New Year's Eve in Maine, 2026–27: Events by Town

Spend New Year's Eve dancing past midnight, take children to a noon countdown or choose an early show. These are events for December 31, 2026 and January 1, 2027. All times are local to Maine; check current ticket prices and event details with the organizer before setting out.

Portland: an early countdown or a night out

Celebrate on Irish time. The Maine Irish Heritage Center, 34 Gray Street, welcomes Bailey's Mistake and opener Jim Sharkey on December 31. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., the opening act begins at 6, and the Dublin midnight countdown is at 7. General admission is $35 in advance or $45 on the day; tables are available in advance. It is a good choice if you want the celebration without waiting until midnight.

Dance at Aura. Aura's New Year's Eve party at 121 Center Street starts at 8 p.m. December 31 and runs until 2 a.m. It is for ages 18 and older; standard tickets start at $22.95.

Dress up at Grace. Grace's New Year's Eve celebration at 15 Chestnut Street runs from 8 p.m. December 31 to 12:30 a.m. The party is for ages 21 and older, with a DJ and a midnight toast. Tickets start at $50.

Make a weekend of it with our Portland guide and Portland in winter.

Ogunquit: a late-night dance floor

Mainestreet, 195 Main Street, hosts a two-room DJ party from 9 p.m. December 31 until 2 a.m. January 1. General admission is listed at $25 plus a $0.63 service fee; the venue also advertises a $20 advance offer with code NYE. For a beach-town stay, start with our Ogunquit guide.

Thomaston: a noon countdown or an evening show

Families can celebrate at Watts Hall's Noon Year's Eve party, 174 Main Street. The Fun Run show starts at 11 a.m. December 31, with a noon countdown. All ages are welcome and each attendee needs a ticket. Advance admission is listed at $10, or $35 for a four-pack, before fees; day-of prices, if available, are $15 and $50 respectively.

Later the same day, The Right Track plays the hall for an 18-and-over party. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. and music starts at 9. Advance tickets are $35 plus a $3 fee; the listed day-of price is $45, if available.

Gardiner: music and comedy before midnight

The New Year's Eve Spectacular at Johnson Hall, 280 Water Street, runs from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. December 31, with doors at 6:30. It is open to all ages and the listed ticket is $25. Choose it for an early show rather than a midnight countdown.

Old Orchard Beach: start the year in the Atlantic

On January 1, 2027, Special Olympics Maine's Lobster Dip brings swimmers to the beach in front of The Brunswick, 39 West Grand Avenue. The event runs 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with plunge waves at 10 a.m. and noon. Register with the organizer if you plan to dip, or come cheer from shore. Find more trip ideas in our Old Orchard Beach guide.

Checked November 2026.