Let’s get the important bit out of the way; though there are no fireworks for New Year’s Eve on Parliament Hill, there are three other events across the city where they can be enjoyed — weather permitting.
(Also, everyone remember OC Transpo is free to ride after 8 p.m. and all night. Be happy but safe.)
There will be fireworks on Sparks Street Mall where the annual outdoor New Year’s Eve Capital Countdown gets a country flavour, with headliner Cold Creek County and opening acts Silver Creek (who are then running off to headline at the Crazy Horse Saloon) and Angela Marie starting things off at 8 p.m., just west of Metcalfe Street. (Gates open at 7 p.m. and admission is completely free.) Bag checks will be conducted on site and there will be places to get warming drinks — of all kinds. new.sparksstreetmall.com
(For those who want to see fireworks and wear something costume-y, Escape Manor is hosting a prohibition-themed Bootlegger’s Ball video dance party in the speakeasy-worthy Farm Team Cellar at 208 Sparks St. This means the fireworks at midnight can be enjoyed without straying too far. Anyone who brings a non-perishable item for the Food Bank (or donates $1) will get a key to one of the crates containing thousands in prizes, 9 p.m. Tickets: $20.16+. http://bit.ly/1kcYRTF)
Over two decades later, Rick Chiarelli’s family-friendly alcohol-free New Year’s Eve family party is still one of the most popular events in the city and does have fireworks — and sleigh rides, a bouncy castle, games, live music and magic, skating (weather permitting) and activities inside and out so rain will not put a damper on this event. (Though, it might curtail any fireworks show.) The event is also free and begins and ends earlier — perfect for younger guests, 6 to 10 p.m., Ben Franklin Place, 101 Centrepointe Dr. Costumes are welcome, and with the theme Once Upon a Time, everything from dragons to Chewbaccas will fit in. www.alcoholfreenewyears.com
The Scottish Society of Ottawa’s annual Hogmanay celebration is back at its new home at Lansdowne Park, and will be (mostly) indoors this year — thankfully given the oddly wet and warm weather we’ve been having. The party has something for the young (kids’ zone with storytelling and magic show) and adults (whisky tasting!), culminating in fireworks, which is when being solely inside would be a bad idea. There will be dancing to live music from the visiting and infectious American Rogues (7:30 p.m.), locals Bobby Watt and Écosse, The Start and favourite Glengarry Pipe Band. Conveniently, young’uns can be taken home early after a countdown at 7 p.m. to honour the new year beginning in Scotland. The party is free but there is a VIP option for $50, which includes a coat check, backstage passes to meet performers, cocktails and nibbles in the Milestones Lounge and a swag bag of goodies. Events start at 6:40 p.m. at the Aberdeen Pavilion and Horticulture Building. www.thescottishsocietyofottawa.com
Now, let’s get the party started:
Drake’s Tour DJ Charlie B will be at Ritual with some of the OVO crew, DJs Rychkydd and Ecbone from Toronto and some local talent for their Hangover II party, spinning everything from Top 40 to afrobeat to keep the dance floor pulsing, 10 p.m., 137 Besserer St. There will be a lineup so best to buy in advance and get there early. Tickets: $25 to $300 for bottle service, booths and more bottle service available. http://bit.ly/1OhP1rl
If there is heavy rain, pretend the surf’s up at the California Dreamin’ Countdown to 2016 party — where one lucky attendee will win a free trip for two to the golden state. The 8th annual, themed, self-described “biggest and best indoor” blow-out at the Marriott Hotel (100 Kent St.) includes h’ors d’oeuvres, one beverage of choice, photo booth, dessert bar at midnight, party favours and music from DJ Ray Ray and other entertainment. Dress Code: California-chic outfits encouraged. Proceeds from ticket sales and coat checks will go to the Canadian Paralympic Committee. (This is a 19+ event.) Tickets: $85, and there are deals to be had for hotel rooms. www.nyeottawa.com
