Our free, family-friendly concert series on the picturesque shore of Lake Raleigh returns Thursday evenings in April and May of 2026. This collaboration between NC State LIVE and Centennial Campus Placemaking celebrates the unique voices of North Carolina’s extraordinary music scene.

LIVE at Lake Raleigh 2026

April 9 and 23 | May 7 and 21
Free event!

• Gates and food trucks at 5 p.m.
• Concerts at 6 p.m.

Location: On the shore of Lake Raleigh, at the corner of Main Campus Drive & Campus Shore Drive. Free parking. See illustrated map here.

Check out our FAQS.

Duck
April 9
Food Trucks 5 p.m. | Concert 6 p.m.

Get your boogie on when Duck takes the stage for our first LIVE at Lake Raleigh concert of the season! This funky, bluesy, jazzy band brings the party. Like their t-shirts say, it’s time for DUCK, DUCK, GROOVE. And you’ll be catching them LIVE the night before their new album (“Funk Prayer”) drops.

Kaira Ba with Jennifer Curtis
April 23
Food Trucks 5 p.m. | Concert 6 p.m.

Kaira Ba ecstatically explores the spiritual songs, stories, and rhythms of Senegal’s millennia-old Mandé culture. Headed by Diali Cissokho, who comes from a long line of prominent griots, the band integrates the traditional sounds of the kora with guitars, keyboard and an exuberant rhythm section. Kaira Ba will be joined by violinist Jennifer Curtis, described as a “multi-genre maverick” by the San Diego Union Tribune.

Laura Gonzqui
May 7
Food Trucks 5 p.m. | Concert 6 p.m.

North Carolina singer Laura Gonzqui was born in Venezuela. Her Latin-fusion sound incorporates jazz, soul, blues, salsa and world music. Noted for her performances at multiple renowned festivals, she enchants audiences with her rich vocals and dynamic presence. Laura is making her second appearance on the LIVE at Lake Raleigh series.

Palmyra
May 21
Food Trucks 5 p.m. | Concert 6 p.m.

For the final concert of the 2026 LIVE at Lake Raleigh series, we welcome the Virginia-based Americana/folk rock band Palmyra. This trio – first seen by our team at Raleigh Wide Open last October – exists at the intersection of indie rock and raw folk music. They explore the fusion of traditional folk string instruments, lush harmony, and earnest songwriting.

About LIVE at Lake Raleigh

Since 2018, NC State LIVE has presented a series of sunset concerts by the beautiful Lake Raleigh. These free outdoor events feature an exhilarating lineup of primarily North Carolina-based musicians.

Bring your picnic blankets and lawn chairs (and non-perishable food donations for Feed the Pack‘s food pantry) and expect a family-friendly good time. 

Food trucks will be on site beginning at 5 p.m. Bands will take the stage at 6 p.m. Free parking after 5 p.m.

FAQS

Curious about what you can bring or where you can park? Find answers to these questions and more in our FAQS for LIVE at Lake Raleigh.

Food Trucks

Curious about what’s on the menu for future events? Follow @NCStateLIVE on Facebook for updates.

Food trucks for April 9:
The Blue Window (Mediterranean)
Arepa Culture (Latin American)
Craft Public House (traditional pub and comfort food)

Our Supporters

It takes a village. NC State LIVE and NC State Centennial would like to thank our supporters who help to make LIVE at Lake Raleigh possible: Raleigh Arts, Arts NC State and 88.1 WKNC.