Finally, the light at the end of the tunnel; 2021 is around the corner, and Tampa Bay is pulling out all the stops to make sure we ring in the new year with booze, music, fireworks and even roller coasters. Here are some NYE options outlined with ways organizers are trying to keep festivities safe for guests and staff. But at the end of the day, it will be at your own discretion if crowd control is getting a little too dicey. Be smart, keep your distance and bring a mask. Snag your RSVPs, lineup your designated driver (or download a rideshare app) and prepare to give 2020 the boot.
Armature Works The food hall’s third annual New Year's Eve celebration will be pandemic party-friendly with outdoor festivities. Bring the gang to countdown 2021 and enjoy a riverfront concert and fireworks display over the Hillsborough River. General admission gets you access to satellite bars and the AW residents. VIP tickets get you prime fireworks viewing on the pier, VIP seating and tables, a private bar and restroom, a complimentary champagne toast at midnight, access to the hydration station, and a swag bag with an Uber ride pass. This year the event will be ticketed and held at less than 50% capacity to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines and social distancing. The event space can fit up to 3000-plus people, but for this event, tickets will be limited to 600. $20-$75. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa. eventbrite.com
Black Dress NYE Party Hosted by Queen B of 95.7 the Beat alongside some special guests, attendees can party indoors or out on Nova 535 courtyard. If you’ve been dying for an excuse to dress up after all of the quarantine madness, now is your time. GA ($20) gives you access to the downstairs and the courtyard, while VIP ($40) allows you to roam upstairs. If you have a group, you can snag a table package. The event reads, "We have over 10,000 square feet of space and the best looking courtyard for those that aren’t ready to party indoors." CL sent a message regarding capacity and the number of tickets sold to the venue's information line and will update this post with any news. $20-$350. 10 p.m.-3 a.m. 535 Dr. MLK Jr. St. N., St. Petersburg. eventbrite.com
The Blind Goat This New Year’s Eve party is a dress to impress event, so ditch the sweats and prepare to party (maybe fix that quarantine cut). All attendees are encouraged to wear a mask unless seated. All servers and bartenders during the event will be wearing masks for the duration of the evening. For the “buffet,” all dishes will be pre-plated for safety purposes. If needed The Blind Goat can supply any guest with a mask upon request. The restaurant says it's hosting ample seats and tables outside. The staff will pour champagne for all attendee's starting at 11:50 pm. The Blind Goat has stayed up to date on all COVID-19 cleaning precautions and receives bio-fogging weekly to ensure all surfaces have been sanitized properly. $75-$100. 8 p.m.-3 a.m. 4106 Henderson Blvd., Tampa. eventbrite.com
Busch Gardens New Year’s Eve Celebration Shake that shitty 2020 energy off by riding rollercoasters like Sheikra and Tigris. The theme park will also stage seasonal live performances for guests of all ages like "Elmo’s Christmas Wish" (during the day) and "Christmas on Ice" before the fireworks pop off at night. In order to manage capacity and maintain physical distancing, the event will have two reservation sessions; a separate reservation is required for show and fireworks viewing. $95.99. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. or 6 p.m.-1 a.m. 10165 McKinley Dr., Tampa. buschgardens.com
Chill Year's Eve on the Riverwalk Tampa Total Request Live (TTRL) hosts Zachary Hines and Roxanne Gallo have enlisted in local talent to perform including singer-songwriters Ari Chi, His Hem and Rebekah Pulley and comedian Steve Miller. The event's release read's "While emphasizing health and safety and mandating socially distanced seating configurations and the wearing of masks, The Straz is bringing the campus back to life with the introduction of programming opportunities that utilize our Riverwalk Stage to create experiences that feature an eclectic bunch of artists and welcome all members of our diverse community. A full list of safety protocols is outlined at strazcenter.org." 9 p.m. Tickets are $60, $45 and $30 (tables of 4, 3 and 2 respectively) and are available by calling (813) 229-7827 or (800) 955-1045 outside Tampa Bay or online at strazcenter.org. Straz Center Riverwalk Stage, 1010 N. Macinnes Pl, Tampa.
