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Countdown NYE 2026

Ring in 2027 with Insomniac's two-night New Year's rave — fireworks and pyro in San Bernardino

📅 December 31, 2026 – January 1, 2027📍 San Bernardino, United States🏟 NOS Events Center🎵 EDM · Bass · House
December 31, 2026 – January 1, 2027
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Date
December 31, 2026 – January 1, 2027
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Location
San Bernardino, United States
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Camping
No
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Price
$$$
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Size
Massive
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Genre
EDM

What is Countdown NYE?

Countdown NYE is Insomniac's flagship New Year's Eve festival — a two-night, 75,000+ capacity rave at the NOS Events Center in San Bernardino that closes out the electronic music calendar with pyro, fireworks, and a genre-spanning lineup. Since 2013, Countdown has been the premier West Coast NYE destination for attendees who want to ring in the new year with a massive production experience rather than a club night or house party. The midnight pyro show at the mainstage is the signature moment — synchronized fireworks, confetti cannons, and countdown visuals timed to a headliner's peak-time drop.

Heading to Countdown NYE? Browse our rave jerseys, made to order and shipped worldwide.

Countdown 2026 has five covered stages. The official site lists them as The Mothership, Nebula, Area 51, Twilight Zone and Galactik Gate. The midnight pyro on New Year's Eve is what makes Countdown worth the flight for out-of-state ravers.

Countdown attracts a mixed crowd — part OG SoCal ravers, part EDC regulars, part NYE destination travelers. The vibe is celebratory rather than intense: expect champagne toasts at bars, coordinated group countdowns, and the warmest cross-crew energy you'll find at any Insomniac event. Costumes lean into sparkly NYE glamour rather than EDC maximalism. This is the festival where you dance your way into the new year surrounded by 75,000 friends you haven't met yet.

Comparing New Year's Eve options? See our NYE raves 2026 guide.

Artists & Performers

We only publish a lineup once we have checked it against the festival's own announcement, so this one is not listed here yet. The current bill is on the official Countdown NYE site.

Festival Essentials

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Ticket TypeGA, GA+, VIP, and VIP Platinum 2-night wristbands
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Price RangeGA from $179 / GA+ from $269 / VIP from $499 / VIP Platinum from $899
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Festival HoursDec 31 + Jan 1. Set times are posted in the Insomniac app closer to the date
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Midnight PyroSynchronized fireworks at midnight on Dec 31 — the signature moment
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Must-Have AppDownload the Insomniac app for set times and interactive map
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Warm LayersSB NYE nights hit 35–45°F — jacket, gloves, and thermal layers essential
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Phone ChargerPortable battery pack mandatory — NYE photo volume kills phone batteries
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Ear ProtectionHigh-fidelity earplugs for two days of loud sets on five stages

Travel & Planning Guide

Countdown NYE at the NOS Events Center is straightforward to reach — same venue as Escape Halloween with the same transport options. Most out-of-town attendees fly into Ontario International Airport (ONT), which is 35 minutes from the venue and consistently cheaper than LAX. LAX is a 90-minute drive in NYE traffic and rarely worth the hassle. Insomniac shuttle service from hotel partners in LA, Orange County, and Riverside is the smoothest transport option.

Countdown does NOT offer camping — it's winter in SoCal, and the NOS venue is concrete and asphalt. Book hotels in San Bernardino, Ontario, or Riverside for the easiest commute. NYE weekend hotel rates are steep — book by October at the latest. The Doubletree San Bernardino, Hilton Ontario, and nearby Holiday Inn properties consistently host the festival-going crowd. Groove-out venues and afterparty clubs exist in Riverside for post-NYE programming.

Pro tip for first-timers: San Bernardino in late December is actually cold — daytime 60°F, nighttime 35–45°F, with occasional rain. Your NYE outfit needs function over pure sparkle. Layer a thermal under your sequined set, wear real pants instead of fishnets, bring gloves and a warm hoodie, and pack a rain poncho in case of weather. Check the official set times on countdownnye.com before you pick your stage for midnight.

What to Know Before You Go

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Plan Your Midnight Stage

Midnight falls on the first night, Thursday December 31. Check the set times on countdownnye.com, pick your stage early and agree on a meetup point with your crew.

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Layer for Winter SoCal

SB December nights drop to 35–45°F. Thermal base layer under sequined set, real pants instead of fishnets, gloves, warm hoodie, and a hand-warmer in your pocket. Function over sparkle here — hypothermia is a real risk if you're dressed for summer rave.

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VIP for NYE Comfort

Countdown VIP delivers air-conditioned restrooms (still useful on cold nights), dedicated bars, premium mainstage viewing for midnight pyro, and a warm lounge. The $200+ upgrade over GA pays off on NYE when line times peak. VIP Platinum adds front-rail mainstage access.

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Double-Charge Your Phone

NYE photo volume kills phone batteries fast. Bring two portable battery packs. Test them before you leave. Coordinate a physical meetup spot with your crew for midnight since cell service dies when 75K people text 'HAPPY NEW YEAR' simultaneously.

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Champagne Countdown Culture

Countdown has a uniquely celebratory vibe — groups coordinate champagne toasts, wear sparkly fits, and dance through midnight together. Lean into it. Share drinks with strangers at bars, hug everyone at 12:01, and make NYE friends who might become year-round crew.

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Platform Boots for NYE

Platform boots or Doc Martens match NYE sequined fits while surviving concrete surfaces. Skip heels — you'll walk 15K+ steps per night across two nights. Comfortable footwear means you're still dancing at 2:45 AM for the final set.

Frequently Asked Questions

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2 BASEBALL JERSEYS FOR $129 🔥