AUSTIN, Texas — Launching fireworks without a permit is illegal in Austin, but there is still a way to see some fireworks light up the skyline on New Year’s Eve.
The city will be putting on Austin’s New Year, a celebration with live music and a midnight fireworks show.
Austin’s New Year starts at 7 p.m. at Auditorium Shores, with live performances from two Texas bands, The Suffers, a Houston-based soul band, and The Band of Heathens, a rock band from Austin.
The fireworks show will start at 11:55 p.m. as the city starts the countdown to the new year.
They recommend bringing some chairs and blankets because it is a fully outdoor event. But you won’t be able to bring your four-legged friends. The only pets that are allowed are trained service dogs. You’ll also have to leave outside alcohol, glass, fireworks, and sparklers at home.
The event is free and open to the public. The road in front of Auditorium Shores will be closed, but the city recommends parking in either public parking north of Lady Bird Lake, the One Texas Center, the Palmer Events Center Garage, or the River South Garage at Riverside Drive.
You can find a map with all the road closures and more transportation options on their website.
Austin’s New Year will also be broadcast live on CNN as part of their "New Year's Eve with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen" broadcast. CNN Anchor Sara Sidner and CNN Contributor Cari Champion will be live in Austin for the event.