Ring in the New Year: New Year’s Eve Events in Fort Smith Area.

The countdown is officially on! Whether you’re looking for fireworks, live music, dancing, or a family-friendly way to welcome the New Year, Fort Smith and the River Valley have plenty of ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in style. Here’s your guide to some of the top local events happening December 31 as we say goodbye to the old year and welcome a brand-new one.

🎉Downtown Fort Smith New Year’s Eve Ball Drop & Fireworks

📍 Downtown Fort Smith

One of the biggest and most anticipated celebrations in the River Valley, the Downtown Fort Smith New Year’s Eve Ball Drop is a community favorite. Expect live music, food trucks, festive crowds, and a countdown to midnight capped off with a fireworks display. This event is perfect for families, friend groups, and anyone who wants to celebrate outdoors with the whole community.

👉 Tip: Arrive early to grab a good viewing spot and enjoy the pre-midnight entertainment.

🎶 Rock to the Ball Drop at the VFW

📍 William O. Darby VFW Post, Fort Smith

If live music and dancing are more your speed, Rock to the Ball Drop offers a fun, high-energy way to welcome the New Year. With music pumping and the countdown on, this event is ideal for those who want a classic NYE party atmosphere with a local twist.

💃 New Year’s Eve at Electric Cowboy

📍 Electric Cowboy Fort Smith

Looking for a big party vibe? Electric Cowboy is known for throwing one of Fort Smith’s most popular New Year’s Eve celebrations. Expect dancing, drinks, and a packed dance floor as midnight approaches. This is a go-to spot for night owls who want to keep the celebration going well into the New Year.

🕺 New Year’s Eve Dance Party at Wyndham Fort Smith

📍 Wyndham Fort Smith

Dress up and dance the night away at the New Year’s Eve Dance Party at the Wyndham. This event offers a lively atmosphere with music, celebration, and a festive crowd, perfect for couples or groups looking for a more polished party setting.

🍾 Bubbles & Bow Ties

📍 Fort Smith

For those who prefer a more refined celebration, Bubbles & Bow Ties delivers a classy New Year’s Eve experience. Think stylish attire, celebratory drinks, and a great way to toast to new beginnings without the nightclub chaos.

🎲 A Different Kind of Countdown: Dungeons & Dragons NYE

📍 IO’S VEIL Arena, Fort Smith

Not into loud parties? Ring in the New Year with a Dungeons & Dragons New Year’s Eve event. This unique celebration is perfect for gamers and anyone wanting a laid-back, creative way to celebrate with friends.

🕛 New Year’s Eve Ball Drop

📍 Main Street Historic District, Van Buren.

A community tradition, this ball drop celebration on Main Street kicks off in the early evening and continues through midnight, perfect for families and friends to ring in 2026 together downtown.

🎇 Celebrate Local, Celebrate Together

No matter how you choose to celebrate, New Year’s Eve in Fort Smith and the River Valley offers something for everyone, from fireworks and live music to dancing, games, and elegant soirées. Make plans, support local venues, and start the New Year surrounded by community.