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
Science Central’s Countdown to Noon
For the little ones whose bedtime is before midnight, there are still ways to celebrate the big countdown! Visitors have an exclusive opportunity to participate in the big balloon drop at noon. Get there early to help blow up balloons and even write a wish on one to send good vibes into the new year! All the festivities are included in general admission to Science Central.
Balloons will drop promptly at 12:00pm following the countdown, and another drop will happen at 3pm featuring a sensory-friendly version of the big drop.
Time: 10am - 3pm
Cost: $12
Location: Science Central
Fort Wayne Komets Game
Join the Jungle and cheer on our Fort Wayne Komets as they take on the Bloomington Bison!
Time: 7:30pm
Cost: Prices vary
Location: Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
Ice skating at Headwaters Park
Glide through the outdoor pavilion at Headwaters Park and into 2026 for a fun time on the ice!
Time: New Year's Eve, Noon - 6pm (Closed New Year's Day)
Location: Headwaters Park
Cost: Age 3 and older - $6 / Age 2 and under - Free / $3 skate rental
Fantasy of Lights
Experience one of Fort Wayne’s most beloved traditions this New Year’s Eve! The 3-mile driving route through Franke Park features more than 150 giant light displays! New Year's Eve is the FINAL night to enjoy it for the season and is the only "Pay What You Want Night!"
Time: Thursday, December 31, 5:30 - 9pm
Location: Franke Park
Parkview Field Holiday Lights
Stroll through the dazzling displays as Parkview Field is illuminated by more than 1 million lights for the holiday season! Through January 4.
Time: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Parkview Field
Cost: $12
Wild Lights at the Fort Wayne Zoo
Brand new this year, make a new family tradition at Wild Lights at the Fort Wayne Zoo! Walk among dazzling displays throughout the Indiana Farm, Central Zoo, Coastal Cove, Red Panda Ridge, and even parts of Australian Adventure to see the zoo in a festive glow.
Time: 5:00pm - 10:00pm
Location: Fort Wayne Zoo
Cost: $12
Tree Spectacular
Wander through this enchanting experience of beautifully adorned Christmas trees, each sponsored by a local business while contributing to the preservation of northeast Indiana's automotive heritage at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum.
Time: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Location: Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum
Cost: Admission to the museum
FOR THE ADULTS
Countdown at The Club Room
Ring in the New Year with music from the Sweetwater All Stars starting at 8:30pm! Reserve your table and complimentary drink in advance with a presale ticket.
If you prefer an earlier evening, the Todd Harrold Trio will be playing the "early seating" from 5:30pm - 7:30pm! (You can remain at your table until 7:45pm.) Reservations are required.
Time: 5:30pm or 8:30pm
Location: Club Room at the Clyde Theatre
New Year's Eve at Eddie Merlot's
Celebrate the New Year with a full dinner menu of aged steaks, fresh seafood, and craft cocktails with a festive champagne toast at midnight.
Time: 6:00pm - 12: am
Location: Eddie Merlot's
New Years at The Fairfield: Bubbles and Bowties
Enjoy bottomless champagne, elevated appetizers, live music, and stunning downtown Fort Wayne views in an upscale, vibrant atmosphere. Then, count down to midnight and celebrate the ocassion in true New Year's fashion.
Time: 7:30pm - 12:00am
Location: The Fairfield Wedding and Events
Cost: $100+
New Year's Eve Dinner at Arbor
Delight in a 3-course prix fixe menu plus 1 glass of champagne at the beautiful Arbor restaurant at The Bradley Hotel downtown.
Time: 5:00pm - 10:00pm
Location: Arbor
Cost: $79 (plus tax and gratuity)
Solequence x Nua Sound Present // The Countdown
Hosted by Nua Sound with music from Aureleon - 7:59 PM, dropdeaddewy - 8:59 PM, Meta Essence - 9:59 PM, Solequence - 10:59 PM, Birdseye - 11:59 PM, and J6 - 1:10 AM, ring in the new year at Pierre's Entertainment Center.
Time: 8:00pm - 2:10am
Cost: Starting at $10.38
Location: Double Dragon Arcade next to Pierre's Entertainment Center
Low-Key New Year's Eve
Come for the vibes at this super casual and laid back hang hosted by East Ende Eclectic. Bring your favorite snacks, challenge others to a Mario kart tournament, or just chat with other party goers for a relaxed night of hanging out.
Time: 9:00pm - 1:00am
Cost: Free
Location: East Ende Eclectic
Miracle on Jefferson Holiday Bar Pop Up
Stop by Copper Spoon's themed holiday bar pop up, Miracle on Jefferson as they close out their season on New Year's Eve.
Time: 5:00pm - 12:00am
Location: Miracle on Jefferson at Copper Spoon
Comedy Shows
Laugh into the new year with these touring comedy acts making a stop in Fort Wayne:
Brad Upton / Summit City Comedy Club / Price: $46.99
New Year's Eve Comedy Bash with Blaine Steven, Chris White, Ken Carlson, Cam Cam, and Kay Banks / Fort Wayne Comedy Club / Price: $15
For even more events, check out Current Fort Wayne!
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. Last Updated: December 2025
