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The South Coast really knows how to send off the old and ring in the new! parties, DJs, live bands and fireworks are scheduled to carry the night from early evening through midnight. Options range from family-friendly festivities to late-night celebrations. Pace the night, then plan to keep the party going into New Year’s Day.
Find these events and more on The Light’s Culture Calendar.
NEW YEAR’S EVE
Wednesday, Dec. 31 at 5 p.m.
DOWNTOWN NEW BEDFORD
City Celebrates New Year’s Eve
Downtown New Bedford illuminates for the annual New Year’s Eve festivities. Free activities unfold throughout the evening across the downtown district. All ages are welcome.
Highlights include live entertainment, hands-on activities, and early evening programming geared toward families. Restaurants and venues may host their own ticketed happenings. Those are separate from the city’s official lineup.
The night wraps up with fireworks over the harbor at midnight, visible from several downtown locations. A full schedule and event details are available at Explore New Bedford.
Wednesday, Dec. 31 at 6:30 p.m.
VENUS DE MILO
NYE with Take it to the Bridge
Venus de Milo welcomes in 2026 with a New Year’s Eve ballroom celebration featuring live music by Take It to the Bridge. The party runs through 1 a.m. A midnight surprise is planned. This is a 21-plus event.
Cocktail hour begins at 6:30 p.m. A grand buffet follows at 7:30 p.m. Dinner highlights include a charcuterie display, chorico-stuffed mushrooms, scallops and bacon, and burrata with pesto, mint, and tomato over crostini. Entrées include 72-hour-aged prime rib, shrimp, scallop Newburg, baked scrod, and chicken fricassée. Sides and favorites include mac and cheese, pasta bolognese, batata asada potatoes, green beans with tomato and garlic, and Caesar salad. Assorted desserts complete the menu.
Tickets are $95 plus tax. Purchase online or in person. Event details and tickets are available on the Venus de Milo website.
Wednesday, Dec. 31 at 8 p.m.
PLAY ARCADE
New Year’s Eve w/ DJ Gregg
Step back in time and party like it’s 1999 at PLAY Arcade. The New Year’s Eve bash runs from 9 p.m. to midnight with no cover. Admission is 21-plus after 8 p.m.
DJ Gregg spins crowd favorites from the ’80s, ’90s, and ’00s, turning the video dance floor into a nonstop throwback celebration.
Wednesday, Dec. 31, at 9 p.m.
THE VAULT PERFORMING ARTS CENTER & PUB
7 Day Weekend New Year’s Eve Party
Party like it’s 2026 with 7 Day Weekend at The Vault.
Live music starts at 9 p.m., with dance floor energy and a champagne toast at midnight.
Wednesday, Dec. 31, at 10 p.m.
CORK WINE AND TAPAS
New Year’s Eve at Cork
Pop the bubbles on New Year’s Eve at Cork Wine and Tapas in historic downtown New Bedford. The night features curated dinner specials, music by DJ Anj Kep, and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight.
The party runs from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tables are limited, and reservations are recommended. Reserve online or call 508 -994 9463.