The Triangle Is Transforming: The Biggest Entertainment, Food, and Lifestyle Openings Coming in 2026

Raleigh and the greater Triangle are entering a new era of entertainment, culture, and development — and 2026 is the year everything begins to change. From world-class music venues to massive new recreation facilities, booming food and beverage spots, and transformative mixed-use districts, the region is gearing up for one of its most exciting growth spurts ever.

Below, we’re pulling back the curtain on the top new entertainment venues opening in 2026, along with a look at the game-changing developments already under construction that will completely reshape the Triangle.

SECTION 1: Raleigh’s Major Entertainment Upgrades

A New Era for Live Music

Raleigh’s live music scene is getting an enormous upgrade starting with a completely redesigned Red Hat Amphitheater. As part of the Convention Center expansion, the existing amphitheater is being replaced with a brand-new venue just one block south of its current location.

• Capacity: Increasing to 6,500
  
  
• Design: New layout and reoriented stage
  
  
• Opening Timeline: Winter 2026 for ice skating; concerts begin Spring 2027
  
  

The current Red Hat Amphitheater has been an absolute gem for downtown Raleigh, but the upgraded version is set to elevate the live music experience across the entire region.

A New Music Festival at Dix Park

After Dreamville Festival’s record-breaking final year — which brought more than 100,000 visitors to Dorothea Dix Park — many wondered what would fill its shoes.

Beginning Spring 2026, Raleigh will launch a brand-new annual music festival produced by the same team behind Dreamville in partnership with Live Nation. Organizers promise it will carry the same welcoming, family-reunion vibe that fans loved, ensuring Dix Park remains a centerpiece for culture and creativity.

SECTION 2: The Triangle’s Food & Drink Scene Levels Up

2026 will bring some major culinary and beverage expansions throughout Raleigh and the Triangle.

The Common Market Comes to Raleigh

A beloved staple in Charlotte and Durham, The Common Market will open its first Raleigh location at Seaboard Station in early 2026. Expect:

• 4,700 square feet of deli, bar, and bottle shop
  
  
• A large outdoor patio
  
  
• Eclectic neighborhood hangout vibes
  
  

Perfect for grabbing a sandwich, sipping a local beer, and people-watching.

North Hills Expands Its Food & Beverage Offerings

Two big players are planting roots in North Hills:

• Standard Beer & Food – Opening a second location with a 15,000-square-foot outdoor patio, the largest in North Hills
  
  
• Sixty Vines – The “winemaker’s restaurant” featuring wine on tap and California wine-country-inspired cuisine
  
  

New Speakeasy + Retro Fun

• The Dry Cleaners (North Raleigh) – A true speakeasy concept from the creators of Watts & Ward, complete with moody, intimate cocktail vibes
  
  
• Super Rad Retro Lounge (Glenwood South) – An arcade bar with classic games, pinball, and a full bar
  
  

Major Chains Arrive in 2026

• Raising Cane’s – Opening on Hillsborough St. across from NC State late 2025, becoming a staple throughout 2026
  
  
• What-A-Burger (not Whataburger!) – Opening its first area locations in Raleigh on Six Forks (old Applebee’s) and in Wake Forest’s Grove 98
  
  

SECTION 3: The Pickleball Craze Hits a New Level

Pickleball fans — 2026 is your year. The Triangle is going all-in on America’s fastest-growing sport.

The World’s Largest Indoor Pickleball Facility?

A massive new complex off Gresham Lake Road in north Raleigh is aiming to open by late 2026. Plans include:

• 160,000 square feet
  
  
• 44 indoor pickleball courts
  
  
• Sand volleyball
  
  
• Badminton
  
  
• Bar + restaurant
  
  

This could become the world’s largest indoor pickleball destination.

Holly Springs’ Major Recreation Expansion

Eagles Landing Park will introduce:

• Indoor recreation center
  
  
• Outdoor, lighted pickleball courts
  
  
• Basketball courts
  
  
• Turf fields
  
  
• Skatepark
  
  
• Walking trails
  
  

Portions may open in late 2026, with full completion in 2027.

SECTION 4: Suburban Boom — Cary & Fuquay-Varina Transform

Growth isn’t limited to Raleigh. Cary and Fuquay-Varina are entering major new phases of development.

Downtown Cary’s Revitalization

East Chatham Street is transforming, anchored by:

• Meridian East Chatham – An $87 million mixed-use community with
  
  
  • 220 luxury apartments
    
    
  • 8,000 sq ft of retail
    
    
  • Opened late 2025
    
    
• Complementary projects: Seasons at Cary and Chatham Street Condos
  
  

Together, these developments are creating a more walkable, energetic, dense downtown core.

Fuquay-Varina’s Massive Retail Expansion

A huge new addition is coming:

• 148,000-sq-ft Target – Opening Spring 2026
  
  
• Part of Gold Leaf Crossing, a 100-acre mixed-use development featuring:
  
  
  • Up to 800,000 sq ft of retail/office/residential
    
    
  • A family entertainment center
    
    

This will be one of the largest retail openings the town has ever seen.

SECTION 5: Downtown Raleigh’s New Civic Heart

The new East Civic Tower — Raleigh’s modern 17-story City Hall — is expected to reach major completion points in 2026.

Highlights:

• Sleek design inspired by Mount Airy granite
  
  
• All city services consolidated into one accessible location
  
  
• A transformative addition to downtown’s skyline and civic presence
  
  

This will become a central hub for government operations and a major architectural statement.

SECTION 6: Under Construction — A Glimpse Into the Triangle’s Future

While 2026 brings many grand openings, it’s also a pivotal year of construction for several transformational, decade-defining projects.

The Swing, Racket & Paddle Complex (NW Raleigh)

A sportstainment mega-project expected to open near the end of 2026, with construction progressing throughout the year.

Veridea in Apex

A massive 1,100-acre master-planned community, years in the making, will begin vertical construction. Home sales may start late 2026 or early 2027.

Asteria — Disney’s Storyliving Community (Pittsboro)

Infrastructure development will be underway throughout 2026 for this breathtaking 1,500-acre community imagined by Disney.

Durham + Raleigh Cultural Upgrades

• New Downtown Durham YMCA – Construction begins 2027, but 2026 will show early prep work
  
  
• NC Museum of History Renovation (Downtown Raleigh) – Under construction with a 2028 reopening target
  
  

Raleigh Sports & Entertainment District at the Lenovo Center

Following the 2025 football season, Phase 1 begins:

• New tailgating plazas
  
  
• Parking garages
  
  
• Retail & entertainment
  
  
• 4,300-seat indoor concert venue
  
  
• Hotel + apartments
  
  

Holly Springs’ Sports & Entertainment Vision

Discussions are underway to create a sports-focused entertainment district at Ting Park, adding restaurants and retail.

Hub RTP

The long-awaited “downtown of Research Triangle Park” continues to grow, with more restaurants and retail coming online throughout 2026.

Raleigh Convention Center Expansion + Omni Hotel

Construction is expected to begin late 2026, with completion projected for 2028. These will dramatically increase foot traffic and energy in the Fayetteville Street district.

Conclusion: A Transformative Era Begins

2026 is shaping up to be one of the most transformative years the Triangle has ever experienced. With new entertainment venues, booming food and drink options, massive recreation projects, and city-shaping developments, the region is launching into a new phase of growth and possibility.

Our team stays on top of every major development so we can help you find the best things to do — and the perfect place to live — in this incredible region.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home anywhere in the Triangle, we’d love to help guide you through this exciting time.

Stay tuned and subscribe — you’ll be the first to know everything new coming to Raleigh and the Triangle!