Datz's Annual New Year's Day Pajama Brunch Planning for the morning after? No need to get dolled up for this brunch outing. Pop on your loungewear and or footie pajamas and get a little hair of the dog with your eats like Datz Good Hash, spiced apple pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and more. In addition to their lineup of classic brunch cocktails, Datz will also serve up mocktails like the Cinny Bunny, Pombre, or Fire & Ice for those participating in Dry January in 2021. All tables are socially distanced, and masks are required to enter and while moving about the restaurant. Reservations are encouraged. Check out Datz's website for menu prices. Various locations: Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Riverview. datztampa.com
Don Cesar The celebration is going down in the hotel’s newly renovated lobby bar with DJ Coro and "American Idol" contestant, Kayla Ember. The event will abide by county ordinance 20-14, requiring attendees to be seated for food and beverage service, walk-up service is not permitted. All patrons must wear face coverings indoors except when seated and dining, and practicing social distancing. Table and bar seating must be spaced so that groups are separated six feet from others. Tickets begin at $75. 9 p.m. 3400 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. eventbrite.com
Downtown Countdown This Glazer Museum festivity doesn’t require you to keep the kids awake until midnight to celebrate. You can, however, tire them out so the babysitter has an easier time. Let your kids explore the Glazer Museum’s elaborate family play projects, and get some last-minute playtime in at the Gingerbread Village hands-on exhibit. The interactive museum follows strict cleaning protocols, has reminders to socially distance posted throughout the space and requires masks to be worn on guests five and up. Event is included with admission. $13-$15. 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. 110 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa. glazermuseum.org
Fire & Ice Jackon’s Bistro, Bar & Sushi is hosting this bash and will end the night with a massive firework show (same as American Social as the concepts are neighbors). Tickets include a complimentary midnight champagne toast, party favors and multiple balloon drops. There will also be a DJ on-site, special entertainment and access to the restaurant’s outdoor area for some open-air moments. The capacity has been lowered in order to assist with social distancing. Masks are required for entry and when moving about the restaurant. $50-$150. 10 p.m.-3:30 a.m. 601 S. Harbor Island Blvd., Tampa. eventbrite.com
Hair of the Dog Sparkman Wharf is on standby to cure your hangover the morning after with giveaways sprinkled throughout New Year's Day. On the :21 minute of the hours beginning at 11:21 a.m. vendors are giving away prizes like free coffee from Blind Tiger, waffle fries from Flock and Stock, and free bowling games from Splitsville. The park is following strict safety guidelines recommended by the CDC and the City of Tampa. Free admission, bring dough for food and drinks. 615 Channelside Dr., Tampa. sparkmanwharf.com
Midnight Mask-erade The 5th Annual New Year's Eve Party at Bizou returns and it has plenty of safety precautions on the agenda. Masks are mandatory when entering the lounge, staff in gloves and masks, as well as sanitizer stations, will work throughout the space. Expect fire acts, music, photo booths, and a champagne fountain. This event is 21 and up. $25. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Bizou Brasserie, 601 N. Florida Ave., Tampa. eventbrite.com
Missed Holidays 2020 American Social has tapped DJs to spin inside and out on its patio to get guests amped up for 2021. You’ll basically be partying to make up for all of the missed holidays throughout 2020 due to COVID-19. Tickets include an open bar from 9 p.m.-1 a.m., complimentary champagne toast at midnight as well as prime views of a massive fireworks display. The restaurant will be using QR code menus and has sanitation stations throughout the space. Additionally, minimal GA tickets are being sold to account for social distancing and there will be distanced VIP tables and sections so guests can comfortably and safely view the fireworks. A rep confirmed that, "American Social will be following all the recommended guidelines set for Tampa." $150 until Dec. 26, $200 afterwards. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. 601 S. Harbour Island Blvd., Tampa. eventbrite.com
