Kirby Derby has been a Raleigh tradition since 2002. It started when two residents of the tiny Pullen Park Terrace neighborhood (just 32 houses!) put together a neighborhood parade. On year five, the “derby” part of the event was added, with a soapbox derby race. An annual theme, a pinebox car competition for kids, costumes and silliness are all part of the tradition.
In 2017 the residents of Pullen Park Terrace embraced the growth of Kirby Derby and the development of the the park that the neighborhood borders, and moved the event to Dorothea Dix Park. The neighborhood group partners with the Dix Conservancy to bring the event to the public.
This year, 2024, Kirby Derby will take place at Dix Park and it’s open to all! The theme this year is “Games People Play.” It takes place on Saturday, August 17, 2024, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The specific location at Dix Park is Richardson Drive Loop at Tate Drive, Raleigh, NC. The best entrances to Dix Park are:
- Hunt Drive off Western (across from the prison)
- S. Boylan off Western (across from Boylan Heights neighborhood)
It’s still free for all, but you do need to register for all the events (except cheering.) Registration will open soon.
Pinecar Races
3 p.m. check-in; race starts at 3:30 p.m.
Register to participate.
If you ever participated in the Pinewood Derby in Boy Scouts, you’ll remember that there are some important specifications. The Kirby Derby also has a set of rules, but they’re not exactly the same, so please read the rules.
Kirby Derby Parade
4 p.m.: Line up
4:30 p.m.: Parade starts
Register to participate.
Put together your craziest costume and build the most outlandish float (but not too tall–there are electrical lines.) There are some common sense rules (drivers must be sober, watch your children, etc.) that you’ll find here. You must participate in the parade if you want to race in the soapbox derby.
Soap Box Derby
Check in at 5 p.m. Race at 5:30 p.m.
Register to participate.
Age 18+ for this one.
You need to participate in the parade to participate in the Soap Box Derby.
The vehicles will go downhill will encounter curves and a speed bump. Some of the rules for this activity (see the complete rules here):
- Helmets must be worn
- The vehicle must have working brakes (your shoes are not brakes)
- The vehicle must have at least 3 wheels
- No engine or pedals – this is a gravity-only vehicle
- A push-off is allowed but no other power enabler (i.e. no pedals)
- The vehicle must have a steering mechanism
- Maximum 2 riders – both must be behind the steering column and/or the front wheel(s)
Food and beverages
Food trucks will be there, and there will also be beer for purchase. Don’t bring your own beer.
