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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Festive market & movie night
Moore Square
Best Time
Festive market & movie night

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Raleigh's historic Moore Square is a vibrant urban park hosting lively events, family fun, and community gatherings.
"Moore Square is truly one of the best spots in Raleigh and has something special for everyone."
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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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.

Interactive Play Areas
Moore Square
Features a fun slide and splash pad, making it a hit for families and kids looking for outdoor fun.
Live Music & Performances
Moore Square Stage
The square often hosts live music, from jazz series to festival performances, filling the air with vibrant sounds.

Local Artisan Markets
Moore Square
Discover unique crafts, produce, and goods from local vendors at various markets held throughout the year.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Event Hub Alert
Downtown Dynamics
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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:Bring a Picnic Blanket
Perfect for enjoying food truck fare or movie nights. Relax on the grass and soak in the atmosphere.
:blanket:Explore Local Eateries
Beyond food trucks, discover nearby cafes and restaurants for diverse dining options.
:forkandknife: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.
:calendar:Arrive Early for Events
For popular events like movie nights or markets, arriving early secures a good spot and avoids crowds.
:running:Bring a Picnic Blanket
Perfect for enjoying food truck fare or movie nights. Relax on the grass and soak in the atmosphere.
:blanket:Explore Local Eateries
Beyond food trucks, discover nearby cafes and restaurants for diverse dining options.
:forkandknife:Consider Daytime Visits
For a more family-focused experience, daytime visits are often recommended due to evening crowds.
:family_man:What Travellers Say
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.
"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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
Absolutely! Moore Square is bike-friendly, with bike racks available. It's a great way to access the downtown area and enjoy the scenery.
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.
Yes, Moore Square is well-served by various GoRaleigh bus routes, making it accessible via public transportation from different parts of the city.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
Moore Square has an enclosed dog park, making it a great spot for your furry friends to exercise and socialize.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
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.
Visitors often capture event highlights, family fun, urban landscapes, and candid moments of people enjoying the space.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
🐶 Dog Owners
🎶 Music Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Moore Square: A Hub for Community Events
Social media content frequently highlights the energy and variety of these events. TikTok videos showcase specific festivals like the Raleigh Foodie Fare and the Hopscotch Festival, while Instagram reels emphasize the community spirit during markets and movie nights. This consistent presence of events solidifies Moore Square's reputation as a dynamic urban destination.
Family Fun and Recreation at Moore Square
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.
Moore Square's Urban Oasis and Amenities
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Moore Square offers practical amenities. There's an enclosed dog park for canine companions, and a cafe called Square Burger that comes highly recommended. Additionally, Lucky Tree, a coffee shop offering pastries and more, has become a popular spot within the square. These features contribute to Moore Square's role as a versatile and welcoming destination for both residents and visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit