Moore Square - The entrance of Two Exchange Square in Central District, with the HKEX headquarter located there. The outdoor LED display screens also display information about the HKEX. The sculpture 'Oval with Points' designed by Henry Spencer Moore is located in the circular foundation in front of the entrance.
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Moore Square

4.3
·1k reviews·Raleigh, United States

Raleigh's historic Moore Square is a vibrant urban park hosting lively events, family fun, and community gatherings.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

First Friday Evenings

Festive market & movie night

CrowdMedium
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Moore Square - The entrance of Two Exchange Square in Central District, with the HKEX headquarter located there. The outdoor LED display screens also display information about the HKEX. The sculpture 'Oval with Points' designed by Henry Spencer Moore is located in the circular foundation in front of the entrance.

Moore Square

Best Time

First Friday Evenings

Festive market & movie night

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Raleigh's historic Moore Square is a vibrant urban park hosting lively events, family fun, and community gatherings.

4.3
(1k reviews)

"Moore Square is truly one of the best spots in Raleigh and has something special for everyone."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Event Schedule First

Moore Square is an event hub! Always check their calendar to see what's happening before you visit. :calendar:

Arrive Early for Events

For popular events like movie nights or markets, arriving early secures a good spot and avoids crowds. :running:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

First Friday Market & Movie Night

First Friday Market & Movie Night

Moore Square

Enjoy free outdoor movies, live music, food trucks, and local artisan markets on the first Friday of each month.

TikTokInstagram+1
Interactive Play Areas

Interactive Play Areas

Moore Square

Features a fun slide and splash pad, making it a hit for families and kids looking for outdoor fun.

TikTok
Live Music & Performances

Live Music & Performances

Moore Square Stage

The square often hosts live music, from jazz series to festival performances, filling the air with vibrant sounds.

TikTok+3
Local Artisan Markets

Local Artisan Markets

Moore Square

Discover unique crafts, produce, and goods from local vendors at various markets held throughout the year.

TikTokInstagram+1
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Planning Your Visit

Event Hub Alert

Moore Square is a dynamic event space! Check the schedule before you go, as it hosts everything from food festivals and concerts to movie nights and markets. This ensures you don't miss out on the vibrant community happenings. TikTokInstagram

Downtown Dynamics

While Moore Square is a beautifully maintained urban oasis, some visitors note an increase in the homeless population, particularly in the evenings. This can impact the family-friendly atmosphere. Consider visiting earlier in the day for a more relaxed experience. Reddit

Best Times

When
First Friday Evenings
Why
Festive market & movie night
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday Mornings/Afternoons
Why
Less crowded, family-friendly
Crowd
Low
When
During Special Events
Why
Vibrant atmosphere & activities
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Come see us at the Raleigh Foodie Fare at Moore Square, downtown Raleigh. Here from 11-3 today!!
@featherorknot
71 likes • 1.9K views

Check Event Schedule First

Moore Square is an event hub! Always check their calendar to see what's happening before you visit. TikTokInstagram :calendar:

Arrive Early for Events

For popular events like movie nights or markets, arriving early secures a good spot and avoids crowds. TikTokInstagram :running:

Thanks to everyone who joined us in kicking off our new Final Friday series at Moore Square in Downtown Raleigh last night! I am truly grateful to the Moore Square team for this partnership. We wanted to create another FREE family night out for the community in Downtown Raleigh, and last night showed us that this series is going to be a success! Special thanks to Kara, owner of Zin Wine and Yoga, ...
@get2knowraleigh
84 likes • 2.2K views
We finally got GREEPED! @emperorgreep brought the heat today in Moore Square! Amazing band. Amazing set. Amazing tunes. #geordiegreep #hopscotchfest
hopscotchfest
0 likes • 7.9K views

Bring a Picnic Blanket

Perfect for enjoying food truck fare or movie nights. Relax on the grass and soak in the atmosphere. Instagram :blanket:

Explore Local Eateries

Beyond food trucks, discover nearby cafes and restaurants for diverse dining options. TikTok :forkandknife:

Moore Square from my drone. Moore Square has been a place of gathering, entertainment, and recreation for locals and visitors to Raleigh since 1972. This four-acre urban green space was originally conceived as one of five public green spaces for the City of Raleigh and the park/square and surrounds is a charming mix of old and new in the heart of downtown Raleigh.  After playing a significant ...
thisisraleigh
186 likes • 8.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Event Schedule First

Moore Square is an event hub! Always check their calendar to see what's happening before you visit. TikTokInstagram :calendar:

