The Ultimate Guide to New Year’s Eve 2025 in the East Bay Area and Beyond
New Year’s Eve in the East Bay Area is an incredible time of year — whether you’re planning a festive night out in Pleasanton, a family‑friendly noon balloon drop in Oakland, or a memorable trip beyond the Bay. With options spanning arts and culture, kid‑centric activities, energetic parties, and scenic fireworks along the San Francisco Bay, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as we say goodbye to 2025 and welcome in 2026 with joy and intention.
Below, we’ve gathered the most exciting New Year’s Eve events throughout the East Bay Area and nearby regions, including options for families, those seeking elegant celebrations, and adventurous day‑trip ideas beyond the Bay.
Family‑Friendly New Year’s Eve Celebrations
Not everyone wants a late night, and luckily, the East Bay offers plenty of early celebrations designed for families and kids. These events are perfect for parents who want to celebrate without staying up until midnight, or for little ones who enjoy a countdown earlier in the day.
Balloon Drops & Fun at Chabot Space & Science Center – Kids can enjoy balloon releases and family‑friendly activities while learning about science and space.
Granada Bowl (Livermore) – Family and Party lanes available for midnight countdown or earlier in the evening. Bubbles or Sparkling Cider included!
Noon Year’s Eve at Children’s Fairyland (Oakland) – At Fairyland in Oakland, kids can participate in the Alice in Wonderland Countdown in Wonderland, complete with arts and crafts, bubble “snow” flurries, dance parties, and fun photo ops with costumed characters.
Noon Year’s Eve in Piedmont – The Piedmont Recreation Department offers a community Noon Year’s Eve celebration complete with music and a balloon drop, located at the Piedmont Veterans’ Memorial Building.
2025 Grand Finale at Lawrence Hall of Science – With interactive experiences and panoramic views, the Lawrence Hall of Science in Berkeley hosts its own New Year’s Eve celebration with confetti launches at intervals throughout the day.
Children’s Discovery Museum Noon Year’s Eve (San Jose) – Ball drops at noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., musical performances from Choo Choo Soul, confetti and arts and crafts.
Fireworks in San Francisco – Free firework show along the eastern side of the by the waterfront. The best spots to watch from will be along the Embarcadero. The fireworks start at midnight and will last about 15 minutes.
Winter Wonderland Kwanzaa and Noon Year’s Eve Celebration (San Francisco) – Live music from the Rock and Roll Playhouse featuring Soji Sai and the Afrobeats, cultural performances from the Diamano Coura West African Dance Company.
Cultural & Classy New Year’s Eve Events
If you’re looking for sophisticated or culturally rich ways to ring in 2026, the Bay Area does not disappoint.
USS Hornet’s New Year’s Eve Big Band Gala (Alameda) – Expect swing music, dancing, and live performances — perfect for anyone who loves classic tunes and an elegant atmosphere.
San Francisco Fireworks Festival at Midnight – The display, launched over the Bay Bridge and viewed from the Embarcadero, offers breathtaking panoramic views — and it’s easily accessible from the East Bay via BART.
New Year’s Eve at the Bankhead Theater – Live music with Matt Axton & Badmoon with dancing on stage and a bubbles toast at 9pm (East Coast midnight).
New Year’s Eve Parties & Nightlife
For many adults, New Year’s Eve is all about dancing, music, drinks, and celebration. The broader Bay Area has events ranging from rooftop celebrations to DJs and themed dance parties that keep the energy going until the early morning.
Naschmarkt (Pleasanton) – DJ and Midnight Champagne toast!
Beer Baron (Pleasanton) – Live DJ from 8:30pm to 1am.
East Bay’s Ultimate NYE Gala: Welcome 2026! (Dublin) – With global beats, a countdown, and a lively crowd ready to dance, this gala brings energy and elegance under one roof.
Stampede (Livermore) – Live music with Foam Riders, special cocktails, small bites, midnight toast. Doors open at 6pm.
Azotea Cocina & Cocktail Club (Livermore) – Rooftop New Years Eve Party with a live DJ or band.
Norm’s Place (Danville) – Stay local in the Tri-Valley and enjoy music in Danville with Strange Brew, tasty bites, and champagne toast. $100 per person.
Meenar Music Club (Danville) – Live music with GEMS. $10 cover. 9:30pm.
Locanda Ravello (Danville) – Dinner, Drinks & Belly Dancing with Sumaia - 8pm.
San Francisco EDM Celebration with Swedish House Mafia (Pier 80) – Music lovers will want to know about the massive EDM concerts at Pier 80 in San Francisco, featuring Swedish House Mafia on December 31st as part of a multi‑day New Year’s celebration.
ECC Oakland New Year’s Eve Party (Oakland) – Back on the East Bay side, ECC Oakland on West Grand Avenue hosts an exciting NYE party with dance floors, DJs, food, and drinks.
Elbo Room Jack London NYE Bash (Oakland) – The Elbo Room in Jack London Square will host a late‑night New Year’s celebration featuring music and a spirited crowd into the early hours.
Sausalito’s Bay Area’s Best NYE Bash at Eria on Bridgeway – Just north of the Bay, in Sausalito, the Bay Area’s Best New Year’s Eve Bash brings eclectic music, champagne toasts, and expansive views — including great angles of the San Francisco fireworks over the water.
Alternatives to the Party Scene
Live Performances & Arts Experiences: Check local theaters, such as the Bankhead Theater in Livermore, for special performances or holiday shows leading up to Dec. 31st. While not strictly NYE events, many venues schedule seasonal concerts or cultural performances around year’s end.
Dinner & Wine Tasting Nights: Many local wineries in the Tri‑Valley — including Cellar Door in Livermore — host New Year’s Eve tastings, plated dinners, and countdown celebrations with wine pairings and music. In Downtown Pleasanton, Sabio on Main is serving a special New Year’s Eve pre-fixed menu.
Getting Around on New Year’s Eve
Heading out for an evening of celebration? BART typically offers extended service on New Year’s Eve, making it easier to enjoy events without worrying about parking or driving after midnight.
Note:
Schedules can vary year to year, so check BART’s latest updates before planning your trip.
Ride share and local shuttles are also popular, especially near major nightlife hubs in Oakland and San Francisco.
Ring in 2026 Your Way
From family‑friendly balloon drops and kid‑centered countdowns to elegant galas, fireworks, and dancing in Oakland or San Francisco, the East Bay Area and beyond offer New Year’s Eve experiences for every vibe and age group. Whether this year’s celebration is big and bold or warm and low‑key, there are countless ways to welcome 2026 with meaning, joy, and connection.
Enjoy your celebration, and here’s to a happy, healthy New Year!
