Arts & Entertainment
Austin New Year's Events: 2018 Guide
Start planning for New Year's Eve! Here's your guide to fireworks, parties and other events happening in North Austin and beyond.
AUSTIN, TX – Can you believe it? It's almost time to ring in the new year. And whether you plan to ring in 2018 at your favorite restaurant or hotel, an upscale party with friends, or cozied up in front of the television away from the madding crowds, we've got you covered.
Have the bubbly chilled, and we'll supply the listings. Check out town-by-town listings below of New Year's celebrations and events in and near Austin if you're one to want to go out, plus a look at what television programming may make you want to stay in.
There will be family fun too. For those wanting to bring the kiddos along to celebrate the new year, we've included the best family-friendly events.
Find out what's happening in North Austin-Pflugervillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
If you go out....
Find out what's happening in North Austin-Pflugervillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
DJs and Fire & Ice dancers will set the mood at this sultry celebration, with what organizers say will be a venue decked out in "both red-hot and sexy 'fire' and shimmering silver 'ice' decor." Cash bar ticket holders will gain admission to the FIRE & ICE Celebration, lite bites, a champagne toast at midnight and access to drink specials throughout the evening. Six RSVP Seated Tables will also be available for $300. The half-dozen VIP tables on dance floor INCLUDE admission for four to the FIRE & ICE party, one bottle of Champagne, one bottle of Belvedere Vodka w/mixers, lite bites and the Champagne toast at midnight. Additional bottles will be available for purchase throughout the evening as will the full Moonfire Lounge bar selections and specials.Space is limited, and the event is sure to sell out! Click here for tickets.
As the late, great Celia Cruz wouldsay: ¡Azúcar! Literally, this means "sugar," but is meant to convey "sweet!" For lovers of all things Latino, this is the place to be in ringing in the new year. The Lobby Lounge at the Four Seasons Hotel will be transformed into a Latino-themed masquerade party, complete with festive decor and live music by Latin jazz band The Brew. A midnight balloon drop will add that exclamation point needed in ushering in the new year. Tickets that can be purchased at the door include a complimentary cocktail, hors d’oeuvres and more. $75 per person. Party is scheduled from 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31 until 1 a.m. the next morning. For more details, click here or call (512) 685-8100
The Paramount Theater invites you to celebrate New Year’s Eve with perennial favorite Bob Schneider, one of Austin's most beloved artists. From “Tarantula” and “40 Dogs” to tracks from his latest album, King Kong Vol. 3, Schneider is a popular act to be joined by Jai Malano. The event begins at 9 a.m. on Dec. 31 at 713 Congress Ave. in Austin. Tickets are $35-$100. Details: click here or call (512) 472-5470.
New Year 2018 At Russian House Of Austin
No Russian hacking here, just hearty partying. Russian House of Austin will present a Romany New Year Celebration during which participants are urged to dress like a Romany traveler while eating, dancing and drinking all night long with the likes of Snow Maiden, Nataly and Zhenya Rock from Balalaika Brother and "Golden Voice of Texas," Ilya Goldstein. The event begins at 9 p.m. on Dec. 31 at 307 E. 5th St. in Austin. Tickets are $35-$100. Details: click here or call 512-428-5442. It's hard to say nyet to this party, comrades.
