Kirby Derby

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Event details

A Raleigh tradition of wacky downhill soapbox racing and community fun.

Location

Harvey Hill

Category

Arts & Culture


Kirby Derby downhill soapbox racer at Dix Park

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

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.

Event Details & Registration

Spectate: Line the streets to watch the spectacle. Costumes encouraged!

 

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.

 

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

If there is inclement weather, the class will be canceled and registered participants will be notified through Facebook.

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.

Parking: 

Restrooms:

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