The 15th edition of Hopscotch Music Festival returns to downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, from September 4 to 6, 2025, delivering an expansive sonic feast with more than 100 artists spanning indie rock, metal, experimental, and more. This year’s lineup blends legendary acts, rising stars, and experimental innovators across multiple venues including City Plaza, Moore Square, and iconic clubs like the Lincoln Theatre and Transfer Co. Ballroom.
Headliners to Watch
- Earl Sweatshirt kicks off the festival on Thursday, delivering his introspective lyricism in his first North Carolina show since 2019.
- My Morning Jacket brings Kentucky psychedelic roots-rock on Friday, a key act for fans of classic and modern fusion sounds.
- Sparks closes out Saturday night with their art-pop flair, marking their fourth North Carolina appearance.
Additional headliners that deepen the festival’s indie and post-rock credentials include Built to Spill (Thursday), Godspeed You! Black Emperor (Friday), and Crumb (Saturday). The indie and experimental scenes are well represented by acts like the post-punk energy of Geese and the art-punk edge of Les Savy Fav.
Noteworthy Sets and Special Highlights
- Metalheads can catch instrumental doom legends Pelican and heavy-weight Windhand, anchoring the festival’s heavier roots.
- Experimental music lovers will find gems with ambient multi-instrumentalist Laraaji and guitarist William Tyler performing intimate club shows.
- Swamp Dogg offers a unique blend of experimental soul, while dub reggae artist Pachyman also headlines club stages.
- Comedy gets a celebrated spotlight in the Lincoln Theatre with performances from Reggie Watts, Julia Desmond, and Kyle Mooney—bringing humor and music to the late-night schedule.
The eclectic and avant-garde are further exemplified by artists like Yeule, whose synth-pop sound expands the festival’s diversity, and Claire Rousay, whose musique concrète pushes artistic boundaries.
Festival Logistics & Tickets
Hopscotch 2025 activates downtown Raleigh with outdoor stages at City Plaza and Moore Square as well as numerous club venues for late-night sets. Three-day general admission passes are priced at $181.04, with VIP options at $370.13. Fans eager for deep dives into genre-spanning sounds, dynamic live performances, and a festival vibe unique to Raleigh should secure their passes early.
For the latest updates, full schedule, and ticket purchase, visit the official Hopscotch Music Festival website.
Source: Indie Legacy Acts, Erudite Pop-Rock, and a Little Bit of Doom Metal: What to See at This Year’s Hopscotch