, crafted from V Pizza’s recipe and fired from the same oven—plus paninis, wings and provisions (think: pizza kits, housemade vodka sauce, dry pasta, fried chicken cutlets and more), with a grab-and-go section of sandos and salads rounding out the offerings.
Photo courtesy of Veloce
“My favorite place in the world is Eataly,” says Rapillo of his muse. “It feels like back home in New York.” To wit, he intentionally chose a high-frequency spot—ideal for nearby office workers to pop in twice a day or a few times a week for lunch or a take-home pie or pizza kit.
And like Ragtime, the space’ll be compact—no chairs, just flavor, plus a full liquor bar spinning simple ’tails. Think Aperol spritzes and nice wines out of plastic Sip n’ Stroll cups, ready for roaming the plaza, fueling the wait or even while catching a Hopscotch set—when Veloce will keep the lights on late.
“I think it’s gonna do really well,” he muses. “Everything I do starts with pizza—and I really do believe we make the best Neapolitan pizza in the Triangle. Pizza is going to be what drives people Downtown to come into Veloce.” And while it might sound cheesy, it’s something Raleigh can certainly bet on. velocemarketnc.com
Life is too short for FOMO—so grab the tickets and file the memories. From hot concerts and epic fests to arts, theater, comedy and beyond, Raleigh’s lineup is stacked. Here, our bucket list worth clearing your cal for.
Linkin Park courtesy of Lenovo Center
Halsey courtesy of Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
The Black Keys courtesy of Red Hat Amphitheater
Tyler the Creator courtesy of Lenovo Center
Goo Goo Dolls courtesy of Red Hat Amphiteater
Jason Aldean courtesy of Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
Mt. Joy courtesy of Koka Booth Amphitheater
The Lumineers courtesy of Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
Mr. Worldwide, Gwen Stefani, Benson Boone and more head to Queen City to throw some love in your life. Charlotte, lovinlifemusicfest.com
Iron Blossom Music Festival
Sept. 20–21
High spirits blossom at this indie music fest featuring the likes of Vampire Weekend, Khruangbin and Rainbow Kitten Surprise. Richmond, ironblossomfestival.com
NC Holiday Flotilla
Nov. 28–30
Float on alright at the annual boat-decorating competition and parade kicking off the holiday season. Wrightsville Beach, ncholidayflotilla.org
Feast Wilmington
March 2026
Feed your need and consider this fest your passport to all the food and bevs that give Wilmy its foodie credentials. Wilmington, feastwilmington.com
Nikki Glaser Courtesy of Martin Marietta
Craig Robinson courtesy of Raleigh Improv
Shane Gillis courtesy of Live Nation
Godfrey courtesy of Raleigh Improv
Randy Feltface by Dylan Woodley courtesy of Goodnights Comedy Club
Comedy
Nikki Glaser, April 12–13 @ Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
*Quietly* cheer on your fave pro golfers as they vie for the top title at one of the finest country clubs in the U.S. Cue the golf clap! Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte, pgachampionship.com
The Soccer Tournament
June 4–9
Kick it for a shot at $1 mill with locals, legends and professionals at the “most exciting and highest stakes” 7 vs. 7 soccer tourney in the world. WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary, tst7v7.com
City of Oaks Marathon
Nov. 2
Put your body’s endurance to the test on this 26.2-mile run from North Raleigh to DTR—or opt to hold a snarky poster and line the course to cheer on the overachievers. Both are winners in our book! Raleigh, cityofoaksmarathon.com
Panthers vs. Bills
Fall, date TBD
Are you ready for it? This year’s T. Swift and company losers—er, the AFC runners-up Buffalo Bills—look to get stampeded in Charlotte by a Panthers team on the glowup finding new life under coach Dave Canales and now-hot QB “the Carolina Reaper” Bryce Young. Keep Pounding! Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, panthers.com
Swan Lake courtesy of Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
Tee up for a better tomorrow while catching future PGA pros in action, indulging in top-tier hospitality and making a real impact—all from the best seat on the green at Raleigh Country Club. unchealthchampionship.com
Summer Salute
May 31
No beach? No problem. Get your shag on at North Ridge Country Club by swaying to live beach music, running it back at the Pink Flamingo Casino and partying for Transitions LifeCare—good vibes guaranteed. northstatebank.com
Rock Your World
Sept. 7
Party hard—give back harder. Crank up the volume at this adrenaline-fueled fest serving live music, sky-high thrills and nonstop energy that promise to, ahem, rock your world as you hop and bop to Band of Brothers and the Rae Radick Band, throw your hats for a military tribute, and sample sips and snacks in support of the Hope for Haiti Foundation and more. hopeforhaitifoundation.com
Evening of Hope &Igniting Hope
Sept. 10 & 11
Double the impact as hope takes center stage across two powerhouse nights of purpose hosted by Foundation of Hope at the Pavilion at the Angus Barn to fuel critical mental health research and support for those battling mental illness. Glam up for a gala and inspiring keynote, then shift gears for a more laid-back evening of dinner, drinks and dancing. walkforhope.com
