Friday marked the end of an era for one of Raleigh’s premier music venues when Red Hat Amphitheater hosted its final show at its current location.
A sold-out Steve Lacy concert scheduled for 8 p.m. on Friday, October 23 was the amphitheater’s last show before it closed to make way for a new venue next door.
Fans began lining up outside the gates mid-afternoon.
“I love this place,” said concert regular Brandon Bannerman. “I’ve been to a lot of other places, but this feels like home.”
Kerry Painter, executive director of the Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex, said the new venue is expected to open in June 2027.
Unlike the current venue, the new amphitheater will have more than 6,000 reclined seats offering a better view of the stage and permanent toilets.
“That’s probably the best part, honestly,” said Kellie Tolo, who attended the Steve Lacy concert. “The bathrooms here weren’t bad, to be honest, but there’s definitely room for improvement.”
Artists will also benefit from better dressing rooms and catering space.
“It’s the end of a true era and a beloved place that has transformed into this magical treasure,” Painter said. “It’s going to be difficult. But then we’re going to look to the future with great anticipation and enthusiasm.”
Red Hat Amphitheater opened in 2010, and Painter said the transition will be bittersweet after more than a decade of playing music in the current venue.
“We’ve played some great shows in this small, intimate space that’s so happy to be here,” Painter said. “So we’ve been very lucky and that’s going to continue in the future.”
Victoria Monet was scheduled to perform the final show at the soon-to-close downtown Raleigh venue on Tuesday, Oct. 27, but in an Instagram post she shared that she canceled her show in Raleigh due to “unforeseen production challenges.”
The new Red Hat Amphitheater is expected to be ready for the 2027 concert season, and will accommodate more than 6,000 seats just one block from the current site. The venue’s website does not list any events except for the Steve Lacy show.
“I’ve probably been here more than ten times, but I’m really excited about this new place,” said spectator Kishawn Pate.
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