Grafton is Go-To Destination for New Year's Eve and Weekend

Our Daily Show Interview! Grafton Ready for New Year's Eve Weekend!

GRAFTON - Grafton is known for its New Year’s Eve fireworks and fun.

Starting on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, and continuing through Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, this weekend promises plenty of excitement in Grafton. Paula Jameson, who runs the Enjoy Grafton Facebook page, is eager to see people come out to Grafton and have a great weekend.

“Grafton is really coming together as a family destination. I love that. It really showcases that around the holidays,” Jameson said. “Start to finish, New Year’s Eve focuses on the kids and finishes with the adults. We have everything for everyone.”

The fun starts early on New Year’s Eve, with ice skating throughout the day and a balloon drop at 8 p.m. at The Loading Dock. You can also check out the alpine coaster and UTV adventure tours at Aerie’s Resort.

All weekend long, Jameson encourages people to stop by Grafton’s museum and visitors' center when they get to town. You could also join the local chapter of the Sierra Club for a New Year’s Day hike at Pere Marquette State Park.

On Dec. 31, the live music kicks off at 4 p.m. with the Lillie Allen Jam Band at the Grafton Pub until 8 p.m., followed by Ptuck Live until 1 a.m. Aerie’s NYE Party featuring Graham Pagan will run from 5 p.m. until midnight.

At Bloody Bucket Saloon, 3 Stooges Band will play from 7–11 p.m. You can join the karaoke contest with a live DJ from 7 p.m. to midnight at 3rd Chute Bar and Grill, or enjoy Dirt Road Crush at 8:30 p.m. at Reubel Hotel and Restaurant.

The evening caps off with New Year’s Eve fireworks at the Grafton riverfront at 10 p.m. Jameson encourages people to arrive early to secure their spot, noting that you can stay in your car if it’s too cold out and still have a great view.

On Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, the fun continues. Those Two perform from 3–7 p.m. at Grafton Pub while Joey Minor plays at Grafton Winery Brewhaus. 3rd Chute will once again host karaoke and a DJ from 6–11 p.m.

On Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, you can check out the Scott Logan Duo from 1–5 p.m. at Grafton Winery Brewhaus. Steve and Jackie will play from 2–6 p.m. at Grafton Pub.

For a full list of events and attractions throughout the weekend, visit the official Enjoy Grafton Facebook page.

Looking ahead, Jameson is excited to see Grafton continue to grow in the new year. She believes the city is a great gem along the river, and she hopes more people come by this year to enjoy everything they have to offer.

“2026, I think, is really going to be the year that people step back and look at Grafton in a whole new light,” she said. “I’m really proud of what’s coming. We don’t need a whole new light, because the truth is we’re awesome how we are. But we really are embracing family.”

She also encourages people to start thinking about Valentine’s Day, as Grafton will once again host their “Grafton is for Lovers” specials and packages for the Feb. 14 weekend. Pay attention to the Enjoy Grafton Facebook page for updates and more information.

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