MightyGivebackConcert
Expected September
Nothing’s mightier than music with a mission. Dip your feet into this philosophy by uplifting local nonprofits—and dancing hard—with a high-energy lineup of live music at Red Hat Amp.bandtogethernc.org
Hops for Hope
Sept. 13
The only thing better than cracking open a cold one? Cracking open a cold one for a cause. Compassion meets craft beer at the 10th annual brew-tiful fundraising fest landing in North Hills’ Midtown Park to fund life-changing medical flights for children and families in need. We’ll drink to that—with plenty of brews to pick from.childrensflightofhope.org
Over the Edge
Sept. 27
Got guts? Prove it by taking the plunge from 19 stories up and rappelling down DTR’s Pendo building to benefit Special Olympics NC. Besides serving serious bragging rights, the drop mirrors the everyday adversities individuals with disabilities encounter while raising funds to make them feel a little lighter. sonc.net
Holt BrothersFoundationFunkraiser
Nov. 2
Dance, drink and party for the children? Twist our arm. Uptown funk is gonna give it to you via sips, snacks, music and a memorabilia auction at this annual fundraiser at Angus Barn uplifting NFL football stars Terrence and Torry Holt’s mission to support children of cancer patients. holtbrothersfoundation.org
Turkey Ball
Expected November
Gobble till you wobble for good. A ticket to this ambient annual alfresco gala poolside at Mulino means a holiday turkey for a family in need. mulinoraleigh.com
Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition
Dec. 6
The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear, so lift your voices high and battle it out at Moore Square for the caroling crown while bolstering local education through the Wake Tech Community College Foundation.figgypuddingnc.org
Jingle Ball
Expected December
Mix, mingle and jingle all the way at Marbles Kids Museum to bring Christmas to life for local tots in need via thousands of toys and toy program funding in Wake County. And be sure to be nice—Kris Kringle may make an appearance… capitalcityclauses.org
Photo by Shepard Barnes, courtesy of Live After 5
Photo by Keenan Hairston, courtesy of Out! Raleigh
Courtesy of NC State Fair
Courtesy of Raleigh Christmas Parade
Art in Bloom courtesy of Visit Raleigh
Tried & True
Midtown Beach Music
Thursdays April–June
Tropical oasis: found. Don your Hawaiian shirts, leis and carefree attitudes for Midtown’s lineup of sunny tunes paired with food trucks, sips and all-around good vibes. visitnorthhills.com
Artsplosure
May 17–18
It’s always an explosion of creativity and color at this art mecca serving up a curated lineup of ~175 visual artists from across the country spotlighting ceramics, glass, jewelry, metal, painting and photography. artsplosure.org
Live After 5
May 21, June 18, July 23, Aug. 20
A post-work DTR block party? Say less. DRA’s free summer concert series is back with a spotlight on NC-grown artists. Expect drinks and dancing backdropped by cover bands, original artists, vendors and food trucks all rooted in the Tarheel State. downtownraleigh.org
Out! Raleigh
June 20–21
Local flavors, vibrant entertainment and all the rainbow energy ignite Fayetteville Street to celebrate and support the community and LGBT Center of Raleigh. On Friday, leave the kids behind for a night of adults-only fun. #Boots lgbtcenterofraleigh.com
NC State Fair
Oct. 16–26
Feast your eyes, ears and stomachs on food, artisan goods, games and more at the state’s fave fest. Pro tip: Wait at least 30 minutes after housing a turkey leg or order of fried Oreos to spike your adrenaline on a ride. ncagr.gov
DRA Tree Lighting
November
And Raleigh said, “Let there be light!” Get lit for the holiday event you’ve been pining (!) for by oohing and aahing at the sparkling tree while sipping and snacking on food truck fare and drink vendors. Rockefeller Center, who? downtownraleigh.org
Raleigh Christmas Parade
Nov. 22
Ring in the holidays with parading pageantry and excitement as floats, marching bands, dancers and giant balloons grace—and float over—the DTR streets. And you better watch out (till the end) because Santa Claus is coming to town.grma.org
A Christmas Carol
December
The ghost of Christmas future says laughter and good humor is coming to the Cap City via Theatre in the Park’s annual showcase of good tidings and cheer with a twist. theatreinthepark.com
Krispy Kreme Challenge
February 2026
Pound a dozen doughnuts (or 2,400 calories) in the middle of a 5-mile jaunt and run it back in under an hour, all in the name of charity for the UNC Children’s Hospital. Take it from us—if you want to avoid running through partially digested doughnuts, stay ahead of the crowd. krispykremechallenge.com
Art in Bloom
March 2026
NCMA’s annual petal power is back as florists from across the state and beyond interpret works from the People’s Collection into bold and blooming masterpieces. Okay, bloomers! ncartmuseum.org
