Everything to know about First Night Raleigh + 5 more New Year’s Eve events
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- First Night Raleigh anchors downtown events with stages, rides and Acorn Drop.
- Daytime family programming has and a 7 p.m. early countdown, then late-night shows.
- Tickets cover rides and indoor events; Acorn Drop and vendors remain free to view.
First Night Raleigh is our area’s biggest New Year’s Eve party. Every year, thousands gather for the art installations, carnival rides and live music — counting down to the beloved midnight Acorn Drop. The party starts in the afternoon and wraps up just after midnight (though an earlier, kid-friendly celebration wraps up the evening around 7:30 p.m.).
Here’s everything you need to know about attending, plus a list of five other New Year’s Eve events in the area, ranging from swanky to casual, family-friendly with early bedtimes to party-all-night 21+ shindigs.
Always be sure to check websites and/or social media pages before heading out, as details may change.
Where is First Night Raleigh?
Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh. The main outdoor music stage will be at City Plaza, located at 443 Fayetteville St.
First Night Raleigh schedule
There are daytime and evening activities, the event website says, including an early midnight countdown for sleepyheads.
Daytime activities (2-8 p.m.) include carnival rides, crafts, a DJ and the “People’s Procession” at 6 p.m., which leads into the 7 p.m. Early Countdown. The famous acorn will drop and set off fireworks hours well before the clock strikes midnight.
The “People’s Procession” will begin at the intersection of Fayetteville Street and Morgan Street, including Paperhand Puppet Intervention, NC State Pipes and Drums and Helping Hands Mission Band.
Evening activities include a silent disco (7:30-11 p.m.) and lots of live music across various stages and venues, including Transfer Co. Ballroom, Church of the Good Shepherd and House of Rebellion.
Find a full schedule, music/comedy lineup and details at artsplosure.org/events#performances-and-activities.
First Night Raleigh tickets
Tickets begin at $16, and adult day-of tickets are about $17. Children 5 and under are free. You can purchase tickets at eTix.com or at select Harris Teeter locations throughout Raleigh.
Tickets are required for outdoor rides, indoor activities, the silent disco, music and comedy sets, the Children’s Celebration and the People’s Procession. Tickets are not required to watch the Acorn Drop and fireworks show, nor to access downtown Raleigh’s food/drink vendors, the event website says.
5 other New Year’s Eve events in the Triangle
Here are five other New Year’s Eve events throughout the Triangle, from family-friendly gatherings with early departure times to late-night, dress-up affairs.
- 1. Roving New Year’s Eve at the Plant: Includes live music and dancing, fire pits and hourly “apple drops” starting at 8 p.m. No tickets required. 220 Lorax Ln. in Pittsboro. (Info: The Plant)
- 2. ‘Stranger Things’ NYE Party at The Williams House: Includes themed drinks, trivia, music bingo and a balloon drop. The evening will nod to the history of WSQK radio station. 210 East Chatham Street, Cary. (Info: The Williams House)
- 3. Mini Midnight Madness: & Rockin’ New Years Eve at Tap Yard The family-friendly, free celebration will take place 5-7 p.m. and include face painting, a glow stick dance party and a balloon drop at 6 p.m. The 7 p.m. Rockin’ New Year’s Eve party is 18+ and costs about $12 to attend. There will be live music and a champagne toast for those 21+. 1610 Automative Way, Raleigh. (Info: Tap Yard)
- 4. Fuss-Free NYE at Boxcar: No cover, tickets or dress code at this part, which will include $20 off champagne bottles, a DJ with dancing and a balloon drop at midnight. 330 West Davie St, Raleigh and 621 Foster St., Durham. (Info: Boxcar)
- 5. A Vintage Hollywood Affair at The Willard Rooftop: This “Old Hollywood” themed 21+ rooftop party will have a “world cuisines-inspired buffet,” live music and dancing and a champagne toast. Guests are requested to dress to impress. Tickets are $150 per person. 9 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh. (Info: The Willard)
On New Year’s Day, Clyde Cooper’s BBQ is hosting a farewell buffet at their restaurant in downtown Raleigh, an area they’re moving from away from after 88 years. Tickets are $25 for adults and about $15 for kids.
This story was originally published December 30, 2025 at 10:23 AM with the headline "Everything to know about First Night Raleigh + 5 more New Year’s Eve events."
