New Year's fireworks in Austin: Know the rules, see local NYE events

Downtown Austin fireworks closed out 2016 and welcomed the New Year 2017 for the tens of thousands attending festivities at Auditorium Shores on December 31, 2016.

The Lone Star State sure knows how to welcome a new year, and 2026 will be no different. If you’re looking to celebrate with fireworks, there are a few things to note as you plan for the big event. And if you’re looking for some inspiration or want to go somewhere new for the new year, Central Texas has a wide selection of activities to choose from — with and without fireworks.

Are fireworks legal in Texas?

Yes, fireworks are legal in Texas — with some restrictions. You must be 16 years of age or older to purchase fireworks. Such items can only be sold during the following periods for holidays, with approval by the county:

• Lunar New Year (beginning five days before Lunar New Year and ending at midnight on Lunar New Year)
• Texas Independence Day: Feb. 25 — March 2
• San Jacinto Day: April 16 — April 21
• Cinco de Mayo: May 1 — May 5 (at a location no more than 150 miles from the Texas-Mexico border)
• Memorial Day: from the Wednesday before the last Monday in May through the last Monday in May
• Juneteenth: June 14 — midnight on June 19
• Independence Day: June 24 — July 4
• Diwali: from five days before the first day of Diwali and ending on the last day of the Diwali fireworks season
• Christmas/New Year’s Day: Dec. 20-Jan. 1

Texans may also be restricted by county and city ordinances for where they may set off fireworks.

It is illegal to launch or ignite fireworks within 600 feet of a church, hospital, asylum, child care center or school unless the organization provides written permission, according to Texas' Regulation of Fireworks and Fireworks Displays. You also may not set them off within 100 feet of where flammable material is stored, including where other fireworks are sold.

Fireworks in Texas may only go up to a 1.4G classification, meaning skyrockets and bottle rockets are illegal.

Many cities in the Lone Star State have additional rules for fireworks, so it’s important to check with local regulations prior to handling.

Seven-foot-tall numerals for "2026" are displayed during an illumination ceremony on Dec. 26, 2025 at One Times Square in New York City, ahead of this year's New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square.

If you prefer not to stay home to welcome 2026, there are plenty of events throughout the Austin area to help you celebrate. Here are a few:

• Austin’s New Year: Free activities in Auditorium Shores begin at 7 p.m. Wednesday with food trucks, live music performances and fireworks.
• Bob Schneider’s Great Big Spectacular New Year’s Eve Party: The Paramount Theatre is once again hosting a party with musician and Austin native Bob Schneider. Doors open at 8 p.m. Wednesday, and the show begins an hour later. Tickets start at just under $50.
• Buns & Bubbles: Those ages 21 and over can head to Bar Fino to enjoy a live DJ, a full menu available all night, and food and drink specials. The party begins at 10 p.m. Wednesday and ends at 1 a.m. Thursday.
• New Year’s Eve Rhinestone Rodeo Bash: Fairmont Austin is hosting a ticketed event with an Ugly Sweater Pop-Up Bar, signature holiday cocktails and live music. Tickets are $125 a person.

New Year's alcohol rules in Texas: What and where you can drink

• New Year’s Eve Bash at Esther’s Follies: The comedy club is having special shows at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Wednesday. Tickets range from $60 to $75.
• Yamas Annual New Year’s Extravaganza: Enjoy drinks, music and dancing at Yamas Greek Kitchen + Bar, from 10:30 p.m. Wednesday to 2 a.m. Thursday.
• Two Step into the New Year: P6 at the LINE Hotel hosts a “Honky Tonk Austin NYE” with a DJ, fireworks, champagne and Texas-inspired caviar bites, from 8 p.m. Wednesday until 12:30 a.m. Thursday. Tickets are just under $150.
• The Capital Countdown: The Belmont Austin offers three full-service bars and three party areas, which include a Premier DJ, Quiet Events and a Silent Disco experience. The event is from 8 p.m. Wednesday until 2 a.m. Thursday, and tickets start at just under $60.