New Year’s Eve Events in Austin

Whether you’re celebrating with friends, family, or that special someone you plan to share a New Year’s kiss with, Austin has something fun for everyone this New Year’s Eve!

City of Austin’s New Year 2018

This family-friendly event kicks off at 3pm on New Year’s Eve at Auditorium Shores and features live music, art, food trucks, and more! Headliners for the event include Brownout and Ian Moore Band. For the kiddos the “Kid’s Magic Forest” offers train rides, activity stations, a bike zoo, fairyland, a giant pinata, and more! To close out the night there will be a fireworks display starting at 10pm. You don’t even have to stay up until midnight to celebrate! Admission is free and pets are welcome (but alcohol is not)!

Noon Year’s Eve Balloon Drop & Bubble Wrap Stomp

Hosted at Austin’s Children’s Museum, Thinkery, this event is the perfect way to ring in the New Year with the whole family, without having to keep the kids up past their bedtime! Admission is free for Thinkery Members and $12 for non members. The event will feature arts and crafts, “snowball” fights, special performances, and not one but TWO balloon drops (taking place at 12pm and 2pm).

Willie Nelson & Family New Year’s Eve

Join the Nelson Family at the Moody Theater for an epic New Year’s celebration! Special guests include Lukas Nelson, Promise of the Real, and Blackberry Smoke. Plus don’t miss appearances by Father Time Texas and Baby New Year! Doors open at 7:30pm and the show begins at 9:00pm. If you’re already committed to other New Year’s Eve plans the show will also be taking place on Friday and Saturday. Tickets are almost sold out so don’t miss out!

Third Annual Launderette New Year’s Eve Extravaganza

The Launderette restaurant is serving up one tasty New Year’s Eve! For $85 per person you can feast on a delicious four-course prix fixe dinner. Some of the menu items include Tuna Crudo, Eggplant Feuille de Brick, Escargot, Rack of Lamb, King Crab Legs, and Chocolate Custard Tarts. We might not be able to pronounce all of it, but our mouths are still watering just thinking about each delicious dish! Visit the restaurant’s website to make a reservation between 5pm to 10pm on New Year’s Eve to join in on the excitement!

Neon New Year’s Eve at Punch Bowl Social

Avoid the downtown crowds and hit up Punch Bowl Social in the Domain for a fun and exciting New Year’s Eve party! The party is 80’s themed, so if you’re not quite ready to look to the future in 2018, then look to the past and head out in your best leg warmers and neon pants! Admission is free and you can purchase drinks and snacks from the venue’s regular menu. Enjoy bowling, ping-pong, karaoke, or just dancing and singing along to the live dj all night long – or at least until the ball drops! Event kicks off at 9:00pm.