There are plenty of parties, concerts, dances and special dining events to end 2017 with a bang and welcome in the New Year. Here are a few (including a couple New Year's Eve Eve celebrations).
New Year’s Eve Speakeasy — Party like its 1923. Dress like a flapper, don a fedora and indulge in an evening of martinis, sidecars and Jazz. There will be a swinging live band, appetizers and a champagne toast at midnight. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. $40; $50 at the door (if available). Know Theatre, 1120 Jackson St., Over-the-Rhine, citybeat.com.
New Year’s Eve Night at the Museum 3 — Head to the Contemporary Arts Center for an after-hours dance party featuring three DJs (Karnyge, Fusemania and Grayc) on three different floors. Includes a top-shelf open bar, party favors, a champagne toast at midnight and options to upgrade to VIP for early admission and a gourmet dessert. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. $100; $150 VIP. Contemporary Arts Center, 44 E. Sixth St., Downtown, contemporaryartscenter.org.
Glitter & Glam: An NYE Drag Spectacular — 21c hosts an evening of “high heels and high hopes” for the New Year. The party includes three drag shows, hosted by Jessica Dimon, plus a photobooth, dancing, light bites and drinks from Metropole. A portion of proceeds benefits Caracole. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. $35. 21c Museum Hotel, 609 Walnut St., Downtown, facebook.com/21ccincinnati.
The Rumpke Mountain Boys New Year’s Eve Ball — A two-night celebration with the Rumpke Mountain Boys and special guests Restless Leg String Band, David Gans, Old Salt Union and Pickin’ Pear. 7 p.m. Dec. 30 and 31. $15. 20th Century Theater, 3021 Madison Road, Oakley, the20thcenturytheatre.com.
New Year’s Eve at MadTree — There will be a private party in the barrel warehouse featuring beer, a full bar, dinner by the bite, a photobooth, guest band and music from DJ Maize. Includes a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets get you entry, two drinks, food, toast and a chance to win MadTree swag. A cash bar will serve beer, wine and booze all night long. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. MadTree, 3301 Madison Road, Oakley, madtreebrewing.com.
NSYC New Year’s Eve — Live music upstairs and downstairs with bands including The Dopamines, Tweens, Vacation, Mad Anthony, Honeyspiders and Delay. There will be a Rhinegeist tap takeover with a Rhinegeist Bubbles toast at midnight. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $7 presale; $10 day of. Northside Yacht Club, 4227 Spring Grove Ave., Northside, facebook.com/northsideyachtclub.
New Year’s Eve at The Rook OTR — Head to the board game parlor where game hosts will be leading and teaching games for open play throughout the night. There will be a big celebration at midnight with champagne and balloons. Tickets include food and drink specials. 8 p.m.-1:30 a.m. $16. The Rook OTR, 1115 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, facebook.com/therookotr.
NYE at Netherland Plaza — The hotel recreates its grand opening in 1931 with a Great Gatsby-style party featuring a buffet feast, sparkling wine centerpiece, music by the Queen City Serenaders and a DJ. There will be a midnight champagne toast and balloon drop, with awards for the best-dressed couple (men must wear jackets). 7 p.m.-1:30 a.m. $150. Netherland Plaza Hotel, 35 W. Fifth St., Downtown, eventbrite.com/e/nye-at-netherland-plaza-pavillion-caprice-party-tickets-39454822436.
New Year’s Eve Eve at Christian Moerlein Malt House Taproom — The Lübecker and Christian Moerlein Brewing Co. celebrate New Year’s Eve a night early at the Malt House Taproom with a German buffet, live music from Blind Faith, brewery tours and beer. Tickets include a buffet featuring brezeln, käsedip, bierwurst and sauerkraut, beer sausage, sauerbraten, German marinated beef roast and gravy, spätzle and more. The Lübecker is a group of individuals who are on a mission to bring authentic German food back to downtown Cincinnati. 7-10 p.m. Dec. 30. $25. Christian Moerlein Malt House Taproom, 1621 Moore St., Over-the-Rhine, facebook.com/christianmoerlein.
Black Light Ball — Urban Artifact hosts a ball featuring wild colors and black lights in the upstairs Sanctuary, which will be transformed into a glowing wonderland. Wear your best neon and glow-friendly wardrobe. There will be performances from DJ Bit Flip, Urban Artifact beer, wine, cocktails and a midnight toast. Open bar tickets get you access to upstairs, downstairs and alcohol. 8 p.m. $65; $15 designated driver. Urban Artifact, 1660 Blue Rock Road, Northside, artifactbeer.com.
