Going to First Night Raleigh? Here’s what to know before you go
Are you ready to ring in 2023?
If you’re in Raleigh or elsewhere in the Triangle, there’s a good chance you might be headed to First Night Raleigh to welcome the new year.
First Night, which takes place in downtown Raleigh, is a “go-to destination” to celebrate New Year’s Eve. The event, which started in the early 1990s, offers fun activities throughout the day and night, including Raleigh’s famed acorn drop at midnight, plus live music, amusement rides and more.
To help you plan your outing to First Night this year, we’ve compiled information about tickets, parking, food, activities and more.
Here’s what you need to know.
Time, date and place of First Night Raleigh
First Night Raleigh is on New Year’s Eve — Saturday, Dec. 31. The event starts early in the day, at 2 p.m., with events for kids and musical performances, and continues through the countdown to midnight.
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. This is the location for both acorn drops — the early one for kids at 7 p.m., and the traditional countdown to midnight.
▪ City Plaza will host several musical performances on the main stage. Additional performances will be located at indoor venues throughout downtown.
▪ 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.
▪ Some events will take place indoors, such as a silent disco at Artspace.
You can find a full list of activities and their locations at firstnightraleigh.com/activities. Click on each activity to learn more.
First Night kicks off 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 that will begin at Bicentennial Plaza and end at City Plaza.
▪ After the parade, there will be an early countdown and acorn drop at 7 p.m., complete with fireworks. Though the early acorn drop is intended for kids, anyone is welcome to attend.
▪ After the Children’s Celebration, the rest of the First Night activities, including the Ferris wheel and food and drink options, will continue through the night.
▪ The event culminates with the acorn drop and countdown to midnight, plus fireworks.
How to purchase tickets for First Night Raleigh
First Night Raleigh is a ticketed event. Tickets are required for all attendees ages 6 and up. Children ages 5 and under are admitted for free if they are accompanied by a ticket-holding adult.
To buy tickets in advance, go to the First Night Raleigh website at firstnightraleigh.com/tickets and click “Get Tickets.” When you buy your ticket online, you’ll receive a ticket voucher to present on-site at the event and exchange for an admission button that will serve as your proof of payment and admission throughout 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.
Ticket prices include access to all First Night activities, but food and drinks must be purchased separately.
Note: Since the event takes place on public property, you can still access and walk around Fayetteville Street — and even buy food and drinks — during the event, even if you don’t have a ticket. But you’ll need a ticket “if you want to participate in any of the activities or attend any of the indoor performances throughout the festival footprint,” the First Night website says.
Is there a vaccine requirement for First Night Raleigh?
If you attended First Night last year, you may remember that the event required attendees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or present a negative COVID test in order to enter the event. Events were also moved fully outdoors to prevent the spread of the virus.
Those requirements are not in place for this year’s event.
“Per the City of Raleigh recommendations as of December 2022, this event will return to its original combination of indoor and outdoor venues, and will NOT require vaccination proof, a negative covid test or masks,” the First Night website reads. “We ask that you kindly use your own judgment to help keep the community healthy and safe! Masks are welcome but not required.”
What if it rains?
First Night Raleigh is a rain-or-shine event.
“We are on regardless of Mother Nature’s plans!” the First Night website says. “So make sure to dress appropriately so that you can comfortably explore all that WRAL First Night Raleigh has to offer.”
Where to park for First Night Raleigh
Parking will be available throughout downtown Raleigh for the event. You can find a map of downtown parking locations at downtownraleigh.org/getting-around/parking.
Food options at First Night Raleigh
Several food trucks will be on-site at First Night with food and drinks available to purchase, including beer and prosecco. Food and drink costs are not included in your ticket price.
The First Night website says this year’s food trucks will include Dusty Donuts, Oak City Fish & Chips, Party in a Pita and more. Find the full list of participating food trucks at firstnightraleigh.com/event-info/first-night-tips.
Alcohol purchased from First Night Raleigh vendors is allowed inside the footprint of the event throughout the night. Alcohol purchased at the event will include a downtown Raleigh Sip n’ Stroll sticker, allowing attendees to leave the event footprint with their beverages, staying in the downtown social district, until 10 p.m., First Night marketing director Lucy McInnis told The News & Observer by email.
Note: You can access and purchase from the event’s food trucks on Fayetteville Street even without a ticket.
Additional information about First Night Raleigh
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.
This story was originally published December 29, 2022 at 9:39 AM.
