Austin, January 1, 2026
The City of Austin and Visit Austin hosted a free New Year’s Eve celebration at Auditorium Shores, bringing together thousands to welcome 2026 with live music, local food, and an impressive fireworks display. Headlined by The Head and The Heart, the family-friendly event also featured a drone show and additional festive activities across the city, ensuring a memorable experience for all attendees.
Austin’s New Year’s Eve Celebration Rings in 2026 with Music, Food, and Fireworks
Austin, Texas – On December 31, 2025, the City of Austin and Visit Austin hosted a free, family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration at Auditorium Shores, drawing thousands of residents and visitors to ring in 2026. The event featured live music, local food vendors, and a spectacular fireworks display.
Event Highlights
- Headliner: The critically acclaimed band The Head and The Heart.
- Supporting Acts: Local favorites Chaparelle, Tameca Jones, and The Point.
- Special Features: A drone show presented by Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages at 11:40 p.m., followed by a midnight fireworks finale. The event was broadcast live by CNN as part of their national coverage.
- Food and Beverages: A variety of local food trucks offered a range of culinary options, with both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages available for purchase.
Event Details
The celebration took place from 7 p.m. to midnight at Auditorium Shores, located at 900 W. Riverside Drive, Austin, TX 78704. The event was free and open to the public, embodying Austin’s spirit of community and togetherness as residents and visitors gathered to welcome the new year.
Background
In November 2025, the City of Austin and Visit Austin announced the headliner for the New Year’s Eve celebration, further emphasizing the event’s commitment to showcasing both national and local talent. The inclusion of a drone show and fireworks aimed to provide a memorable experience for attendees of all ages. The event’s success is a testament to Austin’s dedication to hosting vibrant and inclusive community celebrations, an essential reflection of the entrepreneurial spirit prevalent in the city.
Additional New Year’s Eve Events in Austin
In addition to the main celebration at Auditorium Shores, several other events took place across the city, catering to diverse interests:
- Lakeway Polar Bear Plunge: Community members took a dip at Lakeway Swim Center, followed by hot cocoa. (Dec. 31, 9-10 a.m.)
- 21+ Bad Santa: New Year’s Eve Party at Volente Beach Resort & Waterpark: An adults-only celebration featuring holiday lights, a midnight fireworks display, themed drinks, and a costume contest. (Dec. 31, 5 p.m.-1 a.m.)
- ICONIC Countdown 2026: A Desi New Year celebration at The Crossover, featuring a kids’ zone, food vendors, and a midnight balloon drop. (Dec. 31, 7 p.m.)
- Leander Grand Gala: New Year’s Eve Ball: A semi-formal event at the Sheraton Austin Georgetown Hotel and Conference Center, including a performance by LC Rocks and a champagne toast. (Dec. 31, 7:30-11:30 p.m.)
- New Year’s Eve at Lake Travis Biergarten: A celebration with live music and a DJ. (Dec. 31, 8-11 p.m.)
- New Year’s Eve Totally Rad 80s Karaoke Night at Shooters Cedar Park: An ’80s-themed karaoke night with a costume contest and champagne toast. (Dec. 31, 8 p.m.)
- Rockin’ New Year’s Eve with The A-TX Rejects: A performance by The A-TX Rejects at Shooters in Austin, featuring a midnight champagne toast. (Dec. 31, 8 p.m.)
- Prélude’s Cosmic Countdown NYE: A galaxy-themed celebration at Prélude with face painting, galaxy lighting, and music from DJ Kit Ketterman. (Dec. 31, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.)
- Bar Fino’s NYE Fête: Buns & Bubbles: A celebration at Bar Fino with a live DJ, food and drink specials, and a New Year’s Eve happy meal. (Dec. 31, 10 p.m.-1 a.m.)
- Yamas NYE Extravaganza: Yamas hosted its third annual New Year’s Eve dance party with music from Annie Hue, Fabian Gerard Jagger & Friends. (Dec. 31, 10:30 p.m.-2 a.m.)
These events contributed to a vibrant and diverse New Year’s Eve celebration across Austin, offering residents and visitors a variety of options to welcome 2026 and feed the city’s growing cultural and economic fabric.
Weather Conditions
On December 31, 2025, Austin experienced mild temperatures, with a high of 22.2°C (72°F) and a low of 1.1°C (34°F). These conditions provided a comfortable environment for outdoor festivities, making it easier for both locals and tourists to enjoy the celebrations.
Safety Measures
City officials emphasized safety during the celebrations, advising attendees to plan ahead for transportation and to be mindful of their surroundings. The Austin Police Department increased patrols to ensure public safety throughout the evening, demonstrating the community’s commitment to maintaining a secure environment during large gatherings.
Looking Ahead
The success of Austin’s New Year’s Eve celebration underscores the city’s commitment to fostering community engagement and providing residents and visitors with memorable experiences. Plans for future events are already underway, with organizers aiming to build on this year’s success to create even more inclusive and exciting celebrations in the years to come. Such initiatives contribute to local economic growth and highlight the resilience of Austin’s businesses as they continue to innovate and adapt.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What time did Austin’s New Year’s Eve celebration at Auditorium Shores start and end?
The celebration took place from 7 p.m. to midnight on December 31, 2025.
Who were the headliners for the New Year’s Eve celebration?
The headliner was The Head and The Heart, with supporting acts Chaparelle, Tameca Jones, and The Point.
What special features were included in the event?
The event featured a drone show presented by Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages at 11:40 p.m., followed by a midnight fireworks finale. CNN broadcasted live from the event as part of their national coverage.
Were there any other New Year’s Eve events in Austin?
Yes, several other events took place across the city, including the Lakeway Polar Bear Plunge, 21+ Bad Santa: New Year’s Eve Party at Volente Beach Resort & Waterpark, ICONIC Countdown 2026, Leander Grand Gala: New Year’s Eve Ball, New Year’s Eve at Lake Travis Biergarten, New Year’s Eve Totally Rad 80s Karaoke Night at Shooters Cedar Park, Rockin’ New Year’s Eve with The A-TX Rejects, Prélude’s Cosmic Countdown NYE, Bar Fino’s NYE Fête: Buns & Bubbles, and Yamas NYE Extravaganza.
What were the weather conditions on December 31, 2025?
Austin experienced mild temperatures, with a high of 22.2°C (72°F) and a low of 1.1°C (34°F), providing a comfortable environment for outdoor festivities.
What safety measures were in place during the celebrations?
City officials emphasized safety, advising attendees to plan ahead for transportation and to be mindful of their surroundings. The Austin Police Department increased patrols to ensure public safety throughout the evening.
Key Features of Austin’s New Year’s Eve Celebration
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Austin’s New Year’s Eve Celebration |
| Date and Time | December 31, 2025, 7 p.m. to midnight |
| Location | Auditorium Shores, 900 W. Riverside Drive, Austin, TX 78704 |
| Headliner | The Head and The Heart |
| Supporting Acts | Chaparelle, Tameca Jones, and The Point |
| Special Features | Drone show at 11:40 p.m., midnight fireworks, CNN live broadcast |
| Food and Beverages | Local food trucks offering a variety of options, both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages available for purchase |
| Weather Conditions | High of 22.2°C (72°F), low of 1.1°C (34°F) |
| Safety Measures | Increased police patrols, emphasis on transportation planning and situational awareness |
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Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
