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Free New Year’s Eve in Austin: Last-minute NYE plans that won’t break the bank

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Free New Year’s Eve in Austin: Last-minute NYE plans that won’t break the bank


Somehow, New Year’s Eve is upon us. If you’re one of the many who has lost track of time amid the holiday haze and need something to do in Austin, Texas, for NYE, you’ve stumbled upon the right article.

It seems New Year’s Eve has become synonymous with dropping mad amounts of cash on a dazzling outfit, FOMO-proof plans and everything else one needs to ring in the new year.

But, contrary to what your group chat says, you don’t have to metaphorically light your bank account on fire to have a good time.

6 free things to do in Austin on New Year’s Eve

Below are six free things to do on Tuesday, Dec. 31, in Austin.

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Keep in mind that CapMetro is offering free rides on all services starting at 5 p.m. CST on Dec. 31 to help people get safely to and from their respective celebrations. Learn more and plan your trip here.

Austin’s annual NYE Celebration at Auditorium Shores

What: Austin’s official New Year’s Eve celebration with live music, food and drinks for purchase and an epic fireworks show over Lady Bird Lake. The music headliner is Third Eye Blind, but several acts will take the stage leading up to their performance. The best part? It’s family-friendly and entirely free to attend.

Reminder: The countdown to fireworks will start at 11:55 p.m. Review allowed and prohibited items here.

Where: Auditorium Shores, 800 W. Riverside Drive, Austin, Texas.

When: From 7 p.m. to midnight Tuesday, Dec. 31.

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Cigar rolling and NYE countdown with Bobalu Cigar Co.

What: Start your New Year’s Eve celebrations early by watching a master cigar roller showcase their craft live at Bobalu Cigar Co. There will be cigars to smoke and guests are welcome to BYOB. This event is for those ages 21 and older. RSVP for free on Eventbrite to save your spot!

Where: Bobalu Cigar Co., 8501 Burnet Road, Austin, Texas.

When: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31.

‘Wicked’-inspired NYE celebration at Half Step

What: An Emerald City-themed New Year’s Eve party on Rainey Street with no cover charge that’s sure to be “Popular.” There will be live music by The Michael Hale Trio featuring Mac Macintosh, a complimentary champagne toast, “Wicked”-inspired cocktails and decor, a balloon drop at midnight and more!

Where: Half Step, 75 1/2 Rainey St., Austin, Texas.

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When: The party starts at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31.

New Year’s Eve Celebration at Pinballz Arcade

What: A New Year’s Eve celebration geared toward arcade fanatics! Pinballz Arcade is hosting a free, late-night New Year’s Eve celebration at all locations. There will be a free champagne toast at midnight and guests can pay to play all the arcade games their hearts desire.

Where: All Pinballz locations in Austin, Texas. There are three in the greater Austin area. Find the one nearest you here.

When: Starts at 9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31.

Y2K New Year’s Eve Party at Upstairs at Caroline

What: A 2000s-themed NYE party for those ages 21 and older at a rooftop bar in downtown Austin. There will be a DJ spinning 2000s pop bangers, a photo booth to capture the moments you may not remember and a champagne toast at midnight.

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Where: Upstairs at Caroline, 109 E. Seventh St., Austin, Texas.

When: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31.

New Bear’s Eve at The Iron Bear

What: A cover-free NYE party at an LGBTQ+ friendly bar featuring pop-up drag performances by Miss Good and Chique Fil-Atio, music by DJ Mike, a champagne toast at midnight and more.

Where: The Iron Bear, 301 W. Sixth St., Austin, Texas.

When: 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31.

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Austin, TX

Texas Pride events 2026: Parades, festivals and more happening this June

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Texas Pride events 2026: Parades, festivals and more happening this June


Pride Month is celebrated each June. 

It marks the anniversary of the Stonewall uprising that started in late June 1969. The protests are seen as a turning point in the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. It inspired marches across the country in the years that followed.

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More than a dozen cities and towns across Texas are celebrating with everything from parades to festivals to concerts and more.

A Pride flag is seen held up in a crowd during preparation for a Queer March to the Texas State Capitol on April 15, 2023 in Austin, Texas.

