Little Rock, Florida – As 2025 draws to a close, residents of Central Arkansas are gearing up to ring in 2026 with an array of festive events spanning Little Rock, North Little Rock, Benton, Bryant, Hot Springs, Conway, Pine Bluff, Jacksonville, Maumelle, Sherwood, and Searcy. From elegant dinners to lively parties and family-friendly activities, there is something for everyone looking to celebrate the arrival of the New Year.
In Little Rock, the heart of the festivities begins with New Year’s Eve dinner at Petit & Keet, located at 1620 Market Street. From 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., diners can enjoy a specially curated menu, though reservations are required to secure a spot. The celebrations continue at the Fraternal Order of Eagles-Little Rock-60 at 6200 Aerie Street with a party starting at 6:00 p.m., setting the stage for a night of music and mingling. For those who enjoy a more upbeat, music-filled atmosphere, Southern Tail Brewing at 900 E 9th Street will host a New Year’s Eve event with DJ Nick Hud beginning at 9:00 p.m.
For a touch of glamour and intrigue, Petit & Keet will also present a New Year’s Eve masquerade from 10:00 p.m. to 12:45 a.m., with tickets required for entry. Meanwhile, comedy enthusiasts can ring in the New Year with Tony Tone at the Loony Bin Comedy Club, 10301 N. Rodney Parham Rd, Suite C12, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The Rail Yard LR at 1212 E 6th St Suite 1 will host a party from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., offering an energetic environment for party-goers to dance and celebrate late into the night. Additional celebrations at Electric Cowboy and Willy D’s + DEEP Ultra Lounge provide more options for revelers looking to toast the New Year with friends and family.
Read also: Pump prices across Arkansas continue to fall as drivers see relief heading into the new year
The Little Rock Zoo will host its GloWILD New Year’s Eve party from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., providing a family-friendly experience filled with lights, activities, and festive cheer. For a more formal celebration, The Toast at the Little Rock Marriott, located at 3 Statehouse Plaza, runs from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., with tickets required for entry. Bark Bar will also feature its signature NYE ball drop at 6:00 p.m., adding to the variety of celebratory options across the city.
North Little Rock will welcome the New Year with a dinner event at Cypress Social, 7103 Cock of the Walk Lane, from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and a high-energy party with The Big Dam Horns at the Four Quarter Bar, 415 Main Street, starting at 9:00 p.m. Benton residents can participate in the Noon Year’s Eve celebration at Saline County Library, 1800 Smithers Drive, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., or attend the retro-themed New Year’s Eve party at The Last Arcade, 1218 Military Road, from 10:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Bryant’s festivities include a New Year’s Eve celebration at Burks Brothers Brewing, 2235 Shady Pine Lane, running from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., while Hot Springs offers a festival at The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa, 239 Central Avenue, from 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., complemented by New Year’s Eve karaoke at VIP Billiards & Bar, 1915 Central Avenue, starting at 9:00 p.m.
Conway is hosting events at Action Jacks Family Fun & Entertainment, 655 Equity Avenue, from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and at Good Day Pottery & Art Studio, 3820 Dave Ward Drive, from 8:00 p.m. to midnight. Pine Bluff’s New Year’s Eve party at Sonny’s BAR, 3801 Rhinehart Road, runs from 9:00 p.m. to midnight, while Jacksonville welcomes guests at The Roxx, 1920 W Main Street, starting at 7:00 p.m.
Read also: City of Mayflower names William E Will Biswell II as new Fire Chief following nationwide search
In Maumelle, Tavern Round the Bend at 26611 AR-365 will host New Year’s Eve karaoke beginning at 9:00 p.m., and Sherwood will feature a party at Vortex Arcade, 4027 East Kiehl Avenue. Searcy concludes the celebrations with the Searcy Beats & Eats New Year’s Eve Bash along Spring Street in Downtown Searcy, from 10:00 p.m. to midnight, offering a lively end-of-year event for the community.
Whether seeking an intimate dinner, a night of dancing, live music, or family-friendly activities, Central Arkansas offers a broad range of events to ensure residents and visitors can welcome 2026 in style. With so many options across multiple cities, there is no shortage of ways to celebrate safely and memorably. From the glow of the zoo to the energy of local bars and the elegance of formal parties, the region is set to usher in the New Year with festivities that cater to every taste and age group.