(This story has been updated to add new information.)
How does one celebrate the end of a year?
It depends on the person, of course. The homebodies who avoid crowds probably aren’t reading this story, but if you are reading this story you’re probably in the market for going out on New Year’s Eve as 2025 melts away and 2026 takes its place.
Whether you’re into fancy galas, gritty gatherings, theatrical excess, live music, comedic reflections, small-town festivities, family fun or something else, chances are we’ve got an event for you in here.
Happy New Year to all, have a safe New Year’s Eve, and best wishes for a happy and successful 2026.
‘Rock of Ages’ NYE gala
At Thalian Hall, downtown Wilmington: Wilmington’s Opera House Theatre Co. opens its latest show, the rock musical comedy “Rock of Ages,” as part of Thalian Hall’s annual New Year’s Eve Gala. (After New Year’s, the show runs Jan. 2-11.) There are several drinks-included ticketing tiers available, including after-party only ($101); show and party ($175); dinner, show and party ($275); and the VIP “Starlight” experience. Details at ThalianHall.org.
Let’s Dance
At UnderFront, downtown Wilmington: NYE edition of the popular vinyl dance night DJed by James Tritten of Wilmington’s Fort Lowell Records. Tickets are $10 in advance, or at the door.
Havana Nights NYE party
At The Eagle’s Dare, downtown Wilmington: Havana-inspired party will feature Latin dancing, live tunes from Gin Fizz, late-night tunes from DJ Brewtal, champagne toast at midnight and more. Tickets are $53-$76.
Goldielux
At the Rusty Nail: Wilmington band Goldielux (they bill their style as “guitars, cello, etc.”) will bring dark grooves and the powerhouse vocals of Emma Nelson to this old-school dive bar on Wilmington’s South Fifth Avenue. With vinyl DJ Heartbreaker playing punk, garage rock and blues. 9 p.m. doors, 10 p.m. live music. $5 admission donated to Nourish NC.
New Year’s Eve Comedy Show
At Gio Fund Event Center in Leland: A show with local comedians Rich Neilsen, Jeff Bartolino and John Felts hosted by Gio Fund, a non-profit, no-kill animal welfare organization. Doors at 117 Village Road NE Unit G in Leland open at 5 p.m. with the show starting at 7:30. At 9:30, dance to music with Carolina Rising. Champagne toast at midnight. Tickets: $50 online and $60 at the door.
The Queen’s Giant album release show
At Bourgie Nights, downtown Wilmington: Wilmington band The Queen’s Giant plays a singular mix of blues, rock, country and even a bit of EDM on its new album, “Fairytale Pleasures.” Opening act is psyche-rock act Blue Karma. 9 p.m. doors, 10 p.m. show, tickets are $12 in advance, $15 day of show.
Tell Me Lies: A Celebration of Fleetwood Mac
At Bowstring Burgers & Brewyard, Soda Pop District: Fleetwood Mac tribute band Tell Me Lies headlines this NYE show on Princess Street. 9 p.m. doors, tickets start at $39.
Island of Lights Beach Ball Drop
Downtown Kure Beach: Head to Kure Beach for this annual celebration, the final event of Pleasure Island’s month-long Island of Lights festival. Get there early for a DJ-led dance party and definitely don’t miss the Wilmington area’s answer to Times Square in the form of the annual beach ball drop at midnight, followed by the last (first?) fireworks display of the year. 9 p.m., Kure Beach. Free.
New Year’s Eve Party at The Wharf
The Wharf-Holden Beach: This spot on the Intracoastal Waterway on the mainland side of Holden Beach will celebrate the new year from 8 p.m.-1 a.m. An appetizer buffet includes bruschetta, fruit, veggies, cheeses and crackers. A champagne toast at midnight. Address is 1045 B-Var Road. Tickets: $25 in advance, $35 at the door.
New Year’s Noon
At the Wilmington Children’s Museum, downtown Wilmington: Whether it’s your only party of the day or just the first one, get your kids down to the Children’s Museum of Wilmington for their 18th annual New Year’s Noon celebration. A whole slew of activities — crown-building, streamer-stick making, a survey to reflect on the past year — will culminate with a massive confetti drop as the clock strikes noon. Juice for toasting provided to all. 9 a.m.-noon. $15, $5 for members.
NYE silent disco
At Waterline Brewing, downtown Wilmington: Waterline Brewing gets into the silent disco craze with this New Year’s Eve dance party. 7 p.m.-1 a.m., tickets start at $14.50.
‘A Night at the Oscars’
At the Terraces on Sir Tyler: Annual NYE ball held by the U’Nique Community Fund benefits the Coastal Horizons Center and Wilmington Health Access for Teens. This year’s party has a Hollywood/Oscars theme as well as food, an open bar, live music by The British Invaders, silent auction and more. 8 p.m., tickets are $150, must be purchased in advance.
Henrietta NYE cruise
Downtown Wilmington: Ring in 2020 on the Cape Fear River with this tour aboard the Henrietta riverboat. 10 p.m., tickets are $85 and $105.
Back to the ’80s
At the Barzarre: Castle Street bar The Barzarre, a longtime haven for eclectic music, edgy comedy and sideshow-style performances, marks its seventh annual NYE dance party with DJ Straftanz, who will go “Back In Time” to the ’80s as 2025 turns ’26. 8 p.m. doors, free.
Burgaw Blueberry Drop
Downtown Burgaw: The eighth annual Blueberry Drop in the Pender County town of Burgaw is an outgrowth of Burgaw’s annual N.C. Blueberry Festival. The berry drop takes place at midnight, Greenwich Mean Time, aka 7 p.m. Eastern time. A fireworks display will follow. Celebration starts at 5 p.m. in downtown Burgaw with live R&B from Carl Newton’s Review. Event ends at 7:30 p.m. Free.
Ibiza’s NYE Party
At Ibiza, downtown Wilmington: Things are sure to get wild at this longtime Wilmington dance club. Annual NYE party features music, dancing a champagne toast at midnight and the main event, a $1,000 cash drop. 9 p.m. doors, tickets start at $30.
South Front Tavern NYE bash
South Front District: Classy spot for food and drinks will celebrate ’26 with hors d’oeuvres, food stations, a midnight champagne toast, party favors, drink specials, a DJ and more. 9 p.m., tickets are $70.
Bluewater NYE celebration
At Wrightsville Beach: Annul party at Wrightsville Beach restaurant and bar Bluewater features live music from two bands, complementary “bar bites,” champagne toast at midnight and more. 9 p.m., tickets are $93.
Starry Night Soiree
At Beau Rivage Golf & Resort: This long-standing golf resort off Carolina Beach Road is having a NYE celebration with heavy hors d’oeuvres, a buffet dinner and dancing to jazz from the Duke Ladd band. 8 p.m., $120.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.starnewsonline.com ’
