Outdoor New Year's Eve Bash Canceled In Downtown Indy

An outdoor New Year's Eve event in Indianapolis that attracted 40,000 people just a few years ago has been scratched.

Bob Schultz with Downtown Indy cites higher costs for lighting, heating, security and sound equipment.

Schultz says it wouldn't be "prudent" for the nonprofit group to put the event together this year.

“We took a look at what it costs to put on this event, sponsor interest that had been very supportive that was not getting over the threshold to be able to support it at a sustainable level,” Schultz says.

The New Year's Eve event on Georgia Street last year was extremely cold and attracted 5,000 to 6,000 people. It was cut short. Downtown Indy says weather was another concern this year.

In lieu of showcasing and promoting the big NYE outdoor countdown, Downtown Indy, Inc. is shifting promotions to support a new partnership with Lyft Indianapolis for New Year’s Eve.

Lyft’s “Resolve to Ride Smart” effort will feature a rideshare lounge on Georgia Street where those interested in securing a responsible ride home or back to their hotels after midnight can wait in a warm, safe space steps away from the major New Year’s Eve events of the evening in Downtown. The Lyft Rideshare Lounge on Georgia Street will include restrooms, hot chocolate, entertainment and giveaways.

There will be other Indianapolis events, including a family New Year's Eve at the Indiana State Museum and a masquerade ball at Union Station.