Raleigh, N.C. (July 23, 2026) – In North Carolina’s capital city, convention connection extends beyond the exhibit hall. Rather than relying solely on traditional convention amenities, Raleigh’s 90% locally owned, walkable downtown restaurant and retail scene offers attendees the opportunity to engage with independent businesses eager to embrace each event. From hosting craft enthusiasts to anime fans and beyond, the city’s entrepreneurial community transforms conventions into a citywide celebration.

The Modern Quilt Guild’s QuiltCon 2026 – the world’s largest modern quilting event – brought more than 29,000 attendees to the Raleigh Convention Center from February 19-22. Alongside extensive quilt exhibitions, educational sessions and workshops, downtown Raleigh businesses and creative organizations embraced the event’s artistic spirit with custom promotions, themed menus and hands-on experiences that connected attendees with Raleigh’s creative community.

• Artspace, Raleigh’s nonprofit visual arts center, hosted complimentary textile exhibits, while the Raleigh Lace Museum offered two-for-one admission.
• Copperline Plant Co. invited attendees to its free, weekly Craft Night and eclectic gift shop, DECO, stocked quilting-themed merchandise.
• Sir Walter Coffee introduced a “Quilter’s Cup” specialty latte while nearby local yarn store, Parcero Studio, featured special promotions.
• Additional local restaurants and retailers offering special promotions and discounts included: One For All Thrift, Sono Sushi, Whiskey Kitchen, Bricks and Minifigs, Chido Taco and Amrut: Taste of India.

The city's collaborative approach continued in May when Animazement welcomed more than 20,000 anime, gaming and Japanese pop culture enthusiasts to downtown Raleigh. Local businesses once again developed creative activations that extended the convention experience throughout the destination.

• Morgan Street Food Hall’s Arbor Bar joined in the festivities with a themed “Critical Hit $10 Cocktail Menu” featuring Mana Potion, Pink Senpai and Fire Blossom cocktails.
• Veloce Italian Market hosted a costume contest with a $500 cash prize alongside dining discounts.
• Favorites like Flour and Barrel, plant-based Element Gastropub, Sir Walter Coffee and Videri Chocolate Factory offered anime-themed drinks, baked goods and specialty menus.

"Meeting attendees today want to experience the destination they're visiting, and Raleigh's locally owned businesses are eager partners in creating those memorable moments," said Dennis Edwards, President and CEO of Visit Raleigh. "The collaborative spirit between our hospitality community, independent businesses and convention organizers allows us to extend the energy of an event beyond the Convention Center and into our vibrant downtown, giving planners another compelling reason to choose Raleigh."

This weekend, more than 50,000 GalaxyCon attendees can expect another warm welcome as Raleigh's downtown businesses prepare to celebrate one of the Southeast's largest pop culture conventions. Continuing Raleigh’s tradition of successful convention partnerships, independent shops like Videri Chocolate Factory are preparing themed promotions, exclusive menu items, specialty retail offerings and unique experiences designed to excite and engage attendees.
 

About the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (Visit Raleigh):
As the official destination marketing organization for Wake County, Visit Raleigh is responsible for promoting Wake County as an attractive travel destination and enhancing its public image as a dynamic place to live and work. Through the impact of travel, the organization strengthens the industry and community's economic position and provides opportunities for people throughout Wake County. Raleigh, N.C./Wake County welcomes 19 million visitors annually, whose spending tops $3.4 billion. The visitor economy supports more than 26,000 local jobs in Wake County and generates $321 million in state and local tax revenues, saving each Wake County household $720 in taxes annually. visitRaleigh.com

Media Contact:
Visit Raleigh
Hannah Hankins
Public Relations and International Tourism Manager
919.819.8292
hhankins@visitRaleigh.com

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