Week of December 29

Home for the Holidays: Open Poetry Share

6:00PM @ The Lion's Den Tea, FREE!

Dive into a community-filled evening of poetry, arts and crafts, and creative connection at this cozy tea shop. Perfect for processing the holiday feels through words and making new friends who speak your language.

De Nada & Cazacanes: An Exclusive Tequila Tasting

5:30PM @ 4715 East Cesar Chavez, $55

An exclusive evening of tequila exploration with Cazacanes, one of the most revered names in artisanal spirits. If you’re an agave aficionado looking to close out the year with something special, this is the ticket.

Daggerheart @ The Highball

6:00PM @ The Highball - $33.42

Ever wanted to play a tabletop RPG created by the Critical Role team? This one-shot adventure includes pro Game Masters, art-filled ability cards, customized character sheets, and your own set of Hope and Fear dice. Choose between "The Sablewood Messengers" or the new "The Dying Spire" campaign—three hours of collaborative storytelling with strangers who'll feel like party members by the end.

Free Tango Monday at Cabana Club

7:00PM @ Cabana Club, FREE!

No partner needed, all levels welcome. Esquina Tango Austin hosts this free tango night where you can learn or practice the most passionate dance on earth. Just show up and let the music move you.

Sacred Reset - Goodbye 2025

6:15pm @ Casa de Luz, $35

Release the year's weight at this candlelit evening of reflection featuring yin yoga, journaling, and a soothing soundbath. Set intentions for 2026 while surrounded by flickering flames and healing vibrations at Austin's beloved macrobiotic community center.

The Year in Review Show: Comedians Recap & Roast 2025

7pm @ Cap City Comedy Club, $15.99

Over 50 of Austin's sharpest comedians dissect 2025 month by month in this 13th annual roast of the year that was. From political chaos to pop culture disasters, nothing escapes the mockery—the perfect cathartic send-off before NYE.

"Get Lit" Pop-Up Hannukah Bar (Final Night!)

3pm @ Kitty Cohen's, FREE!

Last chance to experience Kitty Cohen's annual Hanukkah takeover with over-the-top decorations, special Hanukkah-inspired cocktails, and food pop-ups. The desert oasis vibes get a menorah makeover for one more night before closing out the season.

#TheLastTuesday with the FREETHINKERS

8:05pm @ The Phoenix Den, FREE!

Join this highly lively 2025 wrap-up celebrating dialogue and free thinking. The perfect gathering for those who want to process the year through spirited conversation with fellow independent minds before stepping into 2026.

Party Like It's 2099: An NYE Extravaganza with Star Amerasu

8PM @ Cheer Up Charlies, $14.64

Turn your clock and your mind forward at this cyberpunk, intergalactic experience with Star Amerasu hosting and DJing across all three stages. Costumes encouraged as you dance through a neon-drenched portal with P1NKSTAR, Lavender Thug, Horrorchata, and a stacked lineup of local and Texas talent.

Brisket Eve 2025 w/ Jimmy Eat Brisket, Emo Hero & Blink-182 Tribute

7PM @ The Far Out Lounge

The most Austin-named event of the night brings emo tribute bands to the Far Out's outdoor stage. Jimmy Eat World, My Chemical Romance, and Blink-182 covers make this a nostalgia-soaked, smoke-scented way to close out 2025.

Drab Majesty + Urban Heat, Holy Wire, & Night Ritualz

8PM (doors) @ Mohawk Austin (Outdoor), $46.50

Austin's darkwave and goth community rings in 2026 at this moody NYE celebration featuring synth-heavy headliners and local post-punk royalty. VIP tickets include a complimentary champagne toast, limited edition poster, and goodie bag.

Phantom of the Opera New Year's Eve Gala

8PM @ Highland Lounge, $33.99

Step behind the velvet curtain for this immersive LGBTQ+ masquerade blending Gothic romance with queer joy. Expect drag reinterpretations of Phantom classics, dramatic masks, candlelight décor, and a theatrical midnight countdown led by the Phantom himself.

One More Time: A New Years Eve Celebration of the Aughts

7PM @ Hotel Vegas, $35

Dig out your skinny jeans and deep V's for this Aughts sleaze dance party featuring members of Being Dead, Almost Heaven, and a dozen other Austin bands covering Daft Punk, The Strokes, Outkast, MGMT, and Yeah Yeah Yeahs. DJ Devilwoman spins between sets.

L'Atlantis: A Very Wet New Year's 2026

9PM @ 4710 E 5th St – $175

"To know how it feels to be a seaweed you have to get in the water." This mysterious, immersive underwater-themed experience promises to be one of the night's most provocative and boundary-pushing gatherings – details intentionally vague, intrigue intentionally high.

Nasty Mintz – Dante's Disco Inferno NYE

9PM (doors) @ Knomad Bar, FREE!

Austin's husband-and-wife electroclash duo delivers a theatrical, dance-forward live show somewhere between Chromeo and Grace Jones. Free entry gets you glowing synths, absurdist dance theatrics, and inferno-themed décor as you dance through the flames into 2026.

SOS Polar Bear Splash

8:30AM–2:30PM (Group Jump 9:30AM) @ Barton Springs Pool, FREE (Donation)!

There's no better way to baptize 2026 than plunging into the legendary 68-degree waters of Barton Springs alongside hundreds of fellow Austinites. This annual tradition supporting Save Our Springs includes coffee, donuts, and a commemorative t-shirt. Bring gently used jackets to donate and wash off the old year in true Austin style.