Gatsby's House Austin New Year's Eve
Typically, this venue hearkens back to a simpler time in the 1920s, when the Charleston was the dance craze times were simpler and the economy was strong (at least before the Great Depresssion would set in later by decades' end). But come Dec. 31, the venue will be transformed into a spot of modernity, with top Austin DJs playing the hottest EDM tracks, catchiest Top 40 tunes and more. Multiple, fully staffed bars will be on hand for party guests, along with a state-of-the-art lighting and sound system, four separate areas to mingle and three stories suffused with fun. Hand-passed appetizers will abound, along with complimentary party favors. A casino night will feature craps, roulette and black jack. In keeping with the Great Gatsby theme, a speakeasy will be set up, and prizes will be doled out. Guests will enjoy a premium, all-inclusive hosted bar and multiple hors d’oeuvres. General admission guests will enjoy: Svedka Vodka, Titos Vodka, Bacardi Silver Rum, Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, Tanqueray Gin, Jack Daniels Whiskey, Canadian Club Whiskey, Dewar’s Scotch Whiskey, White Label, Jim Bean Bourbon, Sauza Blanco Tequila. VIP guests will enjoy those plus: Absolute Vodka, Grey Goose Vodka, Bacardi Silver Rum, Myer’s Dark Rum, Bombay Sapphire Gin, Chivas Scotch Whiskey, Crown Royal Whiskey, Knob Creek Bourbon, Jose Cuervo Gold Tequilla, Cointreau. From $135 to $825. Scheduled from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
For those wanting to escape Austin, the Barrow Brewing Company is hosting its annual New Year’s party with dancing and live music provided by local band The Blessed Union of Blues and food catered by Hencho en Queso. Tickets will be priced between $30 for a single person or $55 for couples. From Sunday, Dec. 31 at 6:30 p.m. to Monday, Jan. 1, 2018, at 1 a.m. The Barrow Brewing Company is located at 108 Royal St. in Salado, Texas.
The Goblin King’s New Year’s Eve Ball
Elysium Austin will be the setting for this looking-glass world in which Alice in Wonderland would be right at home. General admission tickets are just $12, getting you access to the dance floor, DJs, guest performers, both upstairs and downstairs bars and one glass of champagne starting at 11:30 ahead of the New Year's Eve countdown. Pay extra for the upstairs VIP Performer Exclusive ($30) and Downstairs VIP Performer Exclusive ($40). "Join us at Elysium Austin as we descend into a looking-glass world Alice only wishes she'd known about for the Goblin King's New Year's Eve Ball!" organizers wrote in a description of the upcomng event. "White flowing walls, feathers, pearls and twinkling lights will make this an evening you will never forget!" A specialty drink menu will be featured at both the upstairs and downstairs bar. You can dress down or dress up. "Dress however it takes for the goblins to overlook you, or perhaps make you their new monarch," organizers wrote. We don't know what this means, as it's been a while we read the book. But if that appeals to you, there you go. There will be sing-a-Long videos "...for all your Labyrinth and David Bowie desires!" You'll be able to dance and twirl with your favourite 80s hits with DJs Crescendoll, Party Ghoul and special guest, Pumpkin Spice! Guest performers to be announced. For more details and to order tickets, click here.
Lone Star Court New Year’s Eve
Come out to a hip; retro-inspired party at the Lone Star Court and ring in the New Year at the Water Trough Bar. Start your evening early and enjoy the shops of the Domain. There will be live music and dancing and when the clock strikes midnight, start the New Year with a champagne toast. Austin Hotel will be offering an exclusive package for the New Year’s Eve party. This Austin New Year's Eve Hotel Package includes:
- A retro inspired guest room for one or two.
- Entry for two into the Water Trough Bar on December 31, 2017.
- DJ starting at 9:00 pm, playing requests from any decade.
- A glass of champagne at midnight.
- Complimentary New Year's Day Mimosa's and Bloody Mary's with breakfast served in the Water Trough.
- Complimentary self-parking.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi.
- Reduced room rate available for pre and post night weekend stay with the purchase of Kick Your Heels Over to the Lone Star Court Package.
This Austin New Year's Eve Hotel Package starts from $199 per room, per night, single or double occupancy, plus additional taxes and gratuities. Reduced room rate of $109 per night available for three days pre- and post-New Year's Eve with the purchase of the Kick Your Heels Over to the Lone Star Court New Year's Eve Package. Additional guest fees apply. Reservations subject to maximum occupancy. For more details,click here.
JW Marriott’s New Year’s Eve 2017
JW Marriott Austin has two restaurants and seven bars in downtown Austin near 6th and Rainey streets to keep you busy throughout the new year evening. JW Marriott will also be offering special New Year’s Eve hotel packages to make your night an unforgettable one. For culinary delights, a special menu for New Year's Eve at Osteria Pronto will offer a decadent, five-course prix fixe menu from Executive Chef Gilberto Ramirez. The NYE Black Truffle Menu will consist of five delectable courses:
First
Black Truffle & Artichoke Soup – Crispy artichoke, shaved black.