Speaking of warm climes, it’s a Miami Nights 1985-themed party with PleasureCraft at The Rainbow, where radio gold from Toto to Fleetwood Mac and Blondie will shine off your pastel jackets, deck shoes and skinny ties, 9 p.m., 76 Murray St. Tickets: $32.40. therainbow.ca
The first ever Ottawa New Year’s Eve Charity Ball is a casino-themed event where each guest gets $1,000 in charity bucks for use at the “casino” or to bid on prizes, when not enjoying the four-course elegant meal (from lobster bisque to crème brulée) starting at 7:30 p.m., live music from Sound Proof or auction hosted by David Smith, Ottawa Conference and Event Centre, 200 Coventry Rd. Tickets: $159. Local charities helping children with autism, Children at Risk and QuickStart, will benefit. ottawacharityball.ca
We found two club crawls on tonight: The NYE Pub Crawl includes three in close proximity (so no party bus), starting at Tequila Jacks (104 Clarence St.), where bracelets by-passing lineups and guaranteeing access to Fly and The Cabin will be handed out before 9:30 p.m. ($20-$25. gcparty.ca); The Ottawa NYE Extravaganza Club Crawl is organized by Student Tours and has four stops from their party bus, including party hosts, drink deals but no lineups nor covers, starring between 6 and 7:15 p.m. at Pub 101, 101 York St. ($30, studenttours.com).
Dress in your fiercest, most bad-self outfit for Mercury Lounge and Overkill’s Paradise Garage, a multi-level party with some glitz, some glam and some deep grooves, including visuals from Matt Cameron, live percussion from Jesse Matthews and DJs Lance Baptiste, Trevor Walker, Dusty and Jon Deck. Tickets: $15 in advance, more at the door. mercurylounge.com
Claims of hipsterism and boutique cocktails be damned, Union Local 613 is throwing A Not-so Pretentious New Year’s Eve Party, with three food stations, canapés and a glass of (what will be very tasty) punch to ease into festivities. DJ Memetic will be tossing out some groovesome tunes, 8 p.m. to late. Tickets: $45 includes all of the above. union613.ca
For a No-Stress NYE party go to Zaphod Beeblebrox, where the annual event includes prizes and gifts handed out throughout the night during the lead up to the start of 2016, 27 York St. (For extra chances at the ‘rad prizes,” be sure to arrive between 9 and 9:30 p.m.) Tickets: $6. zaphods.ca
For something very popular but different (but not for children), the Shenkman Arts Centre 5th Annual NYE Comedy Night features three Canadian funny folk, including award-winning Terry McGurrin (The Debaters), Christina Walkinshaw (Just for Laughs, Glasgow Comedy Fest) and K. Trevor Wilson (Goosebumps, Score, and Just for Laughs winner), 9 p.m., 245 Centrum Blvd. Tickets usually sell out in advance: $20-$47. shenkmanarts.ca
Le Nordik Spa has already sold out one of their two options for the last night of 2015, but there re some tickets left for their Gourmet Getaway event, which includes a four-course meal and access to all of their thermal experience — including bathrobe rental and a special hourly Aufguss ritual, topped with sparkling wine at midnight, from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets: $195. lenordik.com
Photos: NYE events
From comedy show to bar crawls and elegant dinner with foie gras, here are some ideas for the most-fraught party night of the year. (After Valentine's Day.)
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OTHER DANCE/CLUB Events
Valid ID will be required at all club events.
