2013 is almost here. Time to welcome the new year in style.
Where will you be celebrating on New Year's Eve?
Here are some suggestions of places to party in Martinez and beyond. If you have an idea of a fun New Year's Eve event, share the details in the comments below.
New Year's Eve Events in Martinez
Armando's in downtown Martinez will ring in the new year with a series of musical acts, food and drink. The party begins at 9 p.m.
The Barrel Aged restaurant will also welcome 2013 with a New Year's Eve party featuring live music, balloon drop and champagne toasts.
In Walnut Creek
The Walnut Creek Marriott is hosting a New Year's Eve bash starting at 7 p.m. Live music and champagne.
The Redux Lounge is celebrating the New Year with a party beginning at 9 p.m. Several musical acts, balloon drop and party favors.
In Pleasant Hill
Jack's restaurant in downtown Pleasant Hill will host its third annual New Year's Eve bash.
The party begins at 9 p.m. and includes a four-course dinner, music and dancing.
In Concord
- Agave Grill will be hosting a New Year' Eve bash on Dec. 31. The club is open until 4 a.m.
- The rock band Maria's Fault is ringing in the New Year at Vinnie's Bar and Grill.
- Red Hat Sports Bar has live music and a $5 cover New Year's eve, starting at 8 p.m.
- The Crowne Plaza Hotel is offering New Year's Eve packages that include dinner, entertainment and champage at midnight starting at $199.
Family-friendly New Year's Eve events
- The Chabot Space & Science Center in Oakland (10000 Skyline Blvd.) will hold its annual kid-friendly New Year’s Eve Balloon Drop. There will be three balloon drops — 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 4 p.m. — taking place for children of all ages. Keeping it eco-friendly, the 1,000 balloons will be turned into compost instead of ending up in a landfill. Space for the event is limited so hurry and call (510) 336-7373 to register.
- The Bay Area Discovery Museum in Sausalito will also host a kid-friendly Noon Year’s Eve Party. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., children will do a noon countdown, dance along to the museum DJ and create their own party hats. Tickets are $11 for children 6 months old and up.
New Year's Eve events in San Francisco
San Francisco is the go-to destination for New Year’s Eve revelers. With that said, taking public transportation will be your best bet. BART will run until 3 a.m. and San Francisco’s Muni system will provide free service from 8 p.m. on New Year’s Eve to 6 a.m. on Jan. 1, according to the San Francisco Travel Association. Here are just a few of the many events in the city:
- If you like large crowds — really, really large crowds — then celebrate the new year at San Francisco’s New Year’s Midnight Fireworks show. The free event will be held at Pier 14, with special BART service and free rides on San Francisco transit systems. Find out about the New Year’s Eve transit schedule here.
- Avoid the crowd with a romantic two-hour twilight cruise on the Red and White Fleet. Passengers will catch views of city and sunset, hear live music and enjoy appetizers and beverages. Tickets are $58 per person. For more information, visit www.redandwhite.com.
- Keep it classy with the New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball at Davies Symphony Hall. Michael Francis will lead the orchestra in a concert with waltzes and the Martini Brothers will kick things up with their big band sounds as party-goers dance the night away. Doors open at 8 p.m. with the concert starting at 9 p.m. Tickets range from $85 to $195. For more info, visit www.sfsymphony.org.
- A number of San Francisco hotels are also hosting New Year’s Eve events and special accommodation packages. In the more affordable bracket (in comparison to the $500 parties) is the Clift Hotel’s New Year’s Eve celebration, which features a premium bar, a “sexy vibe” and music from legendary hip-hop selector DJ Jazzy Jeff. Early bird tickets are $150.
New Year's Eve events beyond the big city
- Rock the boat at the USS Hornet’s New Year’s Eve Gala in Alameda. From 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., party-goers can enjoy live music from the 3 O’Clock Jump swing band, free dance lessons, a silent auction, food, drinks and a midnight countdown while taking in the sights of the Bay Area skyline. Guests will also be able to see the San Francisco fireworks from the deck, if the weather is clear. Tickets range from $45 to $85. For reservations and information, call 510-521-8448.
- Enjoy four parties in one at the ‘Rhythm 2013’ New Year’s Eve Party, held at the Domain Hotel in Sunnyvale. The event features four rooms with DJs spinning Top 40, hip-hop, Bollywood and Latin jams. Tickets are $50 per person in advance and $60 before 10:30 p.m. the night of the event. For more information, visit www.asulikeit.net.
- Get away from the big crowds and head to the Ahwahnee New Year’s Eve Dinner Dance at Yosemite National Park. The night includes a five-course dinner and dance. Formal black and white attire is encouraged. Tickets are $265.20 per person.
What are your New Year's Eve plans to ring in 2013? Comment below.
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