The 10 Must-See Concerts At Lincoln Theatre Raleigh: Your 2026 Event Guide
Downtown Raleigh’s premier live music venue, the historic Lincoln Theatre, is gearing up for an electric start to the new year, solidifying its reputation as a hub for diverse and high-energy performances. As of Tuesday, December 23, 2025, the calendar is packed with major multi-night runs, chart-topping hip-hop acts, and some of the nation’s best tribute bands, ensuring that music fans in the Triangle area have a destination for every genre imaginable. The upcoming schedule is fresh, unique, and promises to deliver unforgettable nights, kicking off immediately with a massive New Year's celebration.
The 2026 lineup at the Lincoln Theatre, located on E. Cabarrus St., spans everything from jam bands and alt-rock to country-tinged Americana and heavy metal tributes. Whether you are a long-time resident of the Raleigh-Durham area or a visitor looking for the best nightlife, this guide details the biggest, most anticipated events you need to mark on your calendar for the coming months, including multi-day packages and special one-off shows.
Immediate & New Year's Eve: The End-of-Year Extravaganza
The most immediate and highly anticipated event is the multi-day takeover that bridges 2025 and 2026, a tradition that draws fans from across the Southeast to the Downtown Raleigh venue. This run sets the tone for a year of stellar live music.
Big Something New Year’s Run: The 4-Day Celebration
The North Carolina-based Big Something is returning to the Lincoln Theatre for their annual, multi-night New Year's Eve run, a staple event for the jam band community. This year's event is a massive undertaking, spanning several days and offering different experiences for dedicated fans.
- Dates: Tuesday, December 30, 2025, through Saturday, January 3, 2026.
- The Event: The New Year's run features multiple unique sets and guest appearances. The multi-day packages (4-Day and 3-Day) are highly sought after, often selling out well in advance.
- Special Night: The event on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, is a special limited-capacity interactive dinner and performance known as "Big Something Roulette," offering a unique and intimate experience with the band.
- New Year's Eve Show: The main event on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, features a performance with supporting act Natalie Brooke, promising a high-energy transition into the new year.
- Genre: Jam band, rock, electronic, and funk fusion.
Shoot To Thrill (AC/DC Tribute)
Kicking off the first full weekend of 2026 is one of the most popular tribute acts to grace the Lincoln Theatre stage. Shoot To Thrill brings the raw power of AC/DC to Raleigh, delivering a show that captures the essence of the legendary Australian band. This is a perfect night for classic rock enthusiasts and a high-volume start to the year.
- Date: Friday, January 9, 2026.
The Winter Concert Series: February’s Major Headliners
February 2026 is stacked with major headlining tours and multi-night engagements, showcasing the Lincoln Theatre's commitment to booking a wide range of musical talent, from country-rock heroes to viral hip-hop sensations.
American Aquarium: The "Roadtrip To Raleigh 2026"
Local favorites American Aquarium, known for their powerful Americana and alt-country sound, are hosting their own multi-night event, dubbed the "Roadtrip To Raleigh 2026". The band, led by BJ Barham, has a strong following in North Carolina, making this a must-attend event for fans of authentic, story-driven songwriting.
- Dates: Friday, February 6, and Saturday, February 7, 2026.
- Details: The Saturday show is listed with a ticket price starting around $58.25 in advance, making it a valuable ticket for a major weekend show. Multi-show packages were also offered, reflecting the dedicated fanbase.
- Genre: Americana, Alt-Country, Southern Rock.
ZOSO – The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience
For fans of classic rock and the iconic sounds of the 70s, ZOSO – The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience returns for a two-night residency. ZOSO is widely regarded as one of the most accurate and captivating Led Zeppelin tribute bands in the world, meticulously recreating the sound and stage presence of the original quartet.
- Dates: Friday, February 13, and Saturday, February 14, 2026.
- Supporting Act: The February 13th show features an opening set from Sun Moon Stars, a Black Sabbath Tribute, making it a powerhouse night for heavy rock fans.
- Genre: Classic Rock, Tribute.
