The buzz around Austin’s New Year celebration is building, with the City of Austin and Visit Austin preparing to host an electrifying event that will welcome 2026 in grand style. In a festive announcement, they have revealed that the acclaimed band The Head and the Heart will headline this year's festivities, joined by a cadre of beloved local acts at Auditorium Shores on December 31.
Audiences tuning in from home can catch the anticipated event on CNN, which will be broadcasting live, as the city stages a memorable night complete with live performances, a range of local delicacies served from food trucks, and a vibrant fireworks display to cap off the night. Notably, Chaparelle, Tameca Jones, and The Point are part of the event lineup, as they gear up to share their talent with the Austin community and visitors alike, according to a report from the City of Austin.
The free admission event invites families to participate in the celebrations from 7 p.m. to midnight, with food options for all tastes and beverages to usher in the new year. Attendees eager for a taste of what's on offer will have to hold their horses until December for the complete vendor list, scheduled to be posted on the official Austin’s New Year webpage.
New to the Austin’s New Year affair is a dazzling drone show presented by Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, which promises to light up the night sky in an innovative display - followed by the traditional fireworks finale. Mayor Kirk Watson hailed the event as a representation of Austin's core values: "inclusivity, creativity and community spirit," he told the City of Austin's news release. Tom Noonan, President & CEO of Visit Austin, expressed his excitement about showing visitors an incredible evening of live music, especially urging residents to indulge in a staycation with favorable hotel rates on the horizon.
With the year quickly winding down, Austin’s New Year celebration stands as a beacon for those seeking a night filled with music, food, and company. It's a perfect opportunity to share moments with family and friends, indulging in the unique vibes that only Austin can deliver.
