WRAL’s First Night Raleigh returns for New Year’s Eve 2024, offering a fun, jam-packed way to welcome 2025. Head to Downtown Raleigh on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, for an exciting, low-cost New Year’s Eve celebration.
The festivities include the Children’s Celebration, which starts at 2 p.m., outdoor musical performances at City Plaza in the afternoon, an early New Year’s Eve countdown at 7 p.m., and performances and activities in multiple indoor venues in the evening. Then at night, the highlight of the celebration — music on the outdoor Main Stage, the Raleigh Acorn Drop and a fireworks show.
Read on for a list of performers, activities, and even where to park.
Check out our list of New Year’s Eve events in the Triangle. We focus on free and cheap events!
Tickets for First Night Raleigh
Tickets are available for purchase now.
Ticket prices:
- $16
- Free for children under age 5
Your ticket includes:
- Ferris Wheel
- Main Stage live music at City Plaza
- Fireworks and Acorn Drop at midnight
- Access to large scale outdoor art installations
- Live music at any of the indoor venues
- Children’s Celebration, including the early countdown at 7 p.m.
You do not need a ticket to walk around Fayetteville Street or to purchase food and beverages.
Daytime Activities
The Children’s Celebration takes place from 2 to 8 p.m.
The celebration will include plenty of entertainment and activities for families.
The People’s Procession, led by Paperhand Puppet Intervention, takes place at 6 p.m.
Performances
- 2 to 8 p.m.: NYE Dance Party
- 5 p.m.: Dari Satterwhite
- 6 p.m.: Byron Jennings
- 7 p.m.: Cuqui Gorman
Children’s Craft Activities
- Glow Bubble Paint Prints
- Glow New Year’s Bracelets
- Glow Build
- Glow Parade Lanterns
- Glow Parade Celebration Wands
- Glow Parade Masks
- Glow New Year’s Buttons
- NYE Photobooth
- New Year’s Wishes and Firework Rings
- Glow Cotton Candy
An Early Countdown
There will be an early countdown and fireworks at 7 p.m., for kids and others who want to call it a night.
Performances
The Main Stage is at City Plaza, 400 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC. There will be performances there from 2 p.m. to midnight. See schedule below.
In addition to the Main Stage, there will be live music at several indoor venues. All are included with your ticket.
Main Stage
- 6 p.m.: Christian James
- 7 p.m.: Early Countdown and Fireworks
- 7:15 p.m.: Magic Al
- 8 p.m.: Fancy Gap
- 9 p.m.: Magic Al
- 9:30 p.m.: Elora Dash
- 10:30 p.m.: Magic Al
- 11 p.m.: Dante High
- Countdown to midnight and fireworks!
Indoor Venues and Street Activations
First Baptist Church
99 N Salisbury Street
- 7 p.m.: Triangle Youth Jazz Ensemble
- 8 p.m.: The Gregg Quintet
- 9 p.m.: Triangle Youth Jazz Ensemble
- 10 p.m.: Community Jam Session
Copperline Plants
23 W Hargett Street
- 7 p.m.: Kayla King
- 8:30 p.m.: Halle Wood
- 10 p.m.: Joe Gore
The Self Care Market Place
12 W Martin Street
- 7:10 p.m.: CJ Monet
- 8:05 p.m.: Ali Alrabeah
- 9 p.m.: Emily Musolino
- 9:55 p.m.: Debbie the Artist
The Pour House
224 S Blount Street
- 7 p.m.: Del Ward
- 8:05 p.m.: Sam Fribush Organ Trio
- 9:20 p.m.: 3AM Sound
ArtSpace
201 E Davie Street
- 8 to 11 p.m.: Silent Disco
First Baptist Church
101 S Wilmington Street
- African American Dance Ensemble
Transfer Co. Ballroom
600 E Davie Street
- 7 p.m.: Comedy Worx Improv
- 8 p.m.: Comedy Worx Improv
- 9 p.m.: Comedy Worx Improv
- 10 p.m.: Stand Up Comics
Church of the Good Shepherd
125 Hillsborough Street
- 7 p.m.: Sammy Osmond & The No-Hellers
- 8 p.m.: Larry and Joe
- 9 p.m.: Sammy Osmond & The No-Hellers
- 10 p.m.: Larry and Joe
Amusement Rides
These are included with your ticket.
- Ferris wheel
- Down Draft
Countdown
At 11:59 p.m., the countdown begins at City Plaza. Midnight will be celebrated with the famous Raleigh Acorn Drop and fireworks!
Where to Park for First Night Raleigh
Please check out this parking map for Downtown Raleigh. In all there are over 70 parking decks and parking lots.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Triangle on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and it’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
You might also be interested in:
- Signing up for Triangle on the Cheap’s daily email
- Free events this week
- Day by Day list of holiday events
- Best Christmas Lights in the Triangle
- Christmas tree farms and lots near the Triangle
- Free pictures with Santa in the Triangle
- Holiday Markets in the Triangle
- Christmas Trains in North Carolina
More New Year Events in the Triangle
Check out our list of New Year’s Eve events in the Triangle, or look at a few of them here:
[…] WRAL First Night RaleighDate: Tuesday, December 31, 2024Time: 2 p.m. to midnightPlace: City Plaza, Fayetteville, Raleigh, NCCost: $16 ($13 if purchased before December 25) Features: The festivities include the Children’s Celebration, which starts at 2 p.m., outdoor musical performances at City Plaza in the afternoon, an early New Year’s Eve countdown at 7 p.m., and performances and activities in multiple indoor venues in the evening. Then at night, the highlight of the celebration — music on the outdoor Main Stage, the Raleigh Acorn Drop and a fireworks show. […]