18 Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Indianapolis

NYE Balloon Drop at the Indiana State Museum

Photo courtesy of Indiana State Museum

From the WWE Royal Rumble to the WNBA All-Star Weekend, 2025 has been an incredible year for Indianapolis. Our city has stood in the spotlight, welcoming thousands of visitors to experience the magic of Life in Indy for themselves. 

Now, as this year draws to a close, you deserve to raise a glass to the priceless memories we made in 2025 and celebrate the beginning of our next adventure, as we embark on the journey that is 2026. 

There are countless ways to ring in the new year, whether you’re having fun with your family, cruising on a bar crawl, or enjoying an elegant midnight toast. While you’re waiting for the countdown to begin, send 2025 off in style with our Top 18 Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Indianapolis! 

NYE Events in Indianapolis 

1. Family New Year’s Eve

One of Indy’s most popular family traditions is the annual New Year’s Eve party at the Indiana State Museum. This all-ages event is perfect for young kids who need to hit the hay before midnight, while still letting them count down to the new year. 

Beginning at 6 PM, kids can enjoy an unforgettable night of dancing, face painting, glitter tattoos, and fun activities all across the museum. Then, everything culminates in a ceremonious balloon drop at 8:30 PM, kicking off the new year with a vibrant burst of color and excitement!  

2. SPELLBOUND New Year’s Eve Party (21+) 

Usher in the new year at Indy’s favorite Dark Rave! Spellbound is an aesthetic DJ dance night for the goths, the punks, the alternative scene, and anyone who vibes with Witch House and other dark-oriented music. 

Every New Year’s Eve, Indy CD & Vinyl partners with A-Squared Industries to bring the atmosphere of Spellbound to the 416 Wabash Event Hall. This come-as-you-are event invites you to let loose and dance freely, surrounded by strobing lights and a foggy haze that embraces the ethereal. 

3. New Year’s Eve with Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench Press (21+)

There’s no better way to celebrate the New Year than live music! For the fourth year in a row, the Vogue Theatre in Broad Ripple is hosting Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench Press for a raucous New Year’s Eve spectacle. 

This crowd-pleasing, Chicago-based experience band is known for their eclectic mix of fun, entertaining, and irreverent music—as well as having a few tricks up their sleeves! Grab your tickets and enjoy a lively night of party music set to the “best light show in the tri-county area!”

4. 2025 Wrapped: Ciders of the Month Flights (21+)

In downtown Indianapolis, Ash & Elm Cider Co. does their own unique yearly recap, fearing all twelve “Ciders of the Month” in weekly flights available leading up to the new year, along with a tasty dessert pairing at their Indy location. These flights are offered on top of their regular drink offerings, as a special treat to celebrate a year of flavorful ciders. 

This year, you can make your visit extra special by attending one of their seasonal events, including Holiday Trivia and a Holiday Drag Show. Tickets are required, so make sure you reserve your spot ahead of time! 

5. Tin Roof New Year’s Eve Bash (21+)

Ring in the New Year Tin Roof–style with a high-energy bash packed with live music, drink specials, and champagne-fueled good vibes. This downtown favorite is throwing an all-night celebration that’s perfect for groups looking to dance, toast, and count down to midnight together.

General admission is available at the door based on capacity, so arriving early is recommended. Want to lock in your plans? VIP packages and line-skip options are available to guarantee your spot at one of the city’s liveliest New Year’s Eve parties.

MELT NYE Dance Party

Photo courtesy of GANGGANG

MELT NYE Dance Party

Photo courtesy of GANGGANG

6. New Year’s Eve with Jay Larson (18+)

Fill your New Year’s Eve with laughter at the Helium Comedy Club in downtown Indianapolis, featuring comedian Jay Larson! Known for his wildly viral “Wrong Number” joke and sharp, relatable storytelling, Jay brings a high-energy stand-up set that’s the perfect way to welcome 2026.

Guests can stick with general admission tickets or spring for Dinner and a Show, including a champagne toast when the clock strikes midnight during the last show! 

7. New Year’s Eve at The Melting Pot

Did somebody say fondue? Talk about your New Year’s resolutions and 2026 fon-do’s and don’ts over a decadent four-course spread at the Melting Pot!

Every year, the Melting Pot offers a curated one-night-only menu for the occasion, featuring a round of cheese fondue, fresh salads, savory entrées, and a chocolate fondue for dessert. This unique dining experience is ideal for both families and the foodies in your life who are looking to indulge on the last day of the year. Reservations are required.

8. Family New Year’s Eve Skate Party

Get ready to roll into the new year! Rollerskating at the Fun Factory is a great way to keep your family active during the holiday break, while burning off some of those Christmas cookie calories.

On New Year’s Eve, they host a special family-friendly skate party, where you can play games, show off your dance moves, and just have fun with your loved ones. So, lace up your skates and hit the rink for an afternoon of retro rollerskating!  

9. ComedySportz New Year’s Eve!

The Wit Theater is back with another round of New Year’s Eve ComedySportz, where two teams of comedians compete head-to-head in a series of improv challenges! Each match is entirely unique, featuring different games, fan prompts, and winners decided by the audience.

