15 best New Year's events around Austin to ring in 2023

NYE 2022

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Every new year, Austinites have a new chance to celebrate their own way. Maybe you start your New Year’s Eve with brunch, continue the festivities with a multi-course dinner, then finish off the night at any one of the lush evening celebrations happening throughout Austin. Or maybe you have a quiet evening at home with a prepared dinner from a local restaurant, and visit a new brunch spot on New Year's Day. (Either way, brunch.) Whether you’re looking to spend New Year's Eve at home, with your family, or out and about, we’ve got you covered with 15 fun-filled events happening around the city.

Saturday, December 31

Dining

Tillie’s at Camp Lucy’s New Year’s Eve Dinner
For those looking to spend an evening in the Hill Country, Tillie’s executive chef Andy Knudson will craft a special five-course dinner for guests from 5-9 pm. Enjoy hamachi tartar, ricotta gnocchi, pan roasted scallop, and more. Wine pairings are also available. Reserve ($125 per person) on OpenTable.

APT 115’s New Year’s Eve Menu
A special 10-course tasting menu by James Beard-nominated chef Charles Zhuo looks to impress, at APT 115’s intimate restaurant in an apartment unit. Chef Zhuo is the only kitchen staff, utilizing only a portable stove top burner and minimal cooking tools. Feel the welcoming atmosphere as if you’re in a friend’s home with curated music from owner and musician Joe Pannenbacker’s record collection. Reserve ($130 per person) on Tock.

L'Oca d'Oro's "Don't Worry Darling" NYE Dinner
Inspired by Olivia Wilde’s critically-acclaimed film and the aesthetic of a 1950’s science fiction utopia, L’Oca d’Oro will provide guests with a dinner to help them relax into 2023. The multi-course meal will finish off with a dreamsicle baked Alaska by Chef Jules Stoddart. Reserve ($100 per person) at locadoroaustin.com.

Evening Celebrations

City of Austin’s New Year’s Eve Celebration at Auditorium Shores
The annual "Austin’s New Year" celebration looks to be “unlike any other” this year with live music, drag performances, food trucks, and — for the first time — beer, wine, and champagne at a beer hall. The celebration will feature a dynamic firework show at midnight (instead of 10 pm like in previous years). Beginning at 6 pm, guests can bring their own picnic blankets and chairs to the lawn to enjoy performances by Extragrams, El Combo Oscuro, Taméca Jones, and The Texas Gentlemen. This event is free to the public and suitable for all ages.

The Paramount Theatre Presents Bob Schneider’s Great Big Spectacular NYE Party
Joined by special guests Primo the Alien and Big Skinny, Austin’s beloved Bob Schneider will ring in 2023 at The Paramount Theatre's annual celebration. A new option for guests this year is a "VIP seating for two" package that includes front row or center mezzanine seats, a custom table, and guests’ choice between champagne or wine. Tickets (starting at $35) available at austintheatre.org.

NYE at ACL Live with Pat Green
Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and Texas native Pat Green will perform a special New Year’s Eve show alongside Corey Kent and Kody West at ACL Live at 8 pm. The show will feature a balloon drop, free champagne, and a midnight countdown with Father Time. Tickets (starting at $39) available at acllive.com.

Devil May Care's Stop the Clock
Wind back the clock with Devil May Care at their lavish, all-inclusive New Year’s Eve party at 8 pm. Guests are encouraged to dress on-theme. They'll enjoy a choice of four NYC classic-inspired cocktails, passed bites and food displays, live entertainment from Soleiman and Gamma, and an Ace of Spades champagne toast at midnight. Tickets ($150) available at devilmaycareatx.com.

Zanzibar’s New Year’s Eve Party
If you’re looking for something a little more tropical, Zanzibar is hosting an island-themed New Year’s Eve celebration beginning at 9 pm. Enjoy a panoramic view of downtown Austin while sipping on a complimentary glass of sparkling wine and trying an island-inspired small bites buffet. DJ Devin Taylor will provide the soundtrack for the evening, followed by a firework show over Lady Bird Lake at midnight. Tickets (starting at $100) available on Eventbrite.

Hotel ZaZa Austin presents NYE Bash
Don your best cocktail attire and enjoy a glam evening of live music and themed entertainment at Hotel ZaZa at 10 pm. Capture the moment with their interactive photo booth station. A bubbly toast will follow the midnight countdown. Tickets (starting at $125) available on Eventbrite.

NYE at Home

Aba’s New Year’s Eve Dinner To Go
Mediterranean restaurant Aba is offering locals a way to close out the year at home with their to-go New Year’s Eve Dinner Package from now until 9 am on December 28. The package serves two guests and includes seven menu items by Chef CJ Jacobson. Guests can pick up their orders between 10 am and 4 pm on Saturday, December 31. The food is served cold with instructions to reheat. To-go orders available on Tock.

