Have you made plans for New Year’s Eve yet? There’s still time to find the prime spot to ring in the new decade; and we’ve already done the research for you. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly event, a budget-friendly event, a four-course meal, an open bar or a party with no cover charge, we’ve got you covered, Tampa Bay.
RELATED: Here's where to drink, eat and celebrate on Christmas Day around Tampa Bay
BUDGET-FRIENDLY
First Night St. Petersburg Watch downtown St. Petersburg become one gigantic block party at First Night St. Pete. This year’s event features an interactive art festival in South Straub Park; a circus show presented by the Movement Sanctuary in Williams Park; A Mad Hatters Tea Party at Déjà Vu Café; a Dundu Dole-Urban African Ballet Performance at the St. Petersburg History Museum; live music (The Petty Experience, Jay Camaro, and Uncle John’s Band) and midnight fireworks in North Straub Park. 4 p.m.-12 a.m. $12. Multiple locations in downtown St. Petersburg. firstnightstpete.com
Outback Bowl NYE Parade Ybor’s annual pirate and football-themed parade returns in all its glory. Get ready for bands marching, horns blaring and drums beating down Ybor’s 7th Avenue as the Minnesota Golden Gophers get ready to take on the Auburn Tigers. Afterward, head to one of Ybor’s many bars & clubs for an after-party of your own making. We recommend Prana for dancing and rooftop fireworks; Honey Pot, Southern Nights, or Bradley’s for the LGBT crowd; or Nirvana New Year’s at Crowbar for the 90s music lovers. 5:30 p.m. Free, bring money for parking. Along 7th Avenue. outbackbowl.com/events
NYE Laser Light Show at Sparkman Wharf Sparkman Wharf hosts its first-ever NYE Laser Light Show this year. Can’t stay up ‘til midnight? There’s a show every hour on the hour starting at 9 p.m. Get there early to enjoy live music and grub from one of ten different restaurants in the dining garden. John Palmer Claridge recommends the Vietnamese crispy spring rolls at BT in a box, the Hugh Heifer burger at Flock & Stock, tacos and street corn at Gallito Taqueria, the tostones at Montados, or the oysters and fries at Boat Run Oyster Company. 6 p.m.-12 a.m. Free; bring money for food, booze and parking. Sparkman Wharf, 615 Channelside Dr., Tampa. sparkmanwharf.com
NYE fireworks at Armature Works Celebrate NYE in the Heights at Armature Works. The midnight fireworks are free, and you can tailor the rest of the evening to your budget. With 18 food and drink options, you can spend anywhere from about $10 a dish at Heights Public Market to $85 for a four-course meal at Steelbach. Music begins at 9 p.m. 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Free; bring money for food, booze and parking. Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa. armatureworks.com
Light it up Clearwater. The NYE midnight fireworks return to Clearwater Beach this year with Light it up Clearwater. Bring your own chair, pack a picnic, and have money left over to pay your rent. 12 a.m. Free. Clearwater Beach. lightitupclearwater.com
FAMILY-FRIENDLY
Noon Year’s Eve at Armature Works Dying to bring your kids to Armature Works for NYE fireworks, but they’ll never make it to midnight? No problem. Armature Works’ Noon Year’s Eve event includes live music, a magic show, inflatable slides, a craft corner, a countdown to noon and a daytime fireworks show. Just don’t ask us how daytime fireworks work. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free, bring money for parking. Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa. armatureworks.com
New Yarrgh's Eve Booty Drop While other cities watch a disco ball drop at their New Year’s celebration, Tampa will watch a pirate’s treasure chest instead. A 320-foot-tall treasure chest will be 3-D projected in Curtis Hixon Park for a city-wide New Year’s celebration. 9 p.m. 600 N Ashley Dr., Downtown Tampa. tampagov.net/news/new-yarrghs-eve-booty-drop
Downtown Countdown at Glazer Children’s Museum Celebrate the New Year with your kids at Glazer Children’s Museum in downtown Tampa. With countdowns and celebrations every hour, you can pretend it’s midnight at 3 p.m., be home by 5 p.m., get fancy, leave the kids with the babysitter, and then celebrate NYE for real at one of the not-so-kid-friendly events on this list. Yup. That’s how you parent. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Included in General Admission. Glazer Children’s Museum, 110 W. Gasparilla Plz., Tampa. glazermuseum.org
First Kids Get your kids to St. Pete (before everyone starts drinking) for the kiddie version of First Night St. Pete. This educational event brings science shows, a giant sea creature procession, and a musical petting zoo to First United Methodist Church. 4-7 p.m. First United Methodist Church, 212 3rd St. N., St. Petersburg. firstnightstpete.com/first-kids
