Have Your Pick at 2026: New Year's Events in Erie

Jessica Hunter

Contributor Cassandra Gripp lines up a (mostly) comprehensive list of events and activities to attend, ringing in the New Year in whatever way works best for your lifestyle. Kids events, parties, dinners, champagne toasts, or First Day hikes – we've got them all!

BEGINNING WEDNESDAY, DEC. 31

The clock is counting down towards 2026 and good times are in store. As we move away from 2025, we remember that the new year means new opportunities, new experiences, and many memories to warm you on those cold, winter days that make our dreary Erie home.

Unsure of how you'd like to ring in the new year? We have curated a list of some of Erie's beloved local businesses and the ways they're planning to celebrate. This list is certainly not exhaustive, we encourage you to routinely check our free public online events calendar on our website at eriereader.com/calendar. 

Wednesday, Dec. 31 Events

Noon Year's Eve at the Blasco Memorial Library

160 E. Front St. // 11 a.m. to noon

Don't want to mess up your child's sleep schedule? Children and families are welcome to ring in the new year with a free, festive balloon drop at noon, delicious snacks, and lots of games in the Children's Storytime Room.

Noon Year's Eve at The ExpERIEnce Children's Museum

420 French St. // 10 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Balloons, bubbles, music, and more! Guests are in for a "whirlwind of fun," including an 800-count balloon drop, face painting, confetti slime, Fireworks in a Jar, SINGO competitions, snacks, and a juice box toast. Balloon drops occur at both noon and 4 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person, with an additional 20 percent off for those with a museum membership.

Meet Me at Midnight // Splash Lagoon Indoor Waterpark Resort

8091 Peach St. // 11 a.m. to midnight

Carrying on their tradition of over 15 years, Splash Lagoon welcomes the family for a full day of fun, special activities, event-exclusive merchandise, and plenty of opportunities to "make a splash" before 2026 arrives. Guests can expect crafts, contests, karaoke, and more with the purchase of their day pass, and even more unique goodies with a "Swift 87" Overnight Getaway package. Prices may vary depending on the package purchased.

NYE Party & Prime Rib Buffet // Peek'n Peak Resort

1405 Old Clymer Rd., Clymer, NY // 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Give in to the magic of Mardi Gras with this year's Midnight Masquerade. With the purchase of an event ticket, guests will be treated to a delicious prime rib buffet, private bar access, midnight munchies and dessert stations, live entertainment by DJ Josh with Sound Investment, and a champagne toast at midnight.

Not interested in the party but still hungry? The buffet will be open at $82 per person. Prices may vary for children.

New Year's Rockin' Eve with Erie Otters at the Erie Insurance Arena

809 French St. // 6 p.m.

Hockey fans of all ages are encouraged to come and cheer on the Erie Otters as they take to the ice against the Brantford Bulldogs. Tickets start as low as $24.

New Year's Eve Party // Kellar's, A Modern Magic and Comedy Club

1402 State St. // 7 p.m.

Laugh off those seasonal blues with an "unforgettable" evening of music, magic, and more! Over complimentary appetizers and a champagne toast, the night will feature Hidden Treasures: an Earth, Wind, and Fire tribute band, magician James Warren, and a stand-up comedy routine by Lisa Ann "The Glam Ham." Tickets are $50. The event is limited to adults 21+ with valid ID.

New Year's with Come Back to Earth // King's Rook Club

1921 Peach St. // 8 p.m.

Join the King's Rook Club as they welcome a captivating performance by Come Back to Earth, the world's first Mac Miller tribute band. Joining the band, party-goers can also enjoy the musical stylings of well-known jam band Eric Brewer and Friends, The Regulators, and DJ Nitro. Tickets starting at $17.

New Year's Eve with The Geek Army // Presque Isle Downs & Casino

8199 Perry Hwy. // 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Hit the jackpot and "rock in the New Year" with the musical stylings of multi-award winning cover band The Geek Army. The event is free of charge. Guests must be 21+ with a valid ID.

New Year's Eve Party // BIGBAR

14 E. 10 St. // Bar opens at 11 a.m., celebration in evening

Good food, good drinks, and good times await at BIGBAR.

New Year's Eve Celebration // Oliver's Rooftop and Beer Garden

130 E. Front St. // Opens at 11 a.m., celebration in evening

Oliver's will be staying open late to celebrate the New Year. Be sure to check their website throughout the month for a dining experience worthy of celebration.

New Year's Eve on the Bay // Two45 Waterfront Grille

55 W. Bay Rd. // 5 p.m.

Located within the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel, Two45 is offering a delicious four-course meal for two, a bottle of champagne, and a late checkout to those who purchase an overnight package.

Thursday, Jan. 1, New Year's Day events

First Day Hike // Asbury Woods

4105 Asbury Rd. // 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Enjoy a free, refreshing, 1 to 2-mile guided hike around the Asbury trails. Guests are asked to dress accordingly. Snowshoes may be necessary depending on the weather. Registration closes two hours before the hike.

Erie Runners Club New Year's Day 5 Miler and 5K // Rotary Pavilion, Presque Isle State Park

301 Peninsula Dr. // 10 a.m.

Start your New Year's goals off on the right sneaker with a jaunt on Presque Isle with the Erie Runners Club. Either a 5K or a more challenging 5-mile run ends with post-race refreshments. Registration and a $23 fee is required.