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In Short
Dancers, musicians, magicians and New Year's Eve revelers gather in downtown Raleigh for one of the Triangle's biggest public celebrations of the year. And with a kids countdown, a people's procession and more entertainment than one person can possibly experience in a night, the lack of alcohol at the event hasn't been a deterrent since it started in 1991. Stick around for the countdown to midnight. That's when Raleigh, the City of Oaks, drops its giant copper acorn.
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Insider Tips
Bicentennial Plaza is the place to be, but the celebration continues in churches, museums and bank lobbies that feature magicians, performing artists and musicians.
Beginning Dec. 1, admission buttons are available for $9 online and at several Raleigh retailers; buttons will be sold on the day of the event for $12 for adults and $10 for children 6 to12 years old. Children 5 and under are admitted free with a paying adult.
First Night Raleigh User Reviews
What users are saying
- Convenient Parking: yes
- Good for kids: yes
- Adequate facilities: yes
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Cheap way to ring in the New Year
Compared with some restaurant or bar parties that charge a cover charge of as much as $20, First Night is a relatively cheap alternative with admission buttons only costing $9-$12. The alcohol-free atmosphere makes the event appealing to families, but really there is something for everyone. It's nice to see members of the Raleigh community and surrounding towns coming out and celebrating together. I'm a 20-something Raleigh native who has enjoyed the First Night festivities every New Years Eve. Definitely the biggest (and cheapest!) party in town!