Second (your choice of one)
Poached Lobster salad – Sorrel, truffle vinaigrette, sorrel and Puffed Truffle crisp.
White Asparagus – Black trumpet mushroom, truffle infused 90 minute egg, truffle puree.
Third (your choice of one)
Agnolotti – House made ricotta, black truffle, mushroom brodo, Reggiano, finger limes.
White Truffle Risotto – Parmigiano-Reggiano, Alba Truffles ($35 supplement).
Fourth (your choice of one one)
Filet of Beef – Truffle bordelaise, salsify, shallot marmalade.
Sablefish – Truffle braised fennel, pearl onion agrodolce, fennel and blood orange broth.
Fifth
Panna Cotta – Passion fruit, strawberry, meringue.
Reservations recommended. Click here for more details or call (512) 608.4490.
The posh W Hotel will be turned into party central to ring in 2018. Two parties to choose from: Jungle Glam or Urban Wild. There will be complimentary parking and room specials for the evening. "Two parties. Two floors." That's how hotel officials dramatically detail their dual celebrations. So what's the difference between the two? Funny you should ask, as the hotel has a ready primer:
Jungle Glam
A glamorous wilderness. Gold, glitter and extravagance meet a living jungle. A night of wild rides and ferocious surprises.
Urban Party
A modern underground. Street culture, graffiti, and the urban landscape mix with a neon jungle.
You're hip to the scene now? Still confused? "In a nutshell, one is downstairs and cash bar (Urban Wild), the other one is upstairs, includes drinks, and has more activations/glamour (Jungle Glam)," hotel officials helpfully explain.
For more details, click here.
Lake Austin Spa Resort’s Celebratory Dinner and Party
For something a bit more laid back against a natural backdrop, Lake Austin Spa Resort might be the place for you. Lake Austin Spa Resort will celebrate the arrival of 2018 DJ Gatsby and Las Vegas-style games. Play Blackjack, Craps, and Roulette or dance in their comfortable and modern New Year’s lounge to ring in the new year. Start the New Year off with prizes while enjoying a buffet of desserts and a list of wines chosen only for this special evening. For more details, click here.
Broken Spoke’s New Year’s Eve Dance
New Year's Eve at the legendary Broken Spoke will feature Alvin Crow at 9 p.m. and Bend Rodgers from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets on sale at the bar or by calling (512) 442-6189. Tickets are just $20 apiece, with pre-sale reservations securing you a table for the night. Click here for more details.
Hotel Vegas and The Volstead’s New Year’s Eve
Jump back into time to 1976 at when Hotel Vegas and The Volstead will be hosting a rocking New Year’s Eve performance with tributes to KISS, Blondie, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, Queen, ABBA, Television, ELO, Patti Smith and Heart. The musical tributes will be performed by Roky Moon and BOLT!, Flesh Lights, Windsor for the Derby, Sailor Poon, Lowin, Ole ELO, Residual Kid and Moving Panoramas! Three stages of entertainment, drink specials, food specials at the Hotel Vegas concession stand, and much more. Want more details? Click here.
Join host Taylor Kitsch at Brazos’ most rocking event of the year featuring music guests Rob Thomas, Mentalist and Magician Phoenix, and The African Children’s Choir as they rock Brazos Hall this New Year’s Eve! More information can be had by clicking here.
Lake Travis makes for a lovely backdrop for a party. If you agree, join The Oasis for a fantastic night full of fun at the Starlight Terrace. Tickets cost $150 per couple and make sure to reserve your spot by email or call the restaurant. The evening will include a delicious dinner, live music by Austin Party Band and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Contact Julie at (512) 266-2442 ext 9, or email OasisOnLakeTravisEvents@gmail.com to finalize your reservation for what organizers are hailing as one of the best parties in Austin to ring in the new year. Here are more mouth-watering details: Buffet will include prime rib, Alaskan King Crab legs, champagne and herb roasted turkey, and other great chef-inspired items. Food will only be served between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., and will not be available after 9 p.m. Reservations are required only for Starlight Terrace; general dining does not require a reservation. Price does not include tax, alcohol, or a suggest 20% gratuity. All seating will be indoors. For more information, click here.
