What are you doing New Year’s Eve? I know the end of 2025 is still a couple of weeks away, but it will be here before you know it, and you might want to plan ahead. Here are some options for what’s happening in Madison on the big night, whether you want to dress up or dress down.
Leaving a party early and quietly is known as an “Irish goodbye.” So it’s fitting that Madison’s top Irish rock band is giving 2025 an Irish goodbye with a 4 p.m. family-friendly show at the High Noon Saloon.
If you’re looking for a funkier way to ring in the new year, two of Madison’s top funk-soul bands will join forces for a late-night High Noon Saloon show.
If you want to go all-out for New Year’s Eve, the downtown Concourse Hotel is the place to be. Get dressed to the nines and enjoy a four-course meal, live jazz, and your choice of three different live music events (a DJ dance party, a disco party with VO5, and a country show with Frank Busch and the Names) going on simultaneously in the hotel into the wee hours.
It’s been a heavy year, so you might want to go out laughing. Midwestern comedian Mike Lester is taking over the Comedy Club on State for a 10:30 p.m. show that includes a midnight toast and a gift bag. Or you can catch one of the earlier shows and be home in bed at a decent hour.
Dick Clark may no longer be with us, but you can still have a Rockin’ New Year’s Eve at the Majestic Theater with Madison cover band Granny Shot, who specializes in ‘90s and ‘00s pop-punk and alternative hits (think Avril Lavigne, Foo Fighters, and Limp Bizkit).
Look back on the year’s biggest hits and dance your way into 2026 with this party at The Sylvee featuring Trini and Creating a Movement. Doors open at 8 p.m., with free champagne for early arrivals while supplies last.
Madison’s alternative electronic rock outfit The Earthlings return to Earth for a “a night of interstellar revelry and cosmic celebration” at Atwood Music Hall’s first New Year’s Eve celebration! Two other great Madison bands, Seasaw and Wurk, join them for the merriment.
Why should the little ones get left out of the New Year’s fun? Madison Children’s Museum is holding an afternoon dance party and button-making craft project for kids, and countdowns at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Honestly, that sounds pretty good for exhausted parents as well.
Garver Feed Mill will time-warp back to the ‘70s and ‘80s with DJs playing disco hits from ABBA, Donna Summer and more in this all-ages celebration.
Can’t decide what past decade to honor? Lola’s Hi/Lo Lounge has you covered with “100 Years of Music of Lola’s,” with DJs Nick Nice and Fuzzy Duck spinning tunes from the past century through Lola’s early dinner from 4 to 8 p.m. and late-night party from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Oh Ricky! Lucille rings in the New Year with a ticketed party featuring an open bar, food buffet, a photo booth and beats by DJ Avalon. Both GA and VIP tickets available.
