Ring in the New Year with these local holiday bashes

There’s no denying 2021 was an eventful year. Whether this year went by in a blink of an eye or you’re itching to start the New Year, 2022 is just days away.

Don’t panic if you haven’t made plans yet—Austin restaurants and bars of all shapes and sizes are prepared to keep you entertained as we transition into another trip around the sun.

Get your tickets quick, as these events are selling out. And you might want to check back in on your event the day of as some, like ACL Live's New Year's Eve show, are canceling due to COVID.

Bob Schneider's New Year's Eve Party at The Paramount Theatre | 713 Congress Ave.

Bob Schneider will return for his annual show on New Year's Eve. (The Paramount Theatre)

Experience Austin-based musician and former frontman of The Ugly Americans and The Scabs Bob Schneider live and in concert at the Paramount Theatre’s annual tradition. The multi-talented artist is an author and painter in addition to the over a dozen albums he’s released over the course of his career. Ticket prices range from $30-$100 depending on the section, doors open at 8 p.m. and the show starts an hour later. The event will require that guests show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test from the past 48 hours.

The Driskill Bar | 604 Brazos Street

The Driskill Hotel bar is open first come, first serve this year. (The Driskill Hotel)

Throwing a bash in true live music capital fashion, the Driskill Hotel is kicking off the New Year with a free music show. Starting at 7 p.m. Austin’s own Bruce Smith Band, Ruby Dee and the Snakehandlers take the stage from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Guests can choose from beer, wine or bar cocktails but everyone will be treated to a complimentary champagne toast when the clock strikes midnight. Admission is free but with limited space, guests will be admitted on a first come first serve basis.

Fireworks from afar | virtual

The City recommends checking for road closures due to fireworks before heading out. (City of Austin)

Ringing in the New Year the classic way, the City of Austin is bringing back its annual fireworks show safely due to COVID-19. Live streaming from ATXN starting at 10 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, fireworks will be shot off from Vic Mathias Shores on 700 W. Riverside Drive. The typical city-organized activities, vendors, and entertainment won’t be there in the park but whether you watch from home or watch safely in the park, the city is wishing all residents “lots of light and hope for 2022.”

New Year's Eve Pre-Party at Fresa’s | 1703 S 1st Street

Fresa's celebration will cut out early, at 8 p.m. (Fresa's/Instagram)

Enjoy your New Year’s Eve with a Mexican food feast at Fresa’s! A ticket to the celebration will get you a spread of chips and salsa, achiote and citrus wood-grilled chicken, esquites, grilled sweet potatoes, kale caesar salad with rice and beans, all buffet style. Desserts, like brown butter brownies or Mexican wedding cookies and a drink ticket for a special celebratory cocktail. Tickets are $20 or $10 for kids under 10 and the celebration runs from 4 p.m.-8 p.m.

Leather and Lace at Oilcan Harry’s | 211 West 4th Street

The downtown bar only has one VIP package left. (Oilcan Harry's)

Manifest a fabulous year by starting 2022 off at downtown drag bar Oilcan Harry’s for not one, but two shows. Emerald Van Cartier will host the Starlight show at 8 p.m., followed by Crave, hosted by Maeve Haven at 10:30 p.m. Tickets range from $20-50, depending on if you prefer the VIP experience, but each ticket includes entrance to both shows and a free champagne toast at midnight.

Simi Estiatorio | 106 E 6th Street

Simi Estiatorio will offer a prix-fixe menu for its NYE feast. (Simi/Instagram)

For a new year’s celebration of land, sea and delicious Mediterranean-inspired foods, Simi Estiatorio is holding an upscale New Year’s Eve Gala fit for a Greek god. With two seatings, from 6-9 p.m. and then from 9 p.m.-2 a.m., the fixed-price, luxurious four-course feast gives options of lamb kebabs, swordfish souvlaki, baklava and specialty cocktails for $145 per person. Live performances from DJs Jen Lasher, Lefty, Rodolfo Ciid and Mike Lozano will keep you entertained in the meantime. Reservations for the celebration are required.

Fierce Whiskers Distillery — Whiskey & Whimsy Event | 5333 Fleming Ct

Austin's newest distillery, Fierce Whiskers, is hosting a Whiskey & Whimsy New Year's Eve soiree to welcome 2022. Guests can expect live music, a wild roster of whimsical performances by GOVINDA + ILLUMINATRA ENTERTAINMENT and cocktails made with Fierce Whiskers' ardent spirits from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Tickets are $200 and include all entertainment plus unlimited cocktails and light bites.

Cheers to a fantastic New Year!