Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
Raleigh's premier venue for diverse live performances, from opera and ballet to concerts and theater.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Showtime magic!
Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
Best Time
Showtime magic!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Raleigh's premier venue for diverse live performances, from opera and ballet to concerts and theater.
"A beautiful facility with comfortable seating and good stage views, making it ideal for concerts and performances."
🎯 Pre-Show Dining Options
Chidos Tacos offers great Mexican food & drinks with a view of the venue. El is also nearby. :knifeforkplate:
🎟️ Book Tickets Early
Popular shows, especially Mexican artists, sell out fast. Get yours on Ticketmaster! :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Diverse Live Performances
Various stages
Experience a wide array of talent, from opera and ballet to concerts and comedy.
+2
The Lounge VIP Experience
Designated VIP area
Enjoy pre-show drinks and light bites in an exclusive setting for an elevated experience.
+1
Holiday Spectacles
Main theater
Witness magical holiday transformations, like The Dessertery's winter wonderland.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book in Advance for Popular Shows
+1Consider the VIP Lounge Experience
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Pre-Show Dining Options
Chidos Tacos offers great Mexican food & drinks with a view of the venue. El is also nearby. :knifeforkplate:
🎟️ Book Tickets Early
Popular shows, especially Mexican artists, sell out fast. Get yours on Ticketmaster!
✨ Elevate with The Lounge
Add The Lounge for light bites & top-shelf spirits before your show.
🚶♀️ Walkable Dining
Many restaurants are within walking distance for a convenient pre-show meal. :walking:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Pre-Show Dining Options
Chidos Tacos offers great Mexican food & drinks with a view of the venue. El is also nearby. :knifeforkplate:
🎟️ Book Tickets Early
Popular shows, especially Mexican artists, sell out fast. Get yours on Ticketmaster!
✨ Elevate with The Lounge
Add The Lounge for light bites & top-shelf spirits before your show.
🚶♀️ Walkable Dining
Many restaurants are within walking distance for a convenient pre-show meal. :walking:
💡 Consider Seat Location
Most seats offer good views, but check seating charts for optimal stage visibility. :seat:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts as a beautiful facility with comfortable seating and good stage views, making it ideal for concerts and performances. The staff is consistently noted as friendly and helpful. However, some attendees have experienced long lines and wish for better lighting in seating areas during entry.
"My wife and I attended the graduation ceremony for Campbell College Law School students on Friday 5/9/25 at this beautiful facility. It was huge and beautifully decorated throughout. I was very impressed with the astonishing decor of this place. I can imagine that it can hold maybe close to 2000 people for events. It would be a perfect place for concerts or dramatic performances. Handicap accessible bathroom facilities and plenty of parking. We really enjoyed ourselves mostly because of how comfortable the seating was and the enjoyment of watching a relative graduate from a wonderful university. Thanks for the experience. If you’re entertaining the possibility of attending a function here I highly recommend it. It’s a beautiful facility."
Mike Maynor
"This is one of my favourite venues! I come here to see the shows that don’t come to Virginia (or at least to Chrysler Hall) such as all the wonderful Mexican 🇲🇽 acts like Ana Barbara, Los Tigres del Norte, and will be seeing Bronco, Pedro Fernandez, and others! I find both venues to be beautiful, but if I had to pick, I like this venue better than Chrysler Hall to be honest.
The view of the stage is better, you don’t have to worry about climbing up stairs to balconies or taking elevators, sound quality is decent, and parking is fairly convenient (no parking garages!). Sure, the drive there is a pain in the butt, but I would rather come here than to miss out on the wonderful shows that the Martin Marietta Center has!
Thank you so much for having good shows and I can’t wait to to see more in the future!"
Rachel L
"Have seen a lot of acts at this venue. Attending when this was still the Duke Center for the Performing Arts. From dance theatre to comedy shows and plays, we enjoy coming to the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts. There have been a couple of sound quality issues within a couple performances. Yet overall this is a great venue to catch a show, play, kids friendly theater or concert. The staff is super friendly and helpful. I am looking forward to the next three performances I am scheduled to see here. By the way every seat is a great seat!!!"
Pamela Schenck
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts is located in downtown Raleigh. Driving is common, with parking available nearby. Public transportation options may also be available depending on your starting point.
Yes, parking is fairly convenient near the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, though there are no dedicated parking garages.
For pre-show dining, Chidos Tacos is a great option with a full bar and Mexican food, offering views of the venue. El is another recommended spot within walking distance.
Information on public transport routes to the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts can be found on local transit authority websites. It's advisable to check schedules in advance.