Library Puppet Show Mirror Lake Community Library has another great option for kids in St. Pete: an NYE-themed puppet show. 4:30 p.m, 5 p.m, 5:30 p.m, 6 p.m and 6:30 p.m. Mirror Lake Library, 280 5th St. N., St. Petersburg. firstnightstpete.com
TradeWinds children’s and teen’s NYE parties These happen at the same time as the adult party, so you can enjoy your NYE to the fullest without your kids around while your kids enjoy their NYE to the fullest without you around. It’s a win-win. 7 p.m.-12:30 a.m. $60 for the first child ages 4-12 and $30 for each additional, $50 for teens. TradeWinds Adventure Center, 5500 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. tradewindsresort.com/toastbythecoast
OPEN BAR
NYE at the MFA Enjoy First Night fireworks from the comfort of the Museum of Fine Arts with light bites, desserts, an open bar, coffee station, DJ, dancing, champagne and art. If you haven’t seen Jennifer Angus’s world of insects yet, this is your chance to explore all those cabinets of curiosity. Also on display: A festive Christmas tree decked out with handmade ornaments by Miami-based sculptor Brookhart Jonquil. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. $150 per person, $250 per couple. The Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg. mfastpete.org
NYE Gala at Armature Works This NYE event comes with a top-shelf open bar so drink up. Open bars aren’t cheap, but this might be the best one. You’ll be poppin’ bottles all night. With live music, dancing, late-night hors d'oeuvres and midnight fireworks over the Hillsborough River. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. $185 in advance or $250 at the door. The Gathering in Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa. nyeaw.com
Holiday Glamour at The Birchwood Celebrate NYE in style at The Birchwood. Your ticket gets you private and exclusive access to The Canopy Rooftop Lounge, where you’ll have a great view of the First Night fireworks at midnight. Enjoy the hors d'oeuvres, dinner buffet, open bar and live music in the Grand Ballroom while you wait. 8 p.m.-12 a.m. $135 plus sales tax and service charges. The Birchwood, 340 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg. thebirchwood.com
2020 DECADEnce New Year's Eve Party at Mandarin Heights As we enter a new decade, Seminole Heights cocktail bar Mandarin Heights celebrates with a decades-themed party. Each hour, they’re busting out a decade-specific cocktail and playing live music from that decade. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. $100 early bird tickets. INFO
WTR Pool & Grill’s NYE Bash with celebrity host Mario Lopez To open bar or not to open bar. This waterfront NYE event lets you choose. A general admission ticket grants access to inside and outside party areas and a view of the midnight fireworks display. They’ve booked three different DJs, including former Playboy Playmate DJ Kayla Collins, so get ready to dance the night away. Don’t want to dance all night? Gather your besties and buy a table. 9 p.m. $29 GA ticket, $59 VIP, $129 VIP plus an open bar, tables start at $99 (in addition to your ticket price). WTR at The Godfrey, 7700 W. Courtney Campbell Causeway, Tampa. wtrtampa.com/pool
The ROX NYE Party Tampa’s CURRENT Hotel hosts its inaugural NYE party at their ROX rooftop bar. Ticket includes access to a complimentary Moet champagne bar, a full cash bar, hors d'oeuvres and a 360 rooftop view of fireworks throughout Tampa Bay. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. $125 GA ticket, $200 GA ticket plus a four-hour select open bar. The CURRENT Hotel, 2545 N. Rocky Point Dr., Tampa. eventbrite.com
TradeWinds Toast by the Coast Rock cover bands Motel Funk and Bus Fulla Monkeys entertain at this beach resort NYE celebration with gourmet hors d’oeuvres buffet, an open bar, and a champagne toast at midnight. Afraid you’ll overdo it at the bar? Consider a package deal that includes a one night stay at the resort plus two tickets to the party. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. $125. TradeWinds Island Grand Ballroom, 5500 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. tradewindsresort.com/toastbythecoast
Dinner Under the Stars at Opal Sands See Clearwater Beach’s midnight fireworks display from Opal Sands Resort with live music, VIP food stations and an open bar. 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m. $135. Opal Sands Resort, 430 S. Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach. opalsands.com/activities/holidays
