Break out your favorite costumes, and get ready to cheer on soapbox racers at the quirkiest day in Raleigh!
The Kirby Derby, Raleigh’s “annual day of awesomeness,” started in 2002 in the Pullen Park Terrace neighborhood southwest of Downtown Raleigh. It’s grown over the years and in 2017 moved to Dorothea Dix Park, with the Dix Conservancy and City of Raleigh joining to produce the event.
Each year has a theme, embraced by both racers and spectators who line the streets to cheer them on. This year’s theme, Games People Play, challenges attendees to find inspiration from games of any sort: board, Olympic, field, video, or anything else their creative minds dream up.
The fun runs from 3-9 p.m. this Saturday, Aug. 17.
Pinecar Race
Young racers – under 18 years old – will put their petite creations head to head in a Pinewood Derby at 3:30 p.m. The official race inspector, Blind Willy, will verify all cars are in specs before the heats begin. Cars follow the model of official Boy Scouts of America Pinewood Derby kits, and children must make their own creations (though help is allowed). See examples and learn more at the website.
Parade
All are welcome to participate in a fun and fantastical community parade at 4:30 — so long as they’re in keeping with the theme (and not in a motorized vehicle)! The soapbox racers will all roll their creations along, accompanied by bikes, scooters, walkers, floats, and more. It’s an interactive, musical, silly event you won’t want to miss.
See photos from previous years and read all the details here.
Soapbox Derby
The titular event of the day sends registered racers down a hill and around two thrilling curves. See how people incorporate the idea of games into their gravity-powered vehicles and cheer on your favorite creations. Get details and rules here.
“All aspects of it are good-spirited,” says Pullen Park resident Danielle Teed. “It’s just an event full of family and fun, run by people who are very passionate about it.”
Prior registration is required to race or participate in the parade. If you missed the boat to enter this year, don’t worry: It’s never too early to start planning for next year!