NYE Bar Crawl Top Shelf Crawls leads attendees throughout downtown St. Pete for this NYE celebration. The crawl kicks off at Whiskey Exchange and carries on to Pour Judgement, Crafty Squirrel and One Night Stand. GA tickets include drink specials while VIP includes a souvenir champagne flute, a welcome party champagne bottle, as well as early check-in. CL has not vetted the COVID-19 safety measures for this event. $19.99/-$24.99 VIP. 6 p.m.-midnight. 540 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. eventbrite.com
NYE Beach Bash Ring in the new year Florida-style, with your toes in the sand and a cold one in your hand. Whiskey Joe’s is hosting two stages with live music, a champagne toast at midnight and party favors. There will also be a fireworks show at midnight. Want your own space? Reserve a six-person palapa package for an additional charge. Bring your mask and follow social distancing guidelines. $20-$25. 7 p.m.-1 a.m. 7720 W. Courtney Campbell Causeway, Tampa. eventbrite.com
NYE Comedy Night Motorworks Brewing is hosting a night of stand-up. Sip on brews, and watch Best of the Bay-winning comedian Johnny B. take the stage. Tables are socially distanced for guests safety and comfort, masks are required for entry and while moving around the brewery. $10-$15. 9:30 p.m.-1:15 a.m. 1014 9th St. W., Bradenton. eventbrite.com
NYE Countdown This event will be the unveiling of the brand new Grove Theater, Bistro & Entertainment Center. The NYE Countdown is a predominantly outdoors event but VIP guests will have access to the inside. The event will have multiple live entertainment acts, aerial roaming performers including dragons, stilt jugglers and flying acrobats, as well as balloon and confetti drops, and Wesley Chapel's largest fireworks display at midnight. Masks are required, and event staff will take temperature checks, offer cashless payment options, keep a limited capacity, enforce social distancing, and offer sanitizer stations. For all safety protocols, visit the event's website. 6105 West Grove Blvd., Wesley Chapel. thegrovenye.com
O’Briens Irish Pub Live music and cold beer await at O’Briens to ring in the new year. If you’re looking for something a little low key but still a good time, this might be your ideal NYE hangout. Seating is socially distanced, and masks are required. Free, bring money for food and drink. 8 p.m.-midnight. 15435 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa. @tampaobriens on Facebook.
Pied Piper’s NYE 2021 with Carnage WTR Pool is hosting an NYE event with exciting guests in its massive outdoor open-air space. The event will feature a fireworks display on the bay, DJ Carnage and Nick Hogan spinning, and a champagne toast at midnight. Want a little personal space? Opt for a VIP cabana package. According to a release, to ensure the safety of guests and staff, masks are required for entry at WTR Pool & Grill and The Godfrey Hotel & Cabanas. $39-$99 per person; tables and cabanas range from $200-$4500. 9 p.m.-2:30 a.m. WTR Pool & Grill, 7700 W. Courtney Campbell Cswy, Tampa. Call (813) 265-1234 or text (813) 786-1300. Tickets and tables can also be purchased at piedpiperproductions.com/events and wtrtampa.com
Prince-themed NYE Party La La's Sangria Bar is hosting a Prince-inspired evening for its Inaugural New Year’s Eve party. “Prince’s energy, creative genius and ability to help us forget the past has influenced us for years. What better year to turn back the clock, forget about 2020 and party like it’s 1999,” said John English. “We’ve created an immersive experience that we hope everyone will enjoy.” That means a champagne toast at midnight and a menu filled with limited batch specialty blends like Purple Rain, Little Red Corvette and Kiss. 5 p.m.-3 a.m. Free admission. Guests interested in a table, bottle service or an open bar package should call 813.460.4522. 203 N. Meridian Ave., Tampa. lalassangriabar.com
