New Year's Eve in Memphis 2026: free 21+ party with midnight fireworks on Beale Street, The Peabody's ball, then the Liberty Bowl parade Jan. 1 and game Jan. 2.

Last checked Oct. 18, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. Details come from the Beale Street, The Peabody and AutoZone Liberty Bowl websites and the Downtown Memphis Commission’s New Year’s Eve guide. Restaurant plans are listed only where the restaurant has announced them.

New Year’s Eve is Thursday, Dec. 31, 2026. The city’s big night is Beale Street: a free, 21-and-over street party with live music and fireworks and confetti cannons at midnight. Downtown hotels hold ticketed parties, and the AutoZone Liberty Bowl fills the next two days with a New Year’s Day parade on Beale and the game on Saturday, Jan. 2. For city questions, call Memphis 311, 901-636-6500.

Before you go

New Year’s Eve on Beale Street

Beale Street’s official New Year’s Eve on Beale is free and 21 and over only; a valid photo ID is required for entry. Guests are encouraged to arrive by 9 p.m. Tens of thousands of people spill between the bars and the street for live performers, and the new year arrives with fireworks and confetti cannons at midnight.

A Beale Street New Year’s Eve Fast Pass is sold for those who want no cover charges at more than a dozen clubs and priority entry through the night.

Hotel and dinner parties

  • The Peabody Memphis, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., in the Continental Ballroom and Grand Lobby, with a countdown, balloon drop and “Auld Lang Syne” at midnight. It is 21 and over, cashless and ticketed; the hotel is open only to hotel and party guests after 2:30 p.m. Enter at the valet entrance, 118 S. Second St. Tickets are not refundable.
  • The Downtown Memphis Commission’s guide lists dinner cruises on the Mississippi, bar and hotel parties and restaurant menus as each venue announces them. Most 2026 plans post in November and December.

Liberty Bowl week

The AutoZone Liberty Bowl runs events around the holiday:

Date Event Where
Wednesday, Dec. 30, 7 p.m. Liberty Bowl Pro Rodeo Agricenter Show Place Arena
Thursday, Dec. 31, 9 a.m. FCA Breakfast Hilton Memphis
Friday, Jan. 1, 2 p.m. Beale Street Parade, with floats and marching bands Beale Street
Friday, Jan. 1, 3:30 p.m. Bash on Beale Pep Rally Handy Park on Beale Street
Saturday, Jan. 2, 3 to 5:30 p.m. Pre-game buffet and party Liberty Park
Saturday, Jan. 2, 6:30 p.m. CT 68th AutoZone Liberty Bowl Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium

The teams are chosen in December; the bowl’s site will announce the matchup. Parking, the clear bag policy, tickets and the full bowl week are on our AutoZone Liberty Bowl page.

New Year’s Day closings and trash

  • Memphis Public Libraries are closed Friday, Jan. 1, 2027 (holiday list).
  • Trash: there is no City of Memphis collection on New Year’s Day. For Jan. 1, 2026, the city had Thursday customers roll carts out Friday and collected Friday customers as usual; Team Waste ran one day late (2025 notice). The 2027 schedule had not been posted when we checked; see trash and recycling.

What this means for you

  • Bring a photo ID to Beale Street; anyone under 21 cannot join the party.
  • Expect downtown streets and garages to fill early on Dec. 31 and again for the Jan. 1 parade.
  • Do not drive after drinking; plan a ride before you go out.

Related: holiday lights and Christmas events, live music and nightlife and Beale Street guide.

Frequently asked questions

Is New Year’s Eve on Beale Street free?

Yes. The Beale Street party is free but 21 and over only, with a valid photo ID. A paid Fast Pass skips cover charges and lines at more than a dozen clubs.

Are there fireworks in Memphis on New Year’s Eve?

Yes. Beale Street rings in the new year with live performances, fireworks and confetti cannons at midnight. Organizers ask guests to arrive by 9 p.m.

When is the 2027 AutoZone Liberty Bowl?

The 68th AutoZone Liberty Bowl kicks off at 6:30 p.m. CT Saturday, Jan. 2, 2027, at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. The bowl’s Beale Street Parade is at 2 p.m. New Year’s Day.

Is trash picked up on New Year’s Day in Memphis?

No city collection on New Year’s Day. For Jan. 1, 2026, Thursday customers rolled carts out Friday and Team Waste ran a day late. The 2027 schedule had not been posted when we checked.