JANESVILLE — A new family-focused celebration is coming to Rock County as the Woodman’s Center prepares to host the inaugural New Year’s Eve Family Fest on Wednesday, December 31.
The large-scale indoor festival will fill the venue with ice skating, entertainment, games, hands-on activities, music, vendors, and two major countdowns, including a community attempt to break a Guinness World Record for most confetti poppers released at once.
The evening is designed specifically for families with children, offering a safe, welcoming alternative to traditional late-night celebrations.
“As a parent and as an event director, I saw a gap in what our community offered for New Year’s Eve,” said Rebecca Stellings of organizer RiverDrift Events. “Families needed something safe, fun, and affordable. We built this event to give them exactly that, a celebration they can feel good about bringing their kids to.”
The Family Fest is produced by RiverDrift Events, a division of AMM Southern Wisconsin, publisher of the Janesville Gazette, Beloit Daily News, and operator of WiscoTIX, Honey Bee Media, and other regional media brands.
“Rock County deserves a signature New Year’s Eve experience for families,” said Andy Pennington, AMM Regional President. “The Woodman’s Center gives us the footprint to build a regional tradition that’s safe, high-impact, and rooted in community connection. This is just the beginning.”
Two major countdowns
At 9 p.m., event attendees will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for a community-wide confetti-popper release. The early countdown creates a full celebration for younger children who may not stay up until midnight.
For families with older children, at midnight, the Woodman’s Center will launch a venue-wide celebration featuring synchronized lighting, music, and a festive countdown to ring in 2026.
A full-venue experience for families
The Woodman’s Center will be divided into multiple activity zones, each offering family-friendly entertainment throughout the evening.
Two Full-Scale Ice Rinks
Glow & Go All-Abilities Rink — an inclusive space for new and experienced skaters
Neon Nights High-Energy Rink — a faster-paced rink with upbeat music
Countdown Corridor
The central activity zone will feature a balloon drop, DJ entertainment, family competitions, Nerf Wars, and open basketball.
Vendor Family Fair
Local businesses and community partners will offer interactive booths at a Vendor Family Fair from 6-8:30 p.m. Families can complete a special “passport” to win prizes.
Family Game Room
A relaxed, low-pressure space offering classic family games for guests of all ages.
Lobby Activities
Drop-in activities will run throughout the night, including Family Bingo from 7-8 p.m. and the Glow & TikTok Challenge encouraging creativity and movement.
Adults will be allowed to responsibly enjoy alcohol during the event.
Tickets Now Available
Tickets are on sale now through WiscoTIX:
Pricing options include:
Early-Bird General Admission: $12.60 (including fees)
Skate rentals are free while supplies last, and guests are encouraged to bring their own skates. Wristbands are required for entry. Outside food and beverages are not permitted. All sales are final.
More information is available at . Guests are encouraged to secure Early-Bird pricing while it lasts.
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