I've been to Red Hat before but my first time attending for a concert. Parking (in the deck across the street) and getting in was near flawless! Fast and easy. Even with lines, they are efficient in screening people and scanning tickets. They keep people moving. And the staff is just pleasant!! From the entrance of the venue, to the food station, to exiting after the show everyone was just nice! Makes a big difference. Stopped by the drink and food station. Got fries, wine and water for two of us. That was $70+ dollars!!! I'm still very confused by that. It is expected that venue concessions will be a bit expensive but 2 waters and 2 cans of wine should not have totaled $58. The fries were nicely cooked though. The seating. We were pretty close and had really good seats as far as proximity to the stage. The issue is the seats are SUPER close together and small so it gets uncomfortable because you are all up on people, particularly those you don't know. Also, the rows aren't spacious either so it is a hassle if someone in the middle of the row is constantly getting up and leaving and coming back. The venue itself is nice. Amazing view of the city in the background and honestly there isn't really a bad seat in the house unless you end up behind the sound booths. The weather was perfect and not too hot but I would've hated it had it been hotter. There isn't an awning or any cover for shade. If you go in the heat of the summer (especially in NC) be prepared for it (hydrate, reduce alcohol, bring a fan, light dress) and be mindful of your seating selection although you won't be able to avoid the sun. I'd return to that venue, with some preparation adjustments on my end. read more

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Came here for a show recently and had a good time. I had a lawn ticket and was too cheap to rent a chair or blanket or anything like that, so I stood up most of the time :) I was in maybe the worst possible location (far right near the back of the lawn) but I could see the stage reasonably well and the audio was solid. On the negative side, the drinks were insanely expensive at $19 for a big can of "craft beer" (or $18 for the standard domestic options). Hot dogs were priced relatively reasonably at $5 each, but they were pretty gross. I should probably take off another star for these offenses but I guess I kind of expected it :) Parking is pretty easy since there are a bunch of parking decks nearby, and I think you can also find street parking. I did end up paying $10 to park in the Cabarrus Deck, but whatever. Overall, I would come back here to see a show, but I would definitely try to eat (and drink) beforehand. read more

Red hat has really great artists, mostly really uncomfortable seats (unless you are in the back rows - those seats are nice), a teeny tiny lawn section, zero shade on hot or rainy days, very friendly staff, a mostly easy entrance experience, and a very limited bathroom situation. I'd like to give it a great review, as I go to a fair amount of concerts here and it's easy to get to, but honestly, in the summer for concerts I won't drink a single beer because I don't want to deal with the bathroom lines and it's sooooo hot. To their credit, they do have a lot of great food options though. Also, if you happen upon bad weather (calling for lightening specifically), they evacuate the whole venue and don't communicate well/often enough to figure out when to come back without missing the opener(s). Fun fact: you could watch the show from the parking deck across the street for $10 if you wanted to. I hope when they move they will work through the seating, the shade, and the bathroom issues. read more

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Went to the Ella Mai concert and had Pit tickets. It was fun but so hot. They did have cold water near the stage but someone passed out from the heat. They sold food and drinks. I did not purchase anything this time. The concert is outside. You can even purchase lawn tickets which is cool. All the staff was nice and helpful. I will be back read more

Red Hat Amphitheater - Music Venues Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Pretty horrible experience yesterday and I can't say I'm willing to give it another shot. We had killer seats to the Alabama Shakes, but the weather decided it was going to make things challenging. What upsets me about the whole thing is how inept and unhelpful the communication from the venue was on the status of the show. At one point, the venue was evacuated due to lightning but then -still in the midst of a downpour- the venue said the gates were opening. By then, it was ages past the original start time with more bad weather on the way. We decided not to chance it and went home. It's insanely dangerous to the audience and bars to perform in those conditions. Perhaps it was fitting that that was to be among the last shows at that location. read more

Great venue! Sound system is good. Lots of beverage stations all around. We were in Section 7 and the chairs don't face the center of the stage, but far right. I found this really odd. Cup holders for drinks are a necessity at a concert, but they don't have them here. Would have loved screens so we could actually see the musicians. Everyone stood and I am short so I saw very little. read more

Red Hat Amphitheater - Music Venues Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

5 stars because the location is awesome and I feel like it has a cool vibe. I love outdoor concerts. Last night we saw Bush (my favorite band) and we had lawn tickets. During one of the openers a worker came around and asked if we wanted to be upgraded. They upgraded us to section 1!!!! Amazing seats and Gavin ran right past us!!! The only complaint is the prices of drinks. $17 for a truly. But people will pay it and it's a concert venue. Parking is plentiful and very very close. We are staying at the residence in which is a short walk too! read more