Brunch

1886 Café & Bakery NYE Brunch
Get the day started early with an elegant brunch experience featuring holiday specials and favorites such as the Brazos huevos rancheros, Texas-shaped waffles, and cocktails crafted with Austin liquors. Brunch will be served from 7 am to 2 pm. Reservations are not required.

Family-friendly

The Thinkery: New Year’s Eve Celebration
From 9-11 am and 1-3 pm, partygoers can welcome the new year by joining The Thinkery’s celebration and participate in family-friendly balloon drops, bubble wrap stomps, music, and other activities. Baby-friendly activities will also be available. Tickets ($30, kids under 2 go free) available at thinkeryaustin.org.

Sunday, January 1

1886 Café & Bakery New Year’s Day Brunch
Start your 2023 on a high note with an elegant brunch experience featuring holiday specials and favorites such as the Brazos huevos rancheros, Texas-shaped waffles, and cocktails crafted with Austin liquors. Brunch will be served from 7 am to 2 pm. Reservations are not required.

Bathrobe and Bingo Brunch for Charity at TLC
Break out your favorite bathrobe or pajamas for a Bingo Brunch at TLC from 11 am to 3 pm, to benefit Cupid’s Charity for the Children’s Tumor Foundation. There will be raffle prizes, TLC’s full menu (including New Year’s Day brunch specials), Texas-sized cocktails, and $5 mimosas. RSVP on Eventbrite.

Dog Haus Biergarten Four Points
This gourmet hot dog franchise is ringing in the new year with their annual tradition celebrating National Hangover Day. Hot dog fans can lull their first hangovers of 2023 with any burrito or burger and a PBR for $9.99. For a little extra “hair of the dog,” the restaurant will have $5 pints available all day.

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Austin Top Chef winner debuts new National Geographic series, plus more top stories

Hot Headlines

Editor’s note: It’s that time again — time to check in with our top stories. Here are five articles that captured our collective attention over the past seven days.

1. Austin Top Chef winner debuts new National Geographic series during SXSW. Available on Disney+, Restaurants at the End of the World is a docuseries following Kish on adventures to off-the-beaten-path pockets of the planet.

2. Boutique Austin hotel amplifies the vinyl bar scene with a moody new listening room. Hotel Magdalena opened a chic listening room on South Congress with speakeasy vibes, called Equipment Room.

3. 11 reasons to escape the Austin bustle with a day trip to Dripping Springs. Despite rapid recent growth in the Austin area, Dripping Springs still has many of the small-town features that its local residents — and transplants — all love.

4. Gothic Austin home sells after catching the eyes of onlookers during the Modern Home Tour. This all-black Victorian house sold shortly after an architecture tour brought Austinites through homes across Austin and the Hill Country.

5. Austin home buyers have more power when it comes to inventory, report says. Buyers are gaining more leverage through inventory increases across the Austin-Round Rock metro area, according to recent data from the Austin Board of Realtors.

Blossom into a new Easter or Passover tradition with these spring treats and feasts around Austin

EGG-CITING

Easter and Passover (April 9 and April 5-13) are right around the corner; you might want to consider solidifying any plans before it gets any nicer outside and the crowds come out. Whether you’re enjoying the holiday with your friends or family, or taking yourself out to brunch, we’ve gathered a basketful of egg-cellent happenings for you to hop to in Austin.

Check back here for more recommendations as businesses finalize their plans.

Easter brunches and egg hunts

Fairmont Austin's Easter brunch and egg hunt
Come for the brunch, stay for the egg hunt. The first brunch we’re eyeing is at Fairmont Austin downtown on Red River Street. They’ll host two different brunch buffets at 10 am and 1:30 pm on Easter Sunday. Guests can take their pick of an egg-stravagant spread of seafood, oak-smoked prime rib, and other delicacies. After you’ve had your fill, head to the rooftop for the hotel’s brunch attendee-exclusive Easter Egg Hunt at 11:30 am or 3:00 pm. Word on the street says the Easter Bunny might make a special appearance. The Tiny Tails petting zoo will also be at the hotel to show off the cutest animals for friends of all ages. Brunch bookings can be made via OpenTable.

Fareground's Easter brunch specials and egg hunts
For an afternoon of fun for children of all ages, consider bringing the family to downtown Austin’s first food hall, Fareground, for their Easter Egg-Stravaganza. From 12-3 pm, there will be plenty of brunch specials at the food hall's many eateries while children can enjoy sweets like cotton candy and get their face painted. There will be three egg hunts throughout the afternoon for three different age groups. Free general admission reservations can be made via Eventbrite.

Aba's Easter weekend brunches
Mediterranean cuisine lovers can spend their Easter brunch on the patio at Aba, Austin’s premiere Mediterranean restaurant on South Congress. Their exclusive Easter special on April 8 and 9 includes a spring frittata with lump crab, English peas, shaved asparagus, avocado, pickled fresnos, and parmesan. Guests can also pick a weekend favorite like the short rib shakshuka or khachapuri. Reserve on Tock.

