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If they haven’t already, your party pals are bound to start asking about New Year's Eve plans and parties. Here’s how to snag tickets to sure-to-sell-out soirees and concerts—and maybe even save some cash in the process.
Hotel bashes
Crimson Lounge and Hotel Sax
Last year, the River North lounge and hotel’s combined party sold out, so this year, they’re spreading the love and throwing separate events—dance club revelry at Crimson Lounge and black-tie festivities in the Hotel Sax fourth floor ballroom and themed event spaces. Details are still being finalized, but both parties include appetizers, a top-shelf open bar and entertainment curated by new resident music director Paul Blair (DJ White Shadow).
LPYP New Year’s Eve
“Auld Lang Syne” it up in style with the Lincoln Park Young Professionals at a fancy-dress soiree that includes a premium open bar, wine tastings, martini stations, appetizers, desserts and a champagne toast.
Casual soirees
Chicago’s Largest Singles’ New Year’s Eve Party
Find someone new to kiss when the clock strikes twelve during group activities and dance-floor jamming to Top 40 and retro tunes. Festivities also include appetizers, party favors, a cash bar and a second chance to get lucky: $5,000 worth of door prizes.
New Year’s Eve at 10pin
Ring in 2010 sans fancy attire at this bowling party featuring an open bar, upscale appetizer buffet, party favors and a chance to “strike” back at winter by winning a trip to Jamaica.
Club fetes
New Year’s Eve at The Shrine
Start your own New Year’s fireworks on the dance floor with DJs 33 1/3 and Mark Fullaflava and keep the energy going with passed appetizers (8-11 p.m.), a cash bar and a complimentary midnight champagne toast. Swank it up with bottle service specials including $150 Ciroc vodka, Don Julio tequila and Nuvo sparkling liqueur.
New Year’s Eve at Manor and Stay
Who needs noisemakers when you can get more bang (for your buck, anyway) with two parties for the price of one? Admission to Manor and sister club Stay includes appetizers and a premium open bar at both spots. And if your New Year’s resolutions include saving money, book early—the price goes up incrementally as the date draws closer.
Concerts
Black Keys
Perhaps you’ve heard the blues-rock duo’s music featured as the theme song for HBO’s “Hung” or in promo ads for the CW’s “Gossip Girl.” This is your chance to catch all of their songs at once, but don’t wait too long—their 2008 performance at the Riviera sold out.
Girl Talk
More in the mood for a massive dance party? Solo artist (and ’08 Lollapalooza alum) Gregg Michael Gillis takes the best hooks from hip-hop, classic rock ’n’ roll and Top 40 hits to create high-energy remixes. Don’t delay your decision on this concert either: Girl Talk sold out two shows last year at Metro.
Julia Borcherts is a Metromix special contributor. Metromix@tribune.com