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My husband and I went to the Russell Dickerson concert on 4/23. Not impressed. Although this is a newly renovated venue, it was not well planned. It is located next to railroad tracks and the train runs during music events drowning out the musicians. This happened several times during our concert. In addition, drinks are extremely high when compared to other venues in NC. Lines were really long and they charge $20 for a can of beer. Between the train noise and prices, I wouldn't recommend. read more

This is one of my favorite concert venues. No bad seats, great location although the parking situation does suck. The ambiance is fabulous, especially on a warm summer night. I try to see as many concerts as I can there due to the greatness. Wish their food options would expand a little. read more

We had a great experience at Red Hat. Security went quickly, and the concessions were less pricey than at Walnut Creek. The staff were friendly, and the seats were comfortable. I'm looking forward to my next concert at Red Hat! read more

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This is by far the worst venue in North Carolina. The acoustics make the instruments sound muddled and voices garbled. The seats are so close to together you are sitting on top of each other. Airplane seats in coach have more room. I tried the lawn this time hoping for a more relaxed experience but it is at such a slant/ slope that it is uncomfortable and you feel like you are sliding the whole time. Then there are huge equipment / lighting towers that also block views of the stage. Then on top of all that there is no air flow or circulation. The hot humid air just stays stagnant and builds. I can see how the concept is cool & what they were going for but the execution of it is awful. I avoid this venue at all costs unless there is someone I REALLY want to see. read more

Some security was great and others specifically Heather were terrible and I suspect also racist. I had a vip ticket that allowed me to watch a portion of each act from the side of the stage. My seat was way on the other side second row isle. There was no way to know where to sit before hand to plan accordingly. The security on my side stated I could walk down the front row to go to the stage. The area was very well wide enough to accommodate a person walking and not disrupt the front row seaters. The only other way to get back to my seat required walking all the way around the venue which normally wouldn't have been a problem but i had a knee injury that made walking troublesome. I explained to the guard that during the first set "Heather" didn't let me return that way and he assured me it was fine and to let her know he gave the okay which I DID! After finishing up the second stage viewing experience I went to return as instructed and "Heather" screamed in my face to go around. At that point the show was at peak excitement and it was difficult getting back to my paid seat which cost nearly 1k for the vip stage experience. After missing a good portion of the show and finally making it back to my seat what do I find??! Another group of girls there having a grand old time. I specifically chose an aisle seat due to my knee injury and now I just had to suffer. This should have been a great experience but Heather took away from that due to her lack of compassion and unwillingness to make an exception as her colleague on the other side did. I've been to many many concerts front row around the country and hands down Heather treated me worse than I've ever been treated anywhere. read more

Do not order section 6 seats unless you're certain the sound station doesn't obstruct your view. We sat I. Section 5 - better seats than closer ones. Row A has nothing but a walkway in front of you - great seats. Good leaves MUCH to be desired. You can have hot dogs, chips, or a pretzel. That's it. All 5 of us ordered something with cheese - all 5 cheese tubs expired in March (it is late July). The cheese had a hard film. Bathrooms are clean. read more

Red Hat Amphitheater - Cheese that should have been sold or thrown away three months ago. Nasty "cap" of hardened cheese on top. - Music Venues Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Went to Goose last night the Venue made a decision to open the gates 3 hours late due rain that never occurred the show didn't start till 845pm . Whoever made this decision should be fired. People stood in the unbearable humidity waiting in line for hours. The show starts and then it rains. Goose could only perform one set instead of two because the shows have to stop at 11 pm. Would never recommend this venue or go to another show there. Absolutely terrible management. Bands should boycott this venue. read more

Good Venue, small but it's good for this city here for an Ben Rector concert yea l know you haven't heard from him but 75 degrees outside , good crowd, cold beer...yea read more

Two star review because we waited in line for over three hours to see our favorite artist and we flew in from Arizona. We waited and waited and we weren't given a notice until 30 minutes before the show started. Can you imagine spending over $4000 to see your favorite artist only to be told it's been canceled. Thank you Rally. I know this is not your fault but I'm just in a lot of pain ever ever since she passed, it's been very painful and this is my one chance of feeling better. Please do better. read more

