Montgomery's free Downtown Countdown at Riverfront Park had fireworks and a Biscuit lift at midnight last year. 2026 plans are not out yet; here is what to expect.
Last checked Oct. 17, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. No 2026 New Year’s Eve events had been announced when we checked, so the details below are from Dec. 31, 2025, from the City of Montgomery’s listing and the Montgomery Area Chamber tourism office’s New Year’s Eve guide. We will replace them with the 2026 plans as they are posted.
New Year’s Eve 2026 falls on a Thursday. Last year Montgomery’s big night was the city’s free Downtown Countdown at Riverfront Park, 10 p.m. to midnight, with live music, food vendors, fireworks over the Alabama River and a new Biscuit lift at midnight. The riverboat, a downtown hotel, a blues club and a restaurant filled out the night.
What this means for you
- Free and family-friendly: the Downtown Countdown, Riverfront Park (2025: 10 p.m. to midnight).
- On the water: the Harriott II cruise (2025: from 10 p.m.). Tickets were limited; watch for 2026 sales.
- Dinner: book early; last year’s dinners took reservations only.
- City events (311): 334-625-4636
New Year’s Eve 2025 in Montgomery
| Event (2025) | Where | When on Dec. 31, 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| NYE 2026 Downtown Countdown, free | Riverfront Park | 10 p.m. to midnight |
| Tux & Chucks New Year’s Eve Celebration | Embassy Suites by Hilton Montgomery Hotel & Conference Center | 8 p.m. |
| Countdown Kickback | B.B. King’s Blues Club | 9 p.m. |
| New Year’s Eve Riverboat Cruise | Harriott II Riverboat | 10 p.m. |
| New Year’s Eve dinner | Taste, Hempstead | 5 p.m. or 8 p.m. seatings |
The Downtown Countdown. The city’s free countdown at Riverfront Park is the one event that needs no ticket or reservation. In 2025 it had live entertainment leading up to midnight, local food vendors, a fireworks show over the river and, at midnight, a brand-new Biscuit lift. Riverfront Park is at 355 Commerce St.
Harriott II. The city’s riverboat ran a New Year’s Eve cruise from 10 p.m. with live entertainment, dancing across three decks, food from the Wheelhouse Grille and a full bar, counting down to midnight on the water. Riverfront Park and the Harriott II: 334-625-2100.
Parties. The Embassy Suites held its dress-up Tux & Chucks party from 8 p.m., with live entertainment, a DJ, hors d’oeuvres and a midnight champagne toast. B.B. King’s Blues Club, 1801 Eddie L. Tullis Road, ran a quieter R&B Countdown Kickback from 9 p.m.
Restaurant notes. Only one restaurant’s New Year’s Eve dinner was listed last year: Taste, in the Hempstead area, with 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. seatings by reservation; the later seating included a bubbly toast to the new year. We list restaurant plans only when the restaurant announces them.
The day after
- Trash: New Year’s Day 2027 had not been added to the city’s holiday schedule on Oct. 17. On New Year’s Day 2026 the city ran one early pickup that week. See trash and recycling.
- School: Montgomery Public Schools are on winter break from Dec. 21 through Jan. 4; students return Tuesday, Jan. 5, on the district’s 2026-27 calendar.
- Parking: downtown city meters are free after 5 p.m. on weekdays and on weekends; see getting around.
More: holiday lights and Christmas events, Christmas parade and tree lighting, live music and nightlife and date night.
Frequently asked questions
Are there New Year’s Eve fireworks in Montgomery?
Last year, yes. The city’s free Downtown Countdown at Riverfront Park ran 10 p.m. to midnight on Dec. 31, 2025, with fireworks over the Alabama River. The 2026 event had not been announced on Oct. 17.
What is the Biscuit lift in Montgomery?
At midnight on New Year’s Eve 2025, the city’s Downtown Countdown at Riverfront Park added a brand-new Biscuit lift to mark the new year.
Is there a New Year’s Eve riverboat cruise in Montgomery?
The Harriott II ran a New Year’s Eve cruise from 10 p.m. Dec. 31, 2025, with live entertainment, dancing, food from the Wheelhouse Grille and a full bar. The 2026 cruise had not been listed on Oct. 17.
Is trash picked up on New Year’s Day in Montgomery?
On New Year’s Day 2026 the city ran its one-early-pickup holiday pattern. New Year’s Day 2027 had not been added to the city’s holiday schedule on Oct. 17.
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