A Full Week of Wide Open Fun, Plus a Chance to Win a Trip to Iceland

The Raleigh Wide Open Music Festival, presented by PNC Bank, is gearing up for its return with a full week of pre-festival programming beginning Monday, Sept. 28, leading into the main event in Downtown Raleigh Oct. 2-3.

Additionally, to celebrate the increasingly international reach of bluegrass music and the growing artistic bond between North Carolina and Iceland, PineCone and Raleigh Wide Open have partnered with Icelandair for the Raleigh to Iceland Wide Open Contest, offering fans a chance to win a trip for two from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Reykjavík.

“This year’s schedule highlights the incredible synergy between local bluegrass traditions and international artistry,” said Courtney Wheeler, executive director of PineCone. “From casual jam sessions to our cultural exchange with Icelandic musicians, the lead-up week sets the perfect stage for an unforgettable festival.”

Highlights of the pre-festival programming include a special performance from Icelandic band Brek and the release of festival merchandise co-created by Raleigh Denim Workshop and PineCone.

“Raleigh Wide Open brings our community together through world-class music, vibrant local businesses, and unique cultural experiences,” said Mayor Janet Cowell. “We’re thrilled to welcome visitors, highlight local partnerships like Raleigh Denim, and showcase Raleigh’s international connections through Icelandair.”

PNC Bank returns as the presenting sponsor of the Raleigh Wide Open Music Festival.

“As this popular event approaches, all of us at PNC look forward to welcoming festival-goers to Downtown Raleigh for a celebration of regionally meaningful music and our vibrant community,” said Jim Hansen, PNC regional president for Eastern Carolinas and Southeast territory executive. “This year’s pre-festival programming provides additional opportunities to support local businesses and enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of Downtown Raleigh.”

Raleigh to Iceland Wide Open Contest Details The contest offers a grand prize of two (2) round-trip flights for two from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Reykjavik, Iceland, issued via an Icelandair Gift Certificate. The contest runs from Sept. 1 through Sept. 30, 2026. Participants can enter once by completing the official online entry form. The winner will be selected by random drawing and announced live on Oct. 1 at the Raleigh Wide Open Kickoff Celebration (attendance is not required to win). More information can be found on the contest’s official page: raleighwideopen.com/contest

Lead-Up Week & Festival Schedule

• Monday, Sept. 28: PineCone’s monthly Open Bluegrass Jam at its new home, Raleigh Brewing Company – 7-9 p.m. More info.
• Tuesday, Sept. 29: PineCone’s Beer and Banjos at Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard in Raleigh, featuring a special performance from Icelandic band Brek alongside the Beer & Banjos All-Stars house band led by Hank Smith – 6:30 – 9 p.m. More info.
• Wednesday, Sept. 30: Raleigh Denim hosts an intimate performance at the Raleigh Denim Workshop (performers TBA) and the unveiling of exclusive festival merch co-created by Raleigh Denim and PineCone. Merch will be available for purchase during festival weekend.
• Thursday, Oct. 1: Kickoff Celebration at The Corner outdoor space at NC State University Centennial Campus. Performers include Redbud, Jerron Paxton, and Brek featuring Hank Smith and Pattie Kinlaw. Event details are available at RaleighWideOpen.com. The Icelandair contest winner will be announced live at this event.
• Friday, Oct. 2: Raleigh Wide Open official downtown festival from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Full schedule and details at RaleighWideOpen.com
• Saturday, Oct. 3: Festivities continue in Downtown Raleigh from noon to 11 p.m. Full schedule and details at RaleighWideOpen.com

For complete festival details, schedules, and updates, visit raleighwideopen.com.

Raleigh Denim and Icelandair join a dedicated group of corporate, foundation, and private supporters who make the Raleigh Wide Open Music Festival, presented by PNC Bank, possible and ensure it is completely free to the public. These supporters include: PNC Bank, Ron and Nancy McFarlane, Natural Light, Goose Island Brewing Company, Little Trees, Arizona Hard Tea, the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau, NC State Centennial Campus, Parker Poe, Dr. Pepper, Sunny’s Hard Lemonade, State Farm, WTVD/ABC 11, Campbell University School of Law, Icelandair, the Governor’s Highway Safety Program, and Torchy’s Tacos. Essential foundational, civic, and cultural funding is further provided by the Carlyle Adams Foundation, the City of Raleigh, the City of Raleigh Arts Commission, the Levitt Family Foundation, the NC Arts Council, the NC Division of Natural and Cultural Resources, and the United Arts Council.