City cancels New Year’s fireworks at Old Sacramento Waterfront. Is the show over for good?

The chance to see fireworks ignite from the Old Sacramento Waterfront on New Year’s Eve, providing colorful explosions over Tower Bridge, is gone as city officials said they will stop hosting the program starting this year and for the future.

The city of Sacramento canceled the 2023 New Year’s Eve celebration for the fourth consecutive time, citing “logistical challenges.” The show was canceled in 2020 and 2021 because of concerns fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic. It was also canceled last year due to “operational issues,” such as traffic and no place to launch fireworks, the city has said.

The 2023 show will not happen because there aren’t enough financial resources or available staff to create the show, said Jennifer Singer, a city spokeswoman, in an email. She said the city is exploring creating other activities at the waterfront.

“There still will be plenty to do Dec. 31 on the Old Sacramento Waterfront, including special dinners, comedy shows and other fun activities,” Singer wrote.

This story was originally published December 28, 2023 at 5:00 AM.