2026 season · Updated Friday, November 6
New Year's Eve in Charlotte 2026
Fireworks, concerts, comedy and parties for December 31, family plans, and New Year's Day races and hikes for 2027, checked against each organizer's own site. We add more as organizers announce them.
Countdowns, fireworks and parties
- Coming up
Widespread Panic
Bojangles Coliseum, Charlotte
Widespread Panic plays two nights at Bojangles Coliseum, Wednesday Dec 30 and New Year's Eve Thursday Dec 31, both at 8 PM.
- Dates
- Dec 30–31
- Time
- From 8 PM
- Price
- Price not listed
- Coming up
House Party Rave at The Underground
The Underground, Charlotte
A 21+ dance and electronic New Year's Eve party at The Underground, in the Fillmore complex.
- Dates
- Thu, Dec 31
- Time
- From 9 PM
- Price
- Price not listed
- Coming up
New Year's Eve at Carowinds
Carowinds, Charlotte
A family New Year's Eve inside Carowinds with early countdowns for kids, then a countdown and fireworks at midnight.
- Dates
- Thu, Dec 31
- Time
- 9 PM – 1 AM
- Price
- With park admission (from $69)
- Coming up
New Year's Eve at The Comedy Zone
The Comedy Zone Charlotte, Charlotte
Two stand-up shows: Jamie Lissow's early kickoff at 7, then Sophie Buddle at 10 with a midnight countdown, party favors and a champagne toast.
- Dates
- Thu, Dec 31
- Time
- 7 PM early show; 10 PM show with midnight countdown
- Price
- $39–$51
- Coming up
New Year's Eve with the Voltage Brothers at Middle C Jazz
Middle C Jazz, Charlotte
Two New Year's Eve shows by the Voltage Brothers: an early set with a champagne toast, and a late show through midnight with a breakfast buffet.
- Dates
- Thu, Dec 31
- Time
- Early show 7 PM; late show 10 PM through midnight
- Price
- $76 early show, $156 late show
Daytime and family
- Coming up
NOON Year's Eve 5K and Kids Dash
McAlpine Creek Park, Charlotte
A 5K on a certified course at McAlpine Creek Park, starting at noon on New Year's Eve, then a short kids' dash at 12:45.
- Dates
- Thu, Dec 31
- Time
- From 12 PM
- Price
- 5K $40, kids dash $16
New Year's Day
- Coming up
Charlotte New Year's Day 5K
UNC Charlotte campus, Charlotte
A New Year's Day 5K from the UNC Charlotte campus out onto the Toby Creek Greenway, with a kids' dash at 11.
- Dates
- Fri, Jan 1
- Time
- From 10 AM
- Price
- 5K $40, kids dash $15
- Coming up
First Day Hike: Kings Mountain to Crowders Mountain
Kings Mountain State Park, Blacksburg, SC
A ranger-led, moderate 5.6-mile New Year's Day hike on the Ridgeline Trail, from Kings Mountain State Park to Crowders Mountain, with a shuttle back.
- Dates
- Fri, Jan 1
- Time
- 10 AM – 1 PM
- Price
- Free with park admission ($3)
Good to know
- Book a ride home ahead of time. Rideshare prices climb after midnight.
- Many New Year's Eve parties sell out in the last week of December, so buy early if you've picked one.
- Dress for being outside after dark if you're going to fireworks.
FAQ
Are there fireworks in Charlotte on New Year's Eve?
Yes: New Year's Eve at Carowinds in Charlotte (9 PM – 1 AM).
What can families do on New Year's Eve in Charlotte?
New Year's Eve at Carowinds in Charlotte (9 PM – 1 AM); NOON Year's Eve 5K and Kids Dash in Charlotte (From 12 PM).
What's on in Charlotte on New Year's Day?
Charlotte New Year's Day 5K in Charlotte (From 10 AM); First Day Hike: Kings Mountain to Crowders Mountain in Blacksburg (10 AM – 1 PM).
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