White denim on the ceiling of the center library
Austin’s famous four-piece rock band will adorn the roof of the Central Library, with panoramic views of the center, an open bar and heavy applications and snacks at night.
December 31, 8:30 to 12:30 p.m.
Austin Central Library, 710 W. Cesar Chavez Street
Good lunch cruise
Celebrate the new year 12 hours earlier with Experience on the water with the Golden Oldies theme of Capital Cruises. Expect a three-course meal, an open bar and a live DJ as you head down Lady Bird Lake.
December 31, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Lone Star Riverboat, 208 Barton Springs Road
Drag Party to Irene
Drag the new year with Queen Austin Rhonda Jewels, and enjoy special drinks and a free drag performance at the iconic Irene Patio Bar. Order a signature “Rhonda Jewels” cocktail with Richard’s rainwater to toast at midnight and see that part of your profits benefit OutYouth, with Tito matching each donation.
December 31, from 10 pm to 2 am
Irene’s, 506 West Ave.
Balloon Drop and Bubble Wrap Stomp at the Thinkery
The Thinkery’s fourth annual balloon and bubble run will feature a variety of winter crafts, child-friendly drinks and the opportunity to play in the Texas snowball arena. All ages are welcome, with a special area on the top floor reserved for young children.
On Dec. 31, balloons drop at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
The Thinkery, 1830 av. Simond.
Bob Schneider’s New Year’s Eve party
It’s not New Year’s Eve in Austin without the city’s beloved Bob Schneider taking to the stage with fan favorites such as 40 Dogs and Tarantula. Listen to the hits from his latest album Blood & Bones and count back with all the theater as the last moments of 2020 pass.
December 31, doors open at 8 p.m.
The Paramount Theater, 713 Congress Ave.
A New South Congress New Year’s Eve
Free (!!) and open to the public, this hotel party will include music all night (from groups like Medicine Man Revival), champagne, snacks and more.
December 31, from 9 pm to 1 am
South Congress Hotel, 1603 S. Congress Ave.
Austin New Year’s Eve Carnival
This unique festival was the idea of immigrants from Africa and the Caribbean, who welcomed a bold cultural expression through traditional costumes. Guests will also enjoy music by DJs Innox and Free-IT, who will be coming down from Boston to help sound off 2021.
December 31, at 8 p.m.
Hannover 2.0, 16912 N. I-35
Roaring 1920s at the Zaza Hotel
It’s part of the Zaza Hotel’s first annual New Year’s Eve party, with eye-catching 1920s fashion, tasty snacks and lots of champagne. Looking for an excuse to turn this holiday into a mini accommodation? Book a room to spend the night.
December 31, from 10 pm to 2 am
Hotel Zaza, 400 Lavaca street
Dust of stars! A very Bowie NYE
Aviary Wine & Kitchen will end the year in Ziggy style, with fried chicken with gilthead, all night bubbles and a lot of glitter and glamor.
Dec. 31, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Aviary Wine + Kitchen, 2110 S. Lamar Blvd.
Fire & Ice: New Year’s Eve with Fairmont Austin
Instead of the normal balloon and ball drops that make up most New Year’s Eve parties, go out and attend the Fairmont special Human Ball Drop: Which, as it turns out, is exactly what it sounds like.
December 31, from 9 pm to 1 am
Rules and Irrigation, 101 Red River Street
Alice’s New Year in Wonderland
Start the decade with an off-the-wall celebration based on Alice in Wonderland, with live music from Soul’d Out, the mandatory midnight balloon drop, and Alice-inspired cocktails served in mysterious potion bottles.
December 31, from 9 pm to 1 am
Four Season Hotel Austin, 98 San Jacinto Boulevard.
Lamberts New Year’s Eve party
Add a touch of Texas to your New Year’s Eve and delve into several barbecue buffets while listening to live music David Garza and have a drink in the champagne tower. Also included are: tarot card readings to help predict the 2021 that awaits you.
December 31, from 9 pm to 2 am
Lamberts Downtown Barbecue, 401 W. Second Street
Vegan New Year’s Eve Dinner Pop-Up
Park Lane Guest House will serve a six-course dinner (completely vegan!), Along with custom cocktails and champagne toast, to help sound the new year. From black-eyed peas and cornbread fritters with spicy remoulade to Napoleon cake with cream and fresh berries, start your year with a goodness made from scratch.
December 31, from 7 to 10 p.m.
Park Lane Guest House, 221 Park Lane
Austin New Year
With visual art installations, fire dancers and an impressive fireworks display over Lady Bird Lake, the city’s official New Year’s Eve celebration at Auditorium Shores promises to kick off 2021 with a blast.
December 31, parties from 19:30
Vic Mathias Shores