If you’re still deciding how to spend New Year’s Eve, you have choices.
The Waverly Restaurant & Bar is accepting New Year’s Eve reservations and will offer the regular menu with acoustic music by Head Above Water from 6 to 9 p.m., dancing with music by DJ Hunter (inside) and a Ball Drop and champagne toast at midnight.
For those who like a traditional countdown, Rotonda Golf & Country Club is hosting a New Year’s Eve party with dinner, music, dancing and champagne toasts leading up to midnight. Call 941-697-2414.
Bust out your bell bottoms and boogie on down to the Cool Pickle in Paradise on Placida for their 1970’s New Year’s Eve Party, starting 7:00 p.m. They’ll have dancing, games, giveaways & more! Reserve at 941-828-1944.
SandBar Tiki & Grille will have Hollow Point, a high energy rock band, 8:30p – 12:30 am.
The Englewood Elks Lodge is also planning a New Year’s Eve celebration that includes dinner, live music and a champagne toast at midnight, making it another spot for those who want a special evening with familiar faces.
If fireworks are part of your New Year’s tradition, Englewood Beach is expected to have a celebration capped by a fireworks display shortly after midnight. (An especially good choice for those who enjoy exploding things since the active burn ban prohibits setting off fireworks without a permit.) Make an evening of it and arrive early to enjoy the sunset before the countdown begins.
For those who prefer something low-key, Blind Pass Beach has become a popular gathering spot on New Year’s Eve. Small groups bring chairs, snacks and watch the sun set on the final day of the year. Make a “Happy New Year, 2026” sign for a nice group picture at sunset.
As always on a holiday night, it’s a good idea to check directly with restaurants and venues for hours, reservations and event details. However you choose to celebrate, you’ve got options of ways to say goodbye to the old year and welcome the new one right here in Englewood.
