Food & Novelty Vendors

• Bits of Cosmic Porportions

• Carolina Kettle Corn

• The Cheese Curd Shack

• Costal Concessions

• D&J Concessions

• Dusty Donuts

• Funnel Cakes by Pam

• Golden K Dog

• Gripps Grills Catering Concessions

• Jollys Catering And Events

• Kitoko Bites LLC

• Kono Pizza

• Lakeside Drinks / Mad Lemons

• Las Gringas

• Levy’s Jerkstand

• Magnificent Concessions LLC

• Mike Nice Empanadas

• NC Sweet Tea

• Peyton’s Place Open BBQ And Fried Chicken

• Serving & Swerving Seafood & Grill LLC

• Sherris Crab Cakes

• Simplee Boba

• Sunshine Slushies LLC

• Yack Cotton Candy

• Zing Zang Zest

We need over 150 dedicated volunteers to help make WRAL First Night Raleigh possible every year! Read the volunteer job descriptions listed below. We need assistance all day and all night on New Year’s Eve to make First Night happen.

We would love your help in ringing in the new year! To inquire about volunteer opportunities, please reach out by filling out the form below.

Volunteer Opportunities

Kids Activity Supervisors

Students 15+ are asked to help participants create crafts or play games. Children’s parents will be present during the event. Volunteers are asked to serve 2.5 hour shifts and can choose to work more than one shift. This volunteer activity qualifies for highschool service hours and can be signed off on at the event.

Venue Hosts

Volunteers 18+ OR 15+ WITH a parent or guardian are asked to host various venues for performing artists on New Year’s Eve. Venue hosts will check placement of signage, announce the talent (script provided), offer water to the performers, usher guests to their seats and clean up between shows.

Q: Is First Night a rain or shine event?

Yes, we are on regardless of Mother Nature’s plans! So make sure to dress appropriately so that you can comfortably explore all that WRAL First Night Raleigh has to offer.

Q: Will there be food or drinks for sale at First Night?

Yes! There will be 10+ food/beverage vendors ranging from gyros and hot dogs to hot cocoa and beer/prosecco. Food vendors have separate costs, and food/drinks are not included in the ticket price. See the Exhibit section for a full list of vendors.

Q: What activities are included with the purchase of a ticket?

• Outdoor rides and activities including:

  • Ferris Wheel

  • Main stage live music at City Plaza

  • Fireworks and Acorn Drop at Midnight

  • Access to large scale outdoor art installations

• Indoor live music at any of our indoor venues

• Children’s Celebration (including early Countdown at 7:00pm)

Q: What are some hotel recommendations near the event in Downtown Raleigh?

The Sheraton Raleigh: 421 S Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC 27601 (919) 834-9900
Origin Hotel: 603 W Morgan St, Raleigh, NC 27603 (984) 275-2220
Heights House Hotel: 308 S Boylan Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603 (919) 594-1881
Longleaf Hotel: 300 N Dawson St, Raleigh, NC 27603 (919) 867-5770
Marriott: 500 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC 27601 (919) 833-1120

Q: How much are tickets?

Tickets will be sold for children ages 6-12 at $12 and adults at $16. Admission is free for children under the age of 5.

Q: How can I purchase tickets?

You can purchase tickets online at Etix.com. You will also be able to purchase tickets at your local Harris Teeter.

Q: Do I have to have a ticket to FNR to walk around Fayetteville Street?

A: No! You can still walk around downtown as it is still public property. You will need a ticket though if you want to participate in any of the activities or attend any of the indoor performances throughout the festival footprint.

Q: Do I have to have a ticket to enjoy food/drinks?

A: No you do not! You can come to Fayetteville Street and purchase food and beverages as you wish.

Q: Where should I park?

A: From parking decks to parking lots, there are over 70 places to park in Downtown Raleigh. Learn more