What will you do to usher in 2017? Will it be a party at home, a dinner with friends at a restaurant or all out for a New Year’s Eve celebration? Book now to make sure you get your spot, then don your festive headwear and bring on the noisemakers. What’s better than spending New Year’s Eve in Paradise? Nothing!
GULFPORT
Go small or go big. Make a dinner reservation now at La Cote Basque Winehouse, Pia’s Trattoria, Neptune’s Grill or Backfin Blue and get home in time to watch the ball drop!
Gulfport Casino: The Gulfport Area Chamber of Commerce’s New Year’s Eve bash features a variety of entertainment plus Otis Velt and the Old School Band. Enjoy reserved seating and tapas served to your table, non-stop dancing, live band, party favors, champagne toast and the gecko drop at midnight! Tickets $35/$40, 8 pm – 1 am. 5500 Shore Boulevard South, Gulfport
BEACHES
Just put on your flip flops and LBD or Tommy Bahama shirt, and catch the music and charades at local beach bars! Best bets include the Undertow, Blue Parrott, Caddy’s On The Beach, Players, The Wharf, Gators, Ricky T’s or any of the Tiki bars behind the hotels especially Sirata’s Harry’s Beach Bar and Rum Runners Bar & Grille.
For upscale dining, make reservations at Middle Grounds Grill, MadFish, Carino’s, Rooftop 360 or Castile’s at Hotel Zamora, Aqua Prime or the restaurant at Clearwater Beach’s Opal Sands.
Chill Restaurant & Bar: Carl tickles the keys in the piano bar, spectacular specials in the bar and the awesome menu is some of the fun on tap in this gorgeous and quirky restaurant and lounge. 357 Corey Ave St. Pete Beach, 727-360-2445.
Loew’s Don Ce Sar Resort: Yes, there will be drinking, dining and music, but my idea of a perfect lead up to New Year’s Eve is to take advantage of their December Spaliday $150 Spa Credit Package Offer that ends Dec 31, 2016. Treat yourself to a romantic getaway in our beautiful Pink Palace, and we’ll treat you to $150 worth of pure relaxation. Imagine everything you’d need for the perfect romantic getaway and usher New Year’s Eve first by relaxing, then with an elegant meal.
Here’s the rundown of what you’ll find at the Don. 3400 Gulf Blvd., St Pete Beach, 727-360-1881
Sea Porch: Dinner Buffet featuring Prime Rib & Raw Bar, 5pm-11pm, $56 Adults, $26 Kids, A La Carte Menu also available
Maritana Grille: 5 Course Menu, 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm, $135 per person, includes a glass of champagne
Lobby Bar: Live Jazz Trio & Party – Favors, 9 pm – 2 am
Rowe Bar: Live Music & Party Favors 10pm-2am
New Year’s Eve Party: Three Cities, One Night: Havana, New Orleans & Mumbai. Party encompasses the entire 5th floor with city themes in King Charles, Del Prado & South Terrace, Passport Photo in Buena Vista and “surprise” room in North Terrace. 4-Hour Open Bar, Hors d’ oeuvres & Desserts. Entertainment: DJs, Blonde Ambition Band and a Casino/Gaming Room. Tickets available online at doncesarshop.com Adults only—Must be 21+ to attend (no exceptions)
New Year’s Day: Sea Porch/Rowe Bar – Tailgate Brunch Buffet, 9 am – 3 pm, Unlimited mimosas included, $5 build your own Bloody Mary bar, $49 Adults, $18 Kids, A La Carte Menu also available
Grand Plaza Hotel: Level 11 is the new outdoor rooftop artisan bistro bar and Spinners is St. Pete Beach’s only 360 degree revolving restaurant, perfect for ushering in New Years Eve. 5250 Gulf Blvd., 727-360-1811.
