History:
What started in 2011 as a New Year's Eve street concert with a fireworks show, has grown to a state-wide celebration that is the catalyst for other happenings around the area. Corporate citizens, businesses, non-profits, and public entities have joined in the fun to host their own events during the Famously Hot New Year celebration.
The celebration offers attendees a unique way to ring in the New Year. Set at the footsteps of the picturesque South Carolina State Capitol, attendees will ring in the New Year with Southern hospitality. The celebration extends down Main Street and beyond, encompassing the huge, free #FHNY concert featuring live music, a DJ and a midnight fireworks show. Guests also can enjoy the WOW! NYE Carnival, the Main Street Ice skating rink and special holiday hours at top attractions such as Riverbanks Zoo.
Famously Hot New Year has grown to be the largest free New Year's Eve celebration in South Carolina and boasts the largest New Year's fireworks display in the two Carolinas. Previous years featured concerts from nationally renowned musicians including Ms. Lauryn Hill, George Clinton, the Wallflowers, ZZ Ward, and Kool & the Gang, the O'Jays, MisterWives and Ms. Lauryn Hill. On December 31, 2015, 35,000 people gathered on Columbia's Main Street for an unforgettable and exciting experience.
Each year, Famously Hot New Year has attracted interest and guests from across the nation, boasting visitors from more than 30 states and five countries since its inception. The influx of tens of thousands of people in Columbia's downtown area has resulted in a significant economic boost for local and regional hotels, restaurants and businesses. The event is completely FREE to attendees and is funded by both public and private partnerships.
