AUSTIN, Texas — 2023 is almost over, and the City of Austin is getting ready to ring in 2024.
On Friday, the City announced the details for its free "Austin's New Year" event at Auditorium Shores on Sunday, Dec. 31, from 7 p.m. until midnight.
This year, CNN Anchor Sara Sidner and CNN Contributor Cari Champion will be live at Austin's countdown as part of CNN's "New Year's Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen." The event will also feature performances by The Suffers and The Band of Heathens.
Food and beverage vendors will be on-site, and there will be a midnight fireworks show following the countdown to 2024.
The grounds at Auditorium Shores will open at 7 p.m., with The Suffers set to take the stage shortly after. Attendees are welcome to bring blankets and chairs, but pets – except for trained service dogs – are not allowed. Also not allowed are any outside alcohol, glass, fireworks or sparklers.
ADA-accessible parking will be available at the Palmer Event Center Garage and One Texas Center. Other parking options include:
- Public Parking north of Lady Bird Lake
- One Texas Center
- Palmer Events Center Garage
- River South Garage at Riverside Drive and South First Street
- City Hall Garage
- State Garage N
Attendees can also take the Hike-and-Bike Trail, bike to the event or use dock-less devices like scooters to get to Auditorium Shores. The southwest corner of Riverside Drive and South First Street will be available for drop-off.
Free rides will be available on all CapMetro services after 5 p.m. Bus routes will operate regular service, and Night Owls will run from 10:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The last MetroRail train will leave the Downtown Station at 2:22 a.m.
The City said cut-out spaces along Riverside in front of Auditorium Shores will be closed Friday, Dec. 29, through Monday, Jan. 1. Those include:
- West Riverside Drive from Lee Barton Drive to South First Street – closed from 7 p.m. - 1 a.m.
- South First Street. from Cesar Chavez Street to Riverside Drive – closed from 11 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Lady Bird Lake between the railroad trestle bridge and the South First Street bridge will also be closed to all watercraft from 10:30 p.m. on Dec. 31, through 1 a.m. on Jan. 1.
A detailed road closure map is available to help plan getting to and from the New Year's Eve event.
Auditorium Shores at Town Lake Metropolitan Park is located at 800 W. Riverside Drive.