Arrive Early for Events

For popular events like movie nights or markets, arriving early secures a good spot and avoids crowds. TikTokInstagram :running:

Bring a Picnic Blanket

Perfect for enjoying food truck fare or movie nights. Relax on the grass and soak in the atmosphere. Instagram :blanket:

Explore Local Eateries

Beyond food trucks, discover nearby cafes and restaurants for diverse dining options. TikTok :forkandknife:

Consider Daytime Visits

For a more family-focused experience, daytime visits are often recommended due to evening crowds. Reddit :family_man:

What Travellers Say

4.3
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Moore Square is a beautifully maintained downtown park, praised for its vibrant event scene, family-friendly amenities like a splash pad, and local markets. While it's a beloved community gathering space, some visitors note an increase in the homeless population in the evenings, which can affect the atmosphere for families. Reddit

"Nicely maintained park at the heart of downtown. Lately it has been taken over by homeless people hovering all over. It’s uncomfortable to spend time with family"

Gilmanur Rashid

"It's one of Raleigh's newest public parks. They hold special events, craft fairs, and weeknight movies in the park, and they have fun games available for everybody to enjoy. And it has a slide and a splash pad, so it's great for families and kids. What's not so great is around 5 o'clock in the evening, that's when the homeless start to arrive. It's not that we don't feel safe. It's just clear that it's not a family place anymore."

John Lore

"Moore Square is truly one of the best spots in Raleigh and has something special for everyone. The park itself is beautifully designed with plenty of open space, shaded areas, and well-kept grounds that make it perfect for a walk, picnic, or simply relaxing. There are fun games and activities set up around the park that families and kids love, which adds to the lively and welcoming atmosphere. The surroundings are vibrant, and on many days you’ll find a variety of food trucks offering delicious options that really enhance the experience. Beyond visiting as a guest, I’ve also had the privilege of being a vendor during events at Moore Square. The energy here is always so positive, and the community support makes it one of the most rewarding places I’ve ever participated in as a vendor. It’s not just a park, but a gathering place where people connect, enjoy, and create lasting memories."

Anita Meel

What People Like

Vibrant event hub
Family-friendly amenities
Beautifully maintained grounds

What People Dislike

Evening homeless presence

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Moore Square is centrally located in Downtown Raleigh at 201 S. Blount Street. It's easily accessible by car, with nearby parking garages and street parking. Public transportation options, including bus routes, also serve the area. Many visitors find it convenient to walk or bike if staying nearby. TikTokInstagram

Yes, there are several parking decks and street parking options available in the vicinity of Moore Square. The closest parking decks include the City Market Garage and the Moore Square Parking Deck. It's advisable to check parking availability and rates in advance, especially during major events. TikTok

Absolutely! Moore Square is bike-friendly, with bike racks available. It's a great way to access the downtown area and enjoy the scenery. Instagram

For major events, consider public transport or ride-sharing services to avoid parking hassles. Walking or biking is also a great option if you're in the downtown area. TikTokInstagram

Yes, Moore Square is well-served by various GoRaleigh bus routes, making it accessible via public transportation from different parts of the city. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Moore Square itself is a public park and generally free to enter. However, specific ticket requirements may apply for special ticketed events hosted within the square. TikTok+1

As a public park, Moore Square is typically open from dawn until dusk. However, hours for specific events or facilities within the square may vary. It's best to check the schedule for any planned activities. TikTok

The First Friday Market & Movie Night at Moore Square is a free community event. While RSVP is encouraged via websites like get2knowraleigh.com, there is no cost for admission. TikTokInstagram+1

Moore Square hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, markets, and holiday celebrations. Checking the official Raleigh Parks and Recreation website or local event listings is the best way to stay updated. TikTokInstagram+1

Moore Square has an enclosed dog park, making it a great spot for your furry friends to exercise and socialize. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Moore Square offers a slide, splash pad, and various games like ping pong, making it very family-friendly. They also host events like movie nights and festivals that cater to all ages. TikTokReddit

Yes, Moore Square often features food trucks during events, offering a variety of cuisines. There's also a cafe called Square Burger, which is highly recommended, and Lucky Tree, a coffee shop with pastries. TikTokInstagram+1

Moore Square is a vibrant event venue hosting everything from food festivals (like Raleigh Foodie Fare and Cinco de Mayo) and music festivals (like Hopscotch) to free movie nights, markets, and community celebrations like Juneteenth. TikTokInstagram+4

Absolutely! With its open green spaces and shaded areas, Moore Square is perfect for picnics. You can grab food from nearby vendors or bring your own. Instagram

