Are you ready to bid farewell to 2025 in style? Oakland has a jam-packed schedule to send off the year, and we've handpicked a diverse range of events to suit every taste. From family-friendly festivities to adults-only affairs, here's your ultimate guide to ringing in the New Year in The Town.
Clubs and Bars: Where the Night Comes Alive
Dark Masquerade at FLUID510: Step into a mesmerizing world of masked dancers and aerial acrobatics at this unique circus-themed party. With performances ranging from bondage ballet to burlesque, it's a night that promises to tantalize your senses. (9 p.m., $50-$400, https://events.humanitix.com/dark-masquerade-nye-2025/tickets)
Hella NYE with DJ West Coast and Shino Smoke: Get ready to dance the night away to a mix of hyphy, top 40, and throwbacks with these renowned DJs. And when the clock strikes twelve, raise your glass to a champagne toast. (10 p.m., $10-$111, CryBaby, 1928 Telegraph Ave.)
Free DJ Party with DJ Veyn: Caribbean vibes and a midnight toast await at this free event. RSVP to secure your spot and dance into the new year with top 40, hip-hop, and reggae beats. (7 p.m., free with RSVP, Mad Oak, 135 12th St.)
NYE Rave Bay Area at Continental Club: If you're 18 or older, this is your chance to rave the night away to house and techno music. A rare opportunity for younger partygoers to join the New Year's Eve festivities! (10 p.m., $33+, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nye-rave-bay-area-18-tickets-1964393180884, Continental Club, 1658 12th St.)
Wormhole: Immerse yourself in a sensory experience with bass music, psychedelic visuals, and live painters. It's a celebration of art and music to bid adieu to the year. (8 p.m., $30+, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wormhole-nye-2025-tickets-1972955341537, 7th West, 1255 7th St.)
Bubbles and Beats at Lucy Blue: Oakland's newest lounge is pulling out all the stops for New Year's Eve. Enjoy a buffet of signature dishes, free-flowing champagne, and DJ Phil spinning all night. (8 p.m., $125+, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bubbles-and-beats-a-nye-affair-tickets-1977011861698?aff=oddtdtcreator, Lucy Blue, 468 19th St.)
Music Venues: A Melodic Journey into 2026
Boney James at Yoshi's: Four-time Grammy-nominated saxophonist Boney James will serenade you with songs from his album 'Slow Burn' in a series of shows from Dec. 29 to Dec. 31. A sophisticated way to welcome the New Year. (7:30 p.m. $99-$149, and 10:30 p.m., $149, https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/73048830/boney-james-oakland-yoshis?gl=1uj43eqgclauMTM5MDE2NjE4OC4xNzYyOTkyOTQygaMTY0MjA4NDkwNi4xNzYyOTkyOTQxgaEMD61K2NED*czE3NjU5NDEzNDMkbzExJGcxJHQxNzY1OTQxNDc0JGo2MCRsMCRoMA.., Yoshi’s, 510 Embarcadero West)
New Year's Eve Blues Bash at The Sound Room: For an early celebration, join blues singer Marina Crouse and guitarist Jules Leyhe for a night of soulful music and a delicious buffet. (7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., $76.54, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-years-eve-blues-bash-tickets-1815760210669?aff=oddtdtcreator, The Sound Room, 3022 Broadway)
Cultural Spaces: Unique Celebrations for All
New Year's Eve Mirage at Oakland School for the Arts: For a sober celebration, Ecstatic Dance Oakland invites you to a night of live electronic music, ritual performances, and a cacao ceremony. A portion of the proceeds supports the Oakland School for the Arts. (7 p.m., $77+, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-years-eve-celebration-mirage-tickets-1957070513589, Oakland School For The Arts At Sweets Ballroom, 1933 Broadway)
Clio's Annual New Year's Eve Gala: Clio's is turning two, and they're throwing a gala with a twist. Dress up in your best Civil War-era attire and step back into the 1860s for a night of historical fun. (6 p.m., $28.52+, Clio’s Books, 353 Grand Ave.)
For the Little Ones: Family-Friendly Fun
25th Anniversary Balloon Drop at Chabot Space and Science Center: Celebrate the new year with a global twist! Join countries around the world as they ring in 2026 with a balloon drop and exciting activities throughout the day. (11 a.m., $19 for kids, $24 for adults, https://chabotspace.org/calendar/25th-anniversary-balloon-drop/, plus admission fee, 10000 Skyline Blvd.)
Countdown in Wonderland at Children's Fairyland: Kids can experience the magic of New Year's Eve with themed crafts, a dance party, and surprises. The ball drops at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m., ensuring an early celebration for the little ones. (10 a.m. to 4 p.m., $17 for kids, $20 for adults, https://fairyland.org/event-calendar/countdown-in-wonderland/, Children’s Fairyland, 666 Bellevue Ave.)
And there you have it—12 fantastic ways to celebrate New Year's Eve in Oakland. Whether you're a party animal, a music enthusiast, or a family looking for fun, The Town has something for everyone. But here's where it gets controversial—which event will you choose? Will it be the dark circus extravaganza or the historical gala? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's get the conversation started!