Cheer the New Year at Rhinegeist — The brewery is transforming the taproom into a cozy space overflowing with food and drink. There will be food from Sartre OTR, music from DJ Matt Joy and Jess Lamb and The Factory, as well as a photobooth, lounge seating and a midnight countdown with balloon drop. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. $20 presale; $25. Rhinegeist, 1910 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, presale at bit.ly/2niQ7Cu.
Bill NYE Bash at 16-Bit — The second-annual Bill NYE Bash features Bill Nye the Science Guy-themed cocktails, party shots, a Science Guy marathon and limited-edition hypercolor T-shirt giveaways. 7 p.m.-3 a.m. Free admission. 16-Bit, 1331 Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine, 16-bitbar.com/cincy.
Happy Zoo Year — Count down 2018 a little early this year at the Cincinnati Zoo. The event is great for the whole family, accompanied by activities, music and fun. The New Year countdown begins promptly at 8:55 p.m., followed by a Rozzi’s Famous Fireworks display. 5 p.m. $18 adults; $12 children and seniors. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Avondale, cincinnatizoo.org.
New Year’s Eve Blast at Fountain Square — Start 2018 off by celebrating the end of the year on the square and ice rink. Dance with friends and enjoy food from rink-side vendors. Games will be available for children or adults who act like children (we don’t judge). Rozzi’s Famous Fireworks explode over downtown at midnight. 6 p.m.-1 a.m. Free admission; $6 skate admission; $4 skate rental. Fountain Square, Fifth and Vine streets, Downtown, myfountainsquare.com.
Midnight in Munich — Mecklenburg Gardens' annual NYE party rings in the German New Year during midnight in Munich (6 p.m. Zinzinnati time) with an authentic buffet and roasted pig dinner, champagne toast, balloon drop and a live stream of the fireworks at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. 4-9 p.m. $12-$35. Mecklenburg Gardens, 302 E. University Ave., Corryville, eventbrite.com/e/midnight-in-munich-2017-tickets-39626787789.
New Year’s Eve with ISWHAT?!, BioniC, Stallitix and DJ Apryl Reign — Head to MOTR Pub for a NYE bash featuring live music from all of the above. 10:30 p.m. Free, MOTR Pub, 1345 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, motrpub.com.
New Year’s Eve Celebration: Legendary Shack Shakers and The Tillers — Features sets from the Legendary Shack Shakers and The Tillers. Party favors and champagne toast are provided. 9 p.m. show. $18-$20. Southgate House Revival, 111 E. Sixth St., Newport, Ky., southgatehouse.com.
Q102 New Year’s Eve at the Newport Syndicate — Features DJ Mark McFadden and The Rusty Griswolds with bonus dinner, drinks and party favors. 7 p.m.-1 a.m. Tickets start at $80. Gangsters Dueling Piano Bar, 18 E. Fifth St., Newport, Ky., cincyticket.com.
Lure: A New Year’s Eve Masquerade — An evening of “enigma, elegance and excitement.” Grab a mask and dress to impress (a limited number of masks will be available upon entry) for a dance party with music by DJ Prymtime, DJ Blaze, DJ HD and DJ Bandcamp. General admission includes entry and a complimentary drink ticket. Upgrade to VIP for an open bar, premium seating and a catered buffet. Cash bar available. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $60; $100 VIP. Memorial Hall, 1225 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, memorialhallotr.com.
New Year’s Eve with Kathy Wade & Friends — Celebrate the New Year with Jazz greats Kathy Wade, Phil DeGreg, Chris Berg, John Taylor and Ron Jones. Includes a complimentary buffet, free valet parking and midnight champagne toast. 9 p.m.-midnight. $30; $50 per couple. The Greenwich, 2442 Gilbert Ave., Walnut Hills, the-greenwich.com.
New Year's Eve Bash at Brink Brewing — There's an all-day party at Brink. Bands start at 1 p.m. and go until the ball drops at midnight. It's low-key and festive with food from SEA Cuisine food truck. Special brews will be released throughout the night with a toast at midnight. Noon-1 a.m. Free admission. Brink Brewing Co., 5905 Hamilton Ave., College Hill, brinkbrewing.com.
NYE at QCE — Queen City Exchange offers an open bar, dinner buffet and a DJ all night with a champagne toast at midnight. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $100. Queen City Exchange, 32 W. Court St., Downtown, eventbrite.com/e/nye-at-qce-tickets-39993187701?aff=efbevent.
