A roundup of New Year's Eve celebrations in and around Sacramento where you can ring in 2015
With mere hours remaining in 2014, it’s getting down to the wire for revelers making last-minute plans for New Year’s Eve. If you’re among them—whether you’re looking for a place to dance the night away or enjoy a low-key dinner with friends or catch a fireworks show—consider these 10 local spots to make the most of ringing in 2015.
TBD NYE Block Party
With eight scheduled musical acts (including Sister Crayon, Oliver, Gigamesh and the headliner A-Trak), Launch will usher in 2015 with festivities in midtown on 20th Street (between J and K). LowBrau, Block Butcher Bar and other establishments along the MARRS retail corridor will serve a variety of house cocktails and other offerings for a lively party, while complimentary bike valet services from Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates will let New Year's revelers leave the car (and the parking headaches) at home. $45-$99. 6 p.m. LowBrau. 1050 20th St. 706-2636. eventbrite.com
15th Annual Sky Spectacular Fireworks Show
New Year’s in the Capital City wouldn’t be complete without sparks flying in Old Sacramento. This year, organizers spent more than 50 hours choreographing two firework shows to tunes that will be simulcast on Star 106.5 and 96.9 The Eagle, so nearby viewers can enjoy the show whether sitting on their front porch or relaxing along the riverfront. A 3-D game truck with multiple TV screens and game consoles, balloon artists and live performances will keep kids and families entertained between shows as well. Shows at 9 p.m. and midnight. Old Sacramento Waterfront. 922 2nd St. 808-7777. nyesacramento.com
New Year’s Swing
At this event hosted by the dance enthusiasts at Midtown Stomp, anyone from young to old or novice to expert can grab a partner and swing or lindy hop into the New Year. Although the dance is scheduled to end at 1 a.m., the DJ is known to keep the music playing by request for an enthusiastic crowd. $12 in advance. $15 at the door. Spotlight Ballroom. 2534 Industrial Blvd. West Sacramento. 221-1500. midtownstomp.com
Roller King
Youngsters and families can skate into 2015 at this Roseville roller rink, where kids can compete for prizes and participate in the balloon drop at midnight. A donation and canned food contribution (benefiting the Roseville Salvation Army) gets you admission, a skate rental and choice of food from the snack bar. $10 donation. 7 p.m. Roller King. 889 Riverside Ave. Roseville. 783-0918. rollerkingroseville.com
Sacramento New Year’s Eve Party
Three dance floors and live music from Nunchuck Taylor and Groove Thang Band will ensure that everyone can find a place to get down with friends at this yearly event hosted by the Professionals Guild. Every guest gets two free drinks from the bar with admission, unlimited champagne refills and plenty of noise makers and confetti poppers to count down the New Year. $75 in advance. $85 at the door. 8:30 p.m. Hilton Hotel Arden West. 2200 Harvard St. 800-838-3006. pguild.com
RiverTrain New Year’s Eve Dinner
All aboard the Sacramento RiverTrain, where friends and family can relax on a leisurely 28-mile ride near the riverbank while enjoying a halibut, beef tenderloin or lamb dinner. Afterward, guests can roam the train and—as the clock strikes midnight—raise a champagne toast in the patio car-turned-dance floor before returning to the station to begin a fresh new year. $100. 400 North Harbor Blvd. West Sacramento. 800-866-1690. sacramentorivertrain.com
Noon Year’s Eve: A Free Family Festival
Little ones who may be tuckered out by midnight can still celebrate at this free party on Dec. 31 at the Crocker Art Museum, where magicians, Native American dancers, mariachis and more will help families and local art lovers alike ring in the New Year. Father Time will hand out wishes throughout the morning in preparation for the countdown and piñata drop at noon, when the museum will transform into a dance floor for visitors who feel like busting a move. Free. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Crocker Art Museum. 216 O St. 808-7000. crockerartmuseum.org
2014 Last Laughs
End 2014 on a funny note at Punch Line’s last two acts of the year, featuring some favorite local comedians like Kelly Pryce, Ray Molina, Cheryl “Soccer Mom” Anderson, Mary Van Note and Johnny Taylor, who will be basing their sets off highlights from the year. Those who stick around for the 10 p.m show will get to countdown the New Year with a midnight toast and dancing afterward. $20. Shows at 7:30 and 10 pm. Punch Line Comedy Club. 2100 Arden Way. 925-5500. punchlinesac.com
Stoney’s Eighth Annual NYE Bash
For those feeling a little bit country, shuffle and sidestep your way into 2015 at Stoney’s annual line-dance bash. A free lesson on the cowboy cha cha will help novices prepare for a night of dancing to popular country hits on Stoney’s newly renovated dance floor, ending in a balloon drop, champagne toast and a late-night biscuits and gravy feast. $20. Doors open at 6 p.m., lesson at 7 p.m. Stoney Inn. 1320 Del Paso Blvd. 927-6023. stoneyinn.com
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