Artsplosure 2026: Art, Food & Culture on Fayetteville Street

Artsplosure 2026 takes over Fayetteville Street May 16-17, and Element Gastropub is right in the heart of Raleigh's biggest arts festival with creative plant-based dishes.

Artsplosure 2026 is transforming Fayetteville Street into an outdoor gallery May 16-17, and Element Gastropub at 421 Fayetteville St sits right in the heart of the celebration. We're offering creative plant-based dishes, outdoor seating for prime people-watching, and the perfect spot for pre-festival, mid-festival, or post-festival dining. At the Center of Artsplosure Our location at 421 Fayetteville Street puts you in the middle of Raleigh's biggest arts festival. Step outside our doors and you're surrounded by artists, musicians, and the creative energy that makes Artsplosure special. We're not near the festival—we're part of it. Art on a Plate At Element, we believe food is art. Chef Lelia Kidd crafts dishes that are as beautiful as they are delicious: Black Garlic Steak Plate – Served sizzling in cast iron with careful presentation Brown Butter Sage Gnocchi – Pillowy pasta with seasonal garnishes Hot Hunee Fried Shrimp – Plated with the attention it deserves Seasonal Specials – Chef Lelia's creative vision changes with the seasons Every plate that leaves our kitchen is crafted with intention. Art isn't just on the walls during Artsplosure—it's on your table. Outdoor Seating for People-Watching During Artsplosure, our outdoor seating becomes the best seat in the house. Watch artists at work, catch live performances, and take in the energy of downtown Raleigh's creative community. Grab a cocktail, order some shareables, and let the festival come to you. Pre-Festival Fuel Starting your Artsplosure adventure? Fuel up with: Brunch – If visiting on Sunday, catch our brunch menu 11am-3pm Lunch – Light bites or full entrees to power your gallery walk Coffee & Drinks – For those easing into the day Mid-Festival Break When you need a break from the crowds, our air-conditioned space offers: Comfortable Seating – Rest your feet and recharge Real Bathrooms – A festival luxury Craft Cocktails & Beer – Our 20-tap wall and full bar are ready Quick Bites – Shareables to keep you going Post-Festival Dining After a full day of art, you've earned a proper dinner. Our Chef's Table menu offers elevated plant-based dining that caps off the creative experience perfectly. Make a reservation for the best post-festival table. 100% Plant-Based, 100% Delicious Our entire menu is plant-based, which means everyone in your group can find something they love. Bring the art collectors, the musicians, the dancers, and the skeptics—we'll convert them all with food that proves plant-based can be indulgent, satisfying, and absolutely delicious. Artsplosure 2026 Details The festival runs May 16-17, 2026 on Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh. Free admission. Element Gastropub is open and ready to serve the festival crowd with our full menu. Visit Us During Artsplosure 421 Fayetteville St, City Plaza, Downtown Raleigh. Open Mon-Thu 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 11am-9pm. Call (919) 703-6538 for reservations—festival weekends fill up fast. We can't wait to feed your creativity.