As we near the end of 2025, you’ve likely started thinking about where you’re going to be when the countdown starts on December 31. For some, the answer might be simple—your couch. (We hear you!) But for anyone hoping to start out 2026 with confetti cannons, Champagne wishes, and midnight kisses, there are plenty of marvelous celebrations (ranging from casual bar bashes to spectacular soirées) taking place all over town.
Whether you want to go somewhere sequins are mandatory, or would rather scope out some free family fun, we’ve got it all. Here are the local events that should be on your radar as we embark on 2026:
Bar Bashes
The Bluebird’s New Year’s Eve: Hampden’s intimate, twilit cocktail bar is throwing a multi-floor bash from 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets are all-inclusive, providing guests with four hours of decadent cocktail sipping, bar snacks, a live DJ, a photo booth, and a Champagne toast to the calendar’s curtain call. Price: General admission is $150, limited reserved tables in the Cocktail Room are $190.
Bunny’s Cluck & Shuck NYE Bubble Bash: The Bunny’s team—famous for their fried chicken and Champagne pairings—is gearing up for their third-annual New Year’s celebration in Fells Point. As long as you are “Ready to Party” (the official dress code), you will fit right in. Tickets include four hours of flowing Mumm brut and rosé, unlimited bar snacks, an oyster bar from 9-11 p.m., and more festive fun. Price: Single admission is $125.
Canton Block Party: Cowboy Row and El Bufalo—owned by local restaurant group Dragonfly Hospitality—are joining forces to put on a boozy bash. This double dose of nightlife features access to all of the O’Donnell Square hotspots, a live DJ at El Bufalo, and open bars all night. Price: Tickets start at $72.
Charles Street Block Party: If you plan to make your way through Federal Hill’s bustling bar scene as we count down to 2026, this is your one-way ticket to a memorable midnight. Sister spots Wayward Bar & Kitchen and Liv’s Tavern are coming together to bring you open bar access, live DJs, and a Champagne toast as the ball drops. Price: Ticket packages start at $76.
Sleazy Speakeasy at The Club Car: A jam-packed lineup of DJs and performers will take the stage at this Station North hub from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m. Come dressed for a “Prohi-bitchin'” party and enjoy dimly lit drinks and dancing. Price: $5-10 admission.
Dutch Courage’s New Year’s Eve Party: Have the year’s last dance at Dutch Courage in Old Goucher, which is throwing a patio DJ dance party from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Killer food, an open bar, and a complimentary Champagne toast are all included for ticket holders. Price: Tickets are $125.
Magooby’s NYE Comedy Takeover with Larry Lancaster: Laugh your way into 2026 with Baltimore’s own OG comedian Larry Lancaster. Opt for the 7 p.m. show to enjoy the open bar and head home before the ball drops. Or score 10 p.m. seats for a Champagne toast at midnight and post-show DJ and dancing. Price: $97.50.
NYE Party at Peabody Heights: Before the seltzer toast and keg drop at 9 p.m., the community-focused taproom in Abell will be pouring beers, dishing out eats from its on-site food truck, giving out free pint glasses, and hosting a dance party with disco jams by Chiffon. If you have other plans, be sure to stop by for 15 percent-off all carryout items. Price: Free admission.
NYE at Power Plant Live!: For some real-deal midnight mania, unlock access to seven bars at Power Plant Live. The downtown district will boast DJs at each bar, dropping different tunes ranging from country to EDM. Tickets include an all-inclusive food and drink package, party favors, a glass of bubbly at midnight, and a Times Square-style ball drop in the center of it all. Price: General admission starts at $62.
NYE at Prima Dopo: Say “arrivederci” to 2025 at this Italian eatery in Fells Point. The team is uniting with the organizers of local run club MVE Social to offer epic live DJ sets, a three-and-a-half hour premium open bar, and a midnight buffet. Price: General admission is $85.
Dance Parties
Sweet Spot New Year’s Eve at Metro Baltimore: Get ready to dance the year away to club classics as local drag superstar Baby hosts a night of festive fun. Per usual, Sweet Spot founders Andre Cawley and Chris Uhl are bringing the beats and pouring complimentary Champagne at midnight. The event runs from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m., so be sure to wear your most sturdy dancing shoes. Price: Tickets are $25 in advance and $40 at the door.
Midnight Retro NYE at The Point: At its Fells location, The Point is transforming into a decked out wonderland full of neon shimmer. (Photo backdrops will be plentiful for your NYE snaps!) With tiered ticket packages, you can choose from free admission with a cash bar or go all out with buffets, an open bar, and more. A DJ will be posted up behind the booth spinning retro throwbacks until 5 a.m., providing dance fuel as The Point pulls an all-nighter right into the brunch rush on New Year’s Day. Price: Packages range from free to $168.
Cheers to That at Mama Koko’s: You know that fancy ‘fit that’s been hanging out in the back of your closet waiting for the perfect occasion? Put it on. Attendees at this bash at Mama Koko’s in Old Goucher will be dressed to the nines for dancing, passed apps, and a toast at twelve. Spring for VIP to skip bar lines and score comfy couch seating. Price: $110.