The Pearl Restaurant: The exquisite food, wine and martini menu make this a sophisticated choice for New Year’s Eve, with party favors, music and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight and special holiday menu. http://www.thepearlfinedining.com/holidays 163 107th Ave. Treasure Island 727-360-9151
Tradewinds Island Grand Resort – Rockin’ in the Midnight Hour:
5500 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach; 727-363-2258 www.justletgo.com
New Year’s Eve 2-Night Package “Toast by the Coast” Dec. 31 – Jan. 2: Enjoy the Island Grand and Guy Harvey Outpost’s two night package rates or just come for the party. Toast to a New Year and rock out to live music with Motel Funk and opening band Galbraith Group. Enjoy great food, open bar and more! 2 nights accommodations at a discounted rate, for two adults 2 adult tickets to the New Year’s Eve Party and Buffet “Toast by the Coast” (enjoy music by Motel Funk – rock and roll with a funky twist, covering a variety of musical genres plus some originals that will keep you dancing all night long!) Beach Cabana, WiFi, parking pass and other amenities included in the nightly Resort Amenity Fee!
Teen/Kids NY Eve: A Teen New Year’s Eve Party (ages 13-17) and a Kids Celebration (ages 4-12) will be available, but not included in the package. For reservations, call the Adventure Center at 727.363.2294 (or Ext. 6020 during your stay)
“Light up the Night” Teen Party: 7 pm – 12:30 am; per person.
“Ring it in like Rio” Kids Celebration: 7 pm – 12:30 am; / add’l child.
*Additional adult and children tickets to the NYE Party can be purchased online during the booking process. Tickets sell out quickly, so if additional tickets are needed, purchase them online in advance.
*Package is based on availability, restrictions may apply.
- PETERSBURG
freeFall Theater – A London New Year’s Eve:
Starting at 4 pm, join the cast of Peter for a family friendly celebration ringing in the New Year. This performance offered at a special time (4 pm) will let us welcome Baby New Year London style and on London time! (7pm our time) With special refreshments and sparkling toasts for both young and young-at-heart, plus a few surprises. 727-498-5205. www.freefalltheatre.com
DOWNTOWN ST. PETE
First Night St. Petersburg: Kicking of Dec. 31 4pm with activities for kids in the churches and library, followed by a Giant Sea Creature Procession with Sea Creature Puppets created with the Morean Center for Clay Summer Campers led by the Mt. Zion Drumline and Color Guard at 7:15 pm. Presented by AARP Tampa Bay, First Night is an exciting evening of music and art shown in over 20 venues throughout downtown St. Petersburg from 4 pm until midnight. Fun for all ages! Fireworks for the family at 8 pm and our Firework Finale at midnight!
Food will be available for purchase in North and South Straub Parks. First Night will feature many local favorite musical acts such as the David Pate Trio, the Fred Johnson Quartet, the fabulous Lakewood High School Jazz Band, WAHH World Fusion Band, Uncle John’s Band and Gumbi Ortiz and New Groove City. It will also include Latin Dance Lessons by Simone and DJ Manny, St. Petersburg Opera singers and chamber music, choral and organ concerts.
The Dance Stage will feature ballet, tap dancing, Russian Folk dancing, hip hop and urban ballet. In the parks and around town, experience glass blowing demos from Duncan McClellon Glass and hands on art projects from Night Blooming, Hands On Art from the Bloom Arts group and children’s art activities with the NOMAD studio art bus, Human Foosball with the Rowdies, Tree Climbing with Pathfinder Outdoor Education, ice skating, and much more!
Swingin’ in the New Year: This grand New Year’s Eve celebration for all ages on Saturday features the Jive Aces. Live music & dancing 9 pm – 1 am and a swing dance lesson 8 – 9 pm. Other fun includes a midnight countdown with balloon drop; vintage fashion photo shoot and contest, party favors, noisemakers, chocolates and prize giveaways. Full cash bar and champagne bottles. Tickets: $30 / by Dec. 10; $35 / after Dec. 10 online www.NewYearSwing.com or by phone 813-220-3911 or 813-579-4645, St. Petersburg Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave. N, St. Petersburg www.tampabayswing.com
The Party of the Century: The Morean Arts Center will celebrate 100 years of art in St. Petersburg with a night of history, mystery and fantasy. Masque 100 is not the traditional masquerade ball – but an avant-garde event with an edge – provocative and providing a myriad of live performance art hosted at the Morean Center for Clay (420 22nd St. South) beginning at 8 pm. Reservations for luxurious VIP alcoves, alluring lounge seating and tables for six are available.