New Year’s Eve at Poodie’s Hilltop Roadhouse
Poodie’s Hilltop Roadhouse, located on Texas 71, offers what's arguably the best live music in the Texas Hill Country. Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a live music performance by Tessy Lou and The Shotgun Stars. Click here for additional details.
There will be plenty of fun for families....
What would Austin be without the Willie Nelson annual event? Joining the iconic artist in ringing in the new year will be Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real and Particle Kid with shows on three separate nights leading up to New Year's Day. The event will culminate with Blackberry Smoke on New Year's Eve. The event is scheduled Dec. 29-31 at 310 Willie Nelson Blvd. in Austin. Tickets are $99-$157. Details: 877-471-4225 or click here.
City of Austin’s New Year 2018
Ring in the new year at Auditorium Shores with a fireworks finale at 10 p.m. This is an alcohol-free and family-friendly event with a variety of art, food and live music. The New Year lineup includes Brownout, Ian Moore Band, Tomar and the FC’s, Magna Carda, Charlie Faye and the Fayettes, Money Chica, Jane Ellen Bryant, The Watters, Kalu and the Electronic Joint and James Junius. This event is staged annually at Vic Mathias Shores, formerly known as Auditorium Shores on South 1st Street and Riverside Drive and features a fireworks finale at 10 p.m. Click here for more details.
Noon Year’s Party/Sensory Overtime
This event is definitely kid-friendly, ringing in the New Year, to a fashion, at noon! Hats and noise makers will about starting at 11 a.m. Children's musician Joe McDermott will perform half-an-hour later as little party animals snack on goodies and toast to high noon if not midnight. Lake Travis Community Library, 1938 Lohmans Crossing, is the setting for this event. Click here for more.
It won't be just the grownups having all the fun on New Year’s Eve. Pinballz enjoys parents to bring their children ages ten and under to a Noon Year's Eve event featuring a make-and-take crafting experience, snacks, $5 in game play, and a noon, prize-filled balloon drop. Tickets are $10 per child when purchased in advance, $15 day of the event. The kid-friendly event is scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to noon. For ticket purchase, click here.
Noon Year’s Eve Balloon Drop and Bubble Wrap Stomp
Thinkery hosts its second annual Noon Year’s Eve Balloon Drop and Bubble Wrap Stomp on Dec. 31 from noon to 2 p.m. Winter crafts, “snowball” fights, special performances and two separate balloon drops will be featured. Space is limited for this popular event, with entry secured on a first-come, first-served basis. Organizers say they'll be adding even more events heading into the big day, so they urge those interested to check back on their page for more details. Visit the Thinkery website for more information.
If you opt to stay in....
Some of you don't succumb to the hype, don't like crowds or simply prefer to stay home on New Year's Eve. And that's okay, too. Fortunately, there will be good programming on television:
"New Year's Eve Live" With Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen
Where to catch it: CNN
Why you should watch: For the first time ever, Anderson Cooper will host CNN's annual New Year's Eve Live special with none other than "Watch What Happens Live" host Andy Cohen. As these two are best friends in real life, you can expect tons witty banter and hilarious moments from the pair. A mainstay at the Bravo network, Cohen replaces Anderson's longtime co-host, Kathy Griffin, who was fired from CNN fired after her controversial Donald Trump photoshoot. But this is a festive story. Click on the previous highlighted text if you need details on Griffin's firing for those few of you who haven't heard of that incident.
"Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve 2018" hosted by Ryan Seacrest
Where to catch it: ABC
Anything could happen on live television, including last year's infamous Mariah Carey mic incident that occurred on this broadcast. So, yeah, compelling television. And even sans celebrity snafus, you can count on spectacular views of Time Square packed with people as it is at each year's end as you live vicariously from those hardy partiers. Musical performances are also featured, another popular draw to the broadcast.
We'll be adding new events as they emerge, so be sure to check back as the big day nears! Email at antonio.cantu@patch.com for events we've missed that we should add!
>>> Image via Shutterstock
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