From kid-friendly countdowns to live music, rooftop parties, and fireworks over the river, Baton Rouge has no shortage of ways to say goodbye to 2025 and welcome 2026. Here’s a look at what’s happening throughout the day and into the night.
New Year’s Eve in Baton Rouge: Ways to Ring in 2026
Date: Wednesday, December 31
Time: 8:00 PM – Midnight
Details: Baton Rouge’s official New Year’s Eve celebration returns to downtown with live music, a community countdown, the Red Stick drop, and fireworks over the Mississippi River. Music kicks off with Press 1 for English, followed by After 8 leading up to midnight. The event is free and open to the public.
Link: https://www.redstickrevelry.com
Red Stick Rising (Kid-Friendly Countdown)
Date: Wednesday, December 31
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Details: A daytime New Year’s Eve celebration just for kids featuring arts and crafts, stilt walkers, a noon Red Stick rising, and a group singalong of “Auld Lang Syne.”
Link: https://www.redstickrevelry.com
Date: Wednesday, December 31
Time: 10:00 AM – Noon
Details: Families can celebrate early with hands-on activities, crafts, goal-setting reflections, and a balloon drop with confetti at noon. Admission is $15, free for members and children under 2.
Link: https://knockknockmuseum.org/event/noon-years-eve/
Rooftop Ring In (Shaw Center Fundraiser)
Date: Wednesday, December 31
Time: 8:30 PM – 12:30 AM
Details: A ticketed rooftop celebration marking both the arrival of 2026 and the Shaw Center’s 20th anniversary. Includes live entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, specialty cocktails, photo ops, and a prime view of the fireworks.
Link: https://nyeshawcenter.eventbrite.com/
L’Auberge New Year’s Eve Bash
Date: Wednesday, December 31
Time: 11:00 PM (Doors at 10:30 PM)
Details: A 21+ casino celebration featuring live music, dancing, and a premium open bar included with admission.
Link: https://lbatonrouge.com
Date: Wednesday, December 31
Time: 10:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Details: Live music, DJs, party favors, and a casino-wide Champagne toast at midnight. Complimentary shuttles run between The Queen and Bally’s throughout the night.
Link: https://www.thequeenbr.com
NYE at Bally’s Baton Rouge
Date: Wednesday, December 31
Time: 8:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Details: Ring in the new year with live entertainment, party favors, and a complimentary Champagne toast at midnight on the casino floor.
Link: https://casinos.ballys.com/baton-rouge/
New Year’s Eve Party at Crowne Plaza
Date: Wednesday, December 31
Time: 7:00 PM
Details: Celebrate with live performances, a Louisiana-inspired dinner buffet, and an open bar. The Chase Tyler Band and Wayne Toups will perform.
Link: https://www.crowneplaza.com
All That Glitters: NYE Rooftop Party
Date: Wednesday, December 31
Time: 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Details: Live music early in the evening followed by rooftop DJs, a Champagne toast at midnight, signature cocktails, and an elevated dress code to match the vibe.
Link: https://www.themainlobbybr.com/
Emo Night New Year’s Eve
Date: Wednesday, December 31
Time: 8:00 PM
Details: A throwback Emo DJ set with karaoke and all the nostalgic anthems. Ages 18+.
Link: https://www.chelseaslive.com/
The Countdown (R&B & Jazz Night)
Date: Wednesday, December 31
Time: 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Details: Live R&B and jazz, open bar, hors d’oeuvres, and optional late-night breakfast and hotel stay packages.
Link: Holiday Inn
Soji New Year’s Eve Wine Dinner
Date: Wednesday, December 31
Time: 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Details: A six-course wine dinner experience with a pre-dinner reception, complimentary Champagne, and limited seating.
Link: https://www.eatsoji.com/