VALLEJO — It’s New Year’s Eve this week and this is your guide to all the ways to celebrate the New Year in Vallejo and beyond.
But before the many New Year’s parties begin on Wednesday, Vallejo's 25th Annual Community Kwanzaa celebration will be held on Tuesday evening at the Vallejo Museum. The Nzuri Soul band will perform, and several notable Vallejoans will be honored, including the late Clinton "Socks" Sockwell.
The Empress Theatre will ring in the new year with two separately ticketed events, beginning at the Marquee Club with a cocktail hour and dinner party. Singer Omega Rae and pianist Tony Lufrano will provide musical ambiance before the venue tunes into the New York Ball Drop for the early crowd at 9 p.m.
The entertainment will continue at the main Empress Theater beginning at 9 p.m, with the 11-piece Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra featuring singer Willy Jordan. The Empress will give a raffle ticket for a trip to Africa to the first 100 ticket buyers and the winner will be announced after the midnight countdown. Proceeds will benefit Carlton Senior Living.
The Filipino Community Center will also begin festivities early, with doors open at 6 p.m. for dinner and wine, and then an all-night dancing extravaganza with DJ Jazzy Lynn until the balloon drop .
Noble Cinema Studios will open their doors at 8 p.m. with performances by “some of the rawest artists in the game,” and then a live podcast experience from The Real Honesty Podcast before celebrating the ball drop at midnight.
Or you can ring in 2026 with comedy, a live R&B band, a hip-hop DJ and Champagne at H Lounge. That party will begin at 9 p.m. with comedy hosted by J-Red and comics Jerry Law2Raw, Ricco Da Great and Lip Lock. Then the Clyde St. Band will play until midnight, and DJ Slayway will entertain until closing time.
Or check out the New Year's Eve Party at Chris' Club, beginning at 9 p.m. for a “Champagne poppin', dance floor stompin', bootyclaps dropping” evening with music by hip-hop artist Priceless da Roc. Patrons are requested to wear all black. Free food after midnight.
These are just some highlights of things to do in Vallejo for New Year’s. Scroll down the list below to find more live music, and creative and recreational activities. Check our events page for an even more comprehensive listing of upcoming events and late-breaking updates.
Tuesday, December 30
Mini Golf at the Library
Hello! Come join the JFK library for some winter mini-golf fun. Putter not needed, and experience not required! Hope to see you there!
- Tue, 2 to 3 p.m.
- McCune Collection - JFK lower level
- 505 Santa Clara St, Vallejo
Sahaja Yoga
Know and experience the true meaning of Yoga during a weekly Sahaja Yoga session. All are welcome.
- Tue, 6 to 7 p.m.
- Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
- 505 Santa Clara Street, Vallejo
Vallejo's 25th Annual Community Kwanzaa
There will be a musical presentation from the Nzuri Soul band. Our honorees: Mr. Joe Jones, Ms. Narcissa Wilson, Mrs. Ora Clay, Myla J & Mr. Willie Mitchell. A special honor for Clinton "Socks" Sockwell, who has sadly passed away will be presented. For many years, he was a crucial part of our Vallejo Community Kwanzaa. His spirited contributions to our libation segment were legendary, and he will be sorely missed.
- Tue, 6 to 9 p.m.
- Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
- 734 Marin St, Vallejo
Head Games Trivia Night @ Vallejo Brewing Co.
Eat. Drink. Think. WIN! Live multi-media trivia every Tuesday @ 6:30pm. Vallejo Brewing Co. Free to play. Win prizes. Teams up to 6.
- Tue, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- Vallejo Brewing Company
- 430 Virginia st, Vallejo
Wednesday, December 31
NYE Dinner with Omega Rae and Tony Lufrano
Omega Rae with Tony Lufrano — An unforgettable night with a world-class pianist and singer duo. You’ll recognize the voice, the songs, and the charisma the moment they sit down with the pianist. Expect a night of elegance, emotion, and energy that builds to the New Year’s celebration.
Doors open 5:30 p.m. Cocktail Hour 6:30 p.m. Opener Duo & Dinner 7:30 p.m. 9:00 PM — New York Ball Drop for the early crowd
- Wed, 5:30 to 9 p.m.
- Empress Marquee Club
- 324 Virginia St, Vallejo
Sixteen Scandals
Sixteen Scandals, paying homage to one of the greatest eras in music and movies...the 80's! Happy New Year!!!
- Wed, 6 to 9 p.m.
