Your ultimate guide to First Night Raleigh and New Year’s Eve events in the Triangle
It’s a new year. It’s a new decade. Time to celebrate.
Here’s your guide to saying bye-bye-bye to 2019 and the ’10s via a host of New Year’s Eve opps in the Triangle — from First Night to Boodle Fights and more.
First Night Raleigh 2020
Raleigh’s First Night tradition, now in its 29th installment, is still holding strong, ringing in the new year by dropping a 1,250-pound nut from the sky (er, crane) in downtown Raleigh with a massive daylong 20-plus block celebration featuring 100+ live performances to boot. Think music, dance, comedy and more across 25 venues, plus a 90-foot-tall Ferris wheel, an Alien Abduction Gravitron amusement ride and lots of kid-friendly fun. The Astro Botanicals Garden of Light is new this year. More on that in a bit.
For the mini-mes, say hello to 2020 by learning a new hobby in the daytime Children’s Celebration (2-6 p.m., at the N.C. Museum of History and N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences and outside on Bicentennial Plaza. There is an early countdown at 7 p.m. for the little ones (and those adults who might not make it to midnight).
Night owls can stay for the midnight countdown on Fayetteville Street, with outdoor entertainment starting at 6 p.m. with the People’s Procession. Music comes from the Boom Unit Brass Band, Caleb Johnson & The Ramblin Saints (Johnson is a former “American Idol” winner from Asheville) and Illiterate Light, plus post-midnight fireworks. Happy New Year (and new decade)!
The details: Event times and indoor and outdoor venues vary, Raleigh. Buy day passes in advance for $11 at area Harris Teeter stores or at etix.com. $15 day-of. Admission pass grants you access to every performance and every venue throughout the day. firstnightraleigh.com
Shuttles will take attendees in and out of downtown from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. from NC State Park and Ride Lot RS (off Centennial Parkway) and Triangle Town Center. goraleigh.org
Astro Botanicals Garden of Light
Get lit this new year with a new tradition: a Garden of Light. First Night presenter Artsplosure has added this illuminated garden, coming to Raleigh from California. The Moore Square garden is comprised of a series of 12 color-changing larger-than-life inflatable flower sculptures created by artist Stan Clark.
The details: Open to the public for two days only: Dec. 28, 4-9 p.m.; Dec. 31, 4-10 p.m. Moore Square, Raleigh. A WRAL First Night Raleigh 2020 pass is required for entry. firstnightraleigh.com
For the Kids
New Year’s Eve at Marbles
Avoid baby meltdowns on the first day of 2020 because of missed bedtimes. Instead, fete the clock striking 12 when the Marbles Ball drops at noon instead. Arrive early for play and to make your own New Year’s flair, plus line dancing, wacky activities, bubble fireworks and more.
The details: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh. Museum admission $7. marbleskidsmuseum.org
Kidzu New Year’s Eve Party and Ball Drop
Bounce in the new year and have a ball at Kidzu Children’s Museum’s NYE twist. Paint all kinds of balls in myriad ways. Make your own ball drop game, snowball launcher and snowball snack. Then dance the day away in the disco “Ball Room.”
When the clock strikes 12 (noon that is!), make your way to the treehouse for a countdown and bubble ball drop. Chapel Hill Mayor Pam Hemminger and Lee Ringer from Spectrum News will be part of the festivities.
The details: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 201 S. Estes Drive, Chapel Hill. Admission $8.50 for adults and children over 12 months; Free for children 11 months and under; Free for members; $3 for EBT/SNAP Cardholders; $7 for seniors 65+ and for military families. kidzuchildrensmuseum.org
Rock in the New Year
Big Something
Make your 2019 swan song a Rockin’ NYE at Lincoln Theatre with Big Something’s New Year’s tradition. Now a supersize set since 2017, homegrown band Big Something’s annual set stays, well, bigger with three nights of shows.
The details: Dec. 29, with Consider The Source, $19.50; Dec. 30, with Toubab Krewe, $19.50; Dec. 31, with The Mantras, $32.50. 126 E. Cabarrus St., Raleigh. lincolntheatre.com
Vienna with a Twist
Back your best sentimental belt of “Auld Lang Syne” with a symphonic backdrop, as the North Carolina Symphony, conductor Wesley Schulz and pianist Jeffreey Biegel put some swing in your NYE by welcoming 2020 with Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and jazzy Big band classics, plus the time-honored tradition of Viennese waltzes and a traditional “Auld Lang Syne” finish.
The details: 8 p.m. Meymandi Concert Hall, Woolner Stage, 2 E South St., Raleigh. From $50. ncsymphony.org
The Avett Brothers
The Avetts, who have had quite a year with the release of their new album, are returning to their home state for their annual New Year’s Eve concert. This year, the Concord natives are heading to Greensboro for a rollicking set that’s sure to include fan favorites along with songs from their new album, “Closer Than Together.” Some tickets still remain. Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors will open.
