What Are You Doing New Years?: New Years Eve Celebrations

Every year there is the great debate; Should I remain home and watch the ball drop in my Care Bear jammies, or should I open my horizons by bringing in the new year with style and flair? Last year I traveled through Providence looking for a place to go on New Years. My friends chose to wear their jammies and play it safe, but I chose to venture out on my own. I put on my sparkling gold dress and matching heels, and braved the city. I didn’t know where to go and I honestly felt lonely. My old acquaintances had been forgot, and so I was alone. Nevertheless I persisted, determined to have a good time. Serendipitously, along my travels, I met a new friend and joined them at the Stable. There, I was greeted by the most beautiful of drag queens, sparkles, champagne, singing, and inclusiveness. I didn’t feel alone anymore, as we were now a community with one purpose: Ringing in the new year with hope, love, and fabulousness. 

If you are looking to celebrate life and the end of 2025 (it really sucked didn’t it?), then I’ve got a few places you can go. Everything from free to fancy, cultural to queer, here are a few places to go ring in the new year, and say goodbye to this year. Let’s celebrate the ending, because it always precedes a new beginning. 

East Providence

New Years Eve 2026 the Best of the Best

Where: Cape Verdean Progressive Center 329 Grosnevor Avenue, East Providence. 

When: 7 – 11:30pm

Cost: $65 – $75

Celebrate Cape Verdean Pride or celebrate multi-culturality at the Cape Verdean Progressive center. The night features music by DJ George Steel, dancing, includes dinner, and the dynamic songstress, Ana Paola Songs and her seven=piece band, as they seamlessly journey from R&B, neo-soul, blues to some of your favorite Cape Verdean hits! Go out with a bang and in style with the Best of the Best! 

Lincoln

–’90s New Years Eve Party

Where: Bally’s Lincoln Casino Resort, Twin River Road

Cost: $77.26 – $192.88

Nostalgia for the ’90s? Bally’s can cure that. This 21+ event will have you dancing all night to the decade’s biggest hits —  from Britney and Boyz II Men to Tupac and Nirvana — spun by a live video DJ who’ll keep the party pumping all night. Enjoy gourmet dinner stations, decadent desserts, mentalist David Hall, magician Peter Boie, and a midnight champagne toast as you countdown to the new year in true ’90s style.

Newport

-Newport Harbor Island Resort New Years Eve Dinner

Where: Goat Island

Cost: Not Listed.

This event is guaranteed to be opulent. The evening begins with an exceptional multi-course dinner at 1639 before the party starts, expertly prepared with the finest seasonal ingredients. From savory appetizers to a decadent dessert, each dish celebrates the flavors of the season, complete with a complimentary glass of champagne. This will be followed by a NYE countdown at the Torpedo Bar and Lounge. Live music, champagne bar, late-night bites menu, and a Times Square Watch Party are all included.

Providence

-New Years Eve Celebration Downtown Providence

Where: 195 District Park and the Michael Van Leesten Pedestrian Bridge.

When: 5 – 9pm

Cost: Free

All the bells and whistles were pulled out of this free event. It begins at 5pm with live music, a beverage garden, food trucks, after-dark playground, and more. At 5:30pm, Waterfire will commence, as well as roaming artists, musicians, and entertainment. Fireworks begin at 8:30pm, and from there you can go wherever the night takes you. This event will also include a 360-photobooth, food trucks, and a DJ spinning tunes all night. 

–New Years Eve Celebration at Stable and Mirabar

Where: Stable, 125 Washington Street, PVD/ Mirabar- 15 Elbow Street, PVD

When: 7pm – 1am

Cost: Free

Looking for queer-friendly New Years Eve Celebrations? The Stable and Mirabar provide the friendliest and inclusive environments for Queer Pride. Whether it’s drag queens, dancing, DJs, or drinks, you can find pride here, and it’s ready for the new year. 

With Ella Fitzgerald’s dulcet tones ringing in my ear, I can’t help but wondering, “What are you doing New Years, New Years Eve?” Wherever you end up at midnight, please travel home safely. Wishing the New Year brings you health, happiness, and a full heart.