Going to First Night Raleigh? What to know about vaccine requirements, parking and more
With just a few days left in 2021, it’s almost time to say “good riddance” to this year and welcome a new one.
For many in the Triangle, First Night Raleigh, presented by Artsplosure and WRAL, is a “go-to destination” to celebrate New Year’s Eve. The event, which started in the early 1990s, offers fun activities throughout the night and Raleigh’s famed acorn drop at midnight.
Event organizers Monday announced changes to this year’s event due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases, including a switch to all outdoor activities for the first time in the event’s history and vaccine and testing requirements for the virus.
The News & Observer has compiled information about the event and the new requirements, as well as how you can request a refund if you no longer want to attend.
Here’s what you need to know.
Time, date, place of First Night Raleigh
First Night Raleigh will take place on New Year’s Eve — Friday, Dec. 31.
The event will take place in downtown Raleigh, mostly along Fayetteville Street, with some additional activities in surrounding blocks.
▪ The acorn drop will take place at City Plaza, at the intersection of Fayetteville and Davie streets.
▪ The Ferris wheel will be located on Fayetteville Street at West Hargett Street.
▪ The disco roller rink will be located at the intersection of Fayetteville and Morgan streets.
▪ Find a full map of the event at firstnightraleigh.com/event-info/map.
The event kicks off well before midnight, at 2 p.m., with a variety of kid-friendly activities at the daytime “Children’s Celebration” and musical performances at City Plaza.
▪ The daytime event runs from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and will be followed by the annual People’s Procession, a parade through downtown led by Paperhand Puppet Intervention, Helping Hand Mission Band and the N.C. State Pipe and Drum team.
▪ Following the end of the People’s procession at the intersection of Davie and Fayetteville streets, there will be an early countdown and acorn drop at 7 p.m., complete with fireworks.
▪ After the Children’s Celebration, the rest of the First Night activities, including the Ferris wheel, roller rink, sleigh rides, food and drink options and more, will continue through the night.
▪ Some music performances that would have been indoors have now been moved to a stage at City Plaza, and performances there will now begin at 2 p.m. instead of 6 p.m.
▪ The event culminates with the acorn drop and countdown to midnight, plus fireworks.
Changes to this year’s event
First Night Raleigh announced Monday two major changes to this year’s event.
▪ There will be no indoor events as originally planned. All events will be held outdoors, and activities and performances originally planned for inside venues will shift to outdoor venues and the music stage at City Plaza.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the First Night Raleigh website said event organizers were still working with local venues and performers to determine which musical acts will be moving outside due to the changes. The website said the event will provide an updated lineup as soon as possible.
▪ All attendees ages 6 and up will need to provide either proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative COVID test taken within 48 hours of the event at an official testing site. At-home test results will not be accepted.
Event staff and volunteers will be present at entry points throughout the event to verify vaccination and testing status.
If you purchased your First Night ticket at a Harris Teeter store and already have your button pass for the event, you will still need to provide your vaccination or testing status before you can enter the event.
▪ Masks will not be required outdoors, but are highly recommended.
These rules apply only to the ticketed portions of First Night Raleigh. If you do not have a ticket or do not meet the vaccination or testing requirements, you can still catch a glimpse of the acorn drop in person, you’ll just have to watch from farther away — from Davie Street and back.
How to purchase First Night Raleigh tickets
Still need to buy your tickets for First Night Raleigh?
You can purchase tickets online through the First Night Raleigh website at firstnightraleigh.com/tickets or at Harris Teeter stores. You can also purchase tickets on-site at the event.
▪ Tickets are $12 if purchased in advance, regardless of the ticket-holder’s age.
▪ If you purchase tickets on-site at the event, tickets will be $12 for attendees ages 6 to 12, and $16 for attendees ages 13 and up.
Tickets are required for all attendees ages 6 and up. Children ages 5 and under are admitted for free when they are accompanied by a ticket-holding adult.
Your ticket includes access to all of the First Night activities, including outdoor rides and activities such as the Children’s Celebration, Ferris wheel, disco roller rink, live music on the main stage, a close view of the acorn drop and more.
How to request a refund
If you no longer want to attend First Night Raleigh due to the event changes, you can request a refund through Thursday, Dec. 30, at 11:59 p.m.
▪ If you purchased tickets online, you will need to communicate directly with eTix, First Night Raleigh’s ticket vendor, about your refund request.
▪ If you purchased tickets at a Harris Teeter store, you will need to request your refund in-store. You must provide your purchase receipt and return your ticket button.
Where to park for First Night Raleigh
The First Night Raleigh event map shows that parking will be available throughout downtown on numerous blocks surrounding the event.
More information about parking in downtown Raleigh can be found at downtownraleigh.org/getting-around/parking.
Food options at First Night Raleigh
The First Night Raleigh website says there will be more than 10 food and beverage vendors at the event, with options ranging from gyros and hot dogs to hot cocoa and beer.
Food and drinks are not included in the price of your ticket.
Additional information
Have a question that wasn’t answered here, or looking for more information about the event? Check out First Night Raleigh’s frequently asked questions page at firstnightraleigh.com/event-info/first-night-tips.
You can also contact First Night Raleigh directly by phone at 919-832-8699.
