DARKNESS RISING: LIVE!
Darkness RISING: Live is a free, annual arts and wellness festival celebrating its 8th year. This vibrant block party features a live concert, community health fair, food trucks, vendor shopping, kids’ activities, and more.
The NC event on May 24th, 2025 features headliner NiiTO Band, hosted by Brian Dawson (K97.5) and Melissa ‘Wade in the Water’ (103.9). NYC Darkness RISING: Live on August 16, 2025 is sponsored by the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund.
Presented by Darkness RISING Nonprofit, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing arts and mental health resources to marginalized communities, this event is a safe, uplifting space that fosters connection, healing, and joy.
This is event is open to the public and all communities are welcome.
Save the Date:
Darkness RISING Live: 8!
Save the Date!
Darkness RISING: Live is an annual FREE music and mental health event. Now in our 8th year, the block party features the Black Broadway community and RDU local singers performing inspirational songs + Black mental health providers as guest speakers. The event is hosted by Darkness RISING Project Nonprofit, a 501(c)3 organization which provides direct mental health resources to marginalized communities.
Be there for:
☀️ Live music
☀️ DJ
☀️ Giveaways
☀️ Yoga
☀️ African dance class
☀️ Vendors
☀️ Food trucks
☀️ Free mental health resources
☀️ Wellness workshops
☀️ Interactive art
SAVE THE DATE:
North Carolina: Saturday May 24th, 2025
Moore Square, Raleigh, NC
We’re looking for sponsors, vendors, food trucks, wellness tables, and volunteers!
Want to get involved? Stay tuned for updates.
New York: Saturday, August 16th, 2025
Adam Clayton Powell Plaza
More details coming soon!
FAQ
Darkness RISING: Live is a free, annual music and mental health block party featuring a live concert, community health fair, food trucks, vendor shopping, wellness activities, and more. It's a celebration of culture, community, and mental health awareness.
🗓 Date: May 24th
📍 Location: 201 S. Blount St., Moore Square Park, Raleigh, NC
🕓 Time: 2-6pm
This event is open to the public. You’ll join our incredible community of artists, wellness providers, and RDU family.
Yes! Darkness RISING: Live is completely free and open to the public. No ticket required, RSVP is encouraged: https://bit.ly/DarknessRISINGLive8NC
Our 2025 headliner is the incredible NiiTO Band, with performances by other amazing local artists. The event will be hosted by Brian Dawson (K97.5) and Melissa “Wade in the Water” (103.9).
Absolutely! We welcome all ages and have activities for kids, teens, and adults alike.
Yes! We’ll have a variety of food trucks and food tables offering delicious meals and refreshments available for purchase.
The community health fair includes free mental health resources, wellness activities, and opportunities to connect with local therapists and support services.
Yes, the event is designed to be accessible to all attendees, including those with disabilities. If you have specific accessibility needs, feel free to contact us in advance at [email protected]
We’d love to partner with you! Visit: https://darknessrisingproject.org/sponsorship-form/
And contact: [email protected]
Well-behaved pets on leashes are welcome! Please clean up after your pet and be mindful of the crowd and noise levels.
We’d love to have you involved! Fill out our Vendor Form here.
Volunteer Forms here: https://bit.ly/NCDarknessRising8
You can support by donating, volunteering, sharing our mission, and following us on social media at @darknessrisingproject. Learn more about our year-round programs, including REBUILD and FMAT, at darknessrisingproject.org
Past DR Live Events
