It’s the last hurrah of the year; the final dance of 2015. While it’s always easier and cheaper to just stay home on New Year’s Eve and avoid the craziness, it’s not as fun as going all out and embracing your inner party animal.
We’ve compiled a list of nightlife events that we hope has something for everyone:
The big free event: The Drop is a free party at Campus Martius with a Detroit-themed ball drop, plus live music and a party inside an 11,000-square-foot heated and carpeted tent (a ticket is required for the tent after 7 p.m.). An early party for kids runs 4-7 p.m. with the Detroit Youth Choir, a magician, face painting and the like. The ball drops again at midnight for the adults with food, bars, and a 8-by-14-foot LED screen showing the Cotton Bowl game. 4 p.m.-1 a.m. Free. 800 Woodward, Detroit. motorcitynye.com.
The view: The Countdown to 2016 has DJs, dancing and a champagne toast, but the 360 degree view of the city from the Top of the Pontch at Crowne Plaza Detroit is the real attraction. The most basic ticket ($95) includes a premium bar for four hours, hors d’oeuvres, party favors and a late night snack buffet. Dinner, reserved tables, reserved couches with bottle service and other packages available. 8 p.m.-2 a.m., 2 Washington, Detroit. (248) 543-1000 or topofthepontchNYE.com.
Symphonic celebration: The Detroit Symphony Orchestra literally rolls out the red carpet for guests to ring in the new year at Orchestra Hall. Besides a performance by the orchestra, there will be a midnight toast with “Auld Lang Syne,” a strolling dinner and party favors. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Packages vary from $40-$500. 3711 Woodward, Detroit. (313) 576-5130.
Themed parties: The Arbor Brewing Co. Microbrewery in Ypsilanti is hosting a Gatsby-themed party with live music from the Appleseed Collective. Besides 1920s-inspired dress, there will be beers influenced by the era and French food. 7 p.m.-2 a.m. No cover. 720 Norris, Ypsilanti. (734) 480-2739.
A grand gala: Get the formal wear out for Masonic Temple’s Masquerade Gala with live entertainment, champagne and the elegant surroundings of the Fountain Ball Room. 7 p.m.-2 a.m. $145, $1200 VIP table. 500 Temple, Detroit. (313) 832-7100.
Be trendy: Dine at one of downtown Detroit’s newest restaurants, Townhouse Detroit. The spacious and chic spot is also hosting a 1920s-themed party and would like guests to dress in formal attire appropriate for the era. Tickets include a five-course tasting menu and champagne, and there will be live music and a DJ. The 5 p.m. seating is $125, 7:30 p.m. is $175 and 10 p.m. is $200. Townhouse will open to the public at 10 p.m. to serve a late night menu. 500 Woodward, Detroit. Call (313) 723-1000 for reservations.
Take a drive: Only 30 guests will be permitted to this intimate party at Lone Oak Vineyard Estate in Grass Lake with dancing to the music of R&B and soul duo Doug Decker and Tony Fields. The $75 ticket includes a five-course meal featuring prime rib and bacon-wrapped shrimp and a champagne toast. Wines made on the property will available for purchase. 8 p.m. doors, 8:30 p.m. dinner. 8400 Ann Arbor Road, Grass Lake. (517) 522-8167.
More New Year’s Eve Events
Big Bashes
2016 Resolution Ball with balloon drop, confetti storm, hors d’oeuvres, pizza and coney buffet and ball drop at Fillmore Detroit, 8 p.m. $100. 2115 Woodward, Detroit. (248) 543-1000 or resolutionballdetroit.com.
New Year’s Eve Gala with Women Out and About and GOAL with music, dancing, dinner stations, party favors and champagne toast at Emagine Royal Oak,8 p.m.-2 a.m. $55, sold in advance only at eventbrite.com. 200 N. Main, Royal Oak. (248) 414-1000
The Countdown to New Year’s Eve with DJs, hor d’oeuvres, balloon drop and confetti storm, live broadcast of Times Square, midnight buffet and more at the Met Hotel,8 p.m.-4 a.m. $85 and up, VIP and hotel packages available. 550 Crooks, Troy. (248) 543-1000 or countdown2nye.com.
Motor City Gala with DJs and live entertainment, dancing and more at Atheneum Suite Hotel,9 p.m.-4 a.m. $85 and up, dinner and hotel packages available. 1000 Brush, Detroit. (248) 543-1000 or motorcitygala.com.
Live Music
Pato Motown and Ben Sharkey at AXIS Lounge at MGM Grand Detroit,pop/Motown, 5 p.m.-1 a.m. $30 cover after 8 p.m. 1777 Third, Detroit. (877) 888-2121.
Dinner show with tributes to Gene Pitney, Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly, Johnny Rivers, Reba McEntire and Roy Orbison, plus buffet dinner, dancing and toast at Silver Shores Banquet Center, variety, 6 p.m. doors, 7 p.m. dinner, 8:30 p.m. show. $60. 1 James DeSana Drive, Wyandotte. (734) 282-1257 or (734) 285-8516.
Worship services with Fantasia Barrino and Smokie Norful at Fisher Theatre, R&B, 6:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Free. 3011 W. Grand, Detroit. (313) 386-8044 or triumphch.org.
Return of the Titans with Whodini, Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick, EPMD and Big Daddy Kane at Masonic Temple, hip-hop, 8 p.m. $65-$95. 500 Temple, Detroit. (313) 638-2724.
Old School Bash with Howard Hewett, Alexander O’Neal, Cherelle, Al Hudson. S.O.S. Band and One Way at Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts,R&B, 8 p.m. $54-$90. 850 Madison, Detroit. (313) 887-8500.
