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Austin Prepping To Ring In 2013 In Grand Style


On this final day of 2012, it’s out with the old, and in with the new.  Preparations were underway Monday morning for the city's Austin's New Year celebration at Auditorium Shores.

The city is promising a true Austin New Year’s Eve experience, one that's family friendly and alcohol-free.  It's scheduled to include live local music on three stages, film, art, an LED light performance, a catapult building workshop, and fireworks at 10 p.m.  The entire event runs from 5-10:30 p.m.

You'll want to give yourself more time than normal driving to the event, not just because of the  rain and New Year’s crowds, but also several street closures, including parts of Cesar Chavez, South First, and Riverside.

If you want a free ride, hop on CapMetro after 6 p.m. You can ride your bike too.

If you'd rather pay to park, that's an option too, but Austin Police will be on the lookout for people parking in neighborhoods.
Those areas are off limits unless you live there.

The city is asking you to leave the fireworks to the professionals.

Possessing or using them in Austin could mean a fine of around $500.

The Austin Fire Department is asking you to take a few seconds to check your smoke alarm and make sure it works.