'Austin's New Year' celebration happening at Auditorium Shores Dec. 31

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- For those looking for a New Year's Eve plan, the city of Austin has it all covered. The city's event, "Austin's New Year" is a free event that is open to the public and kicks off at 7 p.m. Dec. 31 at Auditorium Shores, 800 W. Riverside Drive, the agency said in a news release.

The city and Visit Austin will host the event, with CNN's Sarah Sidner, Harry Enten and Cari Champion will be live during the city's countdown. This is part of CNN's "New Year's Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen," according to the city.

CNN will broadcast the Central Time Zone live starting at 11:30 p.m. at Auditorium Shores, the release said. More details for this are provided on the city's website.

The night of entertainment will feature Third Eye Blind, who is headlining, and there will also be food trucks, beverage vendors and a fireworks show happening at midnight, the city said.

Here's a schedule for the event, as provided by the city:

• 7 p.m.: Park grounds, food trucks, and beer garden open 
• 7 - 11:45 p.m.: Music performances by DJ Mel, Angélica Rahe, Gina Chavez and Third Eye Blind 
• 11:45 - 11:55 p.m.: Austin’s New Year Drone Show presented by Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages 
• 11:55 p.m. - midnight: Countdown to 2025 ending with a midnight fireworks show 

Those who plan to attend can bring blankets and chairs, and pets -- with trained service dogs as an exception -- will not be allowed, the city said. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided at the event. Outside alcohol, glass, fireworks or sparklers are not allowed at Auditorium Shores.

For those using the Hike-and-Bike trail, the city said to bring a light, and motorized vehicles will not be permitted. Biking to the event is also an option, since the park will be open. CapMetro is also giving free rides after 5 p.m. on all services, according to the city. Those services, including bust routes and rail service, will be extended until 2:30 a.m. Last, the city said the southwest corner of Riverside Drive and South First Street are available for drop-off.

Anyone who would like to park for the event can find parking options below, as provided by the city:

• Public Parking north of Lady Bird Lake  
• One Texas Center 
• Palmer Events Center Garage 
• RiverSouth Garage at Riverside Drive and South First Street 
• City Hall Garage 
• State Garage N 

“Austin’s New Year is back and bigger than ever, and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate at Auditorium Shores,” Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said in the release.

For more details on the event, visit the city website.