A Pride flag is seen held up in a crowd during preparation for a Queer March to the Texas State Capitol on April 15, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Brandon Bell / Getty Images)

Here’s a look at some of the dates and places Pride events are happening around the Lone Star State this month:

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Austin also has a Pride celebration, but it is scheduled for Aug. 22.

The Source: Information in this story came from various sources, including official websites for events. AI was used to help assemble the list of events.

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UC Santa Barbara Baseball Drops 6-4 Nailbiter to Texas at Austin Regional Final

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Red-hot Rowan Kelly came to the plate with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth inning with a chance to extend the Gauchos season, but a thrilling comeback was not to be.

The UC Santa Barbara baseball team battled to the end, but fell to host Texas 6-4 in the Austin Regional final on Sunday afternoon.

“I think our guys gave a really good effort,” Checketts said. “Kellan’s start was outstanding, set the tone for us, gave us a shot. We came up short against a very good baseball team.” 

UC Santa Barbara (40-20) held the lead through six innings behind a strong start from pitcher Kellan Montgomery and continued offensive production from Kelly. However, Texas (43-13), the tournament’s No. 6 national seed, scored four runs over the final three innings to secure the victory and advance.

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Montgomery, a Santa Barbara native, delivered one of his strongest outings of the season. The right-hander retired the Longhorns in order in the first inning and held Texas scoreless through five innings while allowing only a handful of baserunners. Kelly provided early offense with a solo home run in the first inning, his second home run of the day after homering earlier against Tarleton State.

“I think just trusting myself and the guys behind me. The last couple outings haven’t really been what I wanted, so just not making it anything bigger than it is,” Montgomery said. “This is my first time in playoff baseball, so I’m just trying to enjoy every moment with a really special group. It was just trusting myself and the seven guys behind me.” 

Texas broke through in the sixth inning, loading the bases before a sacrifice fly by Adrian Rodriguez and a two-out single by Ethan Mendoza drove in two runs and gave the Longhorns their first lead of the game at 2-1. Relief pitcher Van Froling entered and recorded the final out of the inning.

The Gauchos responded immediately in the bottom half. Consecutive walks by Liam Barrett and Kelly set the stage for a sacrifice bunt attempt by William Vasseur that resulted in multiple Texas throwing errors. Barrett scored on the initial errant throw, while Kelly later crossed the plate after another misplay, giving UC Santa Barbara a 3-2 advantage.

Texas regained control in the seventh inning. After a runner’s lane interference call erased a potential scoring play, Aiden Robbins hit a two-run home run four pitches later to move the Longhorns back in front. Texas added two more runs in the eighth, including one on an RBI double and another following a failed pickoff attempt, extending its lead to 6-3.

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UC Santa Barbara narrowed the deficit in the bottom of the eighth. Kelly doubled off the top of the left-field wall and later scored as the Gauchos cut the lead to two runs. The inning ended with the potential go-ahead run still at the plate.

The Gauchos mounted one final threat in the ninth. Xavier Esquer and Cole Kosciusko opened the inning with singles, and a hit batter loaded the bases with two outs. Kelly came to the plate with the tying run in scoring position, prompting Texas to make a pitching change.But Longhorn starting pitcher Luke Harrison made a rare relief appearance to record the final out and preserve the victory.



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Austin Pets Alive! gets $10K donation, pet beds

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Austin Pets Alive! gets K donation, pet beds


AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) received a $10,000 donation and 30 pet beds on Thursday.

The donation was from Robert Thiele, an Amazon delivery driver and owner of Clark Courier Services, which was named in honor of his late bulldog, Clark, who passed away this spring after a battle with cancer.

“I named Clark Courier Services after Clark because just like our drivers, he delivered smiles every single day. In a world full of best friends, Clark was the bestest,” said Thiele.

According to Amazon, the donated pet beds were given a second life through Amazon Re:Turn, which repurposes textiles from customer returns that could not be resold or donated.

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As a surprise for Thiele, APA! unveiled memorial plaques dedicated to Clark on shelter kennels, which were inscribed with his name and the words “forever delivering.”

“Our Delivery Service Partners are local, small business owners embedded in the communities they serve. Robert’s been delivering in Austin for nearly seven years, and he’s not just moving packages. He’s showing up for the people, the pets, and the neighborhoods around him. That’s what this program is about,” said Emma Crowley, Amazon spokesperson. “Today, we got to give a little back to someone who has and will continue to give so much to others.”



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