Monaleo: Who Did The Body Tour
Bringing a fresh, modern sound to the Lincoln Theatre is Houston-based rapper Monaleo, who is stopping in Raleigh as part of her "Who Did The Body Tour". Known for her viral hits and sharp, confident delivery, Monaleo's performance is a major draw for hip-hop and R&B fans. The tour's title references her popular track and showcases her rising status in the music industry.
- Date: Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 8:00 PM.
- Genre: Hip-Hop, Rap.
Tribute Power & Alternative Rock: January & Beyond
The Lincoln Theatre has always been a haven for dedicated fans of tribute acts, offering a chance to see the music of legendary bands performed live with incredible fidelity. The early 2026 lineup is no exception, featuring tributes to Widespread Panic and Slipknot, alongside a major alternative rock tour.
The Happy Fits
Looking ahead to the spring, The Happy Fits will bring their high-energy indie-pop and alt-rock sound to the venue. Known for their cello-driven melodies and infectious enthusiasm, the band has built a loyal following through extensive touring. Their stop in Raleigh is part of a larger tour that includes major venues across the East Coast.
- Date: Friday, April 24, 2026.
- Genre: Indie Pop, Alternative Rock.
Panic Stricken (Widespread Panic Tribute)
For the dedicated Widespread Panic fanbase, Panic Stricken offers an authentic experience of the legendary jam band's music. Their performance is a celebrated night of improvisation and deep cuts, often drawing a crowd ready to groove for hours.
- Date: Friday, January 30, 2026.
- Doors/Show: Doors open at 7:30 PM, with the show starting at 8:30 PM.
Knot Your Kind (Slipknot Tribute)
Shifting gears to a much heavier sound, Knot Your Kind pays homage to the masked metal titans, Slipknot. This show is a must-see for fans of nu-metal and aggressive rock, promising a high-octane performance that captures the chaos and intensity of a true Slipknot concert.
- Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026.
More Upcoming Events & Genre Diversity
The Lincoln Theatre’s programming extends beyond the major headliners, offering niche genres and rising stars to cater to the diverse tastes of the Raleigh live music scene. This commitment to variety ensures the venue remains one of Downtown Raleigh's most dynamic attractions.
Ahee & SubDocta
For fans of electronic music and bass culture, the December lineup includes a powerful pairing of producers. Ahee and SubDocta are known for their heavy bass drops and dynamic sets, making this an energetic night for the local EDM community.
- Date: Friday, December 5, 2025.
- Genre: Electronic, Bass Music.
Lavern & Alex LeMirage
Continuing the electronic trend into the new year, the venue will host Lavern and Alex LeMirage. These artists represent the cutting edge of the house and techno scene, providing a different flavor of dance music for Raleigh concert-goers.
- Date: Friday, January 16, 2026.
- Genre: Electronic, House, Techno.
Pete Yorn: 25th Anniversary of *musicforthemorningafter*
Alt-rock singer-songwriter Pete Yorn is set to perform a special show celebrating the 25th anniversary of his critically acclaimed debut album, *musicforthemorningafter*. This is a nostalgic and intimate event for fans of 2000s alternative and indie rock, highlighting a seminal album in the genre.
- Date: Check official ticketing sites for the exact 2026 date, as it was recently announced.
- Genre: Alternative Rock, Singer-Songwriter.
Planning Your Visit to the Lincoln Theatre
The Lincoln Theatre is located in the heart of Downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, and remains a cornerstone of the city's vibrant arts and entertainment district. Its central location makes it easily accessible to residents of Cary, Durham, Chapel Hill, and the wider Triangle area, drawing a diverse audience for every show.
The venue is known for its intimate general admission setting, which provides concert-goers with a close-up, high-energy experience with the performing artists. For the most up-to-date information on ticket availability, door times, and any recent additions to the schedule, it is always recommended to check the official Lincoln Theatre website or authorized ticketing partners like Etix and Ticketmaster.
With major, multi-night runs from Big Something and American Aquarium, a star-studded hip-hop show from Monaleo, and world-class tribute performances, the Lincoln Theatre Raleigh upcoming events for 2026 promise to be some of the best live music experiences in the Carolinas. Don't miss out on securing your tickets for these highly anticipated shows.
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