Free New Year's Eve fest with grand anchor drop, entertainment & inflatables

Fort Lauderdale is offering free New Year's Eve festivities including an outdoor street party with a lighted anchor drop.  Music entertainment is featured at the event. 

The Fort Lauderdale Downtown Countdown includes bounce houses, inflatables and games. 

The event in 2025 is 4:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. December 31, at Southwest Second Street and Southwest Fifth Avenue in Fort Lauderdale.

Here is the event schedule:

Kids Zone (Bounce Houses, Inflatables & Face Painting)
4:30 to 8:30 p.m.

DJ Penn House
4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Kids Countdown (Lighting of the Anchor)
7 p.m.

DJ Penn House & Karaoke
7:15 to 7:40 p.m.

Troops Tribute
7:45 to 9 p.m.

DJ Penn House & Karaoke
10 to 10:45 p.m.

Phillip Phillips
11 to 11:45 p.m.

Countdown to 2026
11:50 p.m. to midnight

Phillip Phillips
12:15 to 1 a.m.

Information is online. Fort Lauderdale parking fees are usually about $3 an hour. Some lots are $20 for holidays and events. Dial  954-828-3700 for parking information.

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