And just like that - 2018 has flown by! Whether you’re ready to dance the night away or would prefer to be to sleep by your bedtime, Fort Wayne, Indiana offers something for everyone to do on the 31st!
We’ve rounded up our top events for you to ring in the New Year!
New Year's Eve in Fort Wayne, Indiana
Family Fun
New Year’s Eve Ball Drop
We may not be in The Big Apple but did you know Fort Wayne hosts their own ball drop celebration to ring in the new year too? The massive ball will be hoisted 80 feet in the air at Parkview Field and lowered when the clock strikes midnight. Join the party with local vendors and entertainment from Casual Friday.
Time: 7pm-12:30am
Cost: Free!
Location: Parkview Field
Fort Wayne Komets Game
Cheer on our hometown Komets as they take on the Brampton Beast!
Time: 7:30pm
Cost: Prices vary
Location: Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
Ice skating at Headwaters Park
Today and every day, glide through the outdoor pavilion at Headwaters for a fun time on the ice!
Time: Monday through Friday 12pm-10pm, Weekends 11am-10pm
Cost: $3/ kid, $5/ adult, $2 skate rental
Fantasy of Lights
Experience one of Fort Wayne’s most beloved traditions this New Year’s Eve! The 2-mile driving route through Franke Park displays over one hundred light displays.
Time: Sunday through Thursday 6pm-9pm, Friday & Saturday 6pm-10pm
Cost: $10/personal vehicle, $20 commercial van
Location: Franke Park
Adults Only
NYE Ball Drop Gala
If you want to see the Fort Wayne ball drop, but not face the cold, the NYE Ball Drop VIP Gala is for you. Enjoy drinks, hors-d'oeuvre and a fantastic view of the ball drop and Fort Wayne skyline.
Time: 7pm-12:30am
Cost: $45/ person
Location: Parkview Suite Level Lounge
New Year's Eve Celebration with Hubie Ashcraft
Make your way to Mitchell’s Bar & Grill for a night of dancing and fun with Hubie Ashcraft.
Time: 9pm-3am
Location: Mitchell's Sports & Neighborhood Grill
New Year's Eve Party ft. Charlie Coffeen (sidewalk chalk) DJ Set
Get ready for a night filled with Funk, Disco, Hip-Hop with a DJ set at the Brass Rail from Charlie Coffeen.
Time: 10pm - 1:00am
Location: Brass Rail
Gaming Gala
Enjoy a fun night of boards, brews and fun this New Year’s Eve! Dinner will be served and fantastic prizes will be given out throughout the night!
Time: 6pm - 11:59pm
Cost: $25
Location: The Game Annex
New Year's Eve Yin Vin
Ring in the new year while spending some time rejuvenating and reflecting on the past year.
Time: 2pm - 3:30pm
Cost:$20.19
Location: PranaYoga, 1501 E Berry St.
New Year’s Eve Party Don Hall’s Guesthouse
Indulge in a gourmet buffet dinner while enjoying live music and a midnight toast!
Time: 6:30pm -1am
Cost: $69/ individual, $119/ couple
Location: Guesthouse Ballroom
Trolley's New Years Eve Celebration 2019
Join one of Fort Wayne’s favorite eateries for a New Year's Eve celebration including live entertainment, hor d'oeuvres, and toast!
Time: 10:30pm - 1:30am
Cost: $10/ person (reservations required)
Location: Trolley Steaks & Seafood
New Year's Eve Bash with Good Night Gracie
Join Flashback Live for a New Year's Celebration with Good Night Gracie
Time: 8:03pm - 3:03am
Location: Flashback Live
The New Year's Eve 2019 GRAND GALA
Get dressed up and join host Whitney Wright in ringing in the new year in style at the Grand Wayne Convention Center. The evening will include complimentary hors d'oeuvres buffet, Midnight champagne top-shelf cash bar, live entertainment and dance music featured by DJ Rello!
Time: 8pm - 1am
Cost: $35/ individual, $60/ couples
Location: Grand Wayne Convention Center
A Classic New Year's Eve
Rock out to 70s and 80s music by THE FBC BAND and TEMPEST who are reuniting for an unforgettable New Year's Eve celebration.
Time: 7pm - 1am
Cost: $40
Location: Lester's Banquet Hall, 1502 Bluffton Rd.
Just for Kids
Kids New Year’s Eve Lock-in Party
Kids have an overnight NYE party of their own at the Ash Center! Children in grades K-8 can bring their sleeping bag and spend the evening playing games, watching movies, and participating in other new year’s surprises.
Time: Dec 31. 8pm - Jan. 1 8am
Cost: $50/ child
Location: Ash Center
Science Central’s Countdown to Noon
For the little ones who’s bedtime is before midnight, there are still ways to celebrate the big countdown! There will be plenty of extra activities to enjoy like party hat and noisemaker making, face painting and the drop of 2,018 balloons!
Time: 10am-3pm
Cost: $9/ person
Location: Science Central
ACPL New Year’s Celebration
Bring the tots to celebrate the new year at the library with a big party and juice toast at noon!
Time: Dec. 31 11am-1pm
Cost: Free!
Location: Aboite Branch - Allen County Public Library
ACPL Countdown to New Year's
Enjoy crafts, a count-down, music, dancing, and a celebration toast with apple juice at the downtown Fort Wayne Main Library.
Time: Dec 31 11am-12pm
Cost: Free, registration available in advance
Location: Main Library - Allen County Public Library
For even more events, check out The Current!
No matter how you choose to celebrate this holiday, we wish you a prosperous New Year!
This post was originally published in December 2017 and has been updated.
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