Yes, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a convenient way to get to and from the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, especially for evening events.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for most performances at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts can be purchased through Ticketmaster.com or the venue's official website. It's recommended to buy early for popular shows.
Discounts can vary by performance. Check the venue's website or the specific event page for any available promotions or group rates.
The operating hours for the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts typically align with showtimes. It's best to check the specific event schedule for exact entry times.
While online purchase is common, check the venue's policy regarding box office sales for in-person ticket acquisition.
Refund and exchange policies are usually set by the individual event promoter. Review the terms and conditions at the time of purchase or contact the ticketing agent.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
The Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts hosts a wide variety of performances, including opera, ballet, concerts (various genres including Latin music), theater, and comedy shows.
Seating is generally comfortable, though some visitors have noted a wish for a little more arm room. Overall, it's considered a good venue for enjoying a show. +1
The view of the stage is generally good from most seats, with many considering every seat to be a great seat.
Yes, the venue hosts kid-friendly theater and family-oriented events, making it suitable for all ages.
The Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts offers 'The Lounge,' a VIP experience that includes light bites and top-shelf spirits for an additional cost, enhancing your pre-show enjoyment.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, 'The Lounge' offers light bites and top-shelf spirits for an enhanced VIP experience.
Chidos Tacos and El are recommended for pre-show dining, offering Mexican cuisine and drinks within walking distance of the venue.
Typically, outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the venue. It's best to consume them before entering or utilize the venue's concessions.
Yes, 'The Lounge' provides a bar service with top-shelf spirits, and nearby restaurants like Chidos Tacos also have full bars.
The Lounge offers light bites and top-shelf spirits, providing a refined pre-show dining and drinking experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography and videography are prohibited during performances to avoid disturbing other patrons and performers. Check venue policies for specific events.
The venue itself is beautiful and can offer good photo opportunities, especially in the lobby areas or before the show begins.
Lighting can be dim during performances for atmosphere. For pre-show or lobby photos, it's generally adequate, but check specific event guidelines.
Flash photography is almost always prohibited during performances as it can disrupt the show and other audience members.
Professional camera equipment (e.g., cameras with detachable lenses) is often restricted. Check the venue's policy for specific details on camera types allowed.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
These events are designed to be engaging and enjoyable for younger audiences, making for memorable family outings. When attending with children, consider booking tickets in advance, as popular family shows can sell out. The venue generally offers comfortable seating with good views, ensuring everyone in the family can enjoy the performance.
🎶 Music Lovers
to popular contemporary artists and international stars, particularly from the Latin music scene. To catch your favorite artists, it's essential to monitor the event schedule and purchase tickets early, as many concerts, especially those featuring popular Mexican performers, tend to sell out quickly.
+1 Consider exploring 'The Lounge' for an enhanced pre-concert experience with drinks and light bites. +1🎭 Theater & Performing Arts Aficionados
+2 The venue's commitment to showcasing high-caliber performances ensures a rich cultural experience. When planning your visit, check the specific show details, as some productions may have unique staging or seating arrangements. Reviews suggest that most seats offer a good view of the stage, and the staff is known for being friendly and helpful.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Hub for Diverse Performances
+1 to electrifying concerts featuring international artists +1 and engaging theater productions, the venue caters to a broad spectrum of tastes. Its multiple stages ensure that there's always something happening, making it a dynamic destination for locals and visitors alike. The venue's commitment to showcasing diverse talent, including popular Mexican musical acts, has made it a favorite for many. Beyond the main stage events, the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts also transforms for special occasions. During the holiday season, it becomes a magical winter wonderland, offering unique festive experiences that are perfect for families and couples.
This adaptability underscores its role not just as a performance space, but as a vibrant community gathering point. The venue's ability to host everything from formal graduations When planning your visit, it's crucial to check the specific event schedule as performances can range from intimate theatrical pieces to large-scale musical extravaganzas. The Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts is dedicated to providing high-quality entertainment, and its programming reflects a commitment to artistic excellence and audience engagement.
+1Enhancing Your Experience: The Lounge & Dining
+1 It's an ideal way to add a touch of luxury to your night out, especially for special occasions or when attending a highly anticipated performance. Complementing the onsite offerings, the surrounding downtown Raleigh area boasts a vibrant dining scene. For a convenient pre-show meal within walking distance, Chidos Tacos is a popular choice, known for its Mexican cuisine and full bar, with the added bonus of being visible from the venue.
While The Lounge provides a curated selection of refreshments, it's important to note that outside food and beverages are typically not permitted inside the performance halls.
Planning your dining arrangements either at The Lounge or at a nearby restaurant ensures a seamless transition into your show experience at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit