YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Ohio’s biggest party of the season will take place Wednesday night, with folks in every corner of the state raising a glass at midnight.
Yes, the Ohio State University Buckeyes will be playing their first game in the college football playoffs.
Oh, yeah: It’s also New Year’s Eve.
To ring in 2026, the city of Youngstown’s annual New Year’s Eve fireworks display will take place Wednesday night. The first boom will come as the clock strikes midnight.
The fireworks will be lit from the Market Street Bridge, which will be closed to vehicle and foot traffic from 11 a.m. Wednesday until 1 a.m. Thursday.
The South Avenue Bridge will remain open.
Free parking will be available in the Covelli Centre parking lot.
Folks with small kids (or who want to get the celebrating done before game time) have another downtown option. They can instead go to Oh Wow! The Roger & Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science & Technology, which is on Central Square.
The museum will be offering buy one, get one admission from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Visitors will be able to take part in party-themed activities, including noise makers in the InspireWorks Lab, reflective constellation balls in the Tech Hub and a dance party in Function Junction. A special ball drop will take place at noon.
To learn more, go to OhWowKids.org or call 330 744 5914. Buy one, get one tickets will be available in-person and online Wednesday by using code BYE2025.
Many people will be attached to a television set this New Year’s Eve, watching the Buckeyes play the University of Miami. But revelers who want to go out and party can find a party at dozens of local bars and nightspots.
At Youngstown’s Westside Bowl, The Vindys will perform a show that will wrap up by 11 p.m., leaving time to see the fireworks downtown. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for the show, which will include opening act Candace Campana. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Click HERE for tickets.