Key Takeaways
- Austin’s New Year celebration will feature live music, fireworks, and a national TV audience on CNN
- The event will take place on December 31 at Auditorium Shores, with gates opening at 7 p.m.
- The lineup includes local talent such as The Head and the Heart, The Point, Tameca Jones, and Chaparelle
- CNN’s coverage will include anchors Sara Sidner and Cari Champion, as well as celebrity appearances by Flavor Flav and Ariana Madix
- The event is free and open to the public, with food trucks, bars, and restrooms available on site
Introduction to Austin’s New Year Celebration
Austin will ring in 2026 with a familiar mix of live music, fireworks, and a national TV audience watching from across the country. This year’s Austin’s New Year celebration doubles as CNN’s Central Time Zone headquarters, with anchors, musicians, and celebrity cameos for the countdown. The event takes place on December 31 at Auditorium Shores, a scenic location with a stunning view of Lady Bird Lake. Unlike Times Square, Austin’s New Year celebration is a free, all-ages event that showcases the city’s unique culture and talent.
Performers and TV Appearances
The night’s music is Austin-forward, with performances by local talent such as The Point, Tameca Jones, and Chaparelle, before a headlining set from The Head and the Heart. Just before midnight, the crowd will be treated to a drone show followed by fireworks. On screen, CNN’s coverage will bring a bigger celebrity orbit, with anchors Sara Sidner and Cari Champion anchoring the Central Time Zone countdown live from Auditorium Shores. The broadcast will also include interviews and appearances by Flavor Flav and Ariana Madix, among others. Meanwhile, Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen will be hosting the nationwide broadcast, featuring a chaotic lineup of performances and cameos from Shakira, Florence + The Machine, Patti LaBelle, Hugh Jackman, Stephen Colbert, and more.
Event Schedule and Details
Gates will open at 7 p.m. on December 31, and the event is free and open to the public. The schedule highlights include live music from 7-11:45 p.m., a drone show from 11:45-11:55 p.m., and fireworks and CNN’s Central Time Zone countdown from 11:30 p.m. to midnight. Attendees are allowed to bring blankets and chairs, but pets are not permitted, except for trained service animals. The event will feature entrances on the east and west ends of the park, and all bags will be subject to search. Outside alcohol, glass, fireworks, and sparklers are prohibited, but a range of food trucks and bars will be on site, including Amy’s Ice Cream, Chi’Lantro BBQ, Garbo’s Lobster, and T-Loc’s Sonora Hot Dogs.
Getting to the Event
Getting to the event is easiest without a car, as CapMetro is offering free rides after 5 p.m. on December 31, with rail service extended until 2:30 a.m. The hike-and-bike trail will also be open for those walking or biking in. Parking will be limited and congested, with garages available at the Palmer Events Center, City Hall, and One Texas Center, and no parking allowed in the Bouldin Creek neighborhood. Attendees should expect road closures on West Riverside Drive from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. and on South First Street between Cesar Chavez and Riverside from 10:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., while Lady Bird Lake will be closed to all watercraft from 10:30 p.m. until 1 a.m.
Watching from Home
For those who cannot attend the event in person, CNN’s New Year’s Eve coverage will air across TV, digital, and social platforms. The full broadcast, including the Austin countdown, will also stream on CNN’s subscription platform via CNN.com and the CNN app. Central Time Zone coverage from Auditorium Shores begins at 11:30 p.m. CT, so viewers can tune in from the comfort of their own homes to join in the celebration. With its unique blend of local talent, stunning fireworks, and national TV coverage, Austin’s New Year celebration is sure to be an unforgettable experience, whether attended in person or watched from afar.