Kalahari Resorts' Easter brunch buffet
If you live farther north, Kalahari Resorts in Round Rock will host their own Easter brunch buffet from 11 am to 3 pm with a delightful assortment of local charcuterie, fresh crudité, soups, and more. Children aged three and under eat free. The resort will also have two Easter egg hunts for two age ranges at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. Brunch tickets can be made on Tock.

TRACE's April drag brunch
Though this brunch isn’t Easter themed, Trace (stylized TRACE) inside the W Hotel is going all out for its April Fool’s Comedy Drag Brunch from 11 am to 4 pm on April 9 with some of Austin’s favorite queens, The Beckies. The iconic duo are the restaurant’s regular brunch hosts every second Sunday of the month. Their performances begin at 11 am and 2 pm. Reserve ($10 per person) on OpenTable.

Passover meals

Aba's passover dine-in and take-out
In addition to its Easter specials, Aba will also offer guests a special Passover dine-in or take-home meal by Chef CJ Jacobson. The to-go package includes hummus, matzo crackers and crudité, potato and Brussels sprout latkes, slow-braised short rib, and much more. The dine-in Passover specials will be available April 5 and 6, but to-go specials must be pre-ordered by 3 pm on April 4. Pickup is available between 11 am and 5 pm on April 5 and 6. Reservations for both offers ($58.95 per person) can be made on Tock.

L’Oca D’Oro's Passover Seder
Neighborhood Italian restaurant L’Oca D’Oro is bringing back their omni-denominational Passover Seder. Chef Fiore Tedesco will delight guests with his version of a traditional Seder meal on April 10 and 11. The first celebration will be led by Cantor Sarah Avner (Beth Israel), and the next by Rabbi Neil Blumofe (Aguadas Achim). Reserve ($100 per person) on OpenTable.

Sweet Treats

SusieCakes
What’s Easter without a couple extra desserts to take home? SusieCakes is baking up its SusieChick lemon cake, Easter carrot cupcakes, peeps sugar cookies, dessert decorating kits, and more for the occasion. Their festive Easter treats will be available through April 9.

Bakery Lorraine
Bakery Lorraine at the Domain is accepting pre-orders for its classic seven-inch Easter carrot cake. The luscious dessert serves 10-12 people and contains pineapple, coconut, walnuts, and is topped with a cream cheese frosting. Fill out a form to preorder ($80) by April 4 to pick up on April 8, just in time for your Easter feast.

Popular restaurant in Austin suburb brings spinoff bar and live music to Leander

Down the Rabbit Hole

A new bar is hopping into a growing Austin suburb: After the success of opening the Lucky Rabbit in the Lake Travis area last year, Matt Morcher, Sandra Cleveland, and Matt and Shelly Delahoussaye are set to open a new spinoff neighborhood bar in Leander next week.

Located located in the San Gabriel Ridge shopping center at 2080 N. US-183 unit 145, The Rabbit Hole will open on Friday, March 31, starting at 2 pm. The team will celebrate with a grand opening party, featuring live music by Luke Daniel from 6-9 pm and Carter Whitaker from 9 pm - midnight. A special time-related happy hour will offer new specials for guests to enjoy at the top of every hour.

The name is, of course, a small nod to The Lucky Rabbit, but also an invitation to "go down the rabbit hole” — whether with friends and family or passing time solo. The bar will serve high quality cocktails in a swanky space, bringing in live music acts most weekend nights for locals to enjoy.

The 68-seat interior play on the theme of time and the trippy experience of going down the rabbit hole, featuring exposed brick walls with murals of clock-like rabbits and gears painted by local artist Sarah Blankenship, along with a variety of light fixtures featuring Edison-style bulbs and gears that light the space.

The drink menu carries that theme through its featured cocktails, with rabbit names like Bug’s Old Fashioned (rye, demerara, bitters, orange, luxardo cherry); the 24 Carrot Gold (vodka, triple sec, blood orange, lime, bitters); and the Bubbly Bunny (gin, lavender, lemon, prosecco). Perfect as we head into hotter temperatures, frozen drink option include traditional and flavored margaritas, the Hot Hare (Spicy Mango, Chamoy, Tajin rim), or the Perky Bunny (Red Bull floater, Pop Rocks rim). Local beer and wine is also available, as well as bar snacks. Heartier food options will also be available to order from neighboring restaurants, Sabino’s Pizza Pub and Ah Thinh Asian Cuisine.

Morcher and Cleveland are veterans in the industry with a big heart for the local community:

“Sandra and I live in the area, and we often found ourselves looking for a nearby neighborhood bar to hang out in," said Morcher via release. "We saw this space, and felt that there was great potential to make it into a fun local spot — so we just decided to create one ourselves! We’re excited to be bringing this to an underserved area here in Leander, Liberty Hill and beyond. It was tough to find a place out here with affordable craft cocktails, great service, and live music on the weekends. We’re thrilled to be able to bring that to our community.”

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