Their family-friendly comedy is made for guests of all ages, so you can feel comfortable bringing even the littlest kids to enjoy this live comedy showdown. And at the end, you can join a celebratory countdown to the new year with fun hats, noisemakers, and a little bubbly for toasts!

10. CCA Social New Year’s Eve Party (21+)

Circle City Athletics (CCA) is known for offering fun, recreational sports leagues for adults to make friends and stay active. But they also host a variety of events under their CCA Social umbrella, including their annual New Year’s Eve Party at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. 

This all-inclusive party is back for its 11th anniversary with several open bars, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and a photo booth to capture all your memories in the making. In the true spirit of sports, guests can also compete at the pop-up arcade or try their hand at casino games like craps, poker, and roulette. Tickets to this event sell out fast, so don’t wait to grab your seat at one of Indy’s best New Year’s Eve events!

CCA New Year's Party

Photo courtesy of CCA

CCA New Year's Party

Photo courtesy of CCA

NYE Events in Northern Indy 

11. Noon Year’s Eve

Can’t stay awake until the ball drops? No problem! The Zionsville Nature Center is celebrating New Year’s Eve a little early—with a countdown to 2025 at noon instead of midnight. 

This event is intentionally designed for families with young children looking forward to ringing in the new year, giving them a chance to celebrate like a big kid. Come early and enjoy a variety of holiday activities for all ages, before the clock strikes twelve! Early registration is required.  

12. New Year’s Eve at 3UP Rooftop Lounge (21+)

This New Year’s Eve, treat yourself to a luxury fine dining experience at the 3UP Rooftop Lounge in Carmel. Every December, 3UP transforms into a cozy winter wonderland, fully decorated to immerse you in the holiday spirit.  

Table reservations include access to their all-you-can-eat curated menu, a bottle of bubbly per couple, and festive party favors to help you celebrate the new year in style. Doors to this swanky soiree open at 7 PM, and then you and your table can dance the night away in dazzling rooftop elegance.  

13. New Year’s Eve Bash!! (21+)

If you’re looking for a way to celebrate without making the drive to Indianapolis, Green Street Pub and Eatery is the place to be. This Brownsburg pub is known to regulars as the “local Cheers bar,” where everyone cares to know your name.  

Their annual New Year’s Eve Bash offers a chance to unwind with live music, delicious appetizers, and a variety of drinks on tap. Tickets are $75, includes admission and food for the evening, and must be purchased in advance at the bar.

14. The Elton John Experience at Hotel Carmichael (18+)

Ring in 2026 with a high-energy tribute to one of rock’s most iconic legends. Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel is hosting Remember When Rock Was Young… The Elton John Experience, a cabaret-style New Year’s Eve show celebrating the music, costumes, and charisma of Sir Elton John. 

Broadway star Craig A. Meyer, joined by the Rocket Band, brings Elton’s timeless hits to life in a lively stage performance that’s equal parts nostalgia and spectacle. Doors open at 5:30 PM with dinner service available before the 7:30 PM show, plus a complimentary champagne toast to welcome the new year. Cabaret seating is available with a $25 food and beverage minimum per guest.

15. Havana’s New Years Eve (21+)

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a stunning Masquerade Ball at Havana Cigar Lounge in Fishers, featuring relaxed, celebratory night out to ring in the new year. Guests can enjoy one-of-a-kind drink specials, live music, and — of course — a complimentary champagne toast at midnight.

The event begins at 8 PM and runs until 1 AM, so you can countdown in style and savor the aesthetic afterglow. Tickets at the door cost $50 a person, and don’t forget your mask!

Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench Press performs at The Vogue Theatre in Indianapolis

Photo courtesy of The Vogue Theatre

NYE Events in Southern Indy 

16. New Year’s Eve at Whiskey Business (21+)

Prefer bourbon over bubbles? Head down to Whiskey Business in Southport for a different kind of New Year’s Eve celebration with a casual atmosphere and live music from local band 90 Proof.

At Whiskey Business, their menu offers a range of classic American favorites and locally crafted drinks. And best of all, there’s no cover charge to join in the festivities. Just show up ready to eat, drink, and be merry! 

17. New Years Bash at Sip Cocktails (21+)

Head to downtown Greenwood for a lively New Year’s Bash at SIP Cocktails, featuring live music, great drinks, and all-night good vibes. The celebration runs from early evening through midnight, making it easy to pop in or settle in for the night.

Reserved seating is available for the full evening and includes a voucher toward drinks or an appetizer, plus a midnight toast to ring in the New Year. Live entertainment takes over the night with performances by the Good Lord Bros. and Lodein, keeping the party going as 2026 begins.

18. Noon Year’s Eve at Perry Crossing  

Every year, The Shops at Perry Crossing mall in Plainfield invites Hoosiers to come together and celebrate New Year’s Eve before the sun sets on the year. Families can enjoy music from local DJ Kurt Streblow, take home unique balloon creations, and munch at the snack bar. This all builds up to the big countdown at noon, when they drop balloons into the crowd.

The first 80 to sign up and register will receive discounted tickets, but the park will stay open to walk-ins throughout the day. Admission is an all day pass, so feel free to play, leave to eat and shop, and come back for more fun!