Good event venue with awesome views everywhere but the concession prices are not worth it! I saw Vampire Weekend a few months ago- they're one of my favorite bands and they were great. But $18-$20 for a tallboy or canned wine is kind of obscene haha! I had a good view from the middle-ish area and the staff were friendly and helpful in navigating me to my seat. Parking decks nearby were reasonable, I found one a block away for $10. Lines to the restroom moved quickly too. I'd go back to see another show but recommend pregaming before unless you want to "stimulate the economy". read more

Red Hat Amphitheater - Music Venues Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Great venue for seeing a band! Much smaller than the other amphitheaters and also flatter. Food choices are much more limited than the bigger amphitheater but the alcoholic beverages were priced similarly. read more

Ok venue. It's in downtown Raleigh cool to see the building around. But the stage is hard to see if you are anywhere but in the front. The acoustics are that great. There's no screens to see what's going on on the stage if you can't see. Bathroom situation is awful. But I love Seether so I had a good time. read more

As a frequent concert goer, I get to see a lot of venues all across NC. My only knock on Red Hat is simply the lack of a covered area with fans. From a service standpoint, on my most recent trip to see the Totally Tubular event, there was an ample amount of staff wandering around to aid in pretty anything. Food and drink prices are similar to the venues all around Raleigh. I love how Red Hat sits right downtown and when it gets dark, there's nothing better than the view. All in all, typically a great experience whenever I go to an event at Red Hat. read more

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With summer approaching remember at Red Hat they would rather you bake in the sun than stand in the elusive shade. Also - if it's a musically concert DON'T DANCE. They HATE fun! read more

I had the most amazing night at the Red Clay Strays, thanks to Kelin!! I am on a walker and he met me at the box office to escort me to my seat and helped me through a big crowd. Once I was at my seat, he routinely checked on me throughout the show to make sure I was ok. This was extra nice because I am a woman who was attending the show alone. Before the show ended, Kelin told me to wait at my seat and he'd help me exit the venue, as well. He walked me out to the Uber pick up location. Thank you, Kelin for helping me get around with ease, feel safe, and for your kindness!! I'll definitely be back because my experience was so great and Kelin went above and beyond!! read more

I gotta say, I loved seeing a concert at Red Hat Amphitheater. First off, parking is so easy! Between the deck and the parking lots all around downtown, it really is not hard to find parking. I also appreciate that with all the options for parking it doesn't take you an insane amount of time in traffic once you leave the show. Security was easy and they had plenty of staff working. Of course the drinks and food are insanely priced, I would expect no less considering it's a concert venue. I appreciate how they let you bring in one sealed water bottle. The seating options are easy to figure out and overall there really isn't an awful seat in the place. I look forward to seeing another show here, I know the Amphitheater is moving so I'm sure the next rendition will be even better. read more

This music venue is smaller and the experience depends on where you sit. If you have a lawn seat then get there early if you want a view of the stage but if you only care about hearing the music then that does not matter. As far as the beers go, they are way overpriced. Before you visit make sure you view the venue policies and where to park. read more

I visited Red Hat Amphitheater for the first time recently and was positively surprised by this venue! Located right in Raleigh, there's plenty of parking in the garage for $10 which is super cheap considering most concerts charge about $40. The parking garage is just down the street from the venue so it's convenient. The venue itself has some weird rules like no purses or bags unless it's see-through because they don't actually look through your bags. I had to go back to the car to drop off my purse. Red Hat has a slight hill but I wouldn't recommend lawn seating because the view looks awful from there. It's pretty cozy and more intimate than most big venues. There's plenty of restroom stalls (I didn't use) and beverage/food vendors. The merch area was well maintained and quick to get through. Acoustics were pretty good. My one complaint would be that the train passes by the venue and it's loud, so it kind of abrupte the concert. I had a great time at Red Hat and would definitely come back to see another show. read more

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(FYI/Slight disclaimer I'm reviewing my experience here pretty late since the actual concert happened ages ago) Not a bad venue but I didn't go to the merch booth/get food so can't review any of that. (I stayed glued to my seat the entire time because it was my first concert) Toooooons of seats but staff was helpful so I found mine pretty quickly. I believe I came like ~15-20 after the doors officially opened and I was able to check in/get past security really fast. The show was fun and the performer came out afterwards for a bit and I got to shake his hand so really fun night! read more