All Mighty Senators New Year’s Eve Bash: Spend the wee hours of the night at the Ottobar in Remington, where Baltimore greats Eze Jackson and All Mighty Senators will bring the soul. Doors open at 8 p.m. for a full night of dancing across 2025’s finish line. Price: Tickets are $38.
Big Blowouts
The Bygone Ball: Spend New Year’s Eve surrounded by stunning panoramic views of the Inner Harbor on the top-floor of the Four Seasons Baltimore. Not only is this the perfect place for a front-row seat to the fireworks, but you will also take advantage of a premium open bar, live DJ entertainment, and a full buffet of drool-inducing bites. Price: General admission starts at $284.
New Year’s at Atlas Quarter: Speaking of the Bygone, four of its sister restaurants in Harbor East are uniting to throw a massive party where guests are invited to venture from one venue to the next. Adjoining properties Tagliata, Italian Disco, The Elk Room, and Monarque will offer standing buffets, open bars, and live entertainment—ranging from piano to jazz—at each spot. Price: Tickets start at $194.
The Beautiful Room at Bar V 2.0: At the Baltimore Peninsula, Bar V 2.0 (formerly Bar Vegan) is featuring beats spun by DJ Kaos, passed apps, signature cocktails, and a full-bar Champagne toast when the clock strikes twelve. Price: Tickets start at $76.
Charm City Countdown: Head to the Hilton BWI for an unforgettable celebration spanning 17 party zones. Throw on your hot pants to embrace the Studio 54 theme, complete with an open bar, gourmet buffet selections, karaoke, a silent disco, and a massive balloon drop and countdown at midnight. Price: Tickets range from $129 to $259.
New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball at The Garden Rooftop: For a mysteriously magic midnight moment, come in your best masquerade mask and party until next year (literally.) While under the cover of your disguise, dance to live DJs, snack on yummy hors d’oeuvres, and clink glasses at midnight. Price: Ticket packages start at $44.
NYE Gala at The Lord Baltimore Hotel: Bid farewell to 2025 at a historic venue that screams elegance. General admission ticket holders can enjoy a live DJ, musical performances, a photobooth, buffet bites and sweets, and an open bar in the hotel’s time-honored Calvert Ballroom. VIP guests get all that and more, including overnight accommodations and a late checkout.
Mobtown NYE: Mobtown Ballroom’s annual end-of-year rager is back at its Station North digs. All ticket holders are in for a night of live music from the legendary LPM Band, plus performances, cocktails, late-night snacks, a Champagne toast, and a DJ spinning past midnight. Come in cocktail attire, and accessorize with face painting and shimmery add-ons (plus take-home trinkets) available when doors open at 8 p.m. Price: General admission is $65.
New Year’s Eve Baltimore Dine and Cruise: Sail into new beginnings aboard Watermark’s luxury yacht on the Inner Harbor. Start the evening with dinner at Facci on Light Street before bundling up to board the Annapolitan II across the street. The two-hour booze cruise will highlight an open beer and wine bar and prime views of the fireworks show at midnight.
The Last Indulgence: New Year’s Eve at Ulysses: Inside Mt. Vernon’s esteemed boutique hotel, Ulysses, bar venues Ash—Bar and Bloom’s will feature a boozy Bacchanalian affair with Prohibition-era cocktails, food, games, live cabaret music, and even some risqué performances. Price: Reservations can be made via Resy.
Fireworks and Family Fun
Inner Harbor Drone Show & Fireworks: Once again, the Mayor’s office is lighting up the night sky with a dazzling display of fireworks over the Inner Harbor. Family-friendly, pre-firework entertainment starts at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater at 6 p.m., followed by the countdown just before midnight. This is a great opportunity to skate to live music—as the Inner Harbor Ice Rink will be open. Price: Free admission
The Charmery’s Kiddie Scoop Ball Drop: For families with little ones who can’t quite make it to midnight, this early ice cream-filled party is a great option. For the 12th year, The Charmery is hosting a ball drop at its Union Collective ice cream factory ahead of schedule at 8 p.m. Arrive early at 5:30 p.m. to catch all the festivities, including glitter tattoos, special ice cream flavors, adult beverages from Union Craft Brewing, and tunes from DJ Sir Scoops-A-Lot. Price: Free admission/Pay as you go.
New Year’s Eve at The Lot: Gather with Northeast Baltimore neighbors on Harford Road from 4-7 p.m. for a pre-bedtime celebration of crafts, music, and the very first New Years Eve Crab Trap Drop—which will come down at 6 p.m.
Noontime New Year at Port Discovery: Ring in 2026 by learning something new with the educators at Port Discovery. Spend the day participating in hands-on art projects, interactive experiences, and more themed fun. Count down at noon to celebrate new beginnings together before nap time. Price: Free with museum admission, which is $24.95. (Kids under 1 are free).
Noon Year’s at Cross Street Market: In Federal Hill, gather with your playdate pals for face paint, party favors, dancing to DJ tunes, and more family activities. Be sure to grab lunch before the big balloon drop at 1 p.m.