Screw, the Zotz, Johnny Cadaver and the Headless Torsos and Tiger Sex at Token Lounge,rock, 8 p.m. $10. 28949 Joy, Westland. (734) 513-5030.
The Mega 80s at Magic Bag, pop/rock, 8 p.m. $35. 22920 Woodward, Ferndale. (248) 544-1991.
Nick Moss Band at Callahan’s Music Hall, blues, 8 p.m. $45. 2105 South Blvd., Auburn Hills. (248) 858-9508.
Electric Six with MPV at Saint Andrew’s Hall, rock, 9 p.m. $20. 431 E. Congress, Detroit. (313) 961-8961.
Stone Clover, Ford Theatre Reunion and Slumlord Radio at PJ’s Lager House,Irish/rock, 9 p.m. $10. 1254 Michigan, Detroit. (313) 961-4668.
Sweet Sixteen NYE with Valley Hush, Market, James Linck, DJs and more at Club Reign, pop/rock/dance, 9 p.m.-3 a.m. $20-$35. 2055 Gratiot, Detroit. eventbrite.com
R. Kelly at Fox Theatre,R&B, 9:30 p.m. $49-$175. 2211 Woodward, Detroit. (313) 471-6611.
Alexander Zonjic with Alex Bugnon at Trenton Village Theatre,jazz, 9:30 p.m. $50. 2447 W. Jefferson, Trenton. (313) 964-5050.
Charles and Gwen Scales at Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, jazz, 8 p.m. $35, $60 couples. 20510 Livernois, Detroit. (313) 345-6300.
Restaurants
Andiamo Detroit Riverfront:Live entertainment, champagne toast at midnight and party favors. Reservations available, but walk-ins are welcome. 2 p.m.-2 a.m. Prices vary. 400 Renaissance Center, Detroit. (313) 567-6700.
The Root Restaurant & Bar:Executive chef Nick Rodgers creates a holiday-inspired tasting menu, or guests can order off the regular menu. Seatings, 4-11 p.m. 340 Town Center Blvd, E106, White Lake. (248) 698-2400.
Selden Standard: Regular menu with some special dishes and a holiday cocktail and champagne by the glass. 4:30 p.m. 3921 Second, Detroit. (313) 438-5055.
Wolfgang Puck Steak at MGM Grand Detroit:A fixed-price menu is available 5-11 p.m. $125 plus beverages, tax and tip. 1777 Third, Detroit. (877) 888-2121.
Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails:A-la-carte menu with special occasion dishes, champagne and other surprises. 5 p.m. 15 E. Kirby, Detroit. (313) 818-3915.
Weber’s: Prime rib buffet dinner, a 10-piece band, dancing and champagne toast at midnight. Seatings at 7 and 7:45 p.m. $249 per person. Hotel packages available. Formal attire encouraged. 3050 Jackson, Ann Arbor. (800) 443-3050.
Da Edoardo Foxtown Grille:A-la-carte menu and champagne toast. Seatings at 5, 7:15 and 9:45 p.m. 2203 Woodward, Detroit. (313) 471-3500.
Andiamo Dearborn: Four-course surf and turf dinner, premium bar, midnight toast, party favors, pizza and live music from Jack Rabbit Slim. 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. dinner. $125, $200 per couple. 21400 Michigan, Dearborn. (313) 359-3300.
Wright & Company:Appetizers passed all night long, drinks and DJ Ernie Guerra. 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m. $99 includes four drink tickets and a glass of champagne, plus tax and tip. 1500 Woodward, Detroit. (313) 962-7711. Tickets at eventbrite.com
Bars and Lounges
Serving 365 drinks to commemorate the 365 days of the year, plus live music by Khary Frazier and a champagne toast at Detroit City Distillery,8 p.m.-2 a.m. No cover. 2462 Riopelle, Detroit. (313) 338-3760.
Craft cocktails and full menu available, plus the Cotton Bowl on the TVs, balloon drop, DJ and champagne toast at Punch Bowl Social, 8 p.m. $10. 1331 Broadway, Detroit. (313) 749-9738.
DJ, live band and champagne toast at Riverside Marina, 8 p.m.-2 a.m. $48.47 and up. 11000 Freud, Detroit. (313) 447-5319
French-inspired small plates, champagne toast and music from Steve Jarosz Latin Trio at Sugar House,9 p.m. $50. 2130 Michigan, Detroit. (313) 962-0123.
Dancing, party favors and a champagne toast at Firebird Tavern, 9 p.m.-4 a.m. $15. Bar will give free People Mover tokens to those traveling to the Red Wings game. 419 Monroe, Detroit. (313) 782-4189.
Thirst Wave dance party with DJs Pleasure Kitten, Elektrsonik and Aaron Hingst spinning new wave, alt-retro, dark ’80s, ’90s alternative and more at Small’s Bar,9 p.m.-4 a.m. $5-$8. 10339 Conant, Hamtramck. (313) 873-1117.
Hors d’oeuvres from Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails, drink samples, welcome cocktail and midnight toast at the Oakland Art Novelty Co., 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $45. 201 W. Nine Mile, Ferndale. (248) 291-5295.
Live music by Nata and champagne toast at midnight at Ignite Sushi Bar and Lounge at MGM Grand Detroit, 10 p.m.-4 a.m. $30. 1777 Third, Detroit. (877) 888-2121.
DJ Captn20 and more at V Nightclub at MGM Grand Detroit, 10 p.m.-4 a.m. $50 and up. 1777 Third, Detroit. (877) 888-2121.
Cigar Masquerade with live music and more at La Casa de la Habana Cigar Bar,10 p.m.-2 a.m. Free admission downstairs, $50 upstairs for VIP party with buffet dinner and more. 1502 Randolph, Detroit. (313) 285-8332.
For more events, visit events.detroitnews.com. Have an event to share? You can add it there.
