Artsplosure is pleased to announce that First Night Raleigh will feature four performances inside Memorial Auditorium at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts. Variety entertainer Mark Nizer will perform three shows (6:00, 7:30, & 9:00) inside the auditorium at the New Year's Eve celebration, while Fred Garbo Inflatable Theater will take the stage at 10:00pm. The auditorium holds more than 2,200 people.


First Night Raleigh begins at 2:00pm with the Children's Celebration at the North Carolina museums of History and Natural Sciences and outside on Bicentennial Plaza. The celebration features family-friendly entertainment, make-and-take arts and crafts for children, and more. The People's Procession, a participatory parade, will begin at 6:00pm and make its way down Fayetteville Street towards the Main Stage. An early "Countdown to Midnight" immediately follows, featuring fireworks and entertainment for all ages.

Evening entertainment includes live music, theatre, dance, comedy, and more. Scheduled to appear at this year's event are The Smithereens, John Brown and the Groove Shop Band, Claire Lynch, Chuck Davis and the African American Dance Ensemble, Christine Lavin, Transactors Improv Company, Lenny Marcus Trio, Southern String Band, and more. First Night Raleigh concludes with the Countdown to Midnight and fireworks.

Admission buttons are available at local Harris Teeter and Rite Aid stores, as well as other local outlets. Buttons are $9 in advance for children ages 6-12 and adults. Children five and under are admitted free. Buy your button early for a chance to win one of two $500 Harris Teeter gift cards. At the event, buttons are $10 for children ages 6-12 and $12 for adults.

For more information, visit www.firstnightraleigh.com.