Ringing in the New Year in Downtown Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - The new year begins in just a few short hours, and bars and restaurants across Springfield are preparing for one of the biggest nights of celebration. 

Bars, nightclubs and restaurants across Springfield are hosting New Year's Eve celebrations to ring in the new year Tuesday night. The Springfield Police Department also has plans to be out. 

 “We will have our downtown squads as well as some additional officers from our community services section,” SPD’s Cris Swaters said. “As far as citywide, it is operations as usual with our squads that are on patrol tonight.” 

In downtown Springfield, 12 venues are taking part in the 2025 Queen City Pub Crawl, including Dublin's Pass. 

“We are ready to have a good time and make sure everybody has the best time. A safe time,” Makhala Tevebaugh said. 

Tevebaugh also explained that pub crawls are a way for these businesses to connect and offer a fun and safe night. 

“It's all these bars together to get collectively want to do this thing for everybody,” Tevebaugh said. “It's kind of like an inclusive thing for all like college kids, even adults who just want to have more fun.” 

Tevebaugh has worked at Dublin's for nearly six months and says celebrating in Springfield offers a sense of friendship.

“You have a friend in almost everyone, your server, your bartender, all of it,” Tevebaugh said. “Everyone's just always there for you and ready to have a good time. It's, it's a great experience.” 

But with the fun comes the risk of drunk drivers. 

Breakthru Beverage Missouri and Absolut Vodka partnered this New Year's Eve to offer 500 free Lyft rides to those across Missouri, including right here in Springfield, as part of their 'Safe Home After Every Occasion' program.  

“Go ahead and take a rideshare downtown or wherever you're going and schedule that pick up for 1:30 when those establishments close,” Swaters said. “Get home safely. Don't drink and drive. Don't get behind the wheel.” 

You can use code BBGMONYE24 for a free Lyft ride up to $30 until 2 a.m. or until all of the free rides are redeemed.