First Night Raleigh

🌟 And that’s a wrap! 🌟

Another year, another incredible WRAL First Night. Thanks for celebrating with us, Raleigh ✨

Tonight on the Main Stage we are delighted to present:
JULIA. 6:00 - 7:00 PM
African American Dance Ensemble 7:15 - 7:50 PM
Magic Al 8:00 - 8:20 PM
Raleigh Rockers 8:25 - 9:15 PM
Azul Zapata 9:45 - 10:30 PM
Magic Al 10:30 - 11:00 PM
Jason Scott & The High Heat 11:00 - 12:00 AM

Hosted by Nick Neptune & Mayor Janet Cowell

Join us in City Plaza on Fayetteville Street for an unforgettable night of music, dance, and celebration!

It’s finally here! 🎉 Raleigh’s biggest New Year’s Eve celebration kicks off today at WRAL First Night!

The fun starts at 2 PM — featuring tasty food, vendors, and rides. At 6 PM, don’t miss the People’s Procession, followed by the early fireworks and acorn drop at 7 PM for kids. Then, keep the party going with live performances across 6 venues and our Main Stage at City Plaza, all leading up to the legendary Acorn Drop at midnight.

So much to see, hear, and do—don’t miss a moment! 🎶🎆
Grab your tickets through the link in our bio. See you downtown!

🎶 First Night Raleigh 2026 Music Highlight 🎶

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Church Of The Good Shepherd during WRAL First Night Raleigh with live music throughout the evening by:
Mason Via at 7:00 & 9:00 PM
Dom Flemons at 8:00 & 10:00 PM

📍 125 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27603
🎉 December 31

Sponsored by Tharrington Smith LLP

🎆 Acorn Drop & Fireworks 🎆

Catch the Acorn Drop & Fireworks visible from Fayetteville Street & City Plaza in Downtown Raleigh - there will be an early Acorn Drop at 7:00 PM as well as the iconic Midnight Acorn Drop & Fireworks show!

LOCATION - 400 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

TIME -
Early Acorn Drop 7:00 PM
Late Acorn Drop & Fireworks Show 12:00 AM

You do not need a ticket to WRAL First Night Raleigh in order to watch the Acorn Drop & Fireworks show, however there is so much more to do! This year's event includes musical performances, comedy shows, amusement rides, Children's Celebration, a Silent Disco and so much more!

Head to FirstNightRaleigh.com for all event details

WRAL First Night Raleigh will feature TWO Amusement Rides this year - A full size Ferris Wheel & the Inferno! 🎡

First Night is the first and only event to feature amusement rides right in the heart of Downtown Raleigh. Head down to Fayetteville Street to take a ride! Amusement rides will be open from 2:00 - 11:00 PM on New Year's Eve

A ticket to WRAL First Night Raleigh is required to ride - see FirstNightRaleigh.com for tickets and details

🎶 First Night Raleigh 2026 Music Highlight 🎶

Stop by First Baptist Church during WRAL First Night Raleigh for an evening of live music featuring:
The Triangle Youth Jazz Ensemble at 7:00 & 9:00 PM
The Gregg Quintet feat. Kathy Montgomery Gelb, Gregg Gelb, And Rayah Thomas at 8:00 PM
Followed by a Community Jam session at 10:00 PM

📍 99 N Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC 27603
🎉 December 31

Sponsored by Julia and Frank Daniels, Jr. Endowment Fund

🎶 First Night Raleigh 2026 Music Highlight 🎶

Catch live music all night at High Tide Salon during WRAL First Night Raleigh, featuring performances by:
Ayrun Vena 8:00-8:45 PM
Shekwoaga 9:00-9:45 PM
The Deacon Board 10:00-11:00 PM

📍 309 W. Martin Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
🎉 December 31

Sponsored by Kane Realty Corporation

⏳ 5 DAYS until Raleigh rings in 2026!
Join thousands downtown for WRAL’s First Night Raleigh — a full day of art, music, activities, and the legendary Acorn Drop at midnight. Make sure you’ve got your ticket and your plan for the night!
Everything you need is at FirstNightRaleigh.com 🎉

🎶 First Night Raleigh 2026 Music Highlight 🎶

Enjoy live music throughout the evening at House of Rebellion during WRAL First Night Raleigh, featuring performances by:
Katzin 7:30-8:00
Lavae Hylton 8:15-8:45
Rebecca Kleinmann 9:00-9:40
Jack the Songman 9:55-10:35

📍 206 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC 27601
🎉 December 31

Sponsored by Morehead Title Company