Night Circus at Festival Park & Other Fayetteville Area New Year’s Events
It’s been quite a year here in North Carolina, but we are more than ready to ring in 2022 with New Year’s Eve celebrations. Fortunately, even with the COVID-19 pandemic…

Fayetteville will have a New Year’s Eve celebration again, as Cool Spring Downtown District is bringing “Night Circus: A District New Year’s Eve Spectacular” to Festival Park to ring in 2022.
Beasley Media PhotoIt's been quite a year here in North Carolina, but we are more than ready to ring in 2022 with New Year's Eve celebrations.
Fortunately, even with the COVID-19 pandemic raging on, there are plenty of ways to safely celebrate New Year's Eve across Fayetteville and the rest of North Carolina.
Let's take a look at some of the best celebrations, including a big new one right here in Fayetteville!
If you have additional events you'd like to see added to this list, email brandon.plotnick@bbgi.com.
Night Circus: A District New Year's Eve Spectacular - Fayetteville

Fayetteville will have a New Year's Eve celebration again, as Cool Spring Downtown District is bringing "Night Circus: A District New Year's Eve Spectacular" to Festival Park to ring in 2022.
Downtown Fayetteville is getting back into the New Year’s Eve game, as the Cool Spring Downtown District announced a Festival Park fireworks and music event featuring four legendary musical acts. “Night Circus: A District New Year’s Eve Spectacular” is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. until after midnight, starting on Dec. 31, 2021.
The event will feature carnival-like performers, as well as food trucks and a 90s dance party, featuring Rob Base, Coolio, C+C Music Factory, and All-4-One. The four musical acts were huge in the 90s hip-hop and R&B genres.
- 7:30PM Event opens to public
- 7:30 – 9 PM DJ Beatz and DJ Miracle
- Aerialists to perform on main stage
- 9:00 PM Earlybird NEW YEARS (COUNTDOWN FOR THE KIDS)
- 9PM-9:30 PM DJ BEATZ + DJ MIRACLE
- 9:45-10:05 PM C + C Music Factory
- 10:10-10:45pm All 4 One
- 10:50-11:20pm ROB BASE
- 11:30- 11:55pm COOLIO
- 11:59 PM 60-SECOND COUNTDOWN BEGINS
- STARLIGHT BEGINS
- 11:59: STAR LIGHTS
- 12:00 AM FIREWORKS
- 12:03-12:20am COOLIO
First Night Raleigh
Downtown Raleigh will still hold First Night Raleigh events this year, but everything has been moved outdoors because of COVID-19.
Live music and the famous acorn drop will be part of the ticketed events for ages 6 and up.
The early countdown event for the little ones is at 7 p.m., with of course the "real" acorn drop set for midnight.
New Year's Eve at the Raleigh Beer Garden
If you are looking to drink your way into 2022, Raleigh Beer Garden may be the place for you.
"Come join us and ring in 2020 here at the Raleigh Beer Garden! We will have a DJ spinning all night and ring in the New Year in style."
You can get your tickets here.
N.C. Chinese Lantern Festival - Cary
If you're looking for something festive to do, but maybe staying up til midnight isn't your thing, the annual N.C. Chinese Lantern Festival at Koka Booth Amphitheater might be just the trick.
Lots more information and tickets are available here.
Huske After Hours New Year's Eve - Fayetteville
Huske Hardware House in downtown Fayetteville will have a big party to celebrate the New Year as well.
Get all the details and advanced tickets here.
Bright Light Brewing Company 70's New Year's Eve - Fayetteville
If you're feeling a little throwback vibe, Bright Light Brewing Company on West Russell St. is holding a 70's New Year's Eve party from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.
You get get your tickets - which includes dinner - here.
Dirtbag Ale Brewery and Taproom Day Party - Hope Mills
If you're not a late-night partier, but want something to do with the kids, head to Dirtbag Ales on Corporation Drive.
They'll be partying all day with face painting and a kids balloon drop.
Face painting - Noon-5 p.m.
Balloon Drop - 5 p.m.