Event details
A Raleigh tradition of wacky downhill soapbox racing and community fun.
Location
Harvey Hill
Category
Arts & Culture
Event Details
Kirby Derby 2025: Metaphorical Mishaps & Wreckless Wordplay
An annual theme. Costumes and silliness galore. An offbeat parade. A kids competition of pinebox cars. A soapbox derby.
Event Schedule:
3:30 pm | Pinecar Races
4:30 pm | The Parade
5:30 pm | Soapbox Derby
7:00 pm | Live Music
Participate: Register to participate in any of the main events. Challenge the neighbors next door or your rival neighborhood to see who can win as the fast and furious.
Spectate: Line the streets to watch the spectacle. Costumes encouraged!
Volunteer: Join the the Kirby Derby Cleanup Crew!
Know Before You Go
Please come prepared for the weather and be mindful of staying hydrated and protected from the sun.
- Sunscreen, hats and a re-fillable water bottle
- Bug spray and wear closed-toe shoes
- Camp chairs and blankets
- Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed
Road Closures
- Umstead Drive is closed between S. Boylan Avenue and Lake Wheeler Road
- Umstead Drive Entrance off Lake Wheeler Road is closed
Directions
- Via Western Boulevard: Enter at S. Boylan Avenue or Hunt Drive
- Via Lake Wheeler Road: Enter at Goode Street
- Via Centennial Parkway: Enter at Blair Drive
- Follow Signs towards Harvey Hill
If there is inclement weather, the event will be cancelled and updates will be posted on our website and social media, including the Facebook Event.
Temporary restrooms will be available throughout the event site. Indoor and ADA restrooms are available in Gipson Play Plaza or at the Stone Houses
Dix Park continues to strive to be accessible and welcoming for visitors, including those with disabilities. Currently, portions of Dix Park, including some areas where programs and events occur, have uneven surfaces and are not fully accessible. Accessibility is a primary focus for early park improvements and all future planning and development.
Event Area
- This event takes place on the road, grass and uneven surfaces around Harvey Hill.
- There are sidewalks and curb cuts around the event area.
Parking & Arrival
- Public Parking Lots B, D, E, G adjacent to Gipson Play Plaza have ADA parking spaces, accessible curb cuts and sidewalks leading to Harvey Hill.
- Parking near the Chapel has ADA parking spaces, accessible curb cuts and sidewalks to Harvey Hill.
Restrooms & Facilities
- Restrooms at Gipson Play Plaza and Stone Houses are fully accessible.
- House of Many Porches Market is fully accessible.
Programs and events
Raleigh Parks Inclusion Services works with community members to support participation. To request a program modification based on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please complete and submit the Accommodation Request Form or contact Inclusion Services staff at 919-996-2147 or ParksInclusion@raleighnc.gov.
Contact Dix Park Staff at 919-996-3255 or events@dixpark.org
About the Event
The Kirby Derby was founded by the Pullen Park Terrace neighborhood in 2002. Pullen Park Terrace is better known by its two streets, Kirby and Bilyeu. In 2017, Kirby Derby moved to its new location at Dix Park in partnership with the City of Raleigh. Dix Park Conservancy is proud to sponsor this year's event.
2017 National Neighborhood Award Winner! Pullen Park Terrace was awarded 2nd prize nationally for 2017 Neighborhood of the Year, specifically for the project of Kirby Derby.