Gigglewaters’ NYE Parties We’re loving this choose-your-own-adventure style party at Gigglewaters in Safety Harbor. The dine-in theater is hosting two different New Year’s Eve parties. On one hand, you can celebrate the return of the 20s with Gloria West and the Gents at a Roaring 20s-themed NYE party. On the other hand, you can enjoy a four-course meal while watching the Rocky Horror Picture Show followed by the NYC ball drop in the theater. Both options feature an open bar. 1920s party 7 p.m.-1 a.m., Rocky Horror party 9:30 p.m.-1 a.m. $150. Gigglewaters, 737 Main St., Safety Harbor. gigglewaters.com/new-years-eve
NO COVER
The Crafty Squirrel’s NYE Crafty Cabaret Party As far as I can tell, there’s no cabaret or crafts at the Crafty Squirrel’s cabaret-themed NYE party. But there are drink specials and a DJ. Plus, if you get there before 11 p.m. there’s no cover. 10 p.m.-3 a.m. Free, bring money for drinks. The Crafty Squirrel, 259 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. INFO
The Independent Bar’s Annual NYE Bash DJ Tollbeard is spinning funk, disco and old school hip hop at this Seminole Heights dance party. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Free, bring money for beer. The Independent Bar & Café, 5016 N. Florida Ave., Tampa. INFO
Party like it’s 1999 at GenX Tavern Why look forward to 2020 when you can look back on the 90s at Tampa’s only 1980s and 1990s-themed restaurant and bar for free? 9 p.m. Free, bring money for drinks and food. GenX Tavern, 103 E. Jackson St., Tampa. INFO
New Year’s Eve at The Hall The Hall on Franklin rings in the New Year with aerialists, fire breathers, a live DJ and dancing. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Free, bring money for drinks and food. The Hall on Franklin, 1701 N. Franklin St., Tampa. INFO
Caledonia’s Rockin’ NYE Party Celebrate NYE at this Dunedin Brewery with beer, wine and music videos. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Free, bring money for beer. Caledonia Brewing, 587 Main St., Dunedin. INFO
FINE DINING
NYE at Meat Market Tampa Hyde Park Village’s hottest new steakhouse is hosting a NYE dinner to remember. Sink your teeth into a customizable four-course menu with optional wine or cocktail pairings for an additional fee. Bring your stolen credit card, because shit’s about to get expensive (CL does not advocate theft – it’s a joke). Seriously though, who can afford this? The menu isn’t posted yet, but for $250 a person (or $400 with wine pairings), I think it’s safe to assume they’re serving Tomahawk steak and gold-plated lobster. Perfect for the person in your life who’d spend $120,000 on a banana. Eat your hearts out middle class. 9 p.m. $250 per person, plus $150 per person for wine pairings or $100 per person for cocktail pairings. Meat Market Tampa, 1606 W. Snow Ave., Tampa. bit.ly/MeatMarketNYE
Caviar and Champagne at Flute & Dram We hear that champagne and caviar go together like peanut butter and jelly. See for yourself at Flute & Dram’s NYE Celebration. The downtown St. Petersburg Caviar, Champagne, and Whiskey Bar promises champagne bottle and caviar specials with live music by the Betty Fox Band and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Bring money for champagne and caviar. Flute & Dram, 234 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg. INFO
NYE Dinner at HEW Parlor & Chophouse The Fenway Hotel party is already sold out, but if you want to have a nice NYE dinner at the Fenway Hotel, that’s still an option (or at least it was when we wrote this). HEW Parlor and Chophouse offers a special four-course NYE meal with your choice of appetizer, soup or salad, entrée, side and dessert. For your entrée you have eight options, including Filet Mignon, New York Strip, Tomohawk Ribeye, Lobster “Thermidor,” and Duck prepared two ways. 5-10 p.m. $55-130. Fenway Hotel, 453 Edgewater Dr., Dunedin. INFO
NYE Dinner at Steelbach Headed to Armature Works this NYE? Treat yourself to a four-course meal at the restaurant Jon Palmer Claridge called “the crown jewel of Armature Works.” Choose from hot and cold gourmet appetizers like grilled oysters with lobster butter, smoked cauliflower and beef carpaccio. For your entrée, select from duck, ribeye, filet, or striped bass. Finish things off with a coconut and peanut butter cream puff or chocolate lava tart. 4 p.m.-12 a.m. $85. Steelbach, 1902 N. Ola Ave., Tampa. INFO
NYE Dinner at Ocean Prime The restaurant is set to offer special entrees on New Year’s Eve, including a broiled sea Bbass over lobster risotto with roasted red pepper cream and fennel herb salad. You can also toast to the new year with Ocean Prime’s signature Berries & Bubbles. Specialty features are available on Dec. 31, and the restaurant will be closed on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1. Reservations are enouraged. 2205 N. West Shore Blvd., Tampa. 813-490-5288.
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