2016NYE with DJs MES, Tytus, Versatje, hosted by Party MC Ohsogood, 21+ only, 9 p.m., Vibe Lounge, 1066 Somerset St. W. Tickets: $50 in advance, includes h’ors d’oeuvres and rose champagne toast. facebook.com
Aléa Club NYE party with DJ Domeno, 18 and over, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., 1 Casino Blvd., Gatineau. Tickets: $33.93. www.wanttickets.com
Barrymores New Year’s Eve bash with Punky Brewster, spinning music from the 70s to today’s Top 40, 323 Bank St. Tickets: $25-$40, includes party favours and nibbles; $60 for VIP ticket. ticketzone.com
Black and White New Year’s Affair, age 21+, 9 p.m., The Whiskey Bar, 112 York St. Tickets: $20-$45. http://bit.ly/1YuQZzO
Chocolate New Year’s Eve Party: a night of dancing, chocolate treats and celebration, presented by Hot 89.9, 9 p.m., Theatre du Casino du Lac-Leamy, 1 Casino Blvd., Gatineau. Tickets: $88.60. www.ticketmaster.ca
Glow Party New Years Eve, 10 p.m., Liquor Store Party Bar, 128 York St. Tickets: $15-$300. liquorstorepartybar.com
Hilotrons and Zattar NYE dance party, 8 p.m., The Black Sheep Inn, 753 Riverside Dr., Wakefield. Tickets: $20 at the door. theblacksheepinn.com
A Very Kardashian NYE, 10 p.m., The Velvet Room, 62 1/2 York St. Tickets: $15-$600. clubzone.com
London Gentleman Records presents New Year’s Eve with Riishi Von Rex, DJ Breakthru (all vinyl) and tribute to Chaka Khan, 9 p.m., Mavericks, 221 Rideau St. Tickets: $25. www.londongentlemanrecords.com.
New Orleans Experience NYE 2016, dancing, oysters and live entertainment, Fat Tuesday’s, 62 York St. Tickets: $15-$300.
New Year’s Eve bash with the Blitzkrieg Boys, tribute to The Ramones, 9 p.m., The John St. Pub, 129 John St. N, Arnprior. Tickets: $10. blitzkriegarnprior2015.eventbrite.ca
New Year’s Eve Bash with Wicked Grin, blues, 9 p.m., Irene’s Pub, 885 Bank St.. Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 at the door. irenespub.ca
New Year’s on the Block with Shameless, cheesy dance floor mega hits from the 90’s to 2000s, 10 p.m., Babylon, 317 Bank St. Tickets: $10 cover before 11:30 p.m. babylonclub.ca
New Year’s Eve Country Bash with Silver Creek, 9 p.m., Crazy Horse Stonegrill and Steakhouse Saloon, 115 Roland Michener Dr. Tickets: $11.20. http://bit.ly/1QW4aUm
New year Dhamaka, DJ, dancing, Indian cuisine, entertainment and chance to win a trip for two to Las Vegas and a surprise at midnight, 7 p.m., Centurion Centre, 170 Colonnade Rd. Tickets: $125. http://bit.ly/1Jskw0H
New year’s Gala with Ars Nova, music by Franz Lehár, Mozart and Strauss followed by dancing and a buffet of delicacies, 9 p.m., Church of St. Batholomew, 125 MacKay St. Tickets: $100, $175/couple. www.arsnova.ca
New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball, includes waltz lessons, snacks, popcorn bar, silent auction, prizes for best costume and a cash bar, 8 p.m., North Grenville Municipal Centre, 285 Country Rd. 44, Kemptville. Tickets: $40, $30/children in advance; $45 at the door. www.academyofexpressivedance.com
NYE Quarantine Virus 2.0.1.5. with DJs Rémi Royale, KJ Maxx, The Targ Infectious Disease Unit — who will be removing the virus of 2015 with de-contamination procedures involving drinking, dancing, pinball and perogies, 9 p.m., 1077 Bank St. Tickets: $10. www.houseoftarg.com
Refleɔtion NYE Party with Kitchen Party, DJs, dancing and ‘non-messy’ arts & crafts, 10 p.m., Happy Goat Coffee Co., 35 Laurel St. Tickets: $15. thepointofsale.com
Resolution Revolution: 365 days of mistakes in one night, 10 p.m., Green Room, 130 York St. Tickets: $15 in advance. www.greenroomottawa.ca