The details: 8:30 p.m. Greensboro Coliseum Complex. Tickets start at $49.50. greensborocoliseum.com
Raund Haus X Runaway New Year’s Eve
Keep it casusal at Motorco and rock in the new year with a lineup of Made of Oak, KIR, Oak City Slums, Chaos Control, 2D Wave, Tony G Marv Krown and more. Don’t miss the bubbly toast at midnight.
The details: Doors open at 9 p.m., show 10 p.m. 723 Rigsbee Ave., Durham. $15-$18. motorcomusic.com
Shindigs and Galas
New Year’s Eve at Transfer Food Hall
Finish the decade with some Latin funk at Transfer Co. Ballroom with the Latin Funk All-Stars live, with special guest El Padrino Del Son (aka the godfather of rhythm), plus a Champagne toast at midnight.
The details: Doors 8:30 p.m., music 9 p.m. 500 E. Davie St., Raleigh. 21+ $50 general admission. transfercofoodhall.com/events
New Year’s Eve Gala at N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences
This four-floor black-tie fete hosted by Rocky Top Catering and B93 New Country has become a staple of the Triangle New Year’s celebration scene. 2019’s installment includes hors d’oeuvres, gourmet food stations and amazing dessert displays for which the party has become known, as well as open bars on every floor with premium liquors, wines, craft beers, custom cocktails and Champagne. Plus, there will be late-night snacks and plenty of opportunities to shake your booty to, well, Sleeping Booty, as well as DJ 360 & DJ Rang; and Ambient Performers from Elevate. Oh, and party with a purpose as a portion of ticket sales benefits St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
The details: 8 p.m.-1 a.m. 11 W. Jones St., Raleigh. 21+: $135.06-$168.83. rockytopcatering.com/nyegala
New Year’s Eve at Union Station
Roll out 2019 in semiformal garb, heels and blazers at Union Station with floor-to-ceiling window views of downtown — the premier backdrop to dance to top 40, old-school, R&B and hip-hop hits while sipping on two complimentary cocktails courtesy of Tito’s Vodka (or choose an open bar option), plus heavy hors d’oeuvres, party favors, free coat check, and free Champagne toast. VIP booths have guaranteed booth seating all night to include the above, plus bottle service and admission to Tito’s VIP Sky Box. (No sneakers or athleisure allowed.)
The details: 9 p.m. Union Station, 510 W. Martin St., Raleigh. 21+, $30-$650. nyerdu.com
iHeartMedia and G105 2020 New Year’s Eve Celebration
Party like it’s 2019 in your semiformal getup at the annual iHeartMedia and G105 2020 New Year’s Eve Celebration. Find three DJs across three ballrooms playing your fave EDM, Top 40, old/new-school, country hits while you dance and sip the night away at the VIP open bar. Indulge in party favors and make memories in the photo booth.
The details: 9 p.m. Sheraton Raleigh Hotel, 421 South Salisbury St., Raleigh. $40-$350. nyedowntownraleigh.com
Masquerade Ball at Seaboard Station
Dress to impress (black tie encouraged, business formal appropriate) with this VIP NYE Masquerade Ball at Raleigh’s historic Seaboard Station. Open bar, unlimited hors-d’oeuvres by Cannon Catering, photo booths, NYE swag, a midnight dessert bar and Champagne toast, plus high-energy music and lights, plus a large video screen to watch the ball drop. Cigar/whiskey aficionados will dig the indoor-outdoor cigar and whiskey lounge with limited selection of Diesel Cigars provided, and gamers will love the pinball machines for free play in the lounge.
The details: 8 p.m. Traine, 121 Seaboard Ave., Raleigh. $100-$110. eventbrite.com
Masquerade Murder 7: A New Year’s Eve Murder Mystery Party
Get a little “Eyes Wide Shut” meets “Investigation Discovery” meets real-life “Clue” with this Masquerade Murder NYE event from the same people who brought you Hotel Horror: A Halloween Murder Mystery and Lovers Lament: A Valentines Day Murder Mystery. Dress in cocktail attire and masquerade mask with this murder mystery event in which everyone plays a small role. CSI investigator? Interrogator? Forensic analyst? Time (or, more accurately, your instructions) will tell, as you will be given an envelope containing your “character bio” and your connection to the suspects. While you sort out if Col. Mustard was in the kitchen with a candlestick, nosh on a delish dessert bar and Champagne toast at midnight. General admission and VIP package options available.
The details: 9 p.m. Aloft Raleigh, 2100 Hillsborough St., Raleigh. General admission $85, VIP $135. nyemurdermystery.com
Viva La Masquerade New Year’s Eve Gala at CAM
The art set and culture vultures will want to flock to Raleigh’s Contemporary Arts Museum in their cocktail best (masks optional) for unlimited Champagne, cocktails, food and fun. Think: open bar featuring Moet & Chandon, Woodford, Jack, Tito’s and more, and hors d’oeuvres by PoshNosh Catering and cotton candy from Mama’s Sugar Shack. Get snaps in the photo booth and dance the night (and year, and decade) away with DJ Scott Carnival, or trod the museum to peep the amazing artwork and low rider motorcycles on display.
