Al Johnson’s

New Year’s Eve

Goat Drop

There’s a new way to ring in the New Year in Door County — and naturally, it involves a goat!

Join us at Al Johnson’s Stabbur Beer Garden in downtown Sister Bay on Thursday, December 31, 2026, for the first-ever Al Johnson’s New Year’s Eve Goat Drop, a festive celebration featuring live music, great food, cold beer, warm drinks and a spectacular midnight countdown.

The star of the evening? A giant, glowing goat that will be lowered toward Al Johnson’s famous grass-covered roof as the crowd counts down the final seconds of 2026!

It’s a uniquely Sister Bay way to welcome 2027, and we hope it’s the beginning of a wonderful new Door County tradition.

The fun begins at noon on New Year’s Eve, when our heated celebration tent opens at the Stabbur Beer Garden.

Spend the afternoon and evening enjoying food, drinks, live entertainment and the festive atmosphere of downtown Sister Bay. Whether you’re gathering with friends, celebrating with family or making a special trip to Door County for the holiday, the Goat Drop promises a memorable way to welcome the New Year.

And when midnight approaches, join the crowd for the big countdown as our illuminated goat makes its descent!

Make a Night of It in Sister Bay

There’s plenty happening around Sister Bay on New Year’s Eve, from skating, sledding and fireworks at the Sister Bay Sports Complex to holiday dining at the village’s many restaurants.

Make the Goat Drop part of your evening’s festivities, then head out to enjoy Sister Bay’s local nightlife after midnight.

The Fun Continues New Year’s Weekend!

Our celebration doesn’t end at midnight!

The heated Stabbur tent will reopen on Friday, January 1, and Saturday, January 2, from noon until closing, with food, drinks and sports on large-screen TVs throughout the tent.

It’s a great place to gather with friends, relax and enjoy the first weekend of 2027.

For generations, Al Johnson’s has been known for Swedish hospitality, Scandinavian traditions and, of course, the famous goats on our grass-covered roof.

Now we’re adding a new goat tradition — one that we hope will bring friends, families and visitors together in Sister Bay every New Year’s Eve.

As Al Johnson’s co-owner Rolf Johnson puts it:

“We love traditions in Door County, but every tradition has to start somewhere. We hope years from now people will be saying they remember coming to Sister Bay for the very first Goat Drop.”

Come celebrate with us and be part of Goat Drop history!

Watch this page for announcements about live music, food and drink specials, and additional New Year’s Eve activities.