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Came to Red Hat last minute with chill expectations and lawn tickets. Came out very impressed with the overall facilities and staff. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the restrooms weren't just portapotties, but in a trailer type building with running water (to the right of the stage). The left side did have portapotty like bathrooms however, they had running water and sinks outside. The staff was exceptionally friendly and even upgraded us to the front row of section 7. The aisle did somewhat interrupt our experience with all the passersby but, no complaints as it was free. Overall, I would return here for another concert, however it's important to note a lot of the seats have a limited view. read more

Red Hat Amphitheater - Music Venues Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Recently I attended the TLC Crazy Sexy Cool Celebration Tour with Bone Thugs and Harmony here. I love this amphitheater. It's located in one of the busier areas of downtown across from Poole's Diner and the famous Raleigh mural. We Ubered to the venue to avoid walking and the lines in the parking lots/ garages. I was glad I did ! This was my first outdoor concert experience in Raleigh. Red Hat runs a tight ship. I love how organized they are here. There were no lines to get in and we were able to find our seats easily. I purchased tickets on Groupon and we had an amazing view of the stage. We headed over to the bar and ordered pretzels and margaritas. This was one of the strongest margaritas I've ever had. The bartenders know what they're doing here !!!!! I found the prices decent. The set design and sound during the show were great. Security was awesome and I really enjoyed the show. Can't wait to come again. read more

Red Hat Amphitheater - Great drinks - Music Venues Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Enjoying an awesome day of festivities along with gaining knowledge about the upcoming rights /voter registration necessities on a beautiful Saturday. Thank you for the invite and Free entry Ana #CarolinaDaze Unika B. & Co. read more

I attended a Conan Gray concert at Red Hat Amphitheater tonight with my family, and I have to say, I was extremely disappointed with the venue. We traveled 200 miles, spent $600 on hotels, $200 on food, $100 on gas, and another $200 on concessions at the concert, only to be met with a completely frustrating experience. First, the parking was easy and the walk to the amphitheater was short. However, finding our seats in section 6 was a challenge. Nothing was labeled, and we had to use my phone to look up a map. Even then, it was difficult because the wireless reception was terrible. Once we found our seats, the view was completely obstructed by a large shed-like structure labeled "Front of House Mixing" on the map. It blocked up to 75% of the stage for anyone seated in section 6, rows A through Z, seats 1 through 10. These tickets should have been sold at a reduced price, and there should have been a clear warning about the obstructed view. It was a complete disappointment to have spent so much money and time for seats like this. But that wasn't the worst part. The audience was mostly women, yet the bathroom facilities were split 50/50 between men and women. This quickly turned into a nightmare when the women took over the men's bathroom. Men couldn't use their own restroom without having women standing in line behind them while they were using the urinals, often laughing like it was some sort of joke, while the men's privacy was totally invaded. When I spoke to a police officer, he told me that under NC law, they couldn't prohibit anyone from using whatever bathroom they wanted. But he did acknowledge that if it were men infiltrating the women's restroom, it would be a total "sh#% show". This isn't about trans rights, either--this was an abuse of the law by women who were being inconsiderate and selfish. The officer and I even discussed how "woke" North Carolina has become and he told me he was planning to leave because he couldn't take it anymore. Great job, North Carolina! This kind of disrespect for personal privacy and mismanagement of bathroom facilities is unacceptable. Women in my life don't act this way, and I was appalled to see it happening. It's another example of liberal "woke" policies taken to extremes, where common courtesy and privacy are disregarded. Though the performer was good, I cannot recommend this venue to anyone. Between the obstructed view and the complete chaos with the bathrooms, this place was a total letdown. Don't waste your time or money here. read more

Red Hat Amphitheater - Obstruction of view (75%) - Music Venues Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Really disappointed in this venue. And that's saying something coming from someone who once watched a concert in a parking lot in little Mullens, WV. You'd think that after spending over $250 for two tickets, you'd at least be able to see the stage -- but our view is completely obstructed. No big screen. No effort to make the experience better for those not front and center. Really frustrating. read more

As far as venues go, this one was top notch for an all-day event I attended here. It was during the Covid Pandemic, so outdoors was preferred by the event organizers. What makes it 5-Star is the staff. The restrooms on one side of the venue were kept surprisingly clean for an event that went 15+ hours (I didn't stay the whole time, but was close). People were always cleaning tables and pickup up trash (attendees can be slobs) throughout the day. There was a concert later in the evening and the sound was pretty good and the large screens allowed you to see if you didn't sit too close. (Red) Hats off to everyone who organized and worked this event as it was top notch. read more

