Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Downtown Montpelier

Montpelier's cozy and walkable downtown is the perfect place to celebrate the launch into a bright 2026! Whether you're strolling the illuminated bridges, grabbing a drink and catching some live local music, hanging out with Shidaa at Lost Nation Theater,  or watching the fireworks from the State House Lawn, Montpelier offers something for everyone. 

 

Lost Nation Theater and Shidaa Projects present The Beat Goes On, Montpelier’s all-day New Year’s Eve celebration featuring a free youth drumming workshop, an afternoon musical showcase, and a high-energy evening performance of drumming, dance, and theater. Festivities begin at 1pm and culminate with the 6pm main event: a joyful, community-powered celebration welcoming 2026 with rhythm, movement, and good energy. Donations are encouraged to support this special event.

Visit the link to pre-register for the youth workshop, space is limited and spots will fill up fast! Don't worry, there's always space to watch and listen. 

 

Remember those rained-out July 3rd fireworks? Well they are having their moment on New Years Eve! Head down to the State House Lawn at 9pm for the best view in Montpelier, and grab a hot gyro or snack at the Dougy Fresh food truck! 

A couple of items to note:

  • National Life is NOT a viewing location for fireworks.
  • We heard you that 9:30pm was a little too late so we bumped the start time of the fireworks up to 9pm!

New Years Eve Parties & Events Around Town:

Dave Keller New Year's Eve Album Release Concert - 5:30-7:30pm at the Unitarian Church. Join Dave Keller live as he drops his new album, La Brea, and rings in the new year will killer tunes!

All Brains Belong - 4th Annual New Year's Eve Virtual Solidarity Gathering (Zoom) 5-8pm

Barr Hill - More info coming soon about this annual party!

Hugos - Blue Fox Trio & The Gallison Hill Band 7:30pm

Langdon Street Tavern - Karaoke with John's Jukebox 8:30pm

Three Penny Taproom - 70's Soul/Funk Throw-Down with GRG Trio 9pm

Charlie O's - Karaoke with DJ Party Bear 9pm

(Come back to Charlie O's at noon on New Years Day for brunch!)

 

Onion River Outdoors and Central Vermont Runners annual New Year's Eve 5K  

Wednesday, Dec. 31 | 2:00 PM
A longtime Montpelier tradition! This 5K road race winds through downtown, starting and finishing at Onion River Outdoors (89 Main St). Same day registration and bib pickup available 12–1:30 PM.