Fireworks over downtown Austin (Credit: Kumar Appaiah via Flickr CC)
2017 is almost over, guys! This year flew by in a heartbeat. Austin has inducted many new Austinites, welcomed new establishments, and said goodbye to some loved ones. With 2018 quickly approaching, we think it’s only fair to say so long to 2017 in style. Oh, and it gets better. What we have in mind is not only awesome, but also free to do!
Check out our list of free things to do on New Year’s Eve in Austin.
1/ Icenhauer’s No Fuss New Years Bash
Icenhauer’s on Rainey Street invites you to “bring your lovers, your brothers & even your mothers” to a no-fuss New Year’s Eve party. This will be a free event with no cover charge. PDA Band will be belting out tunes by your favorite boy bands through the ages–yes, Backstreet Boys and Boyz II Men included. At 10 p.m., DJ Phillip Phildafunk Ferrell Jr. will take over and help everyone dance in the new year. Icenhauer’s promises to keep the booze plentiful and is even offering a free champagne toast at midnight.
When: Dec. 31, 2017 at 3 p.m. to Jan. 1, 2018 at 2 a.m.
Where: 83 Rainey St.
More details
2/ Austin’s New Year
The City of Austin is keeping its annual tradition alive by bringing fireworks and fun times to Auditorium Shores on Lady Bird Lake. The free festivities begin at 3 p.m. with musical performances lasting until a little after 9 p.m. There will be five stages to discover your new favorite local band for the new year.
Austin’s New Year will also have a variety of temporary public art installations showcasing talented Austin artists. The Kid’s Magical Forest will feature attractions like train rides, activity station by Austin Tinkering School, art activity area, and so much more to make sure the kids have a great time.
There’ll be plenty of food and fabulous views of the city to enjoy all afternoon and night. The grand finale is at 10 p.m., wrapping up the festivities with a spectacular fireworks display.
When: Dec. 31, 2017 from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: 900 W. Riverside Dr.
Website
3/ Ego’s New Years Party
Give your vocal chords a flexing at Ego’s New Years Party. Promises of fabulous drink specials and a rollicking good time have been made, so gather your crew and head over to Ego’s. Get a complimentary champagne toast at midnight and check karaoke off your 2017 bucket list.
When: Dec. 31, 2017 at 7 p.m. to Jan. 1, 2018 at 2 a.m.
Where: 510 S. Congress Ave
More details
4/ Noon Years’s Eve Party at Lake Travis Community Library
Have young ones who won’t make it to midnight without major meltdown? No problem! Lake Travis Community Library’s Noon Year’s Eve Party is here to make sure even the little ones get a chance to ring in the new year, but at an hour when they’re normally bursting with energy: 11 a.m.
Bring the kids to Lake Travis Community Library for snacks, DIY craft stations, and a special performance by musician Joe McDermott. The festivities begin at 11 a.m. and McDermott will swing his tunes at 11:30 a.m.
When: Dec. 31, 2017 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: 1937 Lohmans Crossing
5/ Barton Springs Polar Bear Splash
Y’all must think I’m crazy to suggest a dunk in Barton Springs Pool, first thing in the morning after a night of partying. I promise, I haven’t lost my marbles. This will be the 37th year of Polar Bear Splash, and the crowd is never sparse.
Save Our Springs sets up free donuts and coffee at 9 a.m. for splashers to warm up with. The event lasts until 2:30 p.m., but the pool is open all day with free admission. Be sure to bring a towel and some warm clothes to change into!
When: Jan. 1, 2018 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where: 2201 Barton Springs Road
More details
@theAustinot wants to know:
Are there any free events you recommend for New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day in Austin?
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