The details: 8 p.m. CAM Raleigh, 409 W. Martin St., Raleigh. $150. bunchof5s.com
Unscripted’s New Year’s Eve
Stay classy, Durham! Unscripted Durham sets the stage for the ultimate NYE soiree with DJ Special K, two free cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres (think mini jumbo lump crabcakes and Cubanitos), plus a Champagne toast and dessert table to keep the evening super-sweet.
The details: 9 p.m. 202 N. Corcoran St., Durham. $65. facebook.com/UnscriptedDurham
For Foodies
Mofu Shoppe’s Boodle Fights
It’s not a feast, it’s a fine dining FIGHT! Back by popular demand is Boodle Fight 3.0 at MOFU. For the unfamiliar, a Boodle fight is a Filipino military tradition that sees a feast placed on a long bamboo leaf-lined table, around which participants stand shoulder to shoulder, regardless of “rank or file” and then eat together — a symbol of camaraderie and equality. The fight? Well, forget forks — it’s hands on, literally, and every man or woman for themselves (bibs and disposable gloves provided).
And it’s all feel good fun: A portion of each ticket sold goes to Haven House (havenhousenc.org). This year’s 3.0 MOFU NYE Boodle features whole roasted pig, roasted duck, grilled lamb, octopus, squid, shrimp, whole fishes, cheeses, traditional Asian desserts, fruits, chocolates and more, plus Boodles gin and non-Boodles drinks to boot. Post-dinner, stay for sips and a Champagne toast at midnight. Tickets are limited for the Boodle Fight, but Boodle Night is open to all.
The details: Mofu Shoppe, 321 S. Blount St., Raleigh. $80 each for Boodle Fight. mofushoppe.com
New Year’s Eve Dinner in Herons
Say goodbye to the ’10s and practice the ultimate in self-care with four fine courses prepared by executive chef Steven Greene. Wine pairings available for additional cost. Make an (over)night of it and book one of the luxe suites at the Umstead.
The details: 100 Woodland Pond Drive, Cary. $145 plus tax and service charge. Call to reserve: 919-447-4050 or theumstead.com/events
New Year’s at The Durham
End your New Year’s Eve with a New Year’s Day breakfast at The Durham after pampering your final night of 2019 away. Start with a four-course tasting menu with optional wine pairings (4-10 p.m., $85 per person, $27 additional for wine pairings). Then take it to the heated/enclosed rooftop for optimal Bull City views, bubbly, a raw bar, caviar service, all leading up to the 2020 countdown with noise makers, party favors and more (open 5-12:30 a.m., space is limited so come early). Post ball drop, shorten the commute home and take the elevator to your room for a night of bubbly and luxury, plus a full breakfast for two on New Year’s Day (think steak and eggs and the signature Todo Bien). Bonus? A late 1 p.m. checkout to help nurse that hangover. Non-stayover guests can also kick off the new year with breakfast at menu cost (8 a.m.-noon).
The details: Dinner, 4-10 p.m., Party, 5 p.m.-12:30 a.m. 315 E. Chapel Hill St., Durham. 919-768-8831 for reservations or book at thedurham.com.
New Year’s Eve Dinner at The Carolina Inn
Channel Cinderella and be home by midnight after the most fab ball (OK, dinner) of them all at The Carolina Inn. Indulge in top-notch fine fare via a three-course meal and Champagne toast.
The details: 5:30-10 p.m. 211 Pittsboro St., Chapel Hill. $85 per person, includes a glass of sparkling. Reservations can be made via OpenTable or by calling 919-918-2777. carolinainn.com/dining/crossroads-menu
For Laughs
Alonzo Bodden
Skip all the standing and general chaos and treat yo’self to the comfort of Goodnight’s lounge and showroom, as NPR’s “Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!” regular panel guest Alonzo Bodden headlines. The “Last Comic Standing” season three champ and versatile stand-up comedian’s star continues to rise. Known for his “Comics Unleashed” performances and his “Comedy Central Presents” special, Bodden has a new one-hour stand-up special, “Alonzo Bodden: Heavy Lightweight,” now streaming on Amazon Prime, covering myriad topics from #MeToo to millennials and from slavery to Taco Bell. This ring-in-the-new-year opp is aptly billed “NYE 20/20: the clear way to bring in the new year.”
The details: 861 W. Morgan St., Raleigh. 8 p.m., $39 general admission, $49 reserved; 10:30 p.m., $49 General admission, $59 reserved. goodnightscomedy.com/events/35028
Shane Torres
Trade dressing up for down and ballrooms for belly laughs, and spend your final night of 2019 with Comedy Cellar regular and touring stand-up, writer, host and actor Shane Torres at Raleigh Improv, in front of his upcoming series, “Shane Torres Conquers Your Fears,” set to premiere this year on Comedy Central Digital.
The details: 7 p.m., 18+, dinner show; 10 p.m., 21+, East Coast NYE Countdown. 1224 Parkside Main St., Cary. $20-$70. improv.com/raleigh
This story was originally published December 24, 2019 at 6:15 AM with the headline "Your ultimate guide to First Night Raleigh and New Year’s Eve events in the Triangle."