For 2026, there is a widespread desire for a fresh start, with nearly half of Americans (49%) believing 2026 will be "their year," according to an article "What Are Americans' New Year's Resolutions for 2026?" And it all starts December 31, which falls on a workday Wednesday this week. Belfast has plenty going on this year on New Year's, so check it out.

Whether you’re a day partier, a happy-hour-then-bag-it-and-go-home type, or a diehard up ‘til midnight and beyond, Penobscot Bay Pilot has the complete rundown on what’s happening for New Year’s Eve in the Midcoast, including new venues and events. Enjoy your night, and stay safe!

Belfast

· All Ages: Join the Belfast Community Co-op and Waterfall Arts at 3 to 5 p.m. as they celebrate New Year's Eve by making fun party hats for Last Night Belfast. This event is free, and everyone is welcome to come.  They will have all of the supplies you need to make your very own hat, along with hot cocoa, cookies, and snacks. FMI: DIY New Year's Eve Party Hats

· All Ages: Magic, Juggling, and Mime with Bob Lloyd. Starting at 4:30 p.m. at the Belfast Maskers Theater, experience a fast-paced blend of magic, juggling, and mime sure to captivate audiences of all ages. Freely offered, donations welcome. FMI: Magic, Juggling, and Mime

All Ages: Belfast Last Night, an all-volunteer-run organization, will host Megan Pinette, Belfast Historical Society & Museum president, in The Abbott Room, Belfast Free Library, starting at 6:00 pm. For her program, she will present, “Hello America, The Experimental Radio Corporation Station in Belfast Makes Global History.” FMI: Belfast Last Night

· All Ages: The Belfast Maskers are kicking off the evening's entertainment with Captain Obvious a rock band at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free. FMI: Belfast Maskers

· All Ages: "Hit the Hay" Parade. A new Last Night Belfast tradition-an early New Year’s Eve parade! Meet at the Belfast Maskers’ Theater at 7 p.m. to join the procession down Main Street to the Brigham Green Park for a countdown and sparklers. Everyone is encouraged bring a musical instrument or noise-maker and a lantern. FMI: 'Hit the Hay' Parade.

· All Ages: The American Legion Hall is hosting a New Year's party with Phil Hummer & The White Falcons as well as other performers from 7 to 11:30 p.m. $10 tickets at the door/or pay what you can. Cash bar. FMI: The American Legion

· All Ages:  The Belfast Maskers’ are hosting one of Midcoast Maine’s hottest bands, The Sugar Snaps! from 8 to 9:30 p.m. Free show. Tips greatly appreciated! FMI: The Sugar Snaps

· Adults: New Year's Eve at the Commons. DJ Robby Neighbor @xo_sandoz will be playing the best dance music selections all night, starting at 8 p.m. $10 at the door, 21+ only (IDs will be checked at the door). The Commons is right down the street from the bonfire at midnight. FMI: The Commons

· Adults: Must Be Nice is throwing its first NYE party with DJ Harold from 9 p.m. onward. No cover. FMI: Must Be Nice

Camden-Rockport

· All Ages: The annual Holiday on the Harbor festivities will begin in the village as the sun sets at 4:30 p.m. Ring in the New Year right! Luminaries will light the way - food trucks and fire pits will be available, and a DJ will be spinning with Fireworks lighting off at 6 p.m. over the harbor. FMI: Holiday on the Harbor.

· Adults: The Rockport Opera House will be rocking in the New Year with The Right Track, starting at 7 p.m. The all-inclusive ticket includes dancing and dinner, with catered light fare provided by The Villager Cafe. (Cash bar available on site). Tickets are $40. FMI: Rockport Opera House

· Adults: The Vintage Room is doing a 1920s-inspired New Year's party from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. with live jazz by Bobby Katz from 8–10 p.m. Dress-up is optional—1920s speakeasy vibes. FMI: The Vintage Room

· Adults: Ring in the New Year at Samoset Resort. Enjoy an evening filled with dancing, a cash bar, and live entertainment from Creatures of Habit. Registered hotel guests enjoy automatic entry to the event. Attendees must be 21 years or older. FMI: The Samoset Hotel

Rockland

· Parents and Kids: The Rockland Public Library is celebrating the upcoming new year with a party in the Children's Room starting at 11 a.m. Join Miss Katie for a special New Year's storytime, crafts, and activities. Listen to stories, dance, sing, decorate your own party hat, and then help us countdown to noon. FMI: Rockland Public Library

· Adults: High Tide is hosting a New Year's Eve '80s party with Deadly Desire starting at 9:30 p.m. FMI: High Tide

· Adults: Join Ada's Kitchen for New Year’s Eve featuring DJ Johan Churchill playing disco and funky vinyl, from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. FMI: Ada's Kitchen

Searsport

· Parents and Kids: The Carver Memorial Library is ringing in the new year during a mid-day celebration featuring crafts for kids, a photo booth, and festive party favors starting at 11 a.m. The countdown will begin at 11:59. They'll toast the new year (with sparkling water) at noon. FMI: Carver Memorial Library

Note: If your establishment isn’t listed here, it’s because either we were unable to find any details of your event posted online, or it was restaurant seating only, not a public party. We will be adding more details and more New Year's events as they become available. Please check back! To contact us with more details, email  news@penbaypilot.com

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com