Here in North Carolina, September can’t come soon enough; it’s been summer here since, like, April, and we’re all desperately waiting for the temperature to break, if only just a little. But we’re also eagerly looking forward to Raleigh’s Hopscotch, one of the best music festivals in the country and conveniently located right down the road from Merge HQ in Durham.

Since we have so many artists officially performing this year (sup H.C. McEntire, Swearin’, The Love Language, Waxahatchee, Escape-ism, Ought, and Sneaks), we decided to host an event every day of the festival. All are free and open to the public—no wristband required!

Thursday, September 6, 4–6pm
HOPSCOTCH HAPPY HOUR @ Foundation
Free | 21+ | RSVP

  • Custom Merge-themed cocktails created by Foundation’s superb staff
  • Music from our stellar 2018 releases, including a few not yet out!
  • Giveaways and raffle prizes

Friday, September 7, 12–6pm
RECORDSCOTCH @ Wristband City
co-presented with Nice Price Books & Records
Free | All ages | RSVP

  • New and used records for sale by independent North Carolina labels and stores
  • WUNC Music-broadcasted DJ sets from Superchunk’s Laura Ballance, Waxahatchee’s Katie Crutchfield, The Love Language’s Stuart McLamb, and Ought’s Tim Keen and Ben Stidworthy
  • A live taping of The Nice Price podcast

Saturday, September 8, 12–5pm
HOPSCOTCH DAY PARTY @ Kings
co-presented with Orange County Social Club
Free | All ages | RSVP

Make sure you check out the official Hopscotch schedule (as well as the unofficial) to plan out your long weekend and catch all of your favorite Merge artists. Please rest up and hydrate accordingly, because September is right around the corner!