New Year in Austin
In case you haven’t heard, Austin knows how to have a good time and ringing in the new year is no exception. If you’re stumped on how to celebrate there’s no need to fret. From memorable meals to can’t-miss concerts, we’ve put together our list of favorite local happenings to kick-off the new year with a bang.
Restaurants:
BANGER’S SAUSAGE HOUSE & BEER GARDEN
BIG BAND BRUNCH! AND NO COVER NEW YEAR’S EVE!
Start the last day of 2017 right with a delicious all-day celebration at Banger’s. From 10 a.m. – 1 a.m. live music will fill the air as guests sip Manmosas and a special glittering pilsner from Austin Beerworks. A dinner special featuring smoked prime rib will be served at 6 p.m., so make sure to get there before it’s gone! The night will culminate in a complimentary beer toast when the clock strikes midnight.
GERALDINE’S
NYE WITH AKINA ADDERLEY & THE VINTAGE PLAYBOYS
Starting at 8 p.m., Geraldine’s will be serving a special pre-fixe menu full of delectable options like crispy pork ribs and roasted quail. Dinner guests will also receive unique New Year party favors before being treated to a performance from Akina Adderley and the Vintage Playboys at 9pm. Check out the menu and make your reservation today! Entry to the show is free.
POOL BURGER
NEW YEAR’S EVE ON THE BEACH
Forget about the hustle and bustle of the city and slip away on a mini beach vacation this New Year’s Eve. Pool Burger is bringing the island vibes, complete with tropical sounds by DJ ReRun and a tiki bar featuring a special Shark Bait cocktail.
HORSESHOE BAY RESORT
NYE 2018 DINNER & DANCE PACKAGE
Before sending the kids to bed and busting a move to the sounds of Rotel and the Hot Tomatoes, eat ‘til your heart’s content at this scrumptious Land and Sea Buffet. No matter the mood, Horseshoe Bay Resort is whipping up a mouthwatering meal including Split Maine Lobster and C.A.B. Prime Rib for sea and land lovers alike.
L’OCA D’ORO
NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY
Surround yourself with the tastes of Venice at L’Oca d’Oro’s Venetian Masquerade dinner party. You can choose from two different stunning multi-course menus complete with a perfect wine pairing or open bar option. Venetian Carnival attire encouraged with a grand prize for the best dressed.
Fun For All:
VIC MATHIAS SHORES
AUSTIN’S NEW YEAR
End the year overlooking the glow of Austin’s skyline at this annual alcohol-free tradition that has it all. There will be three stages for live music from an array of local musicians, Austin food truck favorites, and stunning art displays, all culminating in a firework finale at 10pm. Now that’s going out with a bang!
THINKERY
NOON YEAR’S EVE BALLOON DROP & BUBBLE WRAP STOMP
From noon – 2 p.m., this “Noon” Year celebration is perfect for the kids. For the cost of a general admission ticket, this action-packed event will have “snowball” fights, winter crafts, special performances and two balloon drops. Space is limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis.
HIDEOUT THEATRE
NEW YEAR’S EVE IMPROV EXTRAVAGANZA
End 2017 in laughter by celebrating with some of the best improv Austin has to offer. With two shows starting at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., delight in chocolate treats, improv games, musical numbers, and more before toasting to the new year with a glass of champagne.
ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE RITZ & SOUTH LAMAR
NEW YEAR’S EVE VIDEO DANCE PARTY
If you’re looking to forgo the nightclubs and hundred dollar tickets this New Year’s Eve while still getting a VIP experience, we’ve got the event for you. Alamo Drafthouse is throwing their annual dance party where music video DJs will showcase the greatest hits of all time while you show off your best moves. New Year essentials like party hats, confetti, noisemakers, and champagne will be provided.
BLACK EYED PEA RUN 2018
ROGUE RUNNING
If you opted for a good night’s sleep this New Year’s Eve, chances are you’ll love the Black Eyed Pea Run. Free and open to all, this tradition will help you celebrate the new year while simultaneously getting a kick-start on those resolutions. After you cross the finish line there will be black eyed peas, mimosas, and good times waiting for you.
Parties:
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THE GOODNIGHT
JASON & DEB’S 2018 NYE PARTY CASINO NIGHT
Party with Austin’s favorite radio show hosts from 101X at The Goodnight on December 31. For $100, guests will be treated to an all-inclusive full bar, appetizers, $5,000 in casino chips, free bowling, casino games, and a midnight champagne toast. Sorry kids, this party is 21+ only!
WHISLER’S
NEW YEAR’S EVE
Starting the day with a five-hour Happy Hour, Whisler’s is bringing the good times with an all vinyl DJ set by Jeff Strange, the return of a special “Best Of” cocktail menu, and party favors galore. There will also be a complimentary champagne toast when the new year begins. Oh, and did we mention there’s no cover?