I really loved this amphitheater! It is smack dab in the middle of the city and there are plenty of places to park and get in and out . We were there for 6 hours and loved it. The bathrooms are so clean and have AC, they have plenty of food options, and you can take a 1 liter water bottle and have free refills. The lawn is very tiny as this is a smaller amphitheater than most. But, I absolutely loved it. Staff were very friendly, place was clean and the overall venue was great! You can take a blanket for the lawn. read more

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We just so happened to drive up and had to instantly find a parking spot just to check this place out. I've never gone ice skating at an outdoor rink. It was on my bucket list (really for NY) but I'll take it. Being from Florida, you don't get outdoor ice rinks. I was super excited to do it. The ticket prices are two different amounts, depending if you plan on renting ice skates. The line was long so bring your patience. If this was summer, I would have none. They seemed to have a problem getting the ice skates returned so it took longer for the line to go down. The ice skates do run big, so best to size down. The rink was a lot smaller then I imaged in my head. The ice needed to be cleaned up a bit because of how many people were on it. I was having a hard time skating and I'm pretty good. After 20mins or so I kind of just gave up. Took a few pictures and tried a trick or two. The area around it was nicely decorated and plenty of places to hang out at. The food area was one tiny looking shed. We shared a beer and both had a pretzel. No complaints. My only disappointment was .... as were were finishing up and I already returned my skates, the zamboni came out to clean the ice. So sad. I would have loved to skate on nicer ice without tripping on uneven ice. read more

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Just a great place to catch a concert. We saw Peter Frampton. In the middle of downtown, no roof, surrounded by the tall buildings, everyone was so polite we parked across the street, maybe 300 ft from our seats, cost $10! read more

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Attended the Chappell Roan concert on June 12th. The venue was amazing! Sat on the lawn, and had such a great view! read more

Red Hat Amphitheater - View of stage from lawn - Music Venues Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

I always like going here. It is a nice venue with lots of options of snack and drinks. The restrooms are decent. You see a lot of staff walking around. There is plenty parking nearby as well. I've seen lots of different concerts here and they off a variety of entertainment. It's offers a nice capacity for being in downtown Raleigh read more

This is the first time I've been to this venue for a concert and I have to say they really did a nice job getting people in getting them seated and getting them out in a very reasonable and organized manner. Even the restrooms to the right of the stage were clean and kept up with m quick in and quick out. When people rushed down the aisle and tried to block my view they were quickly put back into their seats in the back of the theater. We lucked out and had amazing weather and I'm sure that if it rains it wouldn't be as fun but the venue overall did a really great job and I would definitely do another concert here again read more

Lovely small outdoor venue!! The only reason for one less star is inability to leave and come back and no lawn chairs allowed. We are at the Kehlani concert, which really is fantastic and the venue provides such an intimate setting where you feel that you are close to the stage! read more

this is the first year for the red hat amphitheater rink to have igloos available. I paid $300 to reserve an igloo that came with six sliders, a pot of hot cocoa, and cookies. Because the igloo reservations were for six people and I had seven in my party. I purchased an extra ticket. I did not purchase extra food. The party of food would be plenty for my party of seven. when we got to the igloo, I was told that only six people could go into the igloo, not seven. I pointed out that I had paid for the extra person and was not asking for anything more. I was told that it was "policy "not to , give an ID band to any extra person. they would not allow two people to share a band with one person in the igloo while the other person was skating. At no time did we ever have six people in the igloo at the same time. it was definitely unclear in the ticket pricing that ONLY six people were permitted and that you could not pay for anyone extra or share space. I paid over $300 for this igloo and more for the extra ticket The Coco was great, the cookies were meh. there was no water in the igloo and you had to buy it elsewhere. The price of the igloo did include concierge service to the other food items available on the site. The sliders were lukewarm and wrapped in saran wrap, not in foil, that would keep them warm for people as they came in. The concierge at the igloo was very polite through all of this. That said, the people who are scanning tickets at the gate are rude, rough and demanding as they moved people along. Also, there is a QR code waiver process that you have to complete while you are standing in line, competing with other customers for space to scan the code. It's a pretty simple process, but there is no reason that code should not have been sent with the tickets, or separately before the event. We did not finish all of our refreshments, and there are no "to-go boxes." We were provided a thin plastic trash bag to take our food home. Had fun skating, but the rink was crowded and the ice was bad - there was no zamboni maintenance during our two-hour session. So there is definitely room for improvement, bit for a $300 feature, I would have expected better. We will probably come back again, but just to skate. read more