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 vendorPlenty 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
- VRBO Rentals
- The PINES Country Inn, Corruna, MI (989) 723-9000
- Quality Inn, Durand, MI (989) 288-0638
Local Business Highlights
Businesses are all invited to participate with extended hours, holiday parties or other fun! Encourage your guests to party with you and then come down to watch the ball drop at midnight as a community. The more, the merrier. Let us know what you are doing so we can feature you on our social media advertisements!
What to see:
- Extended Hours
- Special Menus or services
- Street booth set up
New Year’s Eve in Downtown Owosso – Event Timeline
New-Year’s-Eve-Day in Owosso
- Welcome to Owosso! Check out the city while you wait for the big event:
- Explore the city while you are in town for the event
- Owosso Attractions:
- Curwood Castle and Comstock Cabin – Owosso Historical Commission
- The Amos Gould House
- Shiawassee Arts Center HOLIDAY ALONG THE RIVER art Show Open 10 am – 5 pm on 12/31
- Steam Railroading Institute
- Here are some fun shops to visit while you are in town:
- It’s not New Years in Owosso without a little pepper jelly on your dip! 10 am – 5 pm at Apple Tree Lane
- Taphouse Meat Market will be open on New Year’s Eve from 10 am until 4pm – plan your NYE jerky snacks accordingly!
- Barrister Brewing Co will be open New Year’s Eve starting at 4 pm
- Etcetera will be open from 11 AM to 4 PM on New Year’s Eve
- Freddie’s Party Store has everything you need for New Year’s Eve Party planning! (plus cool historic 1800s wooden refrigerators!)
- Owosso Attractions:
- Explore the city while you are in town for the event
- Breakfast or Brunch in Downtown Owosso at one of the restaurants in walking distance of the event
- Foster Coffee Company will be open on New Year’s Day! 12/31 7am – 3pm for breakfast
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
- Get dinner in Owosso to fuel up for the evening!
- Ring in the New Year with catering from Roma’s Back Door Owosso
- Val’s Pizza – Owosso, MI will be open from 2pm until 8pm with the best Michigan style fried mushrooms in town.
- Sakura Japanese, Thai, Spirits sushi and sake at Sakura.
- Foster Coffee Company will be open on New Year’s Day! 12/31 7am – 3pm for breakfast and 10pm-12:30am for the New Year’s Eve Street Party
- Get dinner in Owosso to fuel up for the evening!
- 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
- Visit warming stations
- Bars remain open
- Continue celebrating at local bars with a post fireworks show toast to ring in the New Year
- A Timeless New Year Eve at The Sideline
- Fireside Countdown and Cocktails at Roma’s Back Door Owosso
- Owosso Eagles Aerie 851 Rockin’ NYE Event
- The Avenue Bar and Grill
- DJ continues entertainment
- Help with the clean-up of the event
After Party 1:00 AM until ?
- Local Bars that will be continuing with after party fun for adults until close or until the party clears out
Remember: The social district ends street operation at 10 pm, meaning no open liquor containers on the street after 10pm. The bars will however remain open until closing time at participating establishments. For those 21 and over who wish to toast with champagne or who wish to continue celebrating after the main event concludes, locations like Roma’s, Sideline, and Niche welcome you to continue your NYE celebration at their location, just a short walk from the event.
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.