EZ Vibes New Years Concerts and Top Picks

Top picks for week of December 29th, 2025

In partnership with

A look back at 2025

As we wrap up 2025, I’ve been taking some time to digest everything we’ve experienced together. What an incredible year it has been for music, community, and the deep friendships that make this scene so special. From the magic of All Good Now and the debut of Raleigh Wide Open to the classic traditions of Shakori Hills and MerleFest, our calendar was truly blessed.

On a personal level, hitting Rooster Walk and Hopscotch reminded me why we do this—there’s just no substitute for that collective energy under the stage lights. I got experience some unbelievable musicianship and meet so many incredible people along the way. It was also really fun and rewarding to be a part of the first ever BAD Day Festival in Wilmington and Harvest Jam Festival in Raleigh!

While our contributions were just a small part of a much larger effort, it felt great to show support for the Mighty Giveback, Backline, and the Movember Foundation as they fight the mental health crisis. Every bit of awareness helps, and simply supporting the artists, venues, staff and volunteers who make these events possible is a win in itself. We appreciate all of you for what you bring to the live music community!

I am so grateful y’all are along for this ride with me. As we look toward an even bigger 2026, I want to encourage you to call a friend, celebrate your wins from this past year, and go catch some live music together. When the community shows up, everyone wins!

Quick Hits

👽️ Big Something New Years Run start tonight!

⛪️ Venue Spotlight Series coming in 2026

⚡️ Cosmic Charlie at Cat’s Cradle

✅ Top Picks for New Years!

📆 EZ Vibes Concert Calendar January!

The wait is over, Raleigh—the Big Something New Year’s run officially kicks off tonight at the Lincoln Theatre! We are diving into four straight nights of cosmic grooves, starting tonight with the high-stakes chaos of Big Something Roulette, where crowd interaction and unpredictable twists will dictate the setlist. Tomorrow, we ring in the new year with a heavy-hitting NYE celebration featuring the incredible Natalie Brooke. The party keeps rolling into the first weekend of 2026, with Friday night featuring the soulful sounds of The Hourglass Kids, before we officially close out this legendary run on Saturday with Sons of Paradise. Grab your tickets and get ready for a wild ride—this is exactly how you should set the stage for the year ahead!

Venue Spotlight series

Get ready, because starting in 2026 we are going to explore all the amazing venues, concert halls, and spaces that support our scene! We are launching a brand-new monthly series spotlighting our favorite local venues, from the legendary stages of Cat’s Cradle to the beautiful pines of Koka Booth. Each month, I’ll be sharing the insider’s scoop on the best sightlines, local drink picks, and the unique history of these iconic spots. We’ll be featuring all the heavy hitters like Lincoln Theatre and Haw River Ballroom to help you plan your perfect night out. Expect fun venue facts, parking tips, and featured shows at each spot. It’s all about learning and supporting the spaces that bring our community together. Look out for more on the Venue Spotlight series soon!

Suggest venues for our spotlight series for 2026 here!

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Cosmic Charlie

Cat’s Cradle - Carrborro, NC
12/30 - 12/31

Get ready to keep the magic alive in Carrboro, because Cosmic Charlie is taking over Cat's Cradle for a massive two-night run starting tonight!

Tonight, they kick things off with Liquid Garcia, bringing that deep, psychedelic Grateful Dead spirit to life with their high energy tribute sets. The energy continues tomorrow night as they are joined by the incredible Ain't Sisters, ensuring the dance floor stays packed with their signature blend of soulful, high-octane grooves.

Whether you’re catching the cosmic jams tonight or the sisters tomorrow, it’s the perfect way to ring in the new year with local Deadhead family.

Top Picks of the Week

Tuesday - 12/30

Big Something - The Lincoln Theatre - Raleigh, NC

Infamous Stringdusters, Bronwyn Keith-Hynes - The Orange Peel - Asheville, NC

Wednesday - 12/31 

❄️ New Years Eve

Big Something, Natalie Brooke - Lincoln Theatre - Raleigh, NC

Cosmic Charlie, The Ain't Sisters - Cat's Cradle - Carrboro, NC

Mellow Swells - Bond Brothers Eastside - Cary, NC

Late Night Radio, Motifv, Phyphr - Ziggy’s - Greensboro, NC

The Avett Brothers, Infamous Stringdusters - Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville, NC

Sneezy, Future Joy - Asheville Music Hall - Asheville, NC

RJD2 - The Orange Peel - Asheville, NC

Tell Me Lies (Fleetwood Mac Experience) - Bowstring Wilmington - Wilmington, NC

Ashes & Arrows - Beech Mountain Resort - Beech Mountain, NC

Thursday - 1/1

New Years Day

Friday - 1/2

Big Something, The Hourglass Kids - Lincoln Theatre - Raleigh, NC

Saturday - 1/3 

Big Something, Sons of Paradise - Lincoln Theatre - Raleigh, NC

Edgewood Heavy, The Annelle Staal Trio, Cam Cokas - The Pour House - Raleigh, NC

Brother Kent - Slims - Raleigh, NC

Refer A Friend

Make sure to follow us on social for daily concerts and event reminders!

Happy New Year yall!

Evan from EZ Vibes