Overview
New Year's Eve is a time of endless possibilities but, simultaneously, endless stress as you try organising the perfect night to send off the year at the exact same time as everyone else. In an attempt to make things a little easier for some, four free celebration zones are being set up by the City of Melbourne as part of the end-of-year celebrations.
These zones will be popping up at Alexandra Gardens, Docklands, Flagstaff Gardens and Treasury Gardens, each with their own lineup of entertainment as well as food trucks and views of the midnight fireworks.
The most highly anticipated zone will be the Docklands spot, which will feature Australia's largest drone show lighting up the sky with 350 drones before both the 9.30pm and midnight fireworks. Starting the party and keeping it rolling until 1am will be DJ Mz Rizk, Asanti Dance Theatre leading an afro dance workshop and performances from The Listies and Jazz Party.
Flagstaff Gardens will be treated to performances from local legend Emma Donovan and her band The Putbacks, while Treasury Gardens will host circus acts and the Melbourne Ska Orchestra, as well as DJs and interactive workshops with a party bent.
Emma Donovan and the Putbacks
Tickets are free but will be allocated via a ballot system. Registration is now open at the City of Melbourne website and close at 11.59pm on Sunday, December 12.
Melbourne's New Year Street Feast will also be taking over the city as part of the celebrations once again, featuring eight outdoor dining precincts created for the festival. They'll be located in top culinary spots like Flinders Lane, Russell Place and Little Collins Street, as well as Fed Square and Docklands. The festival brings nearby venues including Chin Chin, Hazel, Hero and Supernormal together to serve up a jam-packed program of special menus and feasting experiences.
Head to the City of Melbourne's website for the full program of New Year's Eve celebrations and to register for tickets to the celebration zones.
Top image: Chris Phutully