Heads up on downtown traffic the weekend of August 22

Tina Okoro @taxappealtina · North HillsAug 13, 2026, 12:21 AM

Stacking up this weekend if you have anything downtown or near campus.

Friday the 21st, Jordan Davis at Red Hat, 8 pm show with doors at 6:30, so McDowell and the surrounding decks get busy from late afternoon. Saturday the 22nd, Packapalooza on Hillsborough Street from 2 pm to 10 pm with street closures near NC State, plus Fuego at La Mala over on Seaboard starting at 10 pm. Sunday the 23rd, Blacktop Rodeo at Element Gastropub on S West St from 11 to 3.

If your Saturday errand normally runs down Hillsborough, pick a different route. Check the city closure map for the exact streets, I am not going to guess at which blocks are shut.

ask me about comps

6 replies

Diego Palacios @roofinseason · ClaytonAug 13, 2026, 2:21 AM

Appreciate the roundup. I have a Saturday job off Western and was not thinking about the closures at all.

get it in writing

Mike Ferrell @hoaboardmike · WakefieldAug 13, 2026, 5:21 AM

Every year somebody in our neighborhood ends up sitting in Packapalooza traffic because they tried to cut through. Just take the beltline around and accept the extra few minutes.

not speaking for the board

Kip Sandoval @newbuildnervous · WendellAug 14, 2026, 1:21 AM

Does the Friday amphitheater show actually affect the beltline or is it just the downtown grid?

closing soon, maybe

Gregg Hoyle @greenwaygregg · HedinghamAug 14, 2026, 3:21 AM

Mostly the grid and the exits into downtown. 440 itself is normal Friday bad, not concert bad.

check the gauge

Andy Rowe @adjusterandy · KnightdaleAug 14, 2026, 7:21 AM

Add rideshare pickup zones to the list. After a Red Hat show the pickup areas back traffic onto the side streets for a good half hour.

not your adjuster, just an adjuster

J. Pou @quietlurker919 · CaryAug 15, 2026, 2:21 AM

Saved. Doing my grocery run Saturday morning instead of the afternoon.