LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Thousands decided to ring in the new year at some of Louisville's most popular venues.

Number 15 on Main Street in downtown Louisville rolled out the red carpet!

"We've got something special here on Whiskey Row," Ali Mullah, a manager at Number 15, said. "It's exciting. We get to reign in the first seven months as an operation, and we get to put a night cap on it."

For several hours Sunday, his team worked to set up a photo backdrop, prepare special drinks and install fun lights throughout the building.

"We get to ring in the New Year with our first Derby," Mullah said.

It was all in preparation for their balloon drop above the dance floor at the stroke of Midnight. The party was hosted by Knob Creek and the DJs were DJ Q and DJ Goast, who performed from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

"Our DJ is going to do the countdown, sound guy is going to do the big pull, and we'll ring in the big year," Mullah said.

And just around the corner, at Fourth Street Live!, another musical performance sat up for the big night.

"This is just a great, a great spot to bring the community together," Aaron Henry, marketing manager for Fourth Street Live!, said.

Sunday night was Henry's third New Year's Eve in downtown Louisville.

"It's always a great time," Henry said.

They're expecting about 2,000 people at Fourth Street Live!

"With the ball drop being one spot in the city to celebrate like that happened Time Square sort of experience. You know, it's a great point to bring everyone out from across the entire city and just have a great time together and bring him out and celebrate," Henry said.

In addition, country music artist JD Shelburne was preparing for his own show at Mercury Ballroom — the tables were set, and music was being tuned hours in advance.

"This year my new album was out, we had a crazy busy year I was like 'let's do an in-person New Year's Eve show - it's time.' It's been a while since I did a new Year's eve show in person," Shelburne said.

As preparations were being made, everyone was exciting, getting ready to enjoy the final hours of Dec. 31, 2023.

"It's a good time to look back on everything we've done for 2023 and see what's next," Mullah said.

Sunday night, J Wagner and WDJX also hosted a New Year's Eve Party at the Mellwood Arts Center. It started at 9 p.m. and lasted until about 2 a.m.

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