From Noon Year’s Eve celebrations for kids to late-night countdowns, fireworks, comedy, skating, dance parties, and cultural events, the Triangle is packed with ways to ring in 2026. Whether you’re looking for free family-friendly activities, local brewery parties, or signature events like WRAL’s First Night Raleigh, this New Year’s Eve guide covers Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill, Wake Forest, and beyond.
🎉 New Year’s Eve Events Across the Triangle
☀️ Morning & Noon Year’s Eve (Family-Friendly)
31% Off Scoops at Baskin-Robbins All Day | Discounted | Multiple locations
Noon Year’s Eve Celebration at Museum of Life + Science 10:00am–1:00pm | $19–$24
Noon Year’s Eve Skate with Characters at United Skates of America-Raleigh 10:00am–1:30pm | $20–$25
Noon Year’s Eve at Marbles Kids Museum 10:00am–2:00pm | $9
Little WORLD Charity Holiday Model Train Show at Durham County Main Library 10:00am–12:30pm & 1:30pm–5:00pm | FREE
Noon Year’s Eve at Middle Creek Community Library 11:00am–12:00pm | FREE
Noon Year’s Eve Party at Holly Springs Community Library 11:00am–12:00pm | FREE
Noon Year’s Eve Party at Oberlin Regional Library 11:00am–12:00pm | FREE
Countdown for Kids at East Regional Library 11:30am–12:00pm | FREE
Noon Year’s Eve Party at Eva Perry Regional Library 11:30am–12:00pm | FREE
Noon Year’s Eve Party at North Regional Library 11:30am–12:30pm | FREE
Afternoon Events & Community Celebrations
Board Game Night at Gizmo Brew Works 12:00pm–10:00pm | FREE
Kwanzaa Celebration & Photo Shoot at Legacy Studios NC 1:00pm–6:00pm | FREE
Children’s Celebration at First Night Raleigh 2:00pm–6:00pm | $16 | 100 Fayetteville Street
WRAL’s First Night Raleigh 2:00pm–11:59pm | $16 | City Plaza
Evening Celebrations & Free Fun
Illuminate Art Walk 4:45pm | FREE | Downtown Raleigh
Mini Midnight Madness at Tap Yard 5:00pm–7:00pm | FREE
Family-Friendly UK New Year at Fortnight Brewing 5:00pm–7:30pm | FREE
ZincHouse New Year-Z Celebration at ZincHouse Winery & Brewery 5:00pm | FREE
New Year’s Eve at Sir Walter Coffee 5:00pm | FREE
North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival 6:00pm–10:00pm | $16.74–$30.64 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre
🎶 Nightlife, Music & Countdown Parties
Tap Yard’s Rockin’ NYE 7:00pm | $6–$12 | Tap Yard, Raleigh Fuss-Free
NYE at Boxcar Bar + Arcade 8:00pm | FREE
NYE Party at Boxcar Bar + Arcade Durham 8:00pm | FREE
Overly Loaded: NYE Celebration at The Pinhook 10:00pm | $15
Countdown to 2026 at Lucky B’s 10:00pm | FREE
New Year’s Eve, Minus the Madness at Flask Cocktail Bar 10:00pm | $20
Ring in 2026 Across the Triangle
Whether you’re celebrating with kids at noon, enjoying free brewery parties, or counting down at midnight in Downtown Raleigh, the Triangle offers something for everyone this New Year’s Eve. Bookmark this guide and check back with DoRaleigh for last-minute updates and New Year’s Day events.
Follow DoRaleigh.com for daily updates on government meetings, local festivals, and community happenings — your one-stop guide to everything Raleigh!
DoRaleigh 
Leave a comment