Admission buttons on sale for Raleigh's First Night Celebration

This year, First Night will celebrate 1967 – the summer of peace and love. Turn back the clock by enjoying performances in 25 indoor and outdoor venues throughout downtown Raleigh.

The festival includes the early afternoon Children's Celebration, early and late countdowns, the People's Procession, music, dance, theater, comedy, the giant Acorn Drop, and fireworks. The main stage, acorn drop, and fireworks will all take place at the corner of Fayetteville and Davie streets.

There will be a special performance by Tift Merritt in honor of the City of Raleigh Arts Commission’s 30th anniversary. The singer-songwriter will perform on the Main Stage at 10:30 p.m. leading up to Countdown to Midnight.

Other performances include Cashore Marionettes, Chuck Davis and the African American Dance Ensemble, Cynthia Jones, David Parmley and the Continental Divide, Julius Carrasco & Dos Cabelleros, Killer Filler, Lenny Marcus Trio, Little Windows, Transactor Improv Company, and Zany Umbrella Circus.

Buttons are $9 in advance for children ages 6 to 12 and adults; you can purchase buttons at Harris Teeter and Rite Aid stores.

At the event, buttons are $10 for children ages 6 to 12 and $12 for adults. Children age 5 and under are admitted free.

Each year, First Night Raleigh attracts 40,000 people or more from the Triangle area.

First Night Raleigh is presented by Artsplosure, a non-profit corporation that also produces the Artsplosure spring arts festival each May.