- Lucca Bar & Grill
- 439 First St., Benicia
New Year's Eve with DJ Jazzy Lynn
You're cordially invited to the Filipino Community of Solano County New Year's Eve celebration on December 31, 2025 at 611 Amador Street Vallejo CA. 94590, an unforgettable night of inspiration and joy! A balloon drop, dinner and wine bottle are included to uplift your spirits! DJ Jazzy Lynn will provide the music for an all-night dancing extravaganza and to ring in the New Year with hope and optimism! Don't miss out on this empowering experience! Tickets are still available but going fast!
- Wed, 6 p.m.
- Filipino Community of Solano County
- 611 Amador Street, Vallejo
A New Years at Noble
After such an INSANE year at @noblecinemastudios in 2025, we have to go out with a BANG! A NEW YEARS AT NOBLE is going DOWN December 31st hosted by @therealhonestypodcast with @itsdjchefkev in the mix all night! Featuring some of the RAWEST artists in the game right now! $15 at the door, doors open at 8 pm! We will have performances and THEN a LIVE podcast experience from The Real Honesty Podcast after! We’ll also be celebrating the ball drop at midnight so pull up and turn up! 1509 SOLANO AVE, VALLEJO CA! See yall there! #noblecinema #bayarea #newyearsparty
- Wed, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
- Noble Cinema Studios
- 1509 Solano Ave, Vallejo
New Years Eve 2026
Ring in 2026 with comedy a live R&B band,hip-hop DJ and Champagne. With comedians Jerry Law2Raw, Ricco Da Great and Lip Lock. Hosted By: J-Red. Live Band: Clyde St Band, Powered By: Dj Slayway
DOORS OPEN AT 7PM STAGE STARTS 9PM
- Wed, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
- H Lounge
- 472 Benicia Road, Vallejo
NYE GLO on the Bay
NYE in Rodeo just went HELLA BRIGHT!! Party at The Waterfront with a full neon takeover! Glow fits, glow sticks, neon midnite countdown
- Wed, 8 p.m.
- The Waterfront Rodeo
- 13 Pacific Avenue, Rodeo
New Year's Eve Party at Gentleman Jim's
New Year’s Eve Party DJ Juice mixing the music & keeping you on the dance floor! Dress to Impress! No Cover; Free Parking; $1 off all Whiskey & Wine ; Complimentary Champagne Toast at Midnight ; Indoor Smoking Area; Pool Tables; Darts…
- Wed, 9 p.m.
- Gentleman Jim's Vallejo
- 1324 Lincoln Rd E, Vallejo
Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra
At 9:00 PM, the Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra takes the main stage inside the Empress Theatre—an explosive, horn-driven, 4 singer, soul revue supercharged by Willy Jordan’s powerhouse vocals. We’ll groove straight into a traditional midnight countdown to ring in the New Year in style.
The first 100 ticket purchases receive a raffle ticket for a 7-day / 6-night African safari—all meals and hotel included (a $10,000 value). Additional raffle tickets available — $20 each. Drawing at midnight. (must be present to win)
- Wed, 9 to 12:30 p.m.
- Empress Theatre
- 330 Virginia St, Vallejo
New Year's Eve Party
Music by Priceless da Roc. Free food after midnight. Time to end the year with a BANG!! Goodbye 2025, HELLO 2026!!! We getting that ALL BLACK on this go around for all the Champagne poppin', Dance floor stompin', bootyclaps dropping that's gonna be goin' on New Year's eve for CHRIS CLUB COUNTDOWN! We have our fun the Chris Club way....good vibes, good times and a toast to the good life.
- Wed, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
- Chris' Club
- 656 Benicia Rd., Vallejo
Mitch Polzak & The Royal Deuces New Year's Eve Show!
IT IS ON!!! One of the best New Year’s Eve shows around and I don’t just say that because we happen to be playing it. This truly is a unique and wonderful way to ring in the new year. This will be our 12th annual NYE show in Port Costa at The Warehouse! Let your friends know, get on your best duds, and come on out!  Bar open 3pm-2am Kitchen open 5-10pm
- Wed, 9:15 p.m.
- The Warehouse
- 5 Canyon Lake Dr, Port Costa
Friday, January 2
Live Music Friday with Dawn & Tony
Together, Dawn, Tony and Michael form a dynamic singer-songwriter/folk/pop trio. Since 2021 they've combined their individual voices and musical influences into a lush, intimate soundscape, layering acoustics guitar, piano, and cello, with haunting vocal harmonies. Whether sharing original compositions or fresh takes on covers, they've captivated audiences throughout Sonoma, Napa and the North Bay with performances that are both personal and powerful."
- Fri, 6 to 8 p.m.
- Mare Island Brewing Co. Coal Shed Brewery
- 850 Nimitz Ave, Vallejo
Saturday, January 3
Vallejo Run Club
Join the Vallejo Run Club on our weekly Saturday morning and Wednesday evening runs. Our group meets, rain or shine, next to the Vallejo Ferry Terminal. We run 1-3 easy miles. Beginners to ultra marathoners welcome!
- Sat, 8 to 9 a.m.
- Vallejo Ferry Terminal
- 289 Mare Island Way, Vallejo
Farmers’ Market
Shop here for a great selection of California-grown greens, fruits & veggies, as well as some nice specialty booths with baked goods, tamales and food trucks with down-to-earth prices.
- Sat, 9 to 2 p.m.
- Downtown Vallejo
- Georgia and Marin Streets, Vallejo
Saturday Drawing Club
A casual weekly gathering. Hang out and draw together! Bring your own pencils, pens and paper. Limited supplies will be provided. For all ages and all experience levels. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please no ink or paints. The art gallery is open during the Drawing Club. Free, everyone is welcome!
- Sat, 12 to 2 p.m.
- City Arts Gallery
- 420 Virginia St., Vallejo
Fiebre De Cumbia "New Year After Party"
Live music by Elegancia 101. Musica en vivo con Elegancia 101. ¿No sabes bailar? No te preocupes, vienes, aprendes y la pasas increíble. Comida mexicana, sangría, vino, cerveza y barra completa toda la noche
- Sat, 9 to 1:30 a.m.
- Raices Mexican Cuisine & Bar
- 100 West American Canyon Rd. #Suite K4, American Canyon
Sunday, January 4
Vallejo's Drag Brunch @ Bambino's 2026 EDITION
Come join Vallejo's DRAG Brunch - JANUARY CELEBRATIONS
- Sun, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Bambino’s
- 301 Georgia St. #suite 122, Vallejo
Live Music Sunday with Nathan Ignacio
Nathan Ignacio One man band, Nathan Ignacio is touring from Strawberry,CA, with his Blues/folk/Americana original music and original twists on cover songs. California-based musician Nathan Ignacio is known for his ability to connect with audiences from all walks of life. Performing most frequently as a one-man-band, his extensive lineup of performance instruments includes guitar, mandolin, harmonica, piano, bass, and dulcimer.
- Sun, 1 to 3 p.m.
- Mare Island Brewing Co. First Street Taphouse
- 440 1st St, Benicia
Salsa & Bachata Class
Party Begins 9pm | Salsa & Bachata Lessons by Cuban Rhythm and Rumba Dance Studio from 8pm-9pm (Free entry to party with Salsa dance class) Dress to Impress/Dress code enforced: No baggy clothing, tank tops, hoodies, beanies, flip-flops, or backpacks allowed! -21+ Event
- Sun, 8 to 9 p.m.
- H Lounge
- 472 Benicia Road, Vallejo
Rumba Sundays Party at H Lounge in Vallejo, Every Sunday!
RUMBA SUNDAYS at H Lounge Bar in Vallejo Latin Music Party Every Sunday at H Lounge Bar in Vallejo! Fiesta Latina Todos Los Domingos
- Sun, 9 to 2 a.m.
- H Lounge
- 472 Benicia Road, Vallejo
Tuesday, January 6
Threaded Roots: Quilts That Speak
Join us at the Vallejo Museum for a wonderful new quilt exhibit! Guest Curator: Askari Sowonde. Immerse yourself into the vibrant cultural tapestries of rooted abstract art. Let your creativity flow in a wonderland filled with breathtaking quilts made by our talented artists! Runs through January 17th.
- Tue, 12 to 4 p.m.
- Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
- 734 Marin St, Vallejo
Alibi Bookshop Feminist Book Club: The Weight of Ink
Please join us for the first Book Club of 2026: "The Weight of Ink" by Rachel Kadish on January 6th at 6:30, hosted by Chelsea and Caroline! The Weight of Ink is about women separated by centuries--and the choices and sacrifices they must make in order to reconcile the life of the heart and mind.
- Tue, 6:30 to
- Alibi Bookshop
- 624 Marin St, Vallejo
A more detailed list of upcoming events can be found here.
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Gretchen Zimmermann
Gretchen Zimmermann founded the Vallejo Arts & Entertainment website, joined the Vallejo Sun to cover event listings and arts and culture, and has since expanded into investigative reporting.
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