2019 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 2020 quickly approaching, we think it’s only fair to say so long to 2019 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 New Year’s Eve Party
Icenhauer’s on Rainey Street invites you to a no-fuss New Year’s Eve party. This will be a free event with no cover charge. There will be party favors, DJ EYE Q building the hype, and “tons of champagne” for the traditional midnight toast.
When: Dec. 31, 2019 at 4 p.m. to Jan. 1, 2020 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 Vic Mathias Shores on Lady Bird Lake. The free festivities begin at 7:30 p.m. The Peterson Brothers will perform at 8 p.m. and Shinyribs will be on at 9 p.m.
While you enjoy the music, these local food trucks will be on-hand for your belly:
- Burro Cheese Kitchen
- Evil Weiner
- Four Brothers
- Happy Lobster
- Kebabalicious
- Pueblo Viejo
- Red Fin
- Stacked Sliders
- Waffle Love
The grand finale is at 10 p.m., wrapping up the festivities with a spectacular fireworks display.
You can be home before midnight or head to another party afterwards!
When: Dec. 31, 2019 from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: 900 W. Riverside Dr.
Website
3/ Roaring 20’s New Year’s Eve Celebration at Ego’s
Give your vocal chords a flexing at Ego’s Roaring 20’s New Year’s Eve Celebration. With your best “Gatsby duds,” gather your crew and head over to Ego’s. You’ll get a complimentary champagne toast at midnight, and check karaoke off your 2019 AND 2020 bucket lists.
When: Dec. 31, 2019 at 9 p.m. to Jan. 1, 2020 at 2 a.m.
Where: 510 S. Congress Ave
More details
4/ Noon Years 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 DIY craft stations and a special performance by musician Joe McDermott. The festivities begin at 11 a.m. with the finale at high noon!
When: Dec. 31, 2019 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 39th year of Polar Bear Splash, and the crowd is never sparse.
Save Our Springs sets up free donuts and coffee at 8:30 a.m. to help splashers warm up. The event lasts until 2 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, and don’t forget to grab a commemorative shirt!
When: Jan. 1, 2020 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 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?
This article was originally published Dec. 21, 2017.
