Now in its second year, the OCNYE has taken things to the next level. There are many changes and many new features incorporated into the event this year.


This year the OCNYE will add a third indoor live music building, we have drastically upgraded VIP amenities, the fairgrounds has increased beer, wine and Champaign locations by 400% & a new hard alcohol license obtained by the fairgrounds will allow for mixed drink centers to be located throughout the event. In addition, the Orange Drop tower will be extended 20 feet to bring the tower to an amazing 100 feet and new permits allow for fireworks to be shot at mid to high levels rather than low levels as was the case last year. New sound systems are being brought into each room to enhance the experience and outdoor sound will be on delay systems throughout the Orange Drop area along with LED screens to enhance the video experience. With all of these upgrades the OCNYE is sure to be even better this year.


If you are attending the event, the parking lot will open at 5pm and we suggest getting there early. The hot tip for attending the OCNYE is to stay in a local hotel and shuttle to the event. You can book rooms at any of our participating hotels here on our site and each hotel is offering upgraded coach busses to and from the event.


Once in the event we suggest that you immediately pickup an event guide. The event guides will be located on the tables under the tents to the right and left of the main entrance. The event guides will feature the band set times and locations as well as other information you will need to know. Once you obtain your guide, you and your guests should make a plan for the evening. Our suggestion would be to “roam”, meaning that in this festival atmosphere you will have to make choices to see this band or that band. Why make that choice? Simply roam room to room and you will catch more than you ever thought.


Everywhere you go inside the OCNYE will be filled with music from the live music buildings, to the outside midway and to every little nook and cranny of the event. Everywhere you go will be a party, but the real party is at midnight and so here are some tips to take in the Orange Drop.


The headline act will begin at roughly 11:15pm and they will do a ½ set until 11:55pm. At 11:55 pm, the Orange Drop ceremony will begin with a video and music montage leading into the countdown and Orange Drop at midnight followed by a laser, light, video and fireworks show under a sea of confetti and reveling. The ceremony ends at approximately 12:15am and the headline act comes back on to finish their set until 12:45am.


Our suggestion is that you be at the main stage no later than 11:30pm to position yourself for the Orange Drop and even earlier depending on how close you want to be. Whatever you do make sure you pick up your drinks prior to midnight as the drink stands will likely close shortly thereafter.


We hope that you enjoy your experience at this year’s OCNYE and we are doing our best to make sure that your experience is second to none.