Events

The annual Kirby Derby is a Raleigh tradition of wacky downhill soapbox racing and community fun. For this year's theme - Games People Play - get inspired by your favorite board games, field games, video games, role playing games, Olympic games, playground games, mind games…  Let the Games Begin! 

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.

Event Details

Time: 3:00 - 9:00 pm

• 3:30 pm - Pinecar Races
• 4:30 pm - Parade
• 5:30 pm - Soapbox Derby

Location: Richardson Drive Loop at Dix Park.

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

RSVP: RSVPs help us plan for the number of attendees and you will be in the know of event updates and weather alerts.  Everyone is encouraged to get into character with costumes!

RSVP ON FACEBOOK

Know Before You Go

• Please come prepared for the weather and be mindful of staying hydrated and protected from the sun. 
• Walking will be necessary in and around the event area.
• Indoor restrooms are available at the Stone Houses and at the Chapel from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Additional portable restrooms are on-site, too. 
• Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome, but please use your best judgement to determine if your pooch will enjoy the wacky crowd and noise.
• If there is inclement weather, the event will be canceled and we will post alerts on social media and dixpark.org.

What to Bring

• 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

Food + Beverage

• Ty’s All Natural
• Arepa Culture
• Kona Pizza Cones
• LocoPops
• Sweet Treats of NC
• Trophy Brewing Co.
• Ponysaurus Brewing Co.
   

Directions + Parking

Driving

• Via Western Boulevard: Enter at S. Boylan Avenue or Hunt Drive
• Via Centennial Parkway: Enter at Blair Drive
• Follow signs to the Chapel

Biking or Walking 

• Via Rocky Branch Greenway: Enter at S. Boylan Avenue
• Via Centennial Bikeway Connector: Enter at Blair Drive

Parking

• Follow event signs and parking staff
• Parking is located in front of the Chapel
• Please carpool if possible!
• Bike racks are located at the Stone Houses 

Accessibility

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: ADA parking spaces for the Chapel are to the left and out front of the building. ADA parking spaces are available in all lots.

Chapel Entrance: Ramp and ADA push button activated door is located to the left of the front of the building. 

Restrooms: Indoor accessible restrooms are available in the Chapel.

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.

Questions?

Contact Dix Park Staff at 919-996-3255 or events@dixpark.org