WHERE TO CELEBRATE NEW YEAR’S EVE IN THE 860 & 203
YOUR LOCAL GUIDE TO THE BEST NYE PARTIES IN CONNECTICUT
New Year’s Eve is right around the corner as we’ll soon be waving goodbye to 2025 and saying hello to 2026. 2025 has been a mixed bag, so it’s understandable if you just want to hide and hunker down until the clock strikes midnight, but why not set the tone for 2026 and welcome it with a bit of fun? If you want to end the year with a bang and start the new year off with a spark, we’ve got you covered with a list of festive fetes, as well as an array of all-age activities. You don’t want to miss First Night Hartford’s two firework displays or the First & Last Ball, the first New Year’s Eve gala in Downtown Hartford in decades. If you’re in New Haven, Open Minds’ family-friendly fashion pop-up is a must-visit, while DJs Lovejoy and Eric Otero will bring their signature sounds to Wabi Sabi in West Hartford.
New York is not the only place to watch the ball drop. You can enjoy the art, culture and community Connecticut has to offer.
Continue scrolling for your local New Year’s Eve events guide.
If you are a fan of drag, run, don’t walk to Chez Est’s New Year’s Eve party. RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars runner up Jorgeous will be hosting the soiree at Hartford’s premier LGBTQ bar from 8pm to 3am. The night will also include performances by Angel Rivers, Judah, Midnight and Harmony The Valkyrie, Mx Chez Est 2025.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at New Haven’s Club Vandome. DJKOKY and DJ JROC will be on deck for the festive evening, spinning from10pm to 3am. $10 admission includes all the party supplies you need - hats, noisemakers and a midnight champagne toast.
In its 37th year of running, First Night Hartford is one of Connecticut’s longest running New Year’s Eve traditions, offering a robust schedule of family-friendly activities. From ice skating and a silent disco to live performances and an immersive art installation, First Night Hartford will make the last night of the year a memorable one. From 2pm to 11pm, you can enjoy all of First Night Hartford’s programming with the purchase of one button.
The First & Last Ball is Downtown Hartford’s first New Year’s Eve ball in years, giving guests a night of glitz and glam. With a cash bar, light bites and live performances, attendees will have an unforgettable night. The gala will conclude with a midnight champagne toast, overlooking a penthouse view of the fireworks sparkling over Bushnell Park.
For fashion lovers, New Haven brand Open Minds is hosting an interactive pop-up featuring patchwork and sewing demos, vintage apparel and exclusive pieces, as well as live music and DJs. Those 18 and up will be able to enjoy an after party from 7pm to 1am.
The analog-forward music project Pressing Plant will be playing its last show at Hartford’s swankiest speakeasy, The 196, playing a diverse mix ranging from house and jazz to funk and R&B.
The final Living Room Session of the year is here as DJs Lovejoy and Eric Otero will be playing a blend of disco, house and boogie down music. While Wabi Sabi offers delicious craft cocktails and Japanese cuisine, there is no cover for its NYE party, providing an affordable to way to enter the new year with good vibes.
Watch the ball drop at The Webster while enjoying a host of live DJ sets and an open bar from 9pm to 2am, with a champagne toast at midnight.
Camp Sol welcomes 2026 with its winter edition - Club Sol. Hosted by local legend Sonia Sol, Arch Street Tavern will be transformed into an icy cool rave with DJ sets by Sonia, Josh Jenkins and Dwayne Keith, as well as special guest performances.