Ring in 2026 in Bourbon City
Out with the old, in with the city of Louisville.
Louisville is one of the top 20 “Best Cities for New Year's Eve Celebrations,” according to WalletHub — and we couldn’t agree more. Bourbon City is the perfect place to raise a glass to 2026. All of the events below take place on New Year’s Eve (Wednesday, Dec. 31) — unless otherwise noted.
🎊 Family-friendly
Noon Years, Kentucky Science Center | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Signature moment: Countdown to noon demo, a large-scale chemistry experiment visible from every floor
- Features: Hands-on kid's activities, storytime, music and timekeeping show
- Vibe: Playful, kid-centered, educational
- Tickets: $22-$24
Bonne Annee: A Family Friendly NYE Silent Disco, Milewide Beer Co. | 3-6 p.m.
- Signature moment: Champagne & sparkling grape juice toast at 6 p.m. (that's midnight in Paris)
- Features: Louisville Silent Disco
- Vibe: Local brewery, pinball arcade
- Tickets: Cost of headphones
New Year's Eve Fireworks, Kentucky Kingdom | 3-9 p.m.
- Signature moment: 15-minute-long firework show at 8:50 p.m.
- Features: Select rides, snow tubing hill, over 1 million Christmas lights
- Vibe: Amusement park setting, all ages
- Tickets: $24.99-$29.99
🎊 Black-tie events
Kosair Shriners New Year’s Eve Celebration, Kosair Shrine Center | 5 p.m.-1 a.m.
- Signature moment: Balloon drop & champagne toast
- Features: Dinner, live music from Caribou Rocks, dancing, pull-tabs, after-midnight Krispy Kreme Donuts and White Castle sliders
- Vibe: Traditional NYE, formal wear
- Tickets: $90-$700
New Year’s Eve Black and Diamond Soirée, The Palm Room | 8 p.m.
- Signature moment: Balloon drop & champagne toast
- Features: Music by The Unlimited Show Band & DJ YK, dancing
- Vibe: Glamourous, holiday magic
- Tickets: $31.80-$371
New Year’s Eve Ballroom Party, Hotel Bourré Bonne | 9:30 p.m.-2 a.m.
- Signature moment: Countdown to midnight with a champagne toast
- Features: Private dining seatings, open bar, live band, passed hors d’oeuvres and culinary stations, rooftop afterparty
- Vibe: Boutique hotel, elevated cocktail hour
- Tickets: $275-$1,900
🎊 Nightlife parties
NYE Live!, Fourth Street Live! | 8 p.m.
- Signature moment: New York-style ball drop & champagne toast
- Features: Music from Soul Circus, dancing, multiple venues, ticket packages
- Vibe: Bar hopping, downtown entertainment district
- Tickets: $27.33-$145.08
NYE, High Stakes Rooftop | 9 p.m.
- Signature moment: Midnight toast
- Features: Hot and cold buffet, live jazz from Carly Johnson, late-night DJ, two drinks included
- Vibe: Downtown hotel rooftop, cozy, curated
- Tickets: $99
New Year’s Eve Party, Derby City Gaming Downtown | 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
- Features: Casino-style games, drink specials, DJ K-DOGG
- Vibe: Speakeasy, refined
- Tickets: $10 cover
🎊 Concerts
New Year's Eve Live Broadcast, Louisville Palace | 8 p.m.
- Signature moment: “Soulful, funky good time”
- Features: Local bands and DJs, pop-up art gallery and record shop
- Vibe: Historic theater downtown, local fundraiser for Louisville Public Media
- Tickets: $35.99-58.6
NYE 2026, The Last Refuge | 8 p.m.-2 a.m.
- Signature moment: Whiskey toast
- Features: Music from Time and a Half, DJ Devon Devonn, an all-inclusive bar package, hors d’oeuvres, and party favors
- Vibe: Late-night energy, historic yet stylish
- Tickets: $75-$100
Juice Box Heroes, The Gillespie | 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
- Signature moment: Champagne toast
- Features: 1980s-2000s party cover band, three ticket options, open bar
- Vibe: Ballroom party in a historic downtown venue, dazzling, lively
- Tickets: $85-$2,000
🎊 Unique experiences
New Year’s Bash!, Mary M. Miller | 10 p.m.-1 a.m.
- Signature moment: Champagne toast
- Features: Music from DJ Jill, champagne included, party favors
- Vibe: Three-hour river cruise on a historic riverboat
- Tickets: $109.99
NYE, Nouvelle Bar & Bottle | 5 p.m.-1 a.m.
- Signature moment: Champagne toast
- Features: A “completely irresponsible champagne list”
- Vibe: Trendy, artsy neighborhood wine bar
- Tickets: No cover
Polish New Years, 3rd Turn Oldham Gardens | 1-8 p.m.
- Signature moment: Giant Polish sausage drop at 6 p.m. (that’s midnight in Poland)
- Features: Games, food and drink specials
- Vibe: Chill, beer garden, dog-friendly
- Tickets: Free to attend
Check out all the New Year happenings and more on our events calendar.
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