Cluster Puck at Mixwells — DJ Puck Dunaway heads to Mixwells for mashups, smashups and danceable Rock/Soul/Pop all night. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Free admission. Mixwells, 4169 Hamilton Ave., Northside, facebook.com/events/1625505690829749.
Throwback NYE at Bauer Farm Kitchen — Chef Jackson Rouse digs into Cincinnati's historical food heritage to create a prix fixe menu featuring four courses with optional wine flights. Inspiration is taken from the 1950s, mixing German, Austrian and French flavors. $85; $15 wine pairings. Bauer Farm Kitchen, 435 Elm St., Downtown, bauercincinnati.com.
Dapper New Year's Dining and Dancing — Head to Hotel Covington for an evening of dinner and dance. It's a VIP experience with a seven-course menu plus an open bar. There's also a non-dinner option available for less with drink specials and a champagne toast. 7 p.m.-1 a.m. $250 VIP; $15-$25 general. Hotel Covington, 638 Madison Ave., Covington, Ky., facebook.com/events/1033572783449249.
Taft's New Year's Bash — The party features two options: a mezzanine table with a welcome beverage, a special beer (tapped at midnight), live music and a buffet; general admission includes all of that sans a reserved table. 7 a.m. $100 mezzanine; $50 general. Taft's Ale House, 1429 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, eventbrite.com/e/tafts-new-years-bash-18-tickets-40912109220.
Hustle into 2018 — Head to Turfway Park for an evening of live racing, followed by a DJ and free concert by Gee Your Band Smells Terrific. Dress in your best 1970s throwback gear. Upgrade reservations include options for a buffet dinner, champagne toast, assorted party favors and more. 6:15 p.m. Free admission; optional VIP for $25-$85. Turfway Park, 7500 Turfway Road, Florence, Ky., turfway.com.
New Year’s Eve 2017 with the Pops — Join John Morris Russell and the Cincinnati Pops for a bewitching entrée into 2018. Features the Jazz stylings of vocalist Morgan James of Postmodern Jukebox singing songs like “I Put a Spell on You,” “The Look of Love” and “Mambo Italiano.” It’s a sophisticated evening with music and cocktails. 8 p.m. $25-$115. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, cincinnatisymphony.org.
New Year’s Eve at Igby’s: An Elegant Affair — Toast 2018 with a special bottle of Perrier Jouet Grand Brut Champagne for just $65. Includes party favors and music from DJ Ice Cold Tony. Wear cocktail attire. 9 p.m.-2:30 a.m. $33.82. Igby’s, 122 E. Sixth St., Downtown, facebook.com/igbys.
New Year’s Eve Yoga + Meditation — Patrick Borders leads two daytime classes to end 2017 and welcome the New Year. There is a morning Vinyasa class followed by a Sadhana Service with breath work, meditation and discussion. 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. By donation. World Peace Yoga, 268 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, facebook.com/worldpeaceyogah.
New Year’s Eve Pop-Up Champagne Bar — There will be a pop-up champagne bar with caviar at Corkopolis. Available by the glass until 10 p.m. 6-10 p.m. Prices vary. Corkopolis, 640 Main St., Downtown, facebook.com/corkopolis.
New Year’s Eve Ball at Mt. Adams Pavilion — Party includes party favors, a champagne toast and a complimentary hors d’oeuvres buffet, plus DJs on two levels. Cocktail attire preferred. VIP available. 9 p.m.-2:30 a.m. $40; $50 at the door (if available). Mt. Adams Pavilion, 949 Pavilion St., Mount Adams, facebook.com/mountadamspavilion.
New Year’s Eve at Salazar — Features a five-course menu with optional wine pairings. Seatings at 5-5:30 p.m., 7:30-8 p.m. and 10-10:30 p.m. $90; $45 optional wine pairings. Salazar, 1401 Republic St., Downtown, facebook.com/salazarcincinnati.
CincyHop NYE — Swing into 2018 with CincyHop, Cincinnati’s Swing Dance Exchange. Things kick off with beginner Swing Dance lessons, followed by social dancing, a crowd-judged dance competition and a champagne toast at midnight. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. $10. Harmony Lodge, 646 E. Epworth Ave., Saint Bernard, cincyhop.org/index.php/new-years-eve-dance.
