As we bring another year to a close, it is time to get out and celebrate a new year and new beginnings! Whether you are looking for an adults night out, or a place to ring in the new year that is kid-friendly, we have you covered. Check out some of the events around the city and surrounding areas below and let’s welcome in 2026!
New Year’s Eve Events In and Around Nashville
For the Socialites
Jack Daniel’s New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash – Bicentennial Mall
Ring in 2026 with hours of live music, fireworks, and the iconic midnight Music Note Drop. This FREE live event at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park will feature headliners Laney Wilson, Jason Aldean, and Bailey Zimmerman. The party will continue with incredible appearances fromCeCe Winansand the Fisk Jubilee Singers, making Music City Midnight the perfect way to welcome 2026.
Can’t make it to Nashville in person? Tune in to the star-studded television special, New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash, on Wednesday, December 31 (7pm– 9pm CT and 9:30pm– 12:30am CT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+.
Lower Broadway/ Demonbreun/The Gulch
You can guarantee that the downtown bars, hotels and restaurants will be alive with fun all night long! Check out their individual websites for cover charges, tickets, and special menus! Be sure and make a reservation in advance for private parties! For a list of each bar’s event, I suggest this article.
NOON Year’s Eve celebrations for the kids
If you want to celebrate with your kids in the daytime before enjoying some adult time that evening, check out our Countdown to Noon article. You’ll find tons of fun places for you and your little ones to ring without having to worry about making it to midnight!
Discovery Center at Murfree Springs
Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center
Celebrations for the entire family
Bowling is always a family fun event, no matter what day of the year! Check out the special events at your local bowling alley, as they are sure to have a fun-filled New Year’s Eve celebration planned. Here are a few around Middle Tennessee.
Stars & Strikes Smyrna
Spend New Years Eve at Stars and Strikes to Ring in 2026! Choose from our Early New Years Eve Package or our Late Night NYE Party Package. Both packages include unlimited bowling for for three to four hours, shoe rentals, unlimited arcade game cards, food, beverages and more!
Strike and Spare
Strike in the new year at Strike and Spare! Choose from four different packages including a Noon Year’s Eve package, two family packages and The Grand Finale package. Each package offers a little something different so your group can party your own way. Book now before they sell out!
Franklin Family Entertainment Center
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun or a lively night out, we have the perfect way to celebrate! Choose from four different packages to fit your night best! All evening packages after 4 PM include unlimited bowling, a delicious pizza and soft drink pitcher, so you can enjoy a hassle-free, all-inclusive New Year’s Eve celebration. Book early before they sell out!
King’s Dining & Entertainment Cool Springs
Celebrate Noon Years Eve with your little ones at Kings Franklin with games, music, and fun for the whole family! Come out from 2-5pm to enjoy a kid-friendly buffet, cookie decorating, coloring station, make-your-own-party favor, balloon drop and sparkling cider toast. All ages welcome!
Brentwood Skate Center
Lace up those skates and roll into the new year at Brentwood Skate Center. From 10am-noon, little ones 8 years and younger can enjoy skating along with a balloon drop at 11:45am. Beginning at 12:30pm all ages are welcome. Your family will enjoy lots of giveaways and a special balloon drop at 4:45pm as you skate the afternoon away. Admission is $10/child 8 and under and $20 for all other ages ($3 non-skating parent fee).
Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary
Come by Owl’s Hill and ring in the new year with a Marshmallow and Hot Chocolate Hike. The hike includes a craft and kid-friendly toast at noon. Hike starts promptly at 11am. Cost is $15 / person ($17 walk-up). Children age 2 and younger are free.
Other ideas
Catch a movie at your local theater. Popcorn, candy and screen time are a fun way to celebrate with kids of all ages.
Plan an event at home! Grab some party favors, balloons and confetti and have your own balloon drop. Watch movies, play board games, cards and enjoy fun themed snacks and drinks!