Moore Square is known for its lively and positive atmosphere, especially during events. It's a gathering place for the community, offering a mix of relaxation and entertainment. InstagramReddit+1

📸 📸 Photography

Moore Square offers a picturesque urban setting with its green spaces, modern design elements, and often vibrant event backdrops. The drone shots showcase its charm, and the general ambiance during events provides great photo opportunities. Instagram+1

Drone photography is possible, as demonstrated by some aerial shots of the square. However, always check local regulations and park rules regarding drone usage before flying. Instagram

Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, can offer beautiful lighting for photography in the park. Daytime visits are also great for capturing the lively event atmosphere. Instagram

The interactive elements like the hopscotch mat and ping pong table, along with the backdrop of downtown Raleigh, offer unique photo opportunities. Event days provide dynamic scenes. InstagramReddit

Visitors often capture event highlights, family fun, urban landscapes, and candid moments of people enjoying the space. TikTokInstagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Moore Square is a fantastic choice for families! It features a splash pad and slide TikTok that kids adore, plus interactive elements like a hopscotch mat. The First Friday Market & Movie Nights TikTok+1 are a highlight, offering free entertainment. Consider visiting earlier in the day to avoid potential evening crowds and ensure a more relaxed experience. TikTokReddit

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

Moore Square is a gem for budget-conscious travelers as many of its attractions are free! Entry to the park is free, and events like the First Friday Market & Movie Night TikTok+1 are completely free to attend. You can enjoy live music TikTok and the general atmosphere without spending a dime. Packing a picnic is also a great way to save on food costs. TikTok

🐶 Dog Owners

Bring your furry friend along! Moore Square has a dedicated enclosed dog park,Reddit allowing your dog to socialize and get some exercise in a safe environment. It's a great amenity for dog owners visiting or living in Raleigh. Reddit

🎶 Music Lovers

Moore Square frequently hosts live music events, from jazz concerts TikTok to performances during festivals like Hopscotch.TikTok+1 Keep an eye on the event schedule to catch local and touring artists performing in this vibrant downtown setting. TikTok+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Moore Square: A Hub for Community Events

Moore Square is more than just a park; it's a central gathering place for the Raleigh community, buzzing with activity throughout the year. From the popular First Friday Market & Movie Night TikTokInstagram+1 to seasonal celebrations like Juneteenth TikTok+1 and holiday events,TikTok there's always something happening. These events often feature live music,TikTok+2 food trucks,TikTokInstagram+1 and local artisan markets,Instagram creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere for all ages. The square's design, with its open spaces and stage area, makes it an ideal venue for these diverse community gatherings. Instagram

Social media content frequently highlights the energy and variety of these events. TikTok videos showcase specific festivals like the Raleigh Foodie Fare TikTok and the Hopscotch Festival,TikTok+1 while Instagram reels emphasize the community spirit during markets and movie nights.Instagram+1 This consistent presence of events solidifies Moore Square's reputation as a dynamic urban destination. Instagram

Family Fun and Recreation at Moore Square

Families will find Moore Square to be a fantastic destination, offering a range of activities designed for children and adults alike. The park features a splash pad and slide,TikTok providing hours of entertainment during warmer months. Beyond the play structures, there are interactive elements like a hopscotch mat and ping pong table,Reddit encouraging playful engagement. The square also hosts family-friendly events, such as free outdoor movie nights TikTok+1 and festivals that often include activities like petting zoos and bounce houses.TikTok

Reviewers consistently praise Moore Square as a great spot for families. The presence of these amenities and events makes it a go-to location for a fun and accessible day out. Even when there isn't a specific event, the open green spaces and play areas offer ample opportunities for children to run and play. TikTokReddit

Moore Square's Urban Oasis and Amenities

Moore Square is a beautifully maintained urban green space in the heart of downtown Raleigh, offering a pleasant escape from the city bustle. It boasts plenty of open space, shaded areas, and well-kept grounds,Reddit making it perfect for a leisurely walk, a relaxing picnic, or simply enjoying the outdoors. The park's design incorporates modern touches and historical significance, dating back to 1792 as one of Raleigh's original public gathering spaces.InstagramReddit

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Moore Square offers practical amenities. There's an enclosed dog park Reddit for canine companions, and a cafe called Square Burger Reddit that comes highly recommended. Additionally, Lucky Tree, a coffee shop offering pastries and more, has become a popular spot within the square.Instagram These features contribute to Moore Square's role as a versatile and welcoming destination for both residents and visitors. Reddit

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