Honestly, there’s no better way to close out 2025 than a good, sloppy New Year’s Eve.

That goes out the window with kids. Good thing we got your back.

Here’s our curated list of things to do with kids for NYE — BEFORE the ball drops.

(All events are December 31)

Chabot’s Balloon Drop | 10am–5pm | Chabot Space & Science Center | $10 per child + admission | Ballon drops every hour starting at 10am.

Lawrence Hall of Science – New Year’s “Grand Finale” | 10am–4pm | Lawrence Hall of Science | $25 ages 3+ | They have a confetti cannon, say less.

Piedmont’s “Noon Year’s Eve” | 10am–12pm | Piedmont Veterans Hall | $10 per child (under 2 free) | Dancing + ballon drop at noon.

Fairyland’s Countdown in Wonderland | 10am–4pm | Children’s Fairyland | $18 kids / $20 adults, Check Member pricing | Alice in Wonderland themed party.

Alameda Theatre NYE Carnival & Finale | Showtimes 5:30 & 9:30pm | Alameda Theatre | $10 kids / $20 adults | Stranger Things Finale + a carnival.

Bay Play New Year’s Day Party | 10am-6pm | 3275 Ettie St, Oakland | Tickets from $20 | Countdown in a 3000 sq. ft. indoor playground.

And a few a lil’ further out…

Bouncy Ball New Year’s Eve | 12-1:30pm | Downtown Novato | Free Event | 26,000 bouncy balls dropped from a firetruck. YES.

Happy New Year, Charlie Brown! | 10am-4pm | Charles M. Schulz Museum, Santa Rosa | Free with Admission | Ballon drop at noon & 3pm.

Noon Year’s Eve at Discovery Museum | 9am-2pm | Discovery Museum, Sausalito | Tickets from $28 | Noon ball drop with dancing and crafts.

Have an event you’d like promoted? Send me a reply.

According to Civic Economics — $68 of every $100 spent in a local economy STAYS in that economy. Where as only $14 of every $100 stays when spent online or at big box stores. Do you community a favor, shop local this year.

Shout out to the folks at Visit Oakland for pulling together this directory of local, Oakland and East Bay specialty shops.

Our curated list of events for families, couples, and everyone in-between. Got an event you’d like to promote? Send us a reply.

All Weekend

Chabot’s Winterfest kicks off Saturday

It’s winter at Chabot. This weekend, Chabot is celebrating the arrival of winter with a 2-day Winterfest blending holiday cheer with cosmic exploration. Oh, and it’s free for members. | Saturday & Sunday, 10am-5pm. Chabot Space & Science Center. See Details →

Free Family Matinees at Rialto Cinemas

Only thing that can make going to the movies better during the holiday? How about a FREE movie. The fine folks at Rialto Cinemas are offering free family matinees all weekend. This week’s movie: Jim Carrey’s The Grinch. | Saturday & Sunday, 10am. Elmwood, Berkeley. See Details →

Friday

Bar Chisme’s Punk Rock Karaoke

If you’re not familiar with Bar Chisme, lean in. Operated by chef Manuel Bonilla, the pop-up used to be a semi-permanent fixture at Oakland’s Low Bar. Now, it’s slated to open permanently in the old Kon-Tiki location on 14th. Before then, you can sample Bonilla’s menu this Friday at Bar 355 | Friday, 5pm to Late. 355. 19th St. See Details →

Tiny Garage Series at Towne Cycles

We’re digging deep this week, folks. Obviously, there’s a lot of Holiday activities, but we’ve all heard about them. Presenting, the Tiny Garage Series. A live music concert series every 3rd Friday of every month hosted by Towne Cycles. Local acts and a $10 suggested donation. BYOB. | Friday, 7-10pm. See Details →

Saturday

Faction Brewing’s Winter Market

If you’re like me, you haven’t done a lick of holiday shopping. Time to lock in. This weekend pull double duty: shop local at over 35 vendors AND enjoy an ice-cold pint overlooking the bay. Smart. | Saturday, 1-6pm. Faction Brewing, Alameda. See Details →

Wardrobe Project Flea Market

Every 3rd Saturday, the folks at The Wardrobe Project take over the Rockridge BART parking lot for what has become one of the premier East Bay vintage markets. And I’ve got good news, it’s the 3rd Saturday this weekend. | Saturday, 10am-5pm, Rockridge BART. See Details →

Sunday

Fratello Marionettes at Fourth Street

Hear me out: Puppetry is a lost art form. I caught this troupe at Fairyland a few months back. Yes, it’s for kids, but game recognizes game. These shows are impressive and in a modern context this is like catching a glimpse of a rare, extinct art. Free 30 minute shows, perfect for kids. | Sunday, Showtimes at 1:30pm & 3pm, Fourth Street, Berkeley. See Details →

Winter Solstice Celebration in The Laurel

Brace yourself: the shortest day of the year is Sunday. For us, that’s 10 hours and 7 minutes of daylight. But after Sunday, it’s all up from here. Celebrate in The Laurel with their FREE Make Music festival. Instruments are encouraged and Ghost Town is pouring | Sunday, 2-4pm. Laurel District, Oakland. See Details → 

OUSD approves $103M in tentative cuts to avoid state receivership — The proposed cuts come after months of council in-fighting. Notably the cuts assume OUSD enrollment will rise by 2% for the next 2 years, boosting revenues by $20M. But new this AM, things may be shifting with the departure of two council-members.

Oakland City Council votes 7-1 to keep Flock cameras — The deal labeled as a “2 year experiment” includes provisions to not share data with ICE and is valued at $2.25M. Over 300 cameras are already installed in Oakland, with another 40 approved.

Say good-bye to free Sunday parking — Oakland’s Department of Transportation recently announced they will begin enforcing parking in the city on Sunday starting Jan. 4. The first 30-days will be a “warning.” After that, ZING.

Want your pet featured? Send us a pic with their name and a totally optional fun fact. Emphasis on fun.

Quick update: I’ll be taking the week of next week. Baby boy needs a break.

The good news: I’ll still be sending a hot ‘sletter your way. Be on the look out.

I’ll be sharing AS MANY NYE parties as I can get my near-sighted eyes on.

If you’ve got a good one, send it over.

See ya in town,

-Kolby
Oaktown Weekly

P.S. Have you followed me on IG? It’s what good friends do.