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…