With its bold public art, restaurants, green spaces and beautiful waterfront vistas, the St. Pete Pier is a great visit any time of year—but on New Year’s Eve, it becomes the epicenter of the celebration.
The free New Year’s Eve celebration at Spa Beach Park brings the St. Pete waterfront to life with DJ sets, roaming performers, kids’ activities, specialty cocktails and food trucks, and a festive atmosphere that invites everyone to join the countdown to welcome 2026. When midnight arrives, fireworks erupt above the bay in a dazzling display.
Guests can opt to purchase reserved-area tickets to enjoy prime viewing along with a private bar, dedicated restrooms and a complimentary bubbly toast to welcome the year ahead.
Event Hours: 8 p.m.–12:30 a.m. on New Year's Eve 2025
Fireworks: Midnight
Best Fireworks Viewing: Anywhere along the downtown St. Pete waterfront, such as Vinoy Park, North Shore Park, Flora Wylie Park and the St. Pete Pier District. Fireworks launch from Vinoy Park, just north of the St. Pete Pier.
Free Public Transportation
SunRunner
If you're heading over from the beach, skip the stress of holiday parking by hopping on the SunRunner, PSTA’s Bus Rapid Transit service that connects St. Pete Beach and Downtown St. Pete. On New Year's Eve, it runs every 15 minutes until 1 a.m. Routes 4, 18, 34, and 52 will also run until 1 a.m. All PSTA routes, including SunRunner, are free on New Year’s Eve.
Downtown Looper (St. Petersburg Trolley)
The Downtown Looper offers a quick, eco-friendly way to access major downtown destinations, including the St. Pete Pier, and it is always free of charge.
Parking
Take your pick from a range of parking options, including private parking garages, metered spaces and city-owned lots downtown. The South Core Parking Garage (101 1st Ave. S, St. Petersburg) typically offers the most capacity near the festivities. Follow electronic signage for entry instructions. The St. Pete Pier has several parking lots as well, though they are likely to fill early.
More New Year's Eve Fun Near the St. Pete Pier
All parties listed below are 21+.
New Year's Eve 2026 Luau at Pier Teaki
Escape to a tropical oasis at the end of St. Pete Pier, where you can sip delightful cocktails at the Pier Teaki rooftop bar while taking in live beats by DJ 808 and panoramic views of the fireworks. Enjoy a midnight bubbles toast, festive swag, tropical photo ops and a lively luau-inspired countdown into 2026.
NYE Midnight in Caravaggio’s Light at the Museum of Fine Arts
At the Museum of Fine Arts, step into the dramatic world of In Caravaggio’s Light (exhibit on view through March 22) before celebrating at this elegant, artistic NYE event. Enjoy an open bar, gourmet chef stations, exclusive gallery access, DJ beats, festive photo ops, a champagne toast and premium views of the fireworks from the terrace. Event from 9 p.m.–12:30 a.m.
Centennial New Year's Eve Celebration at The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club
Mark 100 years of glamour at The Vinoy, which first opened on December 31, 1925. This centennial celebration includes gourmet dining, unlimited drinks, live entertainment and a stunning waterfront fireworks display. Raise your glass at midnight and welcome 2026 in style.
A Roaring Soirée at The Birchwood
Step behind the velvet curtain and into The Birchwood’s New Year’s Eve Prohibition-inspired party, where the glamour of the roaring ‘20s comes alive across both the Grand Ballroom and the Birchwood Canopy Rooftop. Enjoy an elegant cocktail-style reception, a lavish chef’s buffet and a live band that sets the tone for a night of Jazz Era revelry.
Want to elevate your evening? Upgrade to a VIP cabana or reserve the West Sky Lounge for an exclusive speakeasy-inspired experience. Dress to impress and dance through the final hours of 2025. Doors open at 8 p.m.
Event Category
- Annual Festivals & Events
- Festivals
Guest Information
- Free Admission
- Outdoor Event
