Ring in 2026: Your Austin New Year’s Eve & Day Guide

Start planning your end-of-year celebrations in Austin and the surrounding Hill Country with live music, family-friendly events, and unique traditions. Here’s a streamlined list to make the most of your New Year’s holiday.

This guide was curated using event details from KXAN’s list of New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day events across Central Texas.

New Year’s Eve Highlights

Austin’s New Year at Auditorium Shores

The Head and The Heart headline with local music acts. Countdown begins at 11:55 p.m., followed by fireworks.

Dec. 31, 7 p.m. | Tickets required | Auditorium Shores, Austin

Brisket Eve 2025 at Far Out Lounge

Jimmy Eat Brisket and other emo/rock bands perform. Special brisket dishes available. Early tickets $20, $25 at the door.

Dec. 31, 7 p.m. | Tickets required | Far Out Lounge, Austin

Mozart’s Festival of Lights

Live piano music from McKenna Michels, 9 p.m.–midnight. Free entry 11 p.m.–midnight; tickets available for table reservations. Festival runs through Jan. 3.

Dec. 31, 9 p.m.–midnight | Tickets optional | Mozart’s Coffee Roasters, Austin

New Year’s Eve Dance – Twin Sisters Dancehall

Brett Graham performs 8 p.m.–midnight. Adults $15, kids 11 & under $5.
ec. 31, 8 p.m.–midnight | Tickets at the door | Twin Sisters Dancehall, Blanco

Countdown to 2026 – Fredericksburg

Family-friendly fun with food trucks, live music, and a ball drop at 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 31, 3–6:30 p.m. | Free | Marktplatz, Fredericksburg

Fireworks Show – Roughhouse Brewing, San Marcos

Family-friendly fireworks just after sunset (~6 p.m.). Food and drinks available.

Dec. 31, 6 p.m. | Free | Roughhouse Brewing, San Marcos

New Year’s Eve Ball Drop – Wimberley

Live music and community gathering 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Family-friendly ball drop at 7 p.m. Parking and driving limited after 5 p.m.

Dec. 31, 11 a.m.–8 p.m. | Free | Downtown Wimberley

New Year’s Day Options

Polar Bear Splash – Barton Springs Pool, Austin

Annual plunge hosted by Save Our Springs Alliance. Group jump at 9:30 a.m., coffee, donuts, and commemorative t-shirts available.
Jan. 1, 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. | Tickets optional | Barton Springs Pool, Austin

Polar Bear Splash – James Adkins Pool, Kyle

Annual plunge. Official splash at 10:30 a.m. Online registration required.
Jan. 1, 10 a.m. | Tickets required | James Adkins Pool, Kyle

Polar Plunge – Robin Bledsoe Pool, Leander

Costumes encouraged; tickets $10. Warm drinks and prizes available.
Jan. 1, 10 a.m. | Tickets required | Robin Bledsoe Pool, Leander

Day One Kid’s Run – Ramon Lucio Park, San Marcos

1.1-mile free run. Optional woodland creature costumes encouraged. No registration required.
Jan. 1, 1 p.m. | Free | Ramon Lucio Park, San Marcos

Lights Spectacular – Johnson City

Downtown lights on display; hayrides 6–9 p.m. through Jan. 3. Viewing is free.
Through Jan. 4 | Free | Downtown Johnson City

For more ideas, check our list of January in Austin: Free Concerts, Festivals, and Family Fun You Can’t Miss.