Austin rings in new year with downtown drone show, fireworks

Austin is set to welcome the new year with a complimentary evening filled with live music, food, and fireworks at Auditorium Shores. Thousands are anticipated to converge for the city’s annual New Year’s Eve festivities, culminating in a spectacular drone show and fireworks display at midnight.

The celebrations kick off at 7 p.m., as the gates open along the picturesque south shore of Lady Bird Lake. Throughout the evening, food trucks, bars, and vendors will be in full swing, offering a diverse array of options, including burgers, barbecue, empanadas, shawarma, and ice cream.

Live music is set to take place from 7 p.m. to approximately 11:45 p.m., featuring indie folk band The Head and the Heart as the headline act for the evening. Upcoming performances include The Point, Tameca Jones, and Chaparelle.

At 11:45 p.m., the city is set to unveil “Austin’s New Year Drone Show,” showcasing an impressive array of 1,500 drones alongside 100 pyro drones, all expertly operated by Sky Elements Drones. As the clock approaches midnight, a countdown to 2026 will commence at 11:55 p.m., leading to a spectacular fireworks display to ring in the new year. The event is set to be highlighted on CNN New Year’s Eve Live, starting at 11:30 p.m.

Guests may bring blankets, chairs, strollers, and small lunch-sized coolers to the event. Prohibited items include outside alcohol, glass containers, fireworks, sparklers, and personal drones. Only trained service animals are permitted; all other pets are prohibited.

City officials are advising attendees to plan for traffic and parking challenges. Parking restrictions have been implemented in the Bouldin Creek neighborhood. Available public parking options include One Texas Center, the Palmer Events Center Garage, the City Hall Garage, the River South Garage, and Stage Garage N. For those requiring ADA-accessible parking, options are available at One Texas Center and the Palmer Events Center Garage.

Multiple roads will be closed to facilitate the event. West Riverside Drive, situated between Lee Barton Drive and South First Street, is set to close at 6 p.m. The road will remain closed from 6 p.m. on Tuesday until 1 a.m. on Wednesday. Wednesday. South First Street, located between Cesar Chavez Street and Riverside Drive, is set to close from 10:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Access to Lady Bird Lake for watercraft will be restricted between the railroad trestle bridge and the South First Street bridge during this timeframe.

In an effort to accommodate those opting out of driving, CapMetro is set to provide complimentary rides on both buses and rail services after 5 p.m. Additionally, rail service will be extended until 2:30 a.m. Authorities are promoting walking, biking, and the use of shared-mobility devices as viable transportation options.

First responders urge attendees to stay vigilant, wear appropriate clothing for the cold, ensure their phones are charged beforehand, and plan for a safe means of transportation if consuming alcohol. Austin Public Health advises individuals to remain at home if they are unwell and to practice proper hygiene.