Get ready Big Apple, the New Year's Eve celebration in Austin is shaping up to be one for the books. The City of Austin, in tandem with Visit Austin, is rolling out the red carpet for a night of revelry, set to take place on Dec. 31 at Auditorium Shores, from 7 p.m. until the fireworks signal the start of 2024. Unlike the ball drop in our own Times Square, this bash is a wallet-friendly affair, as admission won't cost revelers a dime, according to a statement released by the City of Austin.
CNN is getting in on the State of Texas action too, with Sara Sidner and Cari Champion reporting live for the channel's “New Year’s Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen.” The Band of Heathens are headlining the musical festivities, alongside The Suffers, who will bring the beats before the big countdown begins. All this is capped off by a pyrotechnic display at the stroke of midnight, promising to light up the Texas sky in celebration of the year to come.
Those aiming to bid adieu to 2023 with a bang should keep in mind some ground rules: leave the pets at home, but feel free to bring blankets and chairs for a comfortable night under the stars. Boozehounds take note, though: while food and drink vendors will be on the scene with a bevy of options, the promise of popping champagne must be fulfilled on-site, as no outside alcohol can sneak its way in. And check those pockets before heading out; sparklers and fireworks are a no-go in the crowd.
Traffic, as expected, could throw a wrench into plans, with road closures around the venue starting to roll out on Dec. 29. Gearing up for the night means bracing for slowdowns near South Lamar Boulevard, Barton Springs Road, and Riverside Drive. Parking pandemonium can be avoided by taking advantage of public lots north of Lady Bird Lake and garages sprinkled throughout downtown. So keep your cool on the commute; it's just part of the New Year's Eve package. And for those seeking to steer clear of the driver's seat altogether, CapMetro has you covered with free rides post-5 p.m. on all services.
Safety remains paramount as Austin's authorities remind attendees to remain alert, stick together, and remember to keep those phones juiced up. In line with health recommendations, hand sanitizer usage and vaccinations are encouraged for a sniffle-free start to the new year. So if you're in Austin, swap out those snow boots for cowboy boots and join the New Year's Eve extravaganza, Texas-style.
