Your guide to New Year’s Eve events in Raleigh: Acorn drops, concerts + bar specials
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.
Scroll to the bottom to find family-friendly NYE events across the Triangle, or visit our story here for children’s events organized by time of day.
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
- The People’s Procession at 6 p.m. leads to an early countdown and acorn drop at 7 p.m. followed by fireworks.
- 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
Find a complete list of FAQs with more details here.
The Avett Brothers play New Year’s Eve in Raleigh
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.
You can read The N&O’s interview with Seth Avett ahead of their 20th New Year’s Eve show here.
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
▪ Tap Yard New Year’s Eve with Vertigo: Listen to the rock group at Tap Yard while enjoying $5 drafts and house cocktails, and enjoy a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. When: 7 p.m. Where: 1610 Automotive Way in Raleigh Info: facebook.com/events
▪ New Year’s Eve Party at Bigfoot Taphouse: Enjoy beats from DJ YSL808 at this celebration. Tickets are $12 which includes a champagne toast and drink specials all night. When: DJ starts 10 p.m., doors open 7 p.m. Where: 222 Glenwood Ave. #109 in Raleigh Info: eventbrite.com
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
▪ Nine Year’s Eve Party at The Glass Jug: The early countdown will include a free champagne toast and ball drop at 9 p.m. When: 5-9 p.m. Where: 545 Foster St. #10 in Durham Info: glass-jug.com/events
▪ New Year’s Eve Wonderland Extravaganza at Ponysaurus Brewing Co: Drink among the Wonderland lights under beer garden and patio heaters and around fire pits. The brewery will tap a new beer around 9 p.m., and you can celebrate midnight with sparklers, a toast and their annual keg drop. When: 6 p.m. to 1 p.m. Where: 219 Hood St. in Durham Info: ponysaurusbrewing.com/events
▪ New Year’s Eve at Bull McCabe’s Irish Pub: Toast to 2024 at Bull McCabe’s. No cover after 8 p.m. for people 21+. When: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Where: 427 W Main St. in Durham Info: bullmccabesirishpub.com/events
▪ New Year’s Eve Celebration Party at ZincHouse: There will be live music from Mike Davis in the afternoon and Police & Thieves at 9:30 p.m. There will be party favors and champagne toasts for purchase. When: 12 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Where: 6225 Wake Forest Hwy in Durham Info: zinchouse.com/event
▪ NYE: Together Again at The Fruit: The party will take place over three separate spaces within The Fruit and “the set times are structured so you can seamlessly weave in and out from one dance world to the next.” There will be a ball competition and popup drag performances with $500 in cash prizes. Tickets start at $25. When: 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Where: 305 S Dillard St. in Durham Info: durhamfruit.com
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 at a’Verde: 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
▪ NYE at Ciderworks Cary: This free event will have drink specials on cocktails and mocktails and a champagne toast at midnight. Beats by DJ Mike Nice. When: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Where: 210 East Chatham St. in Cary Info: eventbrite.com
▪ NYE with MikeMickXer at Mac’s Tavern: Celebrate with noisemakers, jello shots at midnight, dancing and more. $10 cover at the door. Reservations are suggested to snag a table. When: Music starts 9:45 p.m. Where: 857 Ryan Rd. in Cary Info: facebook.com/events
▪ NYE Party at a Historic Manor: This artsy and dance-filled party will have art installations and a second stage for even more dance music. Full cash bar will be available. Tickets start at $50 each. When: 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Where: The Matthews House, 317 West Chatham St. in Cary Info: eventbrite.com
New Year’s Eve events in Holly Springs, Pittsboro
▪ 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
▪ NYE @ The Plant: No cover fee for this party, which will include sparkling wine, fun food, casual attire with live music for a dance party under the disco ball. There will be an hourly apple drop beginning at 8 p.m. through midnight. When: 6 p.m. Where: 220 Lorax Ln. in Pittsboro Info: theplantnc.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
▪ Noon Year’s Eve at Marbles Kids Museum: This event will include crafts, games, music and a special bubble wrap pop. The ball will drop at noon. The event is included with regular museum admission, which is $9. Children under 1 year old are free. The museum closes at 2 p.m. on Dec. 31. When: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Where: 201 E Hargett St. in Raleigh Info: marbleskidsmuseum.org
▪ Quiet Countdown at Marbles Kids Museum: During the Noon Year’s Eve celebration (see above), a sensory-friendly quiet new year’s countdown at 12 p.m. will be held in the Sensory Exploration Exhibit: Under the Waves. The event is included with regular museum admission.
▪ 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
▪ UK Family NYE Celebration at Fortnight: Cary’s Fortnight Brewing location will have an early New Year’s countdown and celebration for families. When: 6-9 p.m. Where: 1006 SW Maynard Rd. in Cary Info: fortnightbrewing.com
▪ Mini Midnight Madness at Tap Yard: This free, all-ages event is an early NYE celebration at Tap Yard Raleigh. There will be a dance party with glow sticks, face painting, a bubble machine and a balloon drop at 6 p.m. Tap Yard will have an adults celebration after with the band Vertigo playing at 9:30 p.m. When: 5-7 p.m. Where: 1610 Automotive Way in Raleigh Info: facebook.com/events
▪ Time Warp NYE Party at Oak City Brewing: Enjoy a countdown and keg drop, free champagne toast, live music, food trucks and face painting. Free champagne or sparkling cider for kids. When: 5-8 p.m. Where: 616 North First Ave. in Knightdale Info: eventbrite.com
▪ NYE at The RINK: Skate on New Year’s Eve at Red Hat Amphitheatre’s outdoor skating rink with views of the Raleigh skyline. Skate sessions are 12-1 p.m., 2:30-4:30 p.m., 5-7 p.m. and 7:30-9:30 p.m. Skater admission is $15 (which includes skate rental), and non-skater admission is $6. Purchase tickets in advance to reserve your time slot. Igloo lounge packages start at $200 and include six skating tickets, hot chocolate bar and cookie and pretzel snacks nestled inside a private igloo. Where: 500 South McDowell St. in Raleigh Info: redhatamphitheater.com/the-rink
▪ 321 Coffee’s Noon Year’s Eve Celebration: Enjoy a hot chocolate bar and get your own mug to take home with you. There will be cookies, festive coloring pages, 2024 headbands and family activities. Tickets are $15 each. Both the Raleigh and Durham locations will host this party. When: 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Where: 615 Hillsborough St. in Raleigh and 300 Morris St. in Durham Info: shop.321coffee.com
This story was originally published December 28, 2023 at 10:11 AM.
