First Night Raleigh celebrates New Year’s Eve. Here’s what to know before you go
New Year’s Eve is a pretty big deal in Raleigh.
The downtown scene explodes with art installations, carnival rides and main-stage live music to ring in the new year, counting down to the beloved Acorn Drop at midnight.
First Night Raleigh, a near-annual event in our state’s capital city since the early 1990s, begins in the early afternoon and wraps up just after the clock strikes midnight.
To help you plan your outing, we’ve gotten all the information you’ll need about tickets, parking, activities and more. Here’s what you should know before heading out.
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.
What’s the schedule for First Night Raleigh?
Tickets include access to all the First Night activities, both in the daytime and evening.
Here’s some of what the event will entail, according to their website:
A “People’s Procession” parade before the early midnight countdown (see below for details)
Carnival rides, including a Ferris wheel and the “Tesla AC” ride
Glow tattoos, glow masks and a glow fireworks craft
Photo booth with glow frames
Is First Night Raleigh meant for children?
Yes, there is a lot of programming for little ones.
Daytime activities from 2-6 p.m. include carnival rides and a children’s dance party, ending with the “People’s Procession” at 6 p.m.
The Early Countdown at 7 p.m. ends the children’s celebration, dropping the famous acorn and setting off the fireworks hours before the clock strikes midnight.
How much are tickets to First Night Raleigh?
Ticket costs are as follows:
Adult tickets (ages 13+) are $16 each.
Children’s tickets (ages 6-12) are $12 each.
Admission is free for children 5 and under.
You can purchase tickets online at eTix.com. You can also purchase tickets at local Harris Teeter locations, their website says.
Tickets include access to activities and indoor performances within the festival, but anyone is able to walk around downtown without purchasing a ticket.
Who is performing at First Night Raleigh?
There are many performers taking the stage at First Night Raleigh, and musical performances are spread out among multiple stages and venues.
Here are some of the musical acts and where you can find them:
Rickey Smith: He will be DJ’ing the children’s dance party at 2, 3:20 and 4:40 p.m.
¡Tumbao!: Find them on the Main Stage at City Plaza at 6 p.m.
D’Alex Thomas: Find him at Neptune’s on West Main Street at 6:30 p.m.
Triangle Youth Jazz Ensemble & Gregg Gelb Quintet: Find them at First Baptist Church on Salisbury Street. The TYJE will play at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., and the Gregg Gebl Quintet will play at 8 p.m. A community jazz session will start at 10 p.m.
Zoe & Cloyd: Find them at Church of the Good Shepherd on Hillsborough Street at 7 p.m.
Dexter Moses Trio: Find them at Neptune’s on West Martin Street at 7:30 p.m.
LesTheGenius: Find him on the Main Stage at City Plaza at 8 p.m.
Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road: Find them at Church of the Good Shepherd on Hillsborough Street at 8 p.m.
Elora Dash: Find her at Kings on West Martin Street at 8 p.m.
CJ Monét: Find her at The Self Care Market Place on West Martin Street at 8:30 p.m.
Emanuel Wynter: Find him at Kings on West Martin Street at 9:15 p.m.
Shame Gang: Find him on the Main Stage at City Plaza at 9:30 p.m.
Tanajah: Find her at The Self Care Market Place on West Martin Street at 10 p.m.
Fruits of Our Labor: Find them at Kings on West Martin Street at 10:15 p.m.
Is there stand-up comedy at First Night Raleigh?
Yes, you can find comedians at Transfer Co. Ballroom on East Davie Street.
ComedyWorx Improv will have sets at 7, 8 and 9 p.m.
Stand-up comedians Joe Perrow, Brandi Roberts, Jeremy Alder and Andrew Gleason will start at 10 p.m.
Does First Night Raleigh have free parking?
No, there are no designated free parking spots for the event.
Anyone can park at the 70+ lots and decks in downtown Raleigh. Metered spots use the Passport Parking App.
For a map of all the parking locations in Raleigh, including ADA accessible spots, visit downtownraleigh.org.
Is First Night Raleigh still happening if it’s raining?
Yes. This is a rain or shine event.
Be sure to keep up with First Night’s website and/or social media pages if the weather forecast is looking bleak.
What are food options for First Night Raleigh?
You can purchase food from vendors at the event.
Note: Food and drink options are available for anyone, not just First Night Raleigh ticket holders.
What is the People’s Procession parade at First Night?
Thousands of First Night attendees join in the interactive parade, which begins at 6 p.m. and ends before the 7 p.m. early countdown with fireworks and the (early) acorn drop.
The procession begins at Bicentennial Plaza before making its way down Salisbury Street and ending at the intersection of Davie and Fayetteville Street.
The parade is led by Paperhand Puppet Intervention, Helping Hand Mission Band and the NCSU Pipe & Drum team.
Any other questions?
Check out FirstNightRaleigh.com or call 919-832-8699.
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