Things to See and Do in Moore Square Raleigh
Whether you’re a local or visitor, there are a variety of things to see and do at Moore Square Raleigh. There are historic buildings to visit, movies to see, and a pop-up market to enjoy.
Historic buildings
Located in downtown Raleigh, Moore Square is one of the city’s most historic neighborhoods. It has been around for over two centuries. It was originally a residential neighborhood. It later transformed into a commercial district. In the twentieth century, it became a hot spot for nightlife and entertainment. It has also been home to several fine dining restaurants, art galleries, and outdoor markets. It is considered one of the densest neighborhoods in Raleigh.
In the 19th century, Moore Square was considered a Baptist Grove. It was home to several small churches. In the late nineteenth century, Moore Square became a thriving commercial district. Its businesses included saloons, bootmakers, grocery stores, boarding houses, and blacksmiths. Moore Square was used by local troops during the Civil War.
After the Civil War, Moore Square became a sleeping quarter for Union troops. The town’s population grew rapidly in the late nineteenth century. In addition to Moore Square, new neighborhoods began forming on the edge of town. New schools also sprang up.
New perimeter path
Originally founded in 1792 as an agricultural trading center, Moore Square is now an urban green space that is an iconic destination for downtown Raleigh. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Moore Square has been a place of refuge, learning, and dialogue for decades. The park includes a children’s museum, public transit station, and several restaurants. It is also the location of Moore Square Magnet Middle School and the Oak City Outreach Center. The Park is owned by the state and maintained by the city.
Moore Square’s historic oaks, which are as old as the park itself, are protected from pedestrian traffic. A new perimeter path will surround the central lawn and create a promenade. Pedestrian safety improvements include bump-outs at intersections and wider sidewalks.
Moore Square has been the site of numerous public events and is a significant example of early American town planning. It is also designated as a Raleigh Historic Landmark.
The master plan introduces a centralized civic landform that energizes the site and organizes it into functionally distinct spaces. It breaks the traditional crisscross path structure and shapes an outdoor environment that prioritizes occupation.
Pop-up market
Whether you’re into food, art or music, Moore Square has something for you. The market is a curated selection of Triangle-area artisans and vendors, including locally-made wines and spirits, hand-made jewelry, and fresh produce. There are also non-profits and activities for kids.
Moore Square is also home to the First Friday Market and Movie Night, and a slew of other small-scale events. During the First Friday market, there’s a free movie on the lawn, as well as live music and food trucks. If you’re looking for a little nightlife, there’s also the Raleigh Night Market, which is held on the third Thursday of each month.
Other notable events include Art-N-Soul, which takes place every other Saturday at Mystic Farm Distillery in Durham. Among other things, Art-N-Soul offers a tasting experience. The distillery is also a tour destination.
Besides the First Friday Market and Movie Night, Moore Square also hosts the annual Summer Bazaar, which features a selection of Triangle area artisans.
Movies in the Square
Located in Downtown Raleigh, Moore Square is a four-acre park that serves as a cultural hub. It is home to several gathering and performing spaces, including the Pope House Museum, City Market, Moore Square Theater and Marbles Kids Museum. It is also the site of the Moore Square Market, a farm-fresh produce market that operates from May to October.
In July and August, Moore Square will host an outdoor movie series. Each movie is free for Museum members and $7 for non-members. In addition to movies, Museum members can enjoy pre-show entertainment that will be tailored to the theme of the night’s movie. Guests can also enjoy food and drinks available on-site. Guests can also enter a costume contest. Each costume entry will receive a prize. The costume contest will be held before the movie begins.
The Cinema in the Square series will continue through October. The movies are co-produced by the Downtown Raleigh Alliance and Raleigh Parks. The movies are free to attend and are hosted at Moore Square.