Rewind New Year’s Eve with Mace, Kane, Mikey Wizdom, Sweet Chunes, Overproof, upscale attire and ‘mature clientele’ only, 10:30 p.m, Real Sports, 90 George ASt. Tickets: $20 in advance, $25 at the door before midnight. ticketgateway.com
Upper Echelon Masquerade Ball, with DJs TDOT, Fusion, OPhilKiD, UpNGone, ppl Nightclub, 130 George St. Tickets: $15-$20. http://bit.ly/1QW5C9o
The Split New Year’s Eve Bash, neo-soul, 9 p.m., LIVE on Elgin, 220 Elgin St. Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 at the door. www.liveonelgin.com
DINNER & DANCING AND OTHER EVENTS
NYE with Adham Nabulsi, Jordanian singer who won third place in the Arabic X Factor TV series in 2013, and dinner, El Mazaj, 5307 Canotek Rd. Reservations at 613-741-3000. www.elmazaj.ca
Cedarhill Golf and Country Club New Year’s Eve Party, four-course dinner and midnight snacks, 6 p.m. to late, 56 Cedarhill Dr. www.cedarhillgolf.com
The Countdown 2016, four-course dinner with music by Renée Landry, dancing to DJs, 6 p.m., Crowne Plaza, 2 Montcalm St., Gatineau. Tickets: $150 includes meal, $95 for after 10 p.m. www.newyearsottawa.ca
Culinary NYE party, 9 p.m., Aperitivo, 655 Kanata Ave. Tickets: $70 in advance. www.aperitivo.ca
Dan ‘Elvis’ Burgess and RPM Rock Band New Year’s Eve, dinner, dance and show, 6:30 p.m., Royal Canadian Legion, Eastview Branch 462, 294 Cyr Ave. Tickets: $5, includes punch cocktail (alcoholic or not), roast beef dinner, bubbly and snacks at midnight. 613-415-4090
Brew Year’s Eve, dinner and beer pairings with two seatings followed by no-cover after party with DJ and late night snacks, 5:30 p.m. to 2 a.m., Clover Food and Drink, 155 Bank St. Reservations at 613-680-8803
NAC Le Café Before the Clock Strikes 12, three-course dinner at 5 p.m. ($55) or five-course dinner at 8 p.m. ($222/couple), 150 Elgin St. Reserve seats at 613-594-5127. nac-cna.ca
New Year’s Eve with Das Lokal, five-course tasting menu with wine pairing, 7 p.m., 190 Dalhousie St. Cost: $90. daslokalottawa.com
NYE at The Loft Board Game Lounge, reserve a table and have access to over 9000 board games for the evening, Tickets: $35, includes one main course, 1 drink and champagne at midnight, 14 Waller St. Must be 19+. www.theloftlounge.ca
New Year’s Eve dinner and dancing, cocktail, buffet dinner and dancing to live music from Fastlane — a seven-piece band playing hits from the 70’s to today, 7:30 p.m, Hilton du Lac-Leamy, 1 Casino Blvd., Gatineau.
RA Centre New Year Party, DJ music, buffet meal, with glass of bubbly at midnight, 6 p.m., 2451 Riverside Dr. Tickets: $80. www.racentre.com
Sala San Marco New Year’s Eve Gala, Italian festive buffet meal with live show band, party favours, full bar, 5:30 p.m., 215 Preston St. Tickets: $155, $120/children. Dress: Black tie optional. salasanmarco.ca
Santé Restaurant: Enjoy a four-course meal prepared by Chef Daniel Guerra while the Garry Elliot Trio performs soft jazz, 7:30 p.m., 45 Rideau St. Tickets: $98. santerestaurant.com
Time Out Bar and Grill New Year’s Eve Party, five-course meal and wine, midnight buffet and champagne, 7 p.m. to 2 a.m., 3094 Carling Ave. www.timeoutbng.com
Yuk Yuk’s New Year’s Eve Special with uncensored comedians Rob Pue, Sam Easton and Michelle Shaughnessy, with buffet dinner option at 7 p.m., show begins at 9:30 p.m., Lago Bar & Grill, 1001 Queen Elizabeth Dr. Tickets: $40, $106.69 includes dinner. yukyuks.com
Are you a promoter, musician or venue? Send in your event information to kendemann@ottawacitizen.com, by 8 a.m. Monday, two weeks before the event. Photos and audio files are welcome.
@keendemann
kendemann@ottawacitizen.com