Crockpot Saunas NYD Opening

11AM–5PM @ The Lawn Food Truck Court (SoCo) – $10 (50% off opening day with code GETCOOKED)

Sweat out 2025's sins at the grand opening of this pop-up wood-fired sauna on South Congress. Your 50-minute session includes an outdoor shower and ice bath, plus 10% off at Get Juicy Roots smoothie bar. Opening day means half-price sessions—start the year sweaty and renewed.

The Letting Go Lab – A New Year's Class with Katie Raver

1PM @ 3706 Goodwin Avenue, $50

This beautifully morbid workshop invites you to write an obituary for the parts of yourself you're ready to bury. A guided process for shedding old patterns and stepping into 2026 intentionally—weird, cathartic, and perfectly Austin.

Texas Star Mushroom Walk

2PM @ Central Austin, $7

Kick off 2026 with an unforgettable foraging hike through Central Austin's green spaces searching for fungi. Whether you're a seasoned mycologist or just mushroom-curious, this is the most grounded way to start your year.

Foodies & Fears: Dinner with Paranormies Austin

7pm-10pm @ East 4th Street - $17.85

Share ghost stories and supernatural encounters over dinner with fellow horror enthusiasts in this unique social dining experience. It's basically a spooky supper club where everyone has tales of the unexplained—perfect for starting your year with some shivers.

Free Beginner Acro Yoga Orientation

8pm @ Austin Gymnastics Club, FREE!

Ever wanted to literally lift your friends? This free intro session blends partnered acrobatics with yoga, gymnastics, and even Thai massage techniques. Fun, fitness, and new friends—no experience needed.

Mosaics & Mocktails: Creative Date Night

6pm-8pm @ 729 Airport Blvd - $37.89

Skip the boozy paint nights and try something different—create beautiful mosaic coasters while sipping organic non-alcoholic beverages in a cozy studio. All skill levels welcome, and you leave with actual art.

2026 Kickoff Show: Josh Langford, Thy Kingdom Scum, Petrichor, Kabuto & Doctor Disaster

7pm @ 5775 Airport Blvd, FREE!

Five local bands, zero cover charge, and all the Austin DIY energy you need to launch into the new year. This is the grassroots scene at its finest—loud, local, and exactly the kind of show that keeps Austin's music reputation alive.

1 Year Anniversary: Cumbia Bajo La Luna

8:00PM - 11:00PM @ Downtown Pedestrian Bridge, FREE!

Celebrate the first anniversary of Cumbia Bajo La Luna at the very bridge where this community dance party began. Dance under the stars to cumbia rhythms over Lady Bird Lake—a uniquely Austin experience that embodies the city's spontaneous, communal spirit.

Retro Market at The Highball

1pm - 8pm @ The Highball, FREE!

Hunt for vintage treasures including VHS tapes, vinyl, comics, toys, and art from over 20 vendors at this free market next to Alamo Drafthouse. Stick around for retro gaming freeplay and local film screenings starting at 4pm.

EQB's Slutcracker

8:00PM @ Austin Playhouse, $31.60

A queer burlesque parody of The Nutcracker that gets silly, sexy, and subversive with classic ballet characters. This boundary-pushing show reclaims holiday traditions for the LGBTQ+ community, offering an irreverent celebration that's equal parts provocative and joyful.

Gnostic Mass - Open to the Public

4:30PM @ Nocturna (Minx+Muse)

A rare public celebration of Aleister Crowley's Liber XV—the central ritual of Thelema. Whether you're a genuine seeker or simply curious about esoteric traditions, this mystical ceremony offers a glimpse into occult practice in an Austin space dedicated to the unconventional.

Fantasy Karaoke + Vendors' Market

7:00PM - 11:00PM @ Tiny Minotaur Tavern - FREE!

Belt your heart out at this FREE fantasy-themed night where singing requires fantasy costume—think elves, wizards, rogues. Browse local artisans selling weapons, fortune-telling, gaming accessories, and more at Austin's most whimsical tavern.

Burning Bowl Ceremony

10:30am @ 5604 Manor Rd, FREE!

Start your year with intention at this spiritual release ritual where you'll physically burn away the burdens of the past year and write a message to your future self. A beautifully cathartic way to ceremonially cleanse and set fresh goals.

Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus

2:30pm @ Stage Austin, $27.78

This immersive retelling of Shakespeare's bloodiest tragedy explores power, betrayal, and revenge with "splash zones" in effect. Adult themes and simulated violence—viewer discretion definitely advised, but damn if it isn't compelling theatre.

Tosho-Con: A Teens-Only Anime & Manga Con

12pm-4pm @ Austin Public Library University Hills Branch, FREE! Ages 13-18

The Austin Public Library throws an exclusive teen-only anime convention featuring cosplay, karaoke, gaming, crafting, and special guest panels. No real money allowed—everything runs on con-currency, plus free onigiri while supplies last.

David Bowie Birthday Tribute

7:30pm @ The ABGB, FREE!

Honor the Thin White Duke at this cosmic celebration kicking off with live band Peachfuzz before DJ Ed West takes control for a full-tilt dance party across the cosmos. Stardust attire encouraged.

Croissants: An Intensive Workshop

11am - 4pm @ 4001 N Lamar - $104

Five hours of butter-folding glory in this hands-on intensive where you'll master laminated dough alongside a small team. Leave with flaky, golden expertise and probably a croissant addiction.