Leon County's free Countdown at Cascades had two fireworks shows, 7:45 and 9:45 p.m., last New Year's Eve. 2026 plans, fireworks rules, buses and trash.
Last checked 2026-10-10. This page is updated each year. The 2026 New Year’s Eve plans are not out yet; dates below say which year they are from. We add the 2026 events, and restaurant notes where venues announce them, as they are posted.
New Year’s Eve is Thursday, Dec. 31, 2026. Tallahassee’s big free party in recent years is Countdown at Cascades at the Adderley Amphitheater in Cascades Park, 1001 S. Gadsden St. Leon County held it on Dec. 31, 2025, with two fireworks shows, at 7:45 p.m. and 9:45 p.m., so families can see one and be home before midnight.
Who to call
- Countdown at Cascades: Leon County’s Adderley Amphitheater
- StarMetro: 850-891-5200
- City trash and recycling: 850-891-4968
- Non-emergency: Tallahassee Police Department, 850-891-4200
- Emergency: 911
Countdown at Cascades
From Leon County’s December 2025 newsletter, the 2025 event:
| Dec. 31, 2025 | |
|---|---|
| Start | 6 p.m. |
| Place | Adderley Amphitheater at Cascades Park |
| Music | Eddie 9V, then Lili Forbes and the Pharaohs of Funk |
| Fireworks | 7:45 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. |
| Cost | Free |
| Presented by | Tallahassee Ford, with Leon County Government |
The county has not announced the 2026 edition. Last year’s details went out in its December newsletter; the amphitheater’s website carries the listing when it is set. For parking and road closures downtown, see our getting around guide.
Fireworks at home
Florida law lets people use fireworks on three designated holidays: New Year’s Day, the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve. The law does not override a fireworks ban in a properly recorded neighborhood covenant, though a homeowners association board cannot write new rules to take the right away. Fireworks the rest of the year still fall under state limits.
For the city’s Independence Day show, see our Fourth of July fireworks page.
What is open and closed
The City of Tallahassee observes New Year’s Day as a holiday. From its New Year’s notice last year, covering Dec. 31, 2025, and Jan. 1-2, 2026:
- City offices: closed both Jan. 1 and Jan. 2.
- StarMetro: Sunday schedule with no night service on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day; Dial-A-Ride 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Animal Service Center and city community centers: closed Jan. 1-2.
- Trash: Monday through Wednesday pickup did not change; Thursday customers were picked up Friday, and Friday customers Saturday.
New Year’s Day 2027 falls on a Friday. The city’s customer guide says pickup slides one day later in a holiday week, and its calendar marks the week of Dec. 27 as a holiday week. The 2026 notice usually comes out a week or so before. See our trash and recycling guide.
Christmas trees and boxes. Last season the city set up drop-off sites for live-cut Christmas trees and cardboard boxes, open through Jan. 9, at Tom Brown Park (443 Easterwood Drive), San Luis Mission Park (1313 San Luis Road) and Myers Park (1206 Myers Park Drive). Remove all decorations; the trees become mulch for city parks.
Restaurants and bars
We list New Year’s Eve dinners and parties only when a venue announces them on its own website. Our date night and live music and nightlife guides list Tallahassee’s restaurants and venues with their official links.
Hosting a public New Year’s Eve event in Tallahassee? Send the details through our contact page.
What this means for you
- Watch for the 2026 Countdown at Cascades announcement in early December.
- Fireworks at home are legal on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 under state law; check your neighborhood covenants.
- Plan a ride home; buses ran no night service on New Year’s Eve last year.
Related: holiday lights and Christmas events, Christmas parade and tree lighting and Valentine’s Day in Tallahassee.
Frequently asked questions
Are there New Year’s Eve fireworks in Tallahassee?
Last year, yes. Leon County’s free Countdown at Cascades on Dec. 31, 2025, had fireworks at 7:45 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. at the Adderley Amphitheater in Cascades Park. The county has not announced 2026 plans yet.
Is it legal to set off fireworks on New Year’s Eve in Florida?
Yes. Florida law lists New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and the Fourth of July as designated holidays when using fireworks is allowed. Local rules and recorded neighborhood covenants can still apply.
Is Countdown at Cascades free?
Yes. Leon County billed the 2025 event as a free, family-friendly celebration. It started at 6 p.m. with live music from Eddie 9V and Lili Forbes and the Pharaohs of Funk.
Is trash picked up on New Year’s Day in Tallahassee?
Not on the holiday. For New Year’s 2026 the city moved Thursday customers to Friday and Friday customers to Saturday. Jan. 1, 2027, is a Friday; the city posts the new schedule in late December.
Do StarMetro buses run on New Year’s Eve?
Last year StarMetro ran a Sunday schedule with no night service on both Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. Check Talgov.com/StarMetro or call 850-891-5200 for this year.
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