Rooftop New Year’s Eve The all-inclusive, limited ticket event includes bites and scenic views from the Karol Hotel's rooftop bar, Vantage. The evening will begin with passed hors d’oeuvres, followed by five specialty dishes paired with wine: colossal stone crab, tuna tartare, stuffed quail, prime Colorado lamb chop, and Japanese wagyu striploin. Not to mention offerings like mango sorbet, a cheese course, and butter cake for dessert. Tickets also include a champagne toast at midnight and fireworks on the bay, from Vantage's 12-story rooftop bar. Masks are required for entry and must be worn when moving about the rooftop bar. $195. 7 p.m.-midnight. 2675 Ulmerton Rd., Clearwater. Advanced reservations are required. Call (727) 273-7850 to purchase tickets. thekarolhotel.com
Safe + Sound Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa's concepts are hosting a variety of NYE celebrations. Cipresso is serving up a three-course special includes spinach salad, surf and turf, berries and zabaglione for $95 per person. Check out the casino's website for the entire list of safety protocols. Council Oak's Steaks & Seafood is offering a la carte specials including eats like oysters Rockefeller ($18), jumbo lump crab cakes ($20) and a raw bar sampler ($75 for two/ $125 for four). The Hard Rock Cafe is also offering food specials. Rise Kitchen & Bakery guests can dive into a special menu for $32 per person. The Rez Grill specials include 20 oz prime rib au jus, potato gratin, grilled green beans, blistered cherry tomatoes ($75) and New Year’s parfait with raspberries, Grand Marnier-soaked pound cake, Chambord whipped cream ($14). 5223 Orient Rd., Tampa. seminolehardrocktampa.com/good-clean-fun
Shephard's Beach Resort The event is doubling down on musical entertainment with live performances, DJs and a light show. The event is following all local and CDC guidelines. Customers are to be seated for service, masks are to be worn indoors until seated. Dancefloors and standing in groups are not permitted. You can book table and couch reservations as well as bottle service through the Shephard's website. 619 S. Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach. shephards.com
Skywalker Adventures Presents: A Grateful Dead New Years' Eve Celebration Cage Brewing will be running at 50% capacity to ensure social distancing for guests during this NYE event. While there is bench seating available, you can bring your own lawn chairs to space out and feel more comfortable. Dead Set Florida will take the stage at 8 p.m. followed by Unlimited Devotion at 10 p.m. Stick around for a complimentary hard seltzer toast at midnight. $35 in advance, $50 day of show. 8 p.m.-12:15 a.m. 2001 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg. eventbrite.com
TradeWinds Island Resorts TradeWinds Island Resorts is offering two New Year’s Eve dinner options this year – one at Palm Court Italian Grill at the Island Grand and one at RumFish Grill at the RumFish Beach Resort. RumFish Grill offers both an indoor bar as well as a connected outdoor patio area allowing guests to watch the ball drop, and enjoy a complimentary champagne toast to ring in 2021. Palm Court Italian Grill is offering a Prix Fixe menu while RumFish Grill is offering its regular menu. Call RumFish Grill at 727-329-1428 and Palm Court Grill at 727-363-2358 for reservations. 5500 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach.
Winter Wonderland Crafty Squirrel is hosting an NYE party filled with a live DJ, drink specials, VIP packages, and a champagne toast at midnight. The event posting reads, "The safety of our guests + staff is important to us; masks required for entry." $10 in advance, $15 at the door. 8 p.m.-3 a.m. Crafty Squirrel, 259 Central Ave., St.Petersburg. eventbrite.com
If you are a local establishment hosting an NYE event, send the information to jrimensnyder@cltampa.com.
While we're all ready to say goodbye to the dumpster fire of a year that is 2020, we can't forget that we're (hopefully) in the last leg of a pandemic. If you're feeling under the weather, stay home and celebrate on Facetime—and if you're out, keep your mask handy, social distance and try to save your midnight kiss for someone you know and truly trust.
Editor’s note: On the day this went to press, Florida added 13,148 coronavirus cases, the highest daily number reported since mid-July; Tampa Bay added 2,467 cases that day. We say it over and over: You need to take COVID-19 seriously. NYE is already amateur hour; what’s it gonna be like in the age of ‘rona? But, YOLO, so we'll keep updating the post, we guess. If you want to support small businesses without going out, buy 'em all out of gift cards.
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This article appears in Dec 24-30, 2020.