NYE in the ATX
Here are the 8 best ways to party in Austin on New Year's Eve
Still scrambling to confirm plans for NYE in the ATX? The city is overflowing with parties toasting the new decade, and not everything is sold out (or ticketed at all).
From kid-approved events to boozy soirees just for adults, these parties are guaranteed to help you countdown to 2020 in style. Still undecided? Visit our events calendar for even more New Year's Eve happenings.
St Elmo Brewing presents Family-Friendly NYE
Ring in the new year with the entire family (four-legged members included!) at St Elmo's day party. Children can enjoy a range of activities, including face painting and crafts, while adults sip on craft beer specials. Festive tunes by DJ Rickstate will keep the celebration going, and guests who stick around as the sun sets can participate in a complimentary beer toast with Champ (Brut IPA) to commemorate the countdown to 2020. Free. Starts at 12 pm.
Sour Duck presents Back to the Food Truck: NYE
This acclaimed East Austin eatery is returning to its food truck roots for a retro-futuristic shindig. Guests can enjoy food served directly from the smoker while busting out their best moves to a set by DJ Supafly. There'll be a Champagne station and Dolorian punch to sip while robots pass out snacks, including goat barbacoa taco, "pizzas from the future," and mini burgers. $40. Starts at 6 pm.
Out of this World: New Years Eve at Native Hostel
Beam up to this intergalactic gala featuring a dance party, all-night open bar, and, of course, aliens. Additional attractions include aerial performers, complimentary munchies, a vendor market, and free swag. For those who prefer to splurge, VIP tickets include private bar access, top-shelf spirits, overnight accommodations, and private bathrooms. Moon boots and metallics are highly recommended. $100-$1,400. Starts at 8 pm.
Golden '20s New Year's Eve Party
Pop a cork at the dawn of the new Roaring Twenties at East Austin Hotel. The free soiree at the hotel's Upside rooftop bar includes tunes by Woke Bloke, a complimentary toast at midnight, a festive balloon drop, countless craft cocktail specials, and gobs of sparkling decor. Attendees are encouraged to sport their most glamorous gold attire as they shine into the new decade. Free. Starts at 9 pm.
Four Seasons presents Alice in Wonderland New Year's Eve Bash
For one enchanting evening, whimsy and wonder will transform the Live Oak restaurant into the mind-bending world of Alice in Wonderland. Highlights include live music performances, a balloon drop and Champagne toast at midnight, and more magical surprises. Guests can fall down the rabbit hole with Alice-inspired cocktails served in potion bottles as the clock winds down. Individual tickets are available at the door. $55. Starts at 9 pm.
Rules & Regs presents Fire & Ice: New Year's Eve
The Fairmont Hotel hosts a New Year's Eve bash to end them all. General admission includes complimentary light bites, specialty cocktails, and live music from Donovan Keith and his seven-piece band. VIP ticket holders (sold out) get access to an exclusive lounge and even more tunes. Everyone can marvel at the must-see human ball drop at midnight. Passes are selling out quickly. $60. Starts at 9 pm.
atxGALS presents Slay Soiree
Local women's collective atxGALS is bringing its third annual Slay Soiree to The Cathedral, a refurbished 1930s church. Party guests can feast on an all-you-can-eat tamale bar, dance the night away to live music, and cheers the year with an elegant Champagne toast. As the festivities rage on, attendees can also browse the salon-style art exhibition showcasing the works of seven local female artists and sip libations provided by Tito's Vodka, Dulce Vida Tequila, Waterloo Sparkling Water, and Austin Eastciders. Proceeds from the event will benefit Girls Empowerment Network. $75. Starts at 9 pm.
Spin New Year's Eve Celebration
Greet the new decade with a night of games and merrymaking at downtown's table tennis-obsessed bar. Tickets include a welcome cocktail, ping pong games, a midnight toast, and several surprise musical performances. The last 50 guests standing will also receive exclusive hangover kits stocked with CYL Sauna Studio discount cards, O'Dweed's premium CBD hemp flower joints, and sparkling water to rehydrate. $15. Starts at 10 pm.




DIIV's set was moody, but propulsive thanks to strong bass lines.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Zachary Cole Smith can always be counted on for a nostalgic 'fit.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Starcleaner Reunion singer Jo Roman keeps the beat.Photo by Brianna Caleri
From the looks of it, no one had a better time onstage than Wayne Coyne, frontman of the Flaming Lips.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The tinsel whip was one of many props.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Flaming Lips are known for touring with huge inflatables.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A joyful crowd reacts to being blasted with confetti during the Flaming Lips' set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Ty Segall was king of the guitar jams.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Segall's painted jeans were probably the most unique fashion statement all weekend.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Psych Fest uniform: Earthy shorts and calf tattoos.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thomas Attar Bellier of Al-Qasar plays a beautifully adorned electric saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The more mics, the better for Al-Qasar.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A closer look at the saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
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New Candys guitarist Emanuele Zanardo puts a physical flourish in his playing.Photo by Brianna Caleri
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Black Angels bassist Misti Hamrick-French basks in the cold glow of a strobe light.Photo by Brianna Caleri
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Guitarist Luca Bergomi gets in on bassist Ivan Torelli's shot.Photo by Brianna Caleri
LA LOM bassist Jake Faulkner captures the sun.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Zac Sokolow danced for the whole set, which happened to be on his birthday.Photo by Brianna Caleri
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Faulkner's howls cut through the air, hardly amplified.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Trish Toledo paid homage to mothers and couples in her romantic set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
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Thee Sacred Souls closed out the festival with a brass section.Photo by Brianna Caleri
This backup singer was exquisitely styled in blue.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Singer Josh Lane snapped a photo of an adoring audience. See you next time, Josh.Photo by Brianna Caleri