The best way to spend NYE is surrounded by friends and with the lowest possible expectations … know that before jumping into this list! The lines for downtown venues are long, the covers are high, and there are thousands of people roaming the streets who apparently do not consume alcohol the other 364 days of the year.
That being said, it can be the pinnacle party of the holiday season with the right people, and the right venue. To help you with the latter, we’ve put together a list with ten options that will help you create a memorable farewell to 2017.
14. Keep It Quite NYE Party at Fair Market
So you’re looking to get all dolled up and party into 2018. This is the party for you. Your ticket covers everything once you’re in the door. Open bar, pizza, DJ, coat check. It’s going to be a rager.
Tickets/Info: here.
13. Justine’s MORE IS MORE
For this New Year’s Eve, Justine’s is opening its arms wider than before—because more is more. More love, more beauty, more friendship, more art, more style, more time with you. Our exquisite genius of a designer Emily Hughes is building a sister tent to the golden Winter Tent, “Le Hollandaise” we’ve named her, in silk folds of ruby-red, inspired by The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover. We’re offering more champagne, more music, more oysters, more ribeyes, more crème brulées in this extended and grand room.
Tickets/Info: here.
12. Lambert’s NYE Party
Join in on the six-piece Nola based band, Flow Tribe, and a performance plus DJ sets from DJ Chicken George. There will be hurricanes, a midnight Champagne toast, New Orleans gear such as beads, masks, balloons, and late night “Lucky Dog” inspired hot dogs and beignets. Doors open at 10 p.m. and tickets can be purchased for $75
Tickets/Info: here.
11. Speakeasy’s Legendary NYE Bash
Speakeasy is great for ringing in the New Year due to the sheer size of the place. It’s basically three venues in one, which makes staying at the same bar for roughly four hours a lot more enjoyable.
Speakeasy will have a band in the main bar, and DJs in the Kaberet Room and on Terrace59 (the rooftop). Tickets start at $49, but I’d recommend spending a bit more to ensure access to the rooftop, which has a great view, and might even allow you to catch the fireworks over Lady Bird Lake.
Tickets/info: Here
10. Native Hostel’s BASH + CRASH
Be a part of Native’s first New Year’s Eve BASH + CRASH. Come for just the party, or bring your crew to crash overnight! Lighting and Visual Art Scapes, Photo Booth Magic and Special LIve Performances by: MOBLEY and BIRD PETERSON (Special NYE VJ Set).
Tickets/info: Here
9. City of Austin NYE Event at Auditorium Shores
This year’s festivities on Auditorium Shores include live performances from almost two-dozen other artists. There will also be food trucks on-site, activities for the kids, and the grand-finale fireworks show at 10 p.m.
This is a great event for families and couples that are looking to avoid the downtown madness, but still want to get out and do something memorable on New Year’s Eve. For an added bonus, admission is free!
More info: Here
8. NYE 2018: A Celebration of 85 Years Since Prohibition Failed! at Parlor & Yard
Parlor and Yard is kicking things up a notch and turning back to basics.
The event kicks off at 9pm with live music and a complimentary appetizer buffet catered by Hot Mess. Live Music kicks off at 10pm and the private, all-inclusive bar continues until midnight, capped off with a champagne toast. Late night buffet also provided by Hot Mess keeps the party going and DJ BigBear turns the dials up on the party at 11 and brings us into 2018 and beyond.
Tickets/info: Here
7. Pool Burger
Looking for something that isnt going to break the bank?
Pool Burger is will host a casual party with DJ rerun playing Dance Hall, Soul & Funk starting at 9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m. There will be an exclusive Shark Bait cocktail in a shark shaped tiki mug for the evening.
6. Banger’s New Year’s Eve Smoke Out
If you want to enjoy the mild winter weather in Austin underneath the oaks, look no further than Banger’s. This year they’re smoking Prime Rib, and hosting live music, and a complimentary toast at midnight of Miller High Life (the Champagne of Beers).
No cover to get in, and the party starts at 7 p.m.
More info: Here
5. The Nightowls at Stubb’s
Austin’s favorite soul band, The Nightowls, will rock the indoor stage at Stubb’s with an opening performance from Kev Bev and The Woodland Creatures. The $70 ticket includes a champagne toast and a complimentary buffet!
Tickets/info: Here
4. Bob Schneider at The Paramount
The Paramount Theatre invites you to celebrate New Year’s Eve with perennial favorite Bob Schneider. From “Tarantula” and “40 Dogs” to tracks from his latest album King Kong Vol. 3, Bob has proven time and time again why he’s one of Austin’s most beloved artists.
Tickets/info: Here
3. Irene’s NYE House Party
Here is another option for the non planner. Chill with our homies at Irene’s New Year’s Eve House Party (no cover!) featuring DJ Emily Rabbit from 10 pm – 2 am and $40 magnums of bubbles all night! Be sure to eat some of Chef Drew’s special $3 black-eyed peas and collard greens after midnight, a Southern tradition said to bring you luck and prosperity for the year!
Tickets/info: Here
2. Ghostland Observatory at Mohawk
No description needed. If this is your scene you don’t need us to tell you.
Tickets/info: Here
1. INTO THE WILD by W Austin
You know those NYE parties you see in the movies? While not for everyone, that’s what the two-party experience (one called Urban Wild, the other Jungle Glam) at The W Austin provides.
If you’re looking to dress to the nines, pop bottles, and you don’t mind dropping some cash— there’s nothing else in Austin quite as glittery as this celebration.
GA tickets start at $75 for UBRAN WILD, and $175 for JUNGLE GLAM.
Pro-tip: Grab some friends (up to 15) and split the cost of a table ($2,000). Tables come with two bottles and will save you money assuming you trust your friends to cover their part of the bill!
***Bonus points if you can sneak into the sold-out Willie show happening next-door at ACL Live.
Tickets/info: Here
Happy New Year’s from 365 Things Austin! Please party responsibly and consider ride-share, public transportation (Cap Metro is offering FREE rides, see below), or taxi this holiday season.
