2022 is upon us, even though it still feels like March 2020. If you want to ring in the hopefully-much-better New Year, there are multiple places in Cincinnati to do so. Here are just a few of the parties. (Also, a reminder that COVID cases are once again surging, so mask up and get your booster if you're heading out.)
New Year's Eve at Music Hall: Shaken Not StirredEnjoy the sounds of the Cincinnati Pops as you count down the minutes to 2022. Conductor John Morris Russell will lead the orchestra in a night of music that features "all things James Bond." 8-10 p.m. Dec. 31. $25-$115. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine.
New Year's Eve Blast on Fountain Square
Dance, skate and or drink on Fountain Square this New Year's Eve. Grab a cocktail from the bar, enjoy outdoor heaters, listen to DJ Tweet's tunes and watch a "dazzling light show." There will also be a photo booth, games, ice skating for $10 and a midnight fireworks show. 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Dec. 31. Free admission. 520 Vine St., Downtown.
Arlo McKinley Hometown New Year's Eve Show with Jeremy Pinnell
Before the ball drops check out some live music at the Madison Theater. Arlo McKinley is performing alongside special guests Jeremy Pinnell, Buffalo Wabs & The Price Hill Hustle and Nolan Taylor. The show begins at 8 p.m. Dec. 31. $35-$40 day of show. 730 Madison Ave., Covington.
Hot Magnolias at Arnold's Bar & Grill
Get jazzy at Arnold's Bar & Grill this New Years Eve. Cincinnati's New Orleans-style Jazz band The Hot Magnolias will be playing the night away at the city's oldest bar. Starting at 9 p.m. Dec. 31. Free admission. 210 E. Eighth St., Downtown.
New Years Eve at Lost & Found
Head to Lost & Found for music from DJs Firecat 451 and Sean G and $25 bottles of champagne. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Dec. 31. Free admission. 22 E. 14th St., Over-the-Rhine.
The FreakShow Deluxe at Bircus
FreakShow Deluxe brings sexy vaudeville sideshow antics to Bircus. Enjoy the show, fresh beer, woodfired pizza and a champagne toast. 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Dec. 31. $10 advance; $15 door; $25 guaranteed seating. 322 Elm St., Ludlow.
New Year's Eve at Somerset
Somerset will have three DJs — Matty Joy, DJ Rah D and Druskii — plus a free champagne toast at midnight. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Dec. 31. Free admission. 139 E. McMicken Ave., Over-the-Rhine.
New Year's Eve at Tokyo Kitty
Dance the night away at Tokyo Kitty with DJ Mr. Fantastic. There will be giveaways, a photo op, champagne toast at midnight and private rooms to rent. Look for a special Belvedere vodka cocktail menu. 8:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Dec. 31. Free admission. 575 Race St., Downtown.
Lady Gaga-Themed NYE at Hard Rock Casino
Calling all Little Monsters: Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati is throwing a New Year's Eve bash that will have you just dancing. The first 4,000 guests will get a free pair of Gaga-themed sunglasses. There will also be someone live painting Lady Gaga murals throughout Hard Rock, with a DJ and performance by band Cassette Junkies. The casino says they have also hired multiple Gaga lookalikes to pose for photos. 7 p.m. Dec. 31. 1000 Broadway St., Pendleton.
New Year's Eve with the Phil DeGreg Quartet
Head to Schwartz's Point Jazz Club for a buffet dinner and live music from the Phil DeGreg Quartet. Tickets include an Asian-fusion dinner, dessert, roses and a champagne toast at midnight, 7:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Dec. 31. $45 until Dec. 24; $50 at the door (if available). 1901 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine.
Gatsby's House NYE
Head to the Westin Hotel for a 1920s-themed party featuring an open bar, DJ, casino games and ballroom. Dress in your best zoot suit or flapper gear. VIP options available. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 31. Tickets start at $175. 21 E. Fifth St., Downtown.
Bubbles & Bow Ties at Igby's
This event at Igby's includes a champagne toast when you arrive, party favors and dancing. Dress in cocktail attire. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Dec. 31. $45. 122 E. Sixth St., Downtown.
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