A Chincoteague Island New Year’s Eve with music, drinks, costume contest, the annual Pony Island Horseshoe Drop, and more is the perfect way to celebrate the end of 2015 and the start of 2016.
Many people only know Chincoteague Island for the annual wild pony swims and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island. They know that our quiet, clean beaches and quaint, island town make for a great summer getaway.
What they don’t realize is that Chincoteague Island remains a wonderful place to visit year ’round and that off-season may actually be the best time to come here!
Treating yourself to a Chincoteague Island New Year’s Eve is just one of many ways to enjoy an off-season getaway on Virginia’s eastern shore.
The New Years festivities kick off at 7pm, December 31st at the Island Theatre with the annual Chincoteague Island New Year’s Eve Concert. This year it’s Flatoot Sam and the Educated Fools performing their own unique blend of Swing, Jump, Chicago, and Down in the Basement ‘Gut Bucket’ Blues. Flat Foot Sam has been performing on the East Coast for over 25 years, for many of those years as house band at the Twist and Shout and Tornado Alley.
Special Guest Mary Shaver has been singing all her life and delivers vocal blues influenced by such notable icons as Slim Harpo and Big Mama Thornton.
The doors at the Island Theatre open at 7pm with soft drinks, beer, and wine available for purchase throughout the show. Tickets can be purchased online at chincoteagueislandarts.org. Advanced ticket purchase is recommended, as this show tends to sell out.
The show will run from 7:30pm until around 10:30pm, then it’s into your costume (if you choose) for the Chincoteague Island New Year’s Eve Costume Promenade!
The Chincoteague Island New Year’s Eve Costume Promenade involves lots of silliness and costume judging in a variety of categories, with prizes for the winners and entertainment for all. This year’s theme is “All American Cowboys.” The Costume Promenade takes place at Robert Reed Downtown Park, just a hop, skip, and a jump down the road from the Island Theatre.
After the Costume Promenade and right before midnight, the countdown will begin and you’ll be there to witness the annual spectacle of the Chincoteague Island New Year’s Eve Pony Island Horseshoe Drop!
That’s right: no sparkly ball for Chincoteague Island but something a lot more fitting – a glittering, glowing horseshoe!
Thereafter it’s up to you how you want to celebrate those first few hours of 2016 – but don’t go too crazy or you’ll miss the next day’s 2016 Polar Pony Plunge!
So there you have it: Chincoteague Island is so much more than just wild pony swims. Come enjoy the island during the off-season for fewer crowds, local fun, and a more intimate stay!
Chincoteague Island New Year’s Eve 2016
Chincoteague Island New Year’s Eve Concert featuring
Flatoot Sam and the Educated Fools
with special guest Mary Shaver
Dec 31, 2015 – 7:30pm to 10:30pm
The Island Theatre – 4074 Main St
chincoteagueislandarts.org
2016 Costume Promenade and Pony Island Horseshoe Drop
Dec 31, 2016 – 10:30pm – Midnight
Downtown Waterfront Park
chincoteaguechristmas.com
2016 Polar Pony Plunge
January 1st, 2016 – 1:16pm
Assateague Island
eventful.com
Chincoteague Island New Year’s Eve Lodging
Planning to celebrate a Chincoteague Island New Year’s Eve? Great idea! Make your stay the best it can be with accommodations at Miss Molly’s Inn Bed and Breakfast. Our luxury rooms, daily gourmet breakfasts, snacks, beach gear, concierge services, and more will make the perfect start to your new year. See you then – and Happy Holidays!