By admin 
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Raleigh is preparing for one of its biggest gatherings in decades as the Carolina Hurricanes get ready to parade the Stanley Cup through the streets of downtown.
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Thousands of fans are expected to pack downtown Raleigh on Saturday for the Hurricanes’ 2026 championship celebration, a daylong event featuring a victory parade, fan rally, food trucks, entertainment and appearances by players, coaches and special guests.
The festivities come after Carolina defeated the Vegas Golden Knights in six games to capture the franchise’s second Stanley Cup title and first since 2006.
Whether you’re planning to attend in person or watch from home, here’s everything you need to know before Saturday’s celebration.
At a glance
Date: Saturday, June 20
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Downtown Raleigh
Parade Start: Hillsborough Street and St. Mary’s Street
Parade End: Davie Street
Fan Rally: City Plaza following the parade
Admission: Free
Watch live: CBS 17, CBS 17 Plus, CBS17.com and the CBS 17 YouTube channel
What is the parade route?
The championship parade will begin at the intersection of Hillsborough Street and St. Mary’s Street before weaving through the downtown area.
The route will:
- Begin at Hillsborough Street and St. Mary’s Street
- Travel east on Hillsborough Street toward the North Carolina State Capitol
- Turn right onto Salisbury Street
- Turn left onto Morgan Street
- Turn right onto Fayetteville Street
- End at Davie Street
The parade will conclude near City Plaza, where the championship celebration will continue with a fan rally.
The map above shows the parade route, parking locations and the no-ride zone for bikes and scooters.
What happens after the parade?
The party doesn’t end when the final float reaches downtown.
Following the parade, fans are invited to a championship rally at City Plaza on Fayetteville Street.
The rally will feature appearances from Hurricanes players, coaches, team officials and special guests.
Organizers said large video screens and audio systems will be positioned along Fayetteville Street so fans outside City Plaza can still watch and hear the program.
Fayetteville Street will remain closed to vehicle traffic throughout the rally.
Will there be food trucks, music and entertainment?
Yes.
Officials said the celebration will feature:
- Carolina Hurricanes Fan Fest activities
- Food trucks
- Refreshments and beverages for purchase
- Live music and entertainment
- Interactive fan experiences
- Championship-themed activities throughout downtown
Many downtown businesses are also planning special promotions, extended hours and parade-day events.
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Where can I park?
Officials expect downtown parking decks and lots to fill quickly Saturday morning.
Free parking decks
The following parking decks will be free during the celebration:
- Cabarrus Street Deck — 436 S. Salisbury St.
- Moore Square Deck — 233 S. Wilmington St.
- City Center Deck — 429 S. Wilmington St.
- City Hall Parking Deck — 201 W. Morgan St.
- Wilmington Street Station Deck — 117 S. Wilmington St.
Paid parking decks
Parking will be available for a flat $10 fee at:
- Raleigh Convention Center Deck — 500 S. Salisbury St.
- Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts Deck — 2 E. South St.
The Blount Street Deck will not be available because it is closed on weekends.
How can I get downtown without driving?
City officials are encouraging fans to consider public transportation because of expected traffic and parking demand.
GoRaleigh
The following routes connect to GoRaleigh Station at Moore Square:
- Route 1 (Capital Boulevard)
- Route 2 (Falls of Neuse)
- Route 5 (Biltmore Hills)
- Route 6 (Glenwood Avenue)
- Route 7 (South Saunders Street)
- Route 9 (Hillsborough Street)
- Route 11 (Western Boulevard/Avent Ferry Road)
- Route 15 (New Bern Avenue)
- Route 19 (Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard)
A GoRaleigh day pass costs $2.50 and can be purchased with cash or through the UMO app.
GoTriangle
The following routes serve Raleigh Union Station:
- Route 100 from the Regional Transit Center
- Route 300 from Cary Depot
- Route 305 from Apex’s Lake Pine Plaza
Traveling from Durham?
Take Route 700 to the Regional Transit Center and transfer to Route 100.
Traveling from Chapel Hill?
Take Route 800 to the Regional Transit Center and transfer to Route 100.
Where should I be dropped off if I’m using a ridesharing service?
City officials have designated five rideshare drop-off and pickup locations around downtown Raleigh.
Location #1
- West Lane Street between North Dawson Street and North Harrington Street
Location #2
- East South Street between South Salisbury Street and South Wilmington Street
Location #3
- South Wilmington Street between Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and East South Street
Location #4
- East Martin Street between South Blount Street and South Person Street
Location #5
- South Person Street between East Martin Street and East Hargett Street
Officials recommend using these locations and allowing extra travel time because of heavy traffic and road closures.
Can I use bikes and scooters?
Yes, but restrictions will be in place.
A no-ride zone will surround the parade route from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Lime and Spin bikes and scooters will not be allowed to operate within the restricted area during those hours.
Users should park devices in designated parking areas and avoid blocking sidewalks, roads and pedestrian pathways.
What roads will be closed?
Road closures will begin as early as 3:30 a.m. Saturday and are expected to remain in place through the afternoon and early evening.
Beginning at 3:30 a.m.
- Fayetteville Street between Davie Street and Lenoir Street
Beginning at 5:30 a.m.
- Fayetteville Street between Morgan Street and Davie Street
- Hargett Street between Salisbury Street and Wilmington Street
- Martin Street between Salisbury Street and Wilmington Street
- Davie Street between Salisbury Street and Wilmington Street
Beginning at 7 a.m.
- Hillsborough Street between West Morgan Street and St. Mary’s Street
Additional closures and detours may be implemented throughout the day.
Which downtown businesses are participating?
Several downtown restaurants, breweries, bars and shops are planning special promotions, watch parties or extended hours during the celebration.
Participating businesses include:
- The Anchor
- Benny Capitale’s
- Crema
- DECO
- Dram & Draught
- Flying Saucer
- Draught Emporium
- Foundation
- The Haymaker
- Incendiary Brewing Taproom
- Kings
- Le Dive
- The Morning Times
- The Raleigh Times
- Sir Walter Coffee
- Transfer Co. Food Hall
- Whiskey Rose
Additional businesses may announce specials leading up to Saturday.
What safety information should fans know?
City officials encourage attendees to:
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- Stay behind barriers and out of the parade route
- Follow instructions from event staff and public safety personnel
- Keep a safe distance from floats and vehicles
- Know where first aid stations and emergency exits are located
- Report suspicious activity immediately
- Keep children close and supervised
- Establish a backup meeting location in case cell service becomes unreliable
How can I watch the parade live?
CBS 17 will provide complete live coverage of the championship celebration.
Fans can watch on:
- CBS 17
- CBS 17 Plus
- CBS17.com
- CBS 17 YouTube
Coverage will include the parade, championship rally, speeches from players and coaches, fan reactions and live reports from across downtown Raleigh.
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