Venue prepares for an exciting future in its new location for 2027
Photo courtesy of the Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex
Red Hat Amphitheater celebrated the final show in its current location on Friday before moving to its new permanent home one block south. An eventful 2026 season brought 37 concerts and almost 150,000 guests to Red Hat Amp. In addition to its usual concerts, the amphitheater also played host to official watch parties for the Carolina Hurricanes during their historic championship season.
This final season of the original venue brought a wide variety of high-profile acts. Legends like Sting and Deep Purple, venue regulars like O.A.R. who also performed here in the venue’s first season, or Marcus King Band, whose namesake got engaged on stage at the venue and other up-and-coming artists like Sam Barber and Ole 60.
In June, the venue took a break from the music to welcome in nearly 7,000 Hurricanes fans to watch Raleigh’s hometown team bring a championship to the City of Oaks. The Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex (The Complex) partnered with the Hurricanes, ABC 11, and Downtown Raleigh Alliance to offer a memorable experience in the heart of Raleigh.
Red Hat Amphitheater began 2026 in an unconventional way. Following a fire on the roof of the convention center on December 1st, the venue’s traditional ice rink’s season had to be cut short to stand up a mobile kitchen. There were nearly 100,000 meals served out of the kitchen that occupied a space which, shortly after, was filled with fans to watch Bush kick off the concert season.
“This year has been full of great examples of what makes Red Hat Amphitheater such a special, important place for Raleigh” said Kerry Painter, executive director of The Complex. “We know there are so many people who have great memories of special moments here and love the unique character of this venue. This year has beautifully encapsulated all this place means to Raleigh, and we’re so grateful for what a bright future this place has set us up for in our new amp.”
The new Red Hat Amphitheater is set to open in the coming June for the 2027 season. Construction on the expanded Atlantic Union Bank Convention Center will begin next month.
