3 things happening in NC: How to greet New Year’s in North Carolina

The Avett Brothers take their New Year’s show to Asheville, Charlotte chefs collaborate for free soup tradition, Carolina Beach runners kickstart 2026 on the coast.

This week, we’re living in the weird lull in time that comes between the holidays and the new year. We eat a lot of leftovers. We play with whatever gadgets were gifted to us. Do we get any work done? Nominally. 

New Year’s Day, landing on Thursday this week, wipes a new slate for everyone. Get in the gym. Read more. Abstain from alcohol for the month of January or perhaps longer. To each their own goals. Whatever your resolution(s), we can all agree that there is lots to do this week as folks mark the start of the new year. 

Celebrations are planned across the state, including this list of fireworks displays we’ve compiled if that’s what you’re looking for. Then there are the … less traditional observances. Mt. Olive hosts a pickle drop each year, as I described in my NC winter bucket list from a couple years ago. Then there’s the annual flea drop in Eastover (formerly known as Flea Hill, for context).  

The Avett Brothers New Year’s Eve Show in Asheville

Dec. 31, 2025; 8:30 p.m.; $138 and up; Harrah’s Cherokee Center

Natives of Concord, The Avett Brothers started hosting their annual New Year’s Eve show with an intimate gig at Charlotte’s Neighborhood Theatre in 2004. It’s turned into a staple since then, with the group rotating cities to perform their popular brand of Americana rock right up to midnight. 

This year sees them playing at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center in Asheville, where they’ll likely sprinkle some localized flavor into a show that the band otherwise has down to a science, as Jeff Hahne pointed out in his review of last year’s Charlotte performance. That said, it’s still a can’t-miss experience even if you’ve caught a previous one over the last two decades.      

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by CBS Saturday Morning (@cbssaturday)

Free Soup Day in Charlotte

Jan. 1, 2026; 11 a.m.; Free; Free Range Brewing 

When four Charlotte chefs came together on New Year’s Day 2016 to offer up free soup to the few people who happened to be nursing their hangover at Free Range Brewing in the city’s Villa Heights neighborhood, it was just a fun way to mark the changing of the calendars. 

A decade later, Free Soup Day has become a time-honored tradition, with more than 20 chefs participating this year, serving amazing soups, tasty breads and sweet treats free of charge. And those aren’t just meaningless adjectives—these soups are really good. So good in fact that, even with dozens of chefs taking part, all the soup is almost guaranteed to run out within a couple hours of the 11 a.m. start time.

Free Soup Day at Free Range Brewing in Charlotte, a New Year’s tradition. (Free Range Brewing)

Carolina Beach State Park Trail Half Marathon & 5K

Jan. 3, 2026; 8-10 a.m.; $35-$75; Carolina Beach State Park

(Kait Race Photos via Carolina Beach State Park Trail Half & 5K)

What better way to feel good about the start of your year than to knock out a 5K (or more) three days into 2026? 

The Carolina Beach State Park Half Marathon & 5K is one of the most scenic races held annually across the state, taking place on a pine-strewn track that runs up against the Cape Fear River for picturesque views before winding its way through the forest and a campground.  

With 13.1 and 3.1 mile courses to choose from, folks of all skill levels are invited to take part. 

If you’re in the area earlier in the week, check out the Island of Lights New Year’s Eve celebration on Wednesday, including a beach ball drop followed by a fireworks display over the water.