Regional Event: Dix Park’s Gipson Play Plaza Opens This Weekend with Music, Water, and Wonder for kids and adults
Just 30 minutes from downtown Holly Springs, Raleigh’s newest 18-acre play destination promises a full weekend of family fun, splash zones, live entertainment, and interactive adventures.
Note: Park features, grand opening schedule, food & beverage options, and directions can be found below.
Holly Springs, NC, June 6, 2025 — The long-anticipated Gipson Play Plaza at Dix Park officially opens its gates this weekend, marking a significant milestone in the transformation of the 308-acre historic Dorothea Dix campus into one of the nation’s premier urban parks. Named in honor of the Gipson family, whose philanthropic support helped bring the project to life, the Play Plaza is the first major built element of the park’s ambitious master plan. Designed with families in mind, the 18.5-acre space reimagines what a public play environment can be, blending art, nature, water, and adventure in an inclusive space where children of all abilities can explore, create, and connect. Once the site of the state's mental health hospital and sprawling institutional grounds, Dix Park is being reborn as a public treasure, and Gipson Play Plaza is the vibrant, welcoming front door to that new vision.
This weekend's grand opening celebration promises non-stop fun for all ages, featuring three days of music, movement, and magic. From interactive art stations and storytelling to splash zones and acrobats, every corner of the park will be buzzing with activity. Don’t miss Friday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony and DJ dance party, Saturday’s performances by Carolina Ballet and Raleigh Rockers, or Sunday’s live concert by Latin fusion band ¡Tumbao! The immersive after-dark light show running each evening will cap off the excitement, making this a can’t-miss experience for Triangle-area families.
🛝 Park Features for Families
Gipson Play Plaza offers a unique blend of imaginative landscapes and hands-on features designed to inspire hours of exploration:
Slide Valley – A hillside of extra-long and varied slides
Watermill Mountain – Playful water features powered by spinning mills
Sensory Maze – A hedge maze filled with sound, movement, and discovery
Fountain Plaza – A splash pad and waterfall designed for summer fun
Swing Terrace – A 91-foot mega swing with skyline views
Sand Bowl – A massive sand play area for digging and building
Woodland Garden – Shaded paths and quiet nooks for relaxation
Interactive Art and Music Spaces – Spread throughout the park
🎉 Grand Opening Weekend Schedule
Friday, June 6 (4–10 PM)
🎧 DJ Mike Forno at Fountain Plaza (12–3:30 PM)
🎀 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with ASL interpretation (4:30–6 PM)
🎶 Live music by The Asheville Mountain Boys (6:30–8 PM)
🌌 Immersive light experience (8–10 PM)
Saturday, June 7 (9 AM–10 PM)
🧘 Morning yoga sessions (7–9 AM)
🎨 Art workshops, drum circles, and nature-based crafts (10 AM–3 PM)
📖 Storytime with Blubobobobo (1–3 PM)
💃 Performances by Raleigh Rockers and Carolina Ballet (3–7 PM)
🎤 Concert with Emerald Empire (7–8:30 PM)
🌌 Light experience continues (8:30–10 PM)
Sunday, June 8 (9 AM–10 PM)
🧘 Yoga with Erica Lagarde (7–9 AM)
🎨 En Plein Aire art sessions (9–11 AM)
🎶 Music by Garland Mason and Raleigh Rockers (1–5 PM)
🦊 Poetry Fox in the Woodland Garden (5–7 PM)
🎶 Closing concert with ¡Tumbao! (7–8:30 PM)
🌌 Final night of the light show (8:30–10 PM)
Expect surprise visits from mascots like Wool E. Bull and Mr. & Mrs. Wuf, acrobats from Imagine Circus, and interactive performances from characters like Sunny the Fun Fairy.
🍽️ Food and Beverage Options
Gipson Play Plaza makes it easy for families to refuel without leaving the fun. At the heart of the plaza is the House of Many Porches Market, a beautifully restored historic home serving:
Fresh sandwiches and snacks
Ice cream and frozen treats
Fruit, chips, and grab-and-go items
Coffee, water, and a variety of cold drinks
Beer and wine for adults (21+)
Comfortable outdoor seating and shaded porches create an inviting space to relax between adventures. In addition, food trucks will rotate through the weekend, offering kid-friendly meals and local favorites. Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are welcome.
🚗 Getting There & Parking
📍 715 Biggs Drive, Raleigh, NC 27603
⏱️ Approx. 30-minute drive from downtown Holly Springs
Free Parking & Shuttle Info:
Limited parking is available at Dix Park
Free shuttles will run continuously from satellite lots and Moore Square Park in downtown Raleigh
Shuttle Hours:
Friday: 4 PM – 10 PM
Saturday & Sunday: 8 AM – 10 PM
ADA-accessible parking via Umstead Drive (must display ADA permit)
🧳 What to Bring
Sunscreen, hats, and reusable water bottles
Swimsuits, towels, and extra clothes for water play
Picnic blankets or folding chairs
Strollers or wagons for young children
Dogs are allowed on leash, but may be more comfortable at home during large events
Prohibited items: Outside alcohol, smoking/vaping, and drones
📱 Text GIPSONPLAY to 888777 for real-time event updates
The Dix Park Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization partnering with the City of Raleigh to transform the historic Dorothea Dix Hospital site into a vibrant 308-acre urban park that fosters community connection, creativity, and well-being. Established in 2016, the Conservancy leads fundraising, advocacy, and community engagement efforts to realize the park's ambitious master plan, which includes features like the newly opened Gipson Play Plaza and public art installations. Through inclusive programming and stewardship, the Conservancy ensures that Dix Park remains a welcoming and dynamic space for all.
Learn more at https://www.dixparkconservancy.org/