Destination SunFest at Dix Park–free ferris wheel, carousel, inflatables…and a huge sunflower field

Two hugely popular festivals at Dix Park, Destination Dix and SunFest, are combining into one festival this year.

Destination SunFest will include all the fun, free entertainment from Destination Dix, and will be timed to coincide with peak bloom of the sunflower fields at Dix Park!

It will now take place on Saturday, July 13th, 2019, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Admission is free, and so are all the activities and rides.

Dorothea Dix Park is at 2105 Umstead Drive, Raleigh.

This event features a FREE ferris wheel and carousel! All rides, games and activities at the event are free. Scroll down for a huge list of activities and features of this festival.

The night will end with a fireworks display at 9 p.m.

Registration is not required, but is appreciated for planning purposes.

Wellness and Play at Destination Dix

• Amusement Rides – Celebrate the child within by experiencing the Ferris Wheel, carousel, fun slide, swings, and inflatables.
•  Putt Putt – Enjoy a healthy game of miniature golf, getting your steps in as you walk the course.
• Bubble + Water Play – Chase bubbles as you hop and skip through the field and cool off with a water slide.

Arts and Culture at Destination Dix

• Live Music – Sit back and enjoy local musicians performing all day long.
• Air Brushing + Balloon Twisting – Display your creative side with air brush body art or a creative inflated design.
• Scrap Exchange – Craft a unique art project with upcycled materials.
• Art Activity – Get creative through an interactive art experience with Kid Lab artists.

Food and Community at Destination Dix

• Local Food and Beer – Experience local fare from some of the triangle’s favorite vendors with seating areas to mingle with neighbors.
• Yard Games – Gather with friends and meet new people over a friendly game of cornhole, connect 4 and more.
• Raleigh Police and Fire Department – Connect with your local police officers and fire fighters who work hard to create a safe community for us all.

Gardens and Ecology at Destination Dix

• Sunflower Field – Visit the 5 acres of sunflowers planted at Dix Park.
• Garden Activity – Ask a Gardener for at-home plant care tips and take home a giveaway from our Raleigh Parks team.
• Mobile Biofuel Processor – Watch as City of Raleigh makes biodiesel from the sunflowers harvested by Public Utilities.
• Vendors – Hear about other environmental initiatives with Sustainability and Stormwater staff including pollinator habitat and water conservation.

History and Reflection at Destination Dix

• Historic Hayrides – Take a hayride around beautiful Dix Park that highlights views of historic buildings and unique landscapes. Guided tours will be offered each half hour.
• History Display – Explore the past with portions of the current exhibit at the City of Raleigh Museum, From Plantation to Park: The Story of Dix Hill.

Entertainment + Music Schedule

• 2:45 – 4:00 pm – Africa Unplugged
• 4:30 – 5:30 pm – The Sunday Special
• 6:00 – 7:00 pm – Hammer No More The Fingers
• 7:30 – 9:00 pm – 120 Minutes

Food and drink vendors

Food Vendors:

• Spanglish
• Queso Monster NC
• Poblanos Tacos
• Gussy’s Greek
• Jay’s Italian Ice
• BaguetteAboutIt
• Qspresso
• Lake Pine Brusters
• Brooklyn Boys Pizza
• Mr Softee Wake
• Taco Grande
• Hotcakes and Chicken
• Jam Ice Cream
• Beefy Buns
• Curry in a Hurry

Beverage Vendors:

• Lynnwood Brewing
• Carolina Brewing
• Trophy Brewing
• Bull City Ciderworks
• Compass Rose Brewing
• Fortnight Beer
• Raleigh Brewing
• Big Boss Brewing

More information

Parking:

There will be no parking on Dorothea Dix Park campus for this event. Free vehicle parking will be available on NC State Centennial Campus with a free shuttle running between the parking lots and Dorothea Dix Park.

Cars+ Vehicles:

• All event parking will be on NC State Centennial Campus
• You can access event parking lots from Centennial Parkway
• You can access Centennial Parkway from Lake Wheeler Road and I-40 or from Avent Ferry Road
• There will no parking on Dorothea Dix Park campus
• Free parking shuttles will be available near parking lots
• You are welcome to walk from parking lots to the festival

Parking Shuttle

Shuttles will begin running at 2:00 pm and will continue until 11:00 pm

Ride Share

Drop-Off + Pick-Up for Ride Share will occur on Partners Way on NC State Centennial Campus
Ride Share vehicles will not be allowed on Dorothea Dix Park campus

Bikes + Scooters

Bike and Scooter parking will be available at the soccer field parking lots on Hunt Drive

 

More info:

• Dogs are not permitted
• No outside alcohol
• Bring a blanket or lawn chairs
• You can bring a small cooler or picnic basket of food, but there will be plenty of food trucks, beer, ice cream and more
• No smoking
• No drones

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