New Year's Eve 2026 near Apex: First Night Raleigh's acorn drop and fireworks, downtown Apex bars, New Year's Day closures and the Friday trash delay.

Last checked Oct. 11, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. Facts come from the Town of Apex New Year’s Day holiday notice, Artsplosure’s First Night page and each venue’s own site. Restaurant and bar plans appear here only once the venue announces them.

New Year’s Eve is Thursday, Dec. 31, 2026, and New Year’s Day falls on a Friday. As of Oct. 11 the Town of Apex had not announced a town New Year’s Eve event or fireworks show, so the big public countdown for Apex families is in downtown Raleigh. Questions about town services go to Ask Apex at 919-249-3311.

New Year’s at a glance

  • Thursday, Dec. 31: WRAL First Night Raleigh, from 2 p.m., downtown Raleigh (ticketed)
  • Friday, Jan. 1, 2027: Town of Apex offices and facilities closed
  • Trash: normal Monday through Thursday; Friday routes collected Saturday, Jan. 2
  • Getting home safely: plan a ride before you go out; the police non-emergency line is 919-362-8661

First Night Raleigh

WRAL First Night Raleigh, run by the arts nonprofit Artsplosure, calls itself the city’s go-to destination on New Year’s Eve. According to its page:

  • Festivities begin in the early afternoon with outdoor music on City Plaza and the Children’s Celebration at 2 p.m., with crafts and activities. Strollers are not allowed in the Children’s Celebration area.
  • Performances and activities continue through the evening at indoor venues across downtown Raleigh, including comedy sets and a silent disco.
  • The night ends with music on the outdoor Main Stage, the Raleigh Acorn Drop and fireworks.
  • A ticket covers the Ferris wheel and amusement rides, the silent disco, indoor activities, performances and the Children’s Celebration. Tickets are sold online and at some Harris Teeter stores; the page lists which ones.

The 2026 lineup and ticket details are on Artsplosure’s page.

Ringing it in around Apex

Apex bars and restaurants announce their own New Year’s Eve plans. Here are the regular late-night spots, with each venue’s own published hours; we will add any New Year’s Eve events they post:

  • Peak of the Vine, wine lounge, 301 N. Salem St. Open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays in its winter hours, with live music on many weekends (events).
  • Oaklyn Springs Brewery taproom, 209 N. Salem St. Open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays (hours).
  • Doherty’s Irish Pub and Restaurant, 5490 Apex Peakway, with live music, trivia and music bingo through the week (events calendar).

Dec. 31 falls on a Thursday this year, so check each venue’s holiday hours. More venues are on our live music and nightlife guide.

New Year’s Day: what is open and closed

  • Town of Apex offices and facilities: closed Friday, Jan. 1, 2027.
  • Trash and recycling: normal schedule Monday through Thursday; Friday’s routes are collected Saturday, Jan. 2. Yard waste runs Tuesday through Thursday, and anything missed is collected the following week (holiday notice).
  • The American Tobacco Trail in Wake County is closed on New Year’s Day, according to Wake County.
  • Christmas trees: stripped of lights and decorations, they go out with yard waste. See our trash and recycling guide.

What this means for you

  • Going to Raleigh? Buy First Night tickets ahead and plan parking or a ride home.
  • Staying in Apex? Check your favorite downtown spot’s New Year’s Eve plans in December.
  • Friday trash goes out a day late on Saturday, Jan. 2.

Related: holiday lights and Christmas events, Valentine’s Day in Apex and things to do this month.

Frequently asked questions

Are there New Year’s Eve fireworks in Apex?

As of Oct. 11, 2026, the Town of Apex had not announced a town New Year’s Eve event or fireworks. The nearest big public celebration is WRAL First Night Raleigh, which ends with the acorn drop and fireworks.

Do I need a ticket for First Night Raleigh?

Yes, for the indoor performances, rides and Children’s Celebration. Artsplosure, which runs the event, sells tickets online and at some Harris Teeter stores.

Is trash pickup delayed for New Year’s Day in Apex?

Only Friday routes. Trash and recycling run as normal Monday through Thursday, and Friday’s routes are collected Saturday, Jan. 2, 2027.

Are Apex town offices open on New Year’s Day?

No. All Town of Apex facilities and offices are closed Friday, Jan. 1, 2027.