Made plans yet for New Year's Eve? Well, if you're going over your list of options of parties in Manhattan, wait a minute: Party local! Who needs that island to the west of us to have a good time on New Year's Eve, when we have everything we need right here in Brooklyn?
Why stand in long lines in the freezing cold, only later to stand in the cold again for hours trying to hail a cab (all of which are taken)? Aintnobodygottimefordat!
This year, ditch the $300 tickets to party (that's so financially passé), and party local!
The Brooklyn Reader has compiled a list of the hottest New Year's Eve events around Central Brooklyn. From dinners, to dance parties, to champagne toasts, to fireworks, there's something for everyone going on.
This list is in order of "most affordable" to "least affordable:"
1. Want to do something different? Don't want to spend any money? Don't mind the cold? Then come on out to Prospect Park for its annual NYE Concert, followed by an amazing fireworks display! The concert is held at Grand Army Plaza, and the fireworks will take place along Prospect Park West between Grand Army Plaza and Ninth Street. Prospect Park's Grand Army Plaza (Union St. between Flatbush Avenue and Prospect Park West), 11:00pm. How Much: Free
2. Awww, sookie! Looking to spend New Year's Eve in an R&B-Soulful kind of way? Do you feel like, if you hear another top-40 pop song, you might just jump out of an 8th floor window? Well no one does Brooklyn-soul, better than Brooklyn's legendary Sugar Hill. And yes, they will be throwing a NYE shindig all their own! Come check it out! New Years Even 2014, Club Sugarhill, 615 Dekalb Avenue. How Much: Free, no cover, but for reservations, call 718-797-1727.
3. New You Eve: The time of your life has arrived... Bring in the newness of YOU in the New Year, in the comfort of the beautiful Freebrook Mansion in Bed-Stuy. There will be plenty of beautiful faces, good times, good vibes, good food, and dancing-- everything you need will be in one spot! Music: Classics, House, Disco, Hip Hop, Afro-Beat, Electronic Soul by Deejay Reborn, Asen James, DJ Selly and DJ Rimarkable. Champagne and Cash Bar provided by Nucomme's Witches Brew Cocktails. Food for sale by Rimarkable Things We Eat! And the Sexy Chill Lounge sponsored by ArteRotica. FREE BEER from 9-11!!! Freebrook Mansion, 375 Stuyvesant Ave. 9:00pm — 4:00am. How Much: $15 all night (100 Early Bird $10 Presale Tickets available here).
4. Bedford Hall is proud to host its inaugural year-ending event, New Year's Eve 2013! Party with friends and family at Bed-Stuy's hottest and sexiest new lounge, Bedford Hall. The space's interior is designed to perfection, as though it was waiting for an NYE event all along Your ticket will get you great DJs, free food and a midnight champagne toast! Bedford Hall, 1177 Bedford Avenue, 9:00pm. How much: $30
5. It's New Year's Eve Gold! Yes, that's right: 14-karat, to be exact, baby! You're not going to believe this NYE deal: Come dressed in your best gold digs (although not required), and enjoy two floors of music by a surprise guest DJ; premium open bar from 9:00pm — Midnight, complimentary passed hors d'oeuvres and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight, while you watch the Times Square countdown on 3 large screens! Vodou Bar, 95 Halsey Street. How Much: FREE before 10:00pm; $40 after 10:00pm and $100 for the VIP lounge. You can't beat that with a bat.
6. Maybe you'd prefer to relax on NYE with a nice dinner, some music and a little extra imbibing, without the pressure of a "party" per se Well, head on over to Alice's Arbor for a NYE Dinner Date. They're hosting an NYE special night of their own: "Vintage Gotham Gala!" This Bedford-Stuyvesant eatery, located at 549 Classon Avenue (at Fulton Street), will transform into a classic New York City restaurant representative of the early 20th Century, with a focus on the 1920s. Special prix-fix menus all night with a staff and décor that will reflect that jubilant era, complete with a live DJ at 10:00pm spinning music that merges the jazz and the modern age. Go here to see their full prix-fix menu (and get ready for your mouth to water!) How Much; $55
fyi: (There are a ton of restaurants hosting NYE specials around Brooklyn. Go here and click Dec. 31 on the events calendar to see more)
7. Is your idea of a good time ditching the fancy digs and swanky parties to get sweaty on the dance floor? Well, you're in luck! For $60, you can spend your New Year's Eve with the FELA! Band, playing at the Knitting Factory, 361 Metropolitan Ave. Come hang out with DJ Rich Medina and the actor/performer Sahr Ngaujah, who inspired everyone to shout "Yeah Yeah" during FELA! the Broadway musical, as he brings his energy to Brooklyn for a special New Year's Eve music concert. (Shouting, singing and dancing encouraged!) Buy your tickets here.
8. Would you prefer a quiet evening with your honey? Well Barclays Center presents a New Year's Eve show of the 80s Balladeer Billy Joel for the romantic in you! Barclays Center, 620 Atlantic Avenue at Pacific Street, 8:00pm. How Much: $64.50 - $199.50. Go here to buy tickets.
9. Come out and enjoy a "1920s Paris New Year's Eve Party" in the Galapagos Art Space! It's The Great Gatsby meets Moulin Rouge! This party is loaded with lots of juicy entertainment, including Can-Can dancers, acrobats, aerialists, burlesque dancers and an open bar until 1:00am! Come dressed in your best flapper dress or 20s suit, and get ready to dance! Galapagos Art Space, 16 Main St. at Water Street in Dumbo, 9:30pm. How Much: $125
10. Celebrate "New Year's Eve Under the Bridge" at DVA Loft (160 Water St. between Pearl and Jay streets, 10:00pm. It's a loft party in Dumbo hosted by Custom Fit, complete with open bar, a champagne toast, bottle service, buffet, hookahs and a round of terrific DJs. Throw on your best digs, because this party is for the classy only! How Much: $50—$150 (VIP).
