It’s yet again time to celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of the next. New Year’s Eve is a community celebration that Dauphin Island residents are looking to make the most of this year.
Most of the festivities are right downtown, close to the many Dauphin Island vacation rentals lining the streets and shores. Below is a quick guide to the New Year’s events on Dauphin Island and in the surrounding areas.
Home-Brew New Year’s Eve on Dauphin Island
Dauphin Island is a thin strip of land on the southern edge of Alabama. It is small and usually rather quiet, making any New Year’s Eve celebration on the island a bit of a novelty. Residents aren’t known for being big partiers, so island events tend to be low-key, family-oriented, and safe. Many stay home and celebrate with close friends and family – this means that you may not need to hit the roads to have some New Year’s fun.
Many visitors to the Island book waterfront Dauphin Island vacation rentals and have a New Year’s Eve gathering in the backyard, on the deck, or even with their toes in the sand. Many homes offer direct beach access, a private pool, and other wonderful amenities. While you are enjoying the space to have a grand vacation get-together, remember to be courteous of noise and party group limitations.
Local Island events
There are, however, some fun local gatherings you can attend if you prefer to go out for New Year’s Eve. You can find some excitement by the historic area where Bienville Boulevard and the island bridge meet. Head to Miguel’s Beach’n Baja or Pirates Bar & Grill for some pre-midnight music, drinks, and entertainment.
You can except some New Year’s fun and celebration at the water tower in the main downtown area. Look for the words “Welcome to Dauphin Island” written across the tower. This is the same place where the community lights up a huge town Christmas tree.
You can find a number of small-scale New Year’s Eve celebrations all over the island – even the local campground is known to get the party started. The Dauphin Island Campground often hosts a fun, family-friendly get-together. You don’t have to be a guest of the campground to attend, though entrance fees may apply. The pavilion is located at 109 Bienville Blvd., Dauphin Island, AL, 36528.
Reelin’ in the New Year
Though it’s a bit of a drive, the Wharf at Orange Beach is hosting a big New Year’s event. The event is free to attend, though additional fees may apply for various activities. There will be face painting, a bounce house, a mechanical bull, a rock wall, and even camel rides at the event. The youngest of the bunch will love to play around the fire truck or watch the poodle show at 11 a.m. This is followed by a confetti drop at noon, the equivalent of New Year’s for the kids in the group.
The evening is reserved for live music and spectacular fireworks. Entertainment from DJ Ramsey is expected to begin at 5 p.m. and continue to 7 p.m. Follow-up act, Kyle Daigle, will perform from 7 to 9 p.m., and the Wes Loper Band will ramp things up from 9 p.m. to midnight. The event culminates in a fireworks display at midnight.
Reelin’ in the New Year offers a mix of kid-friendly activities in the afternoon and adult-centered fun in the evening. The event runs from 11 a.m. to midnight on December 31. Get there by driving around the bay through Mobile, AL, or take the Mobile Bay Ferry to Fort Morgan to shorten the drive.
Join us over on Dauphin Island for an exciting New Year’s celebration. Explore our extensive list of condos for rent on Dauphin Island. Wake up in a rental overlooking the ocean and on one of the Gulf Coast’s most valuable waterside treasures.