The Washington, D.C. area offers a wide range of exciting ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve, from stylish hotel parties to all-inclusive bar events and family-friendly daytime festivities. However, for those who want to truly immerse themselves in the festivities, live music and dance parties provide an unmatched experience. Whether you’re into ’80s and ’90s cover bands or a big band orchestra, here are 16 top options to help you dance into 2025.
New Year’s Eve in D.C.
Live Music
1. The New Year’s Eve Swing Ball at the Black Cat (Northwest D.C.)Doors at 8 p.m., $35Peaches O’Dell & her 11-piece orchestra will play high-energy swing, Latin, vintage Hollywood tunes, and more into the new year.
2. White Ford Bronco at The Lincoln Theatre (Northwest D.C.)Doors at 9 p.m., $55D.C.’s own ’90s cover band returns for a New Year’s celebration filled with nostalgic hits.
3. 49 Winchester – Leavin This Holler Tour at the 9:30 Club (Northwest D.C.)Doors at 9 p.m., $55Experience this alt-country band’s performance, complete with a complimentary glass of champagne at midnight.
4. Sammy Rae & The Friends at The Anthem (The Wharf)Doors at 6:30 p.m., $75-$125Indie rock meets jazz, soul, and funk with this energetic performance, featuring openers Ripe, Jukebox the Ghost, and Oh He Dead.
5. A Jazz New Year’s Eve: SuperBlue at The Kennedy Center (Northwest D.C.)7 p.m. and 9 p.m., $90.85+Grammy-winning jazz vocalist Kurt Elling teams up with guitarist Charlie Hunter for an evening of new songs and unique covers.
Dance Parties
1. Indie Sleaze New Year’s Eve at Songbyrd (Northeast D.C.)Doors at 9 p.m., $25.75DJs Melina and Dahger bring back the indie, hip-hop, and EDM sounds of 2012 for an unforgettable night.
2. Love T.K.O. – New Year’s Eve with Mariah The Scientist at The Howard Theatre (Northwest D.C.)Doors at 9 p.m., $35Enjoy an R&B-infused celebration with this soulful performance.
3. Gimme Gimme Disco: A Dance Party Inspired by ABBA at The Atlantis (Northwest D.C.)Doors at 9:30 p.m., $55Dance the night away to all the hits from ABBA and other classic ‘70s and ‘80s dance anthems. Ticket includes a free champagne toast at midnight.
New Year’s Eve in Maryland
1. The Highballers at Hank Dietle’s Tavern (Rockville)Begins at 9 p.m., $20Celebrate with a rockin’ country sound at this local favorite.
2. NYE Party at Bobby McKey’s Dueling Piano Bar (National Harbor)Doors at 7 p.m., $50-$100Enjoy piano music, party favors, and a champagne toast to ring in the new year.
3. Zakk Sabbath at The Fillmore Silver SpringBegins at 8:30 p.m., $53Join this Black Sabbath tribute band for a headbanging celebration.
New Year’s Eve in Northern Virginia
1. The Seldom Scene, Tim & Savannah Finch at The Birchmere (Alexandria)Doors at 7:30 p.m., $49.50Enjoy a bluegrass performance with dinner at this iconic Alexandria venue.
2. Ultimate ‘80s NYE Dance Party at Jammin Java (Vienna)Doors at 7 p.m., $35DJ D will keep the ’80s hits coming until 1 a.m., with prizes for best outfits and a free champagne toast at midnight.
3. The Reagan Years at The Tally Ho Theater (Leesburg)Begins at 7 p.m., $30 to $125Relive the ‘80s with this popular cover band.
4. Uncle Jesse: ‘90s and Early Aughts Cover Band at Farm Brew Live (Manassas)Begins at 8:30 p.m.Fans of No Doubt, Green Day, and Blink 182 won’t want to miss this energetic cover band.
5. The Legwarmers at the State Theatre (Falls Church)Doors at 8 p.m., $59 (with fees)Moonwalk your way into 2025 with this fun ‘80s cover band.
Whatever your musical or party style, the D.C. area offers something for everyone to welcome in 2025. Don’t miss out on the perfect celebration to end the year on a high note!
