Day 1 @ Hopscotch Music Festival – September 10th 2015

The Hopscotch Music Festival, returned to downtown Raleigh, NC for its sixth year. The festival which runs a bit like SXSW, features an eclectic mix of bands that includes rising stars, established indie acts, a strong base of local talent, and notable headliners. Turning the standard festival format on its head, Hopscotch starts each evening with the bigger headlining bands in the center of Raleigh at City Plaza. After the main-stage sets, festival goers can then “hop” between shows taking place at venues spread across the city… All within a radius of 10 blocks or so. While Hopscotch has been noted for booking plenty of underground and experimental acts, its strength lies in diversity. With around 140 bands, spanning a multitude of genres, performing over three days, there really is something for everyone.

The festivities kicked off Thursday with a slew of free day parties taking place at venues, clubs and bars across the city. Hopscotch officially began the evening at the main-stage in City Plaza, which hosted Godspeed You! Black Emperor and Ought. From there the crowds fanned out to catch notable sets by Mac McCaughan, Phil Cook celebrating his brilliant new album Southland Mission, Lydia Loveless, and a myriad of others. Check out photos from Hopscotch Day 1 below:

Hopscotch Day Parties: