About

We are Owosso

The New Year’s Eve event is a decades long tradition in Owosso. It is the only ball drop event in Shiawassee County and attracts crowds each year to Downtown Owosso to celebrate with friends and loved ones to ring in the new year. It continues thanks to the city of Owosso, Downtown Owosso, the city council and the many individuals and businesses that come together each year to host and orchestrate the event.

We need your help!

Become a volunteer

New Year’s Art and local vendor Market

Sign Up to be a vendor

Plenty of parking near the event

Where to park

Owosso offers plenty of street parking as well as several public 72 hour lots. Plan your visit by going to the city page that outlines all the locations you can use to park your vehicle during and the event. Please be sure to follow all local parking signs as they are posted. Some street swill be closed on the day of the event to host the event. Specifically, avoid parking in front of cakey Cakes as this is central to the ball drop location.

Link: Owosso Parking maps

Where to Stay

Plan your evening accommodations for after the party and enjoy a relaxing New Year’s Day

The party will run well into the night. You might want to plan a nice stay at one of our local hotel or rentals to enjoy a restful night followed by a dip in a warm pool, instead of trudging home in the cold. Here are some local favorites, but make sure you make your reservation NOW!

Comstock Inn (1 block away)

Wi-Fi, flat-screens and minifridges, plus microwaves and coffeemakers. Suites add sitting areas with sofabeds or whirlpool tubs. Room service is available. Amenities include free parking, arcade games, and a warm indoor pool.

thecomstockinn.com
(989) 725-0999

The Finley Block (6 blocks away)

The Finley Block offers 6 individually furnished accommodations with separate sitting areas and dining tables. Kitchens complimentary wireless Internet access (speed: 500+ Mbps (good for 6+ people or 10+ devices)). 50-inch Smart televisions with digital channels and Netflix.

facebook.com/thefinleyblock
989-494-8473

Private & Short Distance Options

Local Business Highlights

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New Year’s Eve in Downtown Owosso – Event Timeline


New-Year’s-Eve-Day in Owosso

Pre-Event Kickoff

  • Check in to your hotel room and, if you are staying at the The Comstock Inn and Conference Center, take a dip in the pool, play a few rounds at the arcade
  • Dinner in Downtown Owosso at one of the restaurants in walking distance of the event and hotels
  • Pizza Party at the Sandlot!
    • Open play starts at 7pm and pizza and pops start at 8pm
    • $5 dollars to play basketball, volleyball, soccer or dodgeball for an hour or $20 for the whole night! $5 dollars for pizza and pop
    • Bring your friends and family down to the Sandlot and have some open night fun!!
  • Drink specials at the 3 participating Social District bars and walking the historic district until 10 pm

10:00 PM Event Kickoff

  • DJ Andy Genovese begins live entertainment
  • Shop the last indoor Owosso Farmers Market event of the year
  • Hollow Games will be hosting family board game night inside the 201 building
  • Sign the graffiti wall at Youth Skate Co. inside the 201 building
  • Back2theTee will be open for business with drinks and games and will feature simulators that have multiple sports. Golfing, home run derby, soccer, zombie dodgeball, football and more.
  • Pizza Party at the Sandlot! with indoor sports like basketball, volleyball, soccer, or dodgeball
  • Warming stations and fire pits become available
  • Family activities begin (cornhole, games, art booth, marshmallow roasting)
  • Bars and restaurants will be open for service

10:30 PM to 11:45 PM

  • Continue enjoying family activities
  • Visit bars and restaurants for snacks and hot beverages
  • Explore downtown shops and vendors
  • Visit the 201 building for an all ages indoor warm up activity
  • Take photos with historic downtown backdrop or NYE mural
  • Warm up at fire pits and warming stations

11:45 PM to Midnight Preparation

  • Begin gathering near the ball drop location
  • For NYE toast participants: Ensure you have your non-alcoholic beverages ready
  • Find your spot for the best view of both the ball drop and fireworks

11:59 PM until Countdown Begins

  • Join the community for the final countdown to 2025

12:00 AM Welcome 2025!

  • Ball drop
  • Community toast
  • Fireworks display

12:15 AM until 1:00 AM

After Party 1:00 AM until ?

Pro Tips:

  • Arrive early to secure parking, explore all activities and set up a comfortable place to enjoy the fireworks show.
  • If planning to participate in the social district, familiarize yourself with designated areas and rules in advance
  • Consider booking accommodation at Comstock Inn or The Finley Block if you plan to stay late
  • Dress warmly and in layers – multiple warming stations will be available, but it’s Michigan in December!
  • Have your non-alcoholic midnight toast beverage ready before 11:45 PM to avoid missing the countdown.
  • Bring chairs, blankets and extra warmth but do not bring any glass bottles, laser pointers, weapons, or personal fireworks.
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