If you’re like any of my friends, you are completely scrambling right now to figure out your New Year’s Eve plans.
Alright, alright. I hear ya. TBD NYE is sold out and the Old Sacramento fireworks show is, well, in Old Sacramento. And you’re broke and don’t want to spend more than $30 on entry anywhere, because you’ll be spending way more on booze. I hear ya!
Here are some options, from least to most expensive:
Trapacana at Sidetrax: Wednesday night’s most reliably wild party is, of course, doing it big for New Year’s too. But instead of Badlands, look to Sidetrax for your trap—that’s a sort of bass-heavy, hip-hop-infused electronic dance music—and free champagne. And $1 drinks from 11 p.m. to midnight. Yes, this is by far the best deal apart from staying in your bedroom. Free. 10 p.m. 2007 K Street.
James Cavern & the Council at Pour House: It’s the local soul band’s last show ever, probably. Spirit of Saint Louis and Pressure Lounge will also play at this confetti-filled affair. Free. 9 p.m. 1910 Q Street.
DJ Rigatony at Starlite Lounge: Two floors, two bars and Top 40 music until 1:30 a.m. Champagne toast included. $5. 9 p.m. 1517 21st Street.
Lipstick at Old Ironsides: DJ Shaun Slaughter’s indie dance party is always a good time, with killer tunes by the likes of Radiohead, the Kinks and Yacht. Plus a live performance from local indie pop band Sunmonks. $10. 9 p.m. 1901 10th Street.
DJ Larry at Fox & Goose: Smoke, lasers, party favors and two balloon drops with funk, disco and reggae. Before DJ Larry, catch MC Ham and DJ Wokstar Reggae spinning. $10. 9 p.m. 1001 R Street.
Midtown Stomp at the Spotlight Ballroom: Two deejays will spin swing until 1 a.m. in a big ballroom for all your lindy hop desires. Toast with sparkling cider at midnight. $15. 8 p.m. 2534 Industrial Boulevard, suite 150 in West Sacramento.
TBD Afterparty at Midtown Barfly: See Fool’s Gold’s Oliver after he’s done at the TBD NYE block party, along with local EDM deejays J-Kraken and Cue22. It’s the New Year’s edition of Requiem Event’s popular monthly Throwdown event, so expect similar lasers, art, hoops and 18-year-olds. Plus bites from chef Kevin O’Connor. This one goes until 4 a.m. $15 for 21+, $20 for 18+. p.m. 1119 21st Street.
Stoney’s Rockin’ Rodeo: Probably the only party with free late-night biscuits and gravy. Cowboy dance lessons at 7 p.m., champagne toast, balloon drop and prizes at midnight. $20. 6 p.m. 1320 Del Paso Boulevard.
DJ Oasis at Momo: The ‘80s party at Harlow’s is just a tad too expensive to make this list, but right upstairs DJ Oasis will work his turntables all night. $20. 9 p.m. 2708 J Street.
Jellybread at Torch Club: Ring in the new year with funk and soul, courtesy of local guys Ideateam and Reno’s Jellybread. $25. 9 p.m. 904 15th Street.
Masquerade Ball at Faces: Dress to impress at Lavender Heights’ biggest dance hall, and get there early to gorge on the free buffet. Balloon drop and prizes at midnight. $25. 7 p.m. 2000 K Street.
“Well Groomed” at District 30: If you insist on the classic nightclub sort of New Year’s Eve, District 30's night isn’t terribly expensive. Expect a balloon drop, confetti, a champagne toast at midnight, desserts plus party favors. Goes until 3 a.m. $30. 9:30 p.m. 1022 K Street.
