Las Vegas will light up the Strip on New Year’s Eve as it celebrates 25 years of America’s Party 2026, a fireworks extravaganza that is expected to draw 340,000 people to the city’s iconic boulevard.
The Announcement
The details of the party were unveiled on Wednesday during a news conference that gathered several key figures: Derek Stevens, Chairman of Las Vegas Events; Steven Hill, President and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority; Scott Cooper, Director of Business Development of Fireworks by Grucci; and Clark County Commissioner Jim Gibson. Patrick Miller, President and CEO of Rio Las Vegas, opened the session with a warm welcome and expressed his excitement for the upcoming celebration.
Patrick Miller said, “We throw the greatest party in the world every day in Las Vegas, and New Year’s Eve is no exception.” From the Rio’s viewpoint, Miller highlighted what he considers the best view of the festivities, showcasing the energy and spirit of the city. He added that the Rio is proud to play a key role in this year’s event and looks forward to being part of the celebration.
The Big Names and the Theme
Derek Stevens stepped in to share what’s ahead for this milestone year. With his signature energy, he noted that America’s Party is celebrating its 25th anniversary-an achievement made even more special by Fireworks by Grucci, the longtime partner behind 21 of the 25 shows, including the last 19 in a row. Stevens joked that the team faces the same challenge every year-figuring out how to top themselves-but if there’s one thing Las Vegas excels at, it’s throwing a celebration that gets bigger, bolder, and more unforgettable each time. He added, “If the fireworks get any more spectacular, they might need seatbelts on the rooftops.”
The theme of this year’s show is called “Rocking into 2026 Vegas style.” The show will celebrate with plenty of pyrotechnics, lighting up the sky from the rooftops of ten hotels along the Las Vegas Strip:
- MGM Grand Hotel & Casino
- ARIA Resort & Casino
- Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
- Caesars Palace
- Palms Casino Resort
- Treasure Island Hotel & Casino (TI)
- The Venetian Resort Las Vegas
- Resorts World Las Vegas
- Fontainebleau Las Vegas
- The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower
Ticketing, Timing, and Additional Events
Tickets for the event are priced at $60 until December 27 and increase to $65 thereafter. The Fremont Street Experience, which opens at 7 p.m., will feature the “Countdown Under the Canopy” with performances from Cee-Lo, Sammy Johnson, Common Kings, Robin Thicke, Pertinence, and Chingy. Scott Cooper expressed gratitude for the multiple agencies involved, including the Clark County Fire Department, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and the participating hotel properties.
The Sphere will be included in the festivities as the countdown venue to show different cities around the world counting down from five in the morning on New Year’s Eve and continuing throughout the day, every hour into the celebration in Las Vegas.
Coast-to-Coast Countdown and Broadcast Highlights
The event kicks off the celebration of America’s 250th birthday, which will be celebrated all year long, according to Steven Hill. The show, described as an “entertainment extravaganza” in the news release, will ring in the New Year in the only way Las Vegas knows – with style.
The fireworks will be carried live across the country as part of the Coast-to-Coast Countdown to 2026. Performances during the broadcast will include Foreigner, Cheap Trick, Styx, Mac McAnally, Kevin Cronin Band (former lead singer of REO Speedwagon), UB-40, The Marshall Tucker Band, 38 Special, and Bri Bagwell. Viewers can check local listings for details on how to watch, or stream live on the official website and enjoy exclusive bonus content not seen elsewhere.
Key Takeaways
- America’s Party 2026 marks its 25th anniversary, featuring fireworks from ten hotel rooftops.
- Ticket sales begin at $60 until December 27, then rise to $65.
- The Coast-to-Coast Countdown will broadcast live performances from major rock acts.
Las Vegas is set to deliver another unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration, combining iconic fireworks, live music, and a city-wide countdown that will keep residents and visitors in awe until the first light of 2026.