W AUSTIN
INTO THE WILD
No matter how you want to get wild this New Year’s Eve, W Austin has the party for you. This year they’re celebrating with two different parties on two floors. The first will be transformed into a modern underground where urban landscape and neon jungle collide, while the second will feature all things glitz, glamor, and extravagance. Find out which jungle party package is your perfect fit.
HOTEL SAN JOSÉ
NEW YEAR’S EVE
Put on your dancing shoes and head to Hotel San José on New Year’s Eve for their annual celebration in the courtyard. Free and open to the public, DJ Markus will keep the beats going all night while guests enjoy wintery drink specials for a festive midnight countdown.
EBERLY AUSTIN
NYE AT EBERLY
Don your sharpest James Bond attire for a casino night to remember at Eberly. Vie for tickets to win exciting raffle prizes at table games and slot machines before dancing the night away to live music and burlesque entertainment. Hors d’oeuvres will be served all night with a champagne toast at midnight to ring in 2018.
SOUTH CONGRESS HOTEL
THE RED CITY
On New Year’s Eve, South Congress Hotel will transport you from Austin to Marrakech in this Moroccan night market themed spectacular. Guests will receive Moroccan-style bites, booze and bubbles as they dance the night away to tunes by DJs King Louie and Manolo Black. Fortune tellers, henna artists, and a photobooth will also be on deck to commemorate the night.
NATIVE HOSTEL
NYE BASH + CRASH
Have your party and sleep there too with Native Hostel’s first ever New Year’s Eve celebration. Spend all night relishing in Photo Booth Magic, Lighting and Visual Art Scapes, and lively performances by Mobley and Bird Peterson before catching some Zs in one of Native’s many cozy rooms. Perfect for a group of friends!
KEEP IT QUIET
THE NYE PARTY 2017
This bash guarantees a New Year’s Eve you’ll be talking about all year. Returning to Fair Market, each ticket covers drinks, pizza, and a live performance by Austin Hall of Famer DJ Mel for a night of pure revelry. A portion of proceeds will be going to The Clifford Antone Foundation. Black tie optional.
THE ROOSEVELT ROOM
ROARING 20S NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY
Dress to the nines and travel back through time to the roaring 20s. From cocktails inspired by the enchanting era to smooth jazz beats by the Nick Clark Quartet, the only way you’ll remember it’s 2018 is when the ball drops at midnight.
Music:
SPIDER HOUSE CAFE & BALLROOM
PARTY FOR THE PEOPLE: NYE 2018
Not looking to break the bank to celebrate the new year? Spider House has you covered. Forget about the stresses of the past year and look towards the bright future at this shindig featuring 10 Austin bands and plenty of cheap drinks. Keep an eye out for fun updates to come!
HOTEL VEGAS & THE VOLSTEAD
NYE 1976!
Wait, what year is it agan? Party like it’s 1976 at Hotel Vegas and The Volstead with tributes to the best jams of the era, including Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Queen, Fleetwood Mac, Al Green, and many more. Local bands will hit three stages, with drink and food specials all night to keep the good times rolling.
ROCK THE BRAZOS
NYE 2017
Get the most out of your New Year celebration while also giving back. This all-star fundraiser is hosted by actor Taylor Kitsch, with performances by the African Children’s Choir, DJ Amy Edwards, Phoenix Mentalist & Magician, and a special VIP performance by Rob Thomas. Along with an open bar, midnight snack, and champagne toast, there will be plenty of surprises to come. All proceeds will go towards Music For Life.
ANTONE’S NIGHTCLUB
NEW YEAR’S EVE BLOWOUT WITH DOYLE BRAMHALL II
Doyle Bramhall II, the renowned guitarist, producer, and songwriter who has worked with the likes of Eric Clapton, Roger Waters, and more, is coming to Antone’s to help you usher in the new year. After his electrifying set, the party continues upstairs with a complimentary taco bar and beats by DJ Mahealani.
ACL LIVE AT THE MOODY THEATRE
WILLIE NELSON & FAMILY NEW YEAR
Who better to ring in the new year with than beloved Austin icon Willie Nelson himself? ACL Live will be host to the annual music extravaganza for three nights leading up to 2018, with many special guests including Father Time Texas and Baby New Year. W Austin will also be offering exclusive overnight room and ticket packages to make sure your morning begins as good as the night ended.
PARAMOUNT THEATRE
BOB SCHNEIDER’S NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY
On New Year’s Eve, Austin favorite Bob Schneider takes the Paramount stage to welcome 2018 in style. With hits like “40 Dogs” and “Honeypot” and numerous Austin Music Awards under his belt, these holiday plans are a local music lover’s paradise.
SCOOT INN AUSTIN
NEW YEAR’S EVE SILENT DISGLO
Stop by the historic Scoot Inn New Year’s Eve for a dance party unlike any other. At this silent disco, three DJs playing three different musical styles will compete for your attention as you choose what to groove to with the flip of a switch. Guests 21 and over will receive complimentary champagne for the midnight toast.
Read more from the People Issue | December 2017