So now that Christmas is over and you’ve opened all your presents and eaten all the turkey, ham and roast beef you can handle, your attention is likely focused on the other big winter holiday: New Year’s Eve.
The last night of the year may just be the biggest party night there is in the whole world, but many of you no doubt are still looking for something to do around here. After all, who can be bothered to sit down and plan New Year’s Eve when there are loads of Christmas festivities to tend to?
Luckily for you, we decided to track down some cool New Year’s Eve events and share them with you. Now this doesn’t include everything going on, just some of our top picks.
Whether you’re the kind of reveler who likes loud music, dancing, beer, wine, champagne – or all of the above – we’ve got something for you.
Oh yeah, and if you’re not of legal drinking age yet, don’t worry. This holiday isn’t just for grown-ups (unlike the less popular Tax Day). Although there’s not an abundance of kid-friendly activities going on, we found enough to keep the little ones – and their parents – happy.
Concord 250 / YMCA New Year’s Eve Gala
Concord 250 and the Concord Family YMCA will present Cheers to the Next 250 Years in the Grand Ballroom at the Grappone Conference Center starting at 7:30 p.m. It’s a way to send off Concord’s milestone birthday year with a bang.
The Freese Brothers Big Band Combo will kick off the night, with DJ Nazzy from WLNH keeping the dance floor hopping right into 2016. You’ll get a nice dinner of English cut prime rib, pecan crusted chicken, vegetable lasagna and more, topped off with a dessert and candy bar, then a complimentary champagne toast. You’re not going to want to miss that dessert and candy bar.
The pop-up Concord history gallery and lounge will return, and revelers can strike a pose with props in the free photo booth and take advantage of special room rates of $99 plus tax at the attached Courtyard Concord Marriott.
Prizes will be awarded for best costumes from the eras of 1920s, ’50s, ’70s, ’80s, and today/future.
Tickets are moving quickly; last year’s event sold out early, and tickets have been moving this year, too. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Tickets are available online at concordymca.org/nyegala, in person at Concord Family YMCA or by calling 228-9622. Tickets are $75 per person or $750 for a table of 10. All event proceeds benefit the YMCA’s Annual Campaign, making quality child care and wellness programs accessible to everyone in the community.
Happy New Year’s Sleepover
Do you and your special someone want to hit the town, but you don’t know what to do with little Billy and Susie at home?
Well, you can drop the kids off at Flipz Gymnastics and go out and enjoy the New Year like you should.
There will be games, open gym times, movies, inflatables, cargo nets, ropes, rings, trampolines and plenty more. All this fun costs only $35 per child, but kids have to be at least 6 to stay over. Kids ages 4 and 5 are welcome to just hang out for a little while.
Call 224-3223 for more information and to sign up.
Tandy’s First Night 2016
Are you more into the bar scene than the function hall scene? If so, Tandy’s First Night 2016 should be right up your alley.
The Eagle Square watering hole will have an island-themed buffet from 5 to 9 p.m. featuring the tropical sounds of acoustic wizard Frenchie. Starting at 9, there will be a black-and-white party, which has a strict dress code: Guys are asked to wear dress pants and shoes, a button-down shirt, tie and dress coat, and girls are asked to wear an evening dress or pant suit. Sorry, guys, you’ll have to leave your pant suits at home.
Admission is $16.99 per person for dinner only, or $23.99 per person for dinner plus the black-and-white party. To attend just the black-and-white party, where DJ Iceman Streetz will be rockin’ the joint, it’s $10 per person after 9 and $20 after 11 – so get there early if you want to save some of that cover charge money for refreshments and such.
There will also be prizes, raffles and giveaways, so there are plenty of reasons to show up.
Ring in the New Year at The Place Studio & Gallery
If you’d like to get in touch with your artistic side to ring in the new year, head over to The Place Studio & Gallery on North Main Street.
There will be a paint night from 8 to 10 for $30, with crafting and karaoke from 10 to midnight for $25. Or, if you’re feeling wild at the end of the year, do it all for just $45.
It’s a BYOB kind of deal, so you don’t have to worry about outrageous prices or poor selection or anything like that. You do, however, need to RSVP to 227-6148. Tell them the Insider sent you. It won’t get you a discount or anything, but it will be fun.
New Year’s Eve Opera Ball
Speaking of the arts, The Place isn’t the only artistic “place” in town doing something for the holiday. The Concord City Auditorium will also be in the mix.
The storied Piccola Opera will host its first annual New Year’s Eve Opera Ball at the Audi starting at 8 p.m.
“Piccola Opera is going all out to offer a one-of-a-kind event for audience members to enjoy,” said Johanna Landis, the newly hired executive director. “We will offer something for everyone – waltzing, opera, ballet, wonderful food – all in an interactive event which will usher in the New Year. We hope people will come and enjoy this elegant evening with Piccola Opera.”
There will also be a silent auction, and waltzing instructors will be available at the event. Ballet excerpts will be performed by Northeastern Ballet Theatre and reduced room rates at the Concord Holiday Inn are also available for those who want to spend the night.
Opera performers will include Jane Cormier, Carlos Martinez, Catherine Martinez, Ashley Noelle Therrien and Josh Collier, who recently sang “Tamino” in the 2015 Summer Festival production of The Magic Flute.
Tickets are available at piccolaopera.net for $40 (individual) or $75 (couple).
For more information, go to piccolaopera.net.
New Year’s Eve Countdown to 2016
So what if you have kids but you still want to go out for New Year’s Eve and you don’t want to leave them out? How about something Mexican that involves counting?
Margaritas wants families to come out and celebrate the New Year with them until the ball drops, or until the little ones get too tired – whichever comes first.
Beginning at 5 p.m., the restaurant will have a countdown each hour and will incorporate traditional Mexican New Year’s Eve customs that are fun for the whole family throughout the night.
All children will receive giveaways and activities to keep them entertained, while parents can enjoy a variety of adult beverages to add to their classic Margaritas meal.
¡Feliz año nuevo!
