Looking for somewhere local to celebrate New Year’s Eve with the kids? Bondi Beach is set to welcome 2027 with a huge New Year’s Eve celebration – and Waverley locals will have the chance to attend a special family-friendly event for free.
On 31 December 2026, Bondi Beach will host elrow Sydney XXL, a major ticketed New Year’s Eve concert.
But for local families, there’s something extra planned.
A dedicated Locals Lawn will give Waverley residents the opportunity to celebrate New Year’s Eve at Bondi with fireworks, entertainment, performances and food trucks – without having to buy a ticket.
A Free NYE Celebration for Local Families
Locals Lawn will be a dedicated family-friendly area alongside the main New Year’s Eve event, giving families the chance to enjoy the atmosphere of a big Bondi celebration in a space created specifically for the local community.
And there’s good news for families with younger kids who don’t want to wait until midnight.
The evening will include an early fireworks display, so little ones can experience some New Year’s Eve magic before bedtime.
Families can also expect roaming entertainment, live performances and food trucks, all with Bondi Beach as the backdrop.
First Major New Year’s Eve Celebration at Bondi in More Than a Decade
This will be the first New Year’s Eve celebration of this scale at Bondi Beach in more than a decade.
While elrow Sydney XXL will bring a major ticketed concert to the beach, Waverley Council’s Locals Lawn is designed to make sure the local community can be part of the celebrations too.
The initiative forms part of Council’s plans to bring more events and activities to Bondi for locals and visitors.
Supporting Local Businesses and Community Groups
There will also be a strong local focus behind the event.
Waverley Council says Locals Lawn will partner with local businesses and service providers, feature local performersand help support local charities and community groups.
So while it promises to be a fun night out for families, the event will also provide opportunities for people and organisations from across the Waverley community.
How Do You Get Free Tickets?
Tickets for Locals Lawn will be free, but you’ll need to enter a ballot for the chance to attend.
Tickets will be available exclusively to Waverley residents.
Residents living in the Bondi postcode will receive first preference, followed by residents from across the wider Waverley Local Government Area.
Details about how and when to enter the ballot are expected to be released shortly.
If you’re keen to go, keep an eye on Waverley Council’s social media channels
Bondi New Year’s Eve 2026 – What We Know So Far
When: Thursday 31 December 2026
Where: Bondi Beach
Family event: Locals Lawn
Cost: FREE for successful ballot applicants
Who can apply: Waverley residents
What’s planned: Early fireworks, roaming entertainment, performances and food trucks
Tickets: Ballot – details coming soon
Save the Date
A New Year’s Eve celebration at Bondi Beach with early fireworks, entertainment, food and a dedicated family-friendly area sounds like a pretty special way for local families to say goodbye to 2026.
And with Locals Lawn being free for successful Waverley residents, we suspect these will be some of the most sought-after local tickets of the summer.
Save the date – 31 December 2026 – and keep an eye out for the Locals Lawn ballot opening soon.