New Year’s Eve Cruise — Hop aboard a BB Riverboat and take in the sparkling Cincinnati skyline as you cruise into the New Year. The evening includes a three-entrée buffet, late-night snacks and party favors. 8 p.m. boarding; 9 p.m.-1 a.m. sailing. $105; $65 children. BB Riverboats, 101 Riverboat Row, Newport, Ky., bbriverboats.com.
New Year’s Eve NOIR & Beat Faction — NOIR is dance night featuring ’80s Alternative, New Wave, Goth, Industrial and New music, presented by The Pandor Society setampunk group. 10 p.m. $5. Southgate House Revival Revival Room, 111 E. Sixth St., Newport, Ky., southgatehouse.com.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks at the Cyclones — A family-friendly way to ring in 2018 eary6 p.m. puck drop. Tickets start at $15. U.S. Bank Arena, 1000 Broadway, Downtown, cycloneshockey.com.
New Year’s Eve Dinner — Ring in the New Year with a special tasting menu, cocktails, bubbly and live music from Todd Hepburn. Guests get hats and noisemakers. 5 p.m.-midnight. BrewRiver GastroPub, 2062 Riverside Drive, East End, brewrivergastropub.com.
Cincy Rockers’ New Year’s Eve — Cincy Rockers classic cover band “rocks the decades” with music from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Venue includes a large dance floor, New Year’s hats and horns and a champagne toast at midnight. You’re welcome to bring your own snacks, but beer, wine and mixed drinks will be available for purchase. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. $25. Patriot Center of Cincinnati, 6660 Clough Pike, Blue Ash, cincyrockers.com.
Donauschwaben Silverstanz NYE — The Cincinnati Donauschwaben Society hosts a German-inspired NYE party with appetizers, music from Alpen Echos and a cash bar. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. $25. Cincinnati Donauschwaben Society, 4290 Dry Ridge Road, Colerain, cincydonau.com.
New Year’s Eve at Vinoklet — Head to the winery for a dinner buffet, dancing and entertainment from DJ Dave King and the Kristian Charles Experience, plus party favors and a midnight champagne toast. 7:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Currently sold out. Vinoklet Winery, 11069 Colerain Ave., Colerain, vinokletwines.com.
New Year’s Eve at Restaurant L — Fine dine your way into 2018 with two seatings to accommodate your New Year’s plans. The first includes three courses and the second includes five. 5:30 or 6 p.m.; 9, 9:30 and 10 p.m. $125 first seating; $175 second seating. Restaurant L, 301 E. Fourth St., Downtown, lcincinnati.com.
Top O’ Kentucky Boogie Club — This gala features music, dancing and dinner. Top O’ Kentucky is an association that specializes in East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Caroline Shag, Bop and Jitterbug. 7:30 p.m. $45. Gardens of Park Hills Vista Room, 1622 Dixie Highway, Park Hills, Ky., topofky.com.
New Year’s Eve at Perfect North Slopes — Ring in the New Year at Perfect North Slopes. Welcome 2018 with a bang by skiing, snowboarding and watching a torchlight parade before fireworks at midnight. 8 p.m.-midnight. $29-$52. Perfect North Slopes, 19074 Perfect Lane, Lawrenceburg, Ind., perfectnorth.com.
Howl at the Moon NYE 2018 — Welcome 2018 with a strike. Dance the night away, grab some appetizers and enjoy a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. With the general admission ticket, partygoers also get two complimentary premium drinks. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. $35. Howl at the Moon, 145 Second St. E, Downtown, eventbrite.com/e/new-years-eve-2018-at-howl-splitsville-cincinnati-tickets-38086339266.
New Year’s Eve at Home Base Tavern — VIP packages include cocktails, food buffet, party favors and champagne at midnight with tunes from DJ JoJo Kayi. 9 p.m.-2:30 a.m. $30 single; $45 couple. Home Base Tavern, 2401 Vine St., Clifton, searchable on facebook.
New Year’s Eve Skate — An all-ages NYE bash featuring roller skating and balloon drops (with prizes). 7 p.m.-1 a.m. $10; includes hat, horn, noisemaker, balloons a leis and more. Beechmont Rollarena, 3988 Commercial Blvd., Beechmont, facebook.com/beechmontsk8.
New Year’s Eve at The Stretch — Tickets include admission, party favors, access to a donut bar (!), champagne toast at midnight and DJs. Watch the ball drop live on the big screen. 9 p.m.-2:30 a.m. $20. The Stretch, 191 E. Freedom Way, Downtown, facebook.com/thestretchcincy.
