Your guide to New Year’s Eve events in Raleigh: Acorn drops, concerts + bar specials
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We’ve put together a collection of New Year’s Eve events taking place in Raleigh and across the Triangle, ranging from the beloved Acorn Drop at First Night to dance parties in small venues.
We’ll update this list as we learn of more events, so bookmark it online and check back often. If you see something we missed that you think we should include, let us know by emailing ask@newsobserver.com.
Important: Whenever possible, please check the website for each event or venue prior to heading out, to verify hours of operation (which can change) and to learn more about rain dates for outdoor events. Many New Year’s Eve events are also 21+.
First Night Raleigh
Ring in the new year with Raleigh’s beloved Acorn Drop while listening to musical performances, enjoying the amusement rides and checking out the food truck scene. The rain-or-shine event begins at 2 p.m. and wraps up at midnight in downtown Raleigh at City Plaza. Tickets include:
The Ferris wheel
Live music at the main stage at City Plaza
Fireworks and the midnight Acorn Drop
Access to the large-scale art installations outdoors
Live music at any of the event’s numerous indoor venues
Tickets are $16 for adults (13+), $12 for children (6-12) and free for young kids (0-5). Find details at firstnightraleigh.com
The Avett Brothers play New Year’s Eve
The North Carolina duo is bringing their annual NYE concert to PNC Arena, joined by musical guest Marcus King. Tickets start at $64, and the concert begins at 8 p.m. Parking lots open at 5:30 p.m. and you can purchase a mobile parking pass in advance. Find details at pncarena.com/events.
New Year’s Eve events in Raleigh
▪ New Year’s Eve Gala at the Museum of Natural Sciences: This black tie-optional event includes dinner, desserts, a high-end open bar, late-night snacks, three DJs, two dance floors and photo booths. Tickets start at $150. When: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Where: 121 W. Jones St. in Raleigh Info: eventbrite.com
▪ New Year’s Eve Bash at The Willard: There will be a buffet, two full cash bars, live music and dance floor with Peter Lamb & the Wolves, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets are $155 per person and do not include beverages, which are available for purchase. When: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Where: 9 Glenwood Ave. in Raleigh Info: thewillardraleigh.com
▪ NYE Unplugged at The Haymaker: Enjoy a night of live music, a DJ, dancing and craft cocktails to ring in the new year. Tickets start at $20. When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Where: 555 Fayetteville St. #115 in Raleigh Info: eventbrite.com
▪ Studio 24: Disco Party at Kings: Groove at Kings North Hills with their NYE Disco Party. Packages include bowling, food and a champagne toast. Tickets start at $70. When: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Where: 41 Park at North Hills St. #120 in Raleigh Info: eventbrite.com
▪ Fuss & Frills Free NYE Party at Boxcar Raleigh: No cover charges or reservations. Enjoy $2 mimosas and $12 champagne bottles with a midnight champagne toast and balloon drop, plus a DJ and holiday drink features. When: 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Where: Boxcar Bar + Arcade, 330 W. Davie St. in Raleigh Info: theboxcarbar.com/raleigh
▪ New Year’s Eve at The Green Light Bar + Architect Bar and Social House: Your ticket includes a four-course cocktail, dessert and charcuterie pairing. Your ticket ($108) will also get you into the Architect’s NYE dance party. When: Reservations from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Where: 108 1/2 E. Hargett St. in Raleigh Info: eventbrite.com
▪ New Year’s Eve Masquerade at Little City: This party has drinks, food and entertainment, all included in the cost of a ticket. The Masquerade-themed party recommends attendees wear masks and costumes. Tickets are $150 each. When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Where: 400 West North St. #120 in Raleigh Info: eventbrite.com
▪ Centro & Gallo Pelón’s New Year’s Eve Dance Party: This party will feature the local high-energy Latin Fusion ensemble, ¡Tumbao!, plus a welcome drink, food buffet, a DJ and a champagne toast at midnight. Guests also can partake in Colombian New Year’s traditions: 12 grapes for 12 wishes and lentils for prosperity. Tickets cost $80 per person. When: 9 p.m. Where: 106 S. Wilmington St. in Raleigh Info: bit.ly/CentroNYE
New Year’s Eve events in Durham
▪ The Chrome Ball at Unscripted Durham: This “silver tie” event, described as “James Bond meets Beyoncé,” has champagne toasts, signature cocktails, two levels to enjoy, DJs, rooftop views, VIP sections, igloos and a 360 degree photo booth. Packages available to stay at the hotel overnight. Event tickets start at $40. When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Where: 202 Corcoran St. in Durham Info: eventbrite.com
▪ Fuss & Frills Free NYE Party at Boxcar Durham: No cover charges or reservations. Enjoy $10 champagne bottles with a midnight champagne toast and balloon drop, plus a DJ and holiday drink features. Where: Boxcar Bar + Arcade, 621 Foster St. in Durham When: 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Info: theboxcarbar.com/durham
New Year’s Eve events in Cary, Apex
▪ NYE Party at Back Then Bar and Grill: Enjoy live music from The SWITCH on the venue’s large dance floor and play darts, cornhole and other games. Tickets are $30 each and include a champagne toast. When: 10 p.m. Where: 107 Edinburgh S Dr #129 in Cary Info: eventbrite.com
▪ New Year’s Eve Party with DJ Tino: Doherty’s Irish Pub will have an Irish New Year Toast at 7 p.m. and a Midnight New Year Toast at 12 a.m. DJ Tino will take the stage at 9 p.m. Dinner reservations are available, and there will be chef’s specials for the event. When: Events at 7 p.m., 9 p.m. and midnight Where: 711 W. Williams St. in Apex Info: dohertysirishpubnc.com/NewYearsEve
▪ New Year’s Eve Fiesta: No cover at a’Verde Cocina & Tequila Library. There will be a full dinner menu plus festive cocktails, a DJ, dancing, complimentary champagne midnight toast and face painting. When: DJ set starts 9 p.m. Where: 2300 Walnut St. in Cary Info: facebook.com/events
New Year’s Eve events in Holly Springs
▪ Nightingale New Year’s Eve Cocktail Party: You’ll get heavy hors d’oeuvres, dessert, two cocktails and a midnight champagne toast with your ticket, which is $125 each. A cash bar will also be available all night. Live music features a jazz duo and the Helena Redman Band. When: 8 p.m. Where: 300 S. Main St. in Holly Springs Info: nightingalerooftop.com
New Year’s Eve events for kids, families
▪ Noon Year’s Eve at the Museum of Life + Science: Craft, dance and count down to the new year with a special ball drop at 12 p.m. (noon, not midnight). The event is included with admission to the museum. Tickets are $23 for adults (13+) and $18 for children (2-12) with discounts for seniors and military. When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where: 433 W. Murray Ave. in Durham Info: lifeandscience.org
▪ New Year’s Eve Skate Party: Countdown to the new year at a family-friendly skate party. Tickets are $25 and include admission, skate rental, glow sticks and party favors. When: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Where: United Skates of America, 2901 Tarwick Road in Raleigh Info: eventbrite.com
▪ German New Year’s Eve: This family-friendly event at Clouds Brewing will have complimentary champagne and cider for an early ball drop. When: 2-7 p.m. Where: 1233 Front St. in Raleigh Info: facebook.com/events
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