The historic location will transform into a one-of-a-kind party featuring a curated auction of past and present finds from the Morean Arts Center, live music, costume contests and a few games of chance. Gastronomic delights and decadent dessert bars will be scattered throughout the renovated and historic train depot while guests enjoy spellbinding entertainment from fire breathers and dancers outside, to aerialists, acrobatic performers and roaming performance artists inside. At the stroke of midnight, masques come off and a toast is made to 2017 and the future of the arts in St. Petersburg. 727-822-7872 ext. 8.
Jannus Live New Year’s Celebration:
Dance the night away at this popular club or better yet, book a VIP experience with a table or room for 10-20 friends for $400-$800. 200 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg; 727-565-0550
GoToSteves.com: Downtown, Parkshore Grill, The Hangar and 400 Beach serve up dinner in style while in IRB, Aqua Prime’s seafood and steaks get rave reviews. Why not book your New Year’s Eve dinner here for some of the best cuisine in town.
CLEARWATER/DUNEDIN
Yacht StarShip Fireworks Celebration Cruise: Say “Bon Voyage” to 2016 boarding in Tampa or Clearwater. This dazzling event includes an open bar, souvenir boarding photo, hand passed hors d’oeuvres, gourmet food stations, carving stations, hand passed desserts, party favors, DJ entertainment and a fireworks show with a champagne toast at midnight! This sell-out cruise is the best way to enjoy New Year’s Eve. Dine on gourmet food, sip on delicious cocktails and dance the night away under the stars. Yacht StarShip will also provide party favors and a champagne toast at midnight to the fireworks over the water. No reserved seating; cocktail attire. http://www.yachtstarship.com/event/news-years-eve-fireworks-cruise/ 603 Channelside Drive Tampa, 33602
Boards: 10:00 pm, Cruises: 10:30 – 12:30 am; Party continues dockside until 1:00 am. 25 Causeway Blvd., Slip #55, Clearwater, FL 33767
Light It Up! NYE Fireworks on Clearwater Beach: This is a New Year’s Eve celebration that’s boomin’ and bright! Sink your toes into the white sand of Clearwater Beach and be awestruck as fireworks are set off over the sparkling Gulf of Mexico at the stroke of midnight. A free event hosted by the Clearwater Beach Chamber of Commerce.
Shephards New Year’s Eve: Dance, drink and party with one of the best views of the Clearwater Beach fireworks display. 619 S, Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach; 941-727-2789
Chic-a-Boom: If you’ve been to the drag queen bingo or Blur Nightclub, you know how fun it is to spend time at the Chic a Boom room and Blur. Get a room and have breakfast on the waterfront New Year’s Day. 319 Main St., downtown Dunedin, 727-736-0206 and www.kellyschicaboom.com
Salute to Vienna: This New Year’s Eve, a stunning new program features Strauss waltzes and an exquisite night of magic and music at Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater 727-791-7400 www.rutheckerdhall.com/
Capitol Theatre: Butch Trucks concert ends at midnight with a countdown and celebration. 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater, 727-791-7400. www.rutheckerdhall.com
TAMPA
From the Straz Center to Hyde Park, New Year’s Eve celebrations are everywhere. There are fireworks in Busch Gardens and downtown while the Hard Rock Café is the place to be for rocking away the night with a hotel room next door.
Aqua-Eve at The Florida Aquarium: Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a splash at The Florida Aquarium’s Aqua Eve! Enjoy fantastic live music, complimentary food, beer and wine along with a champagne toast and the best view in town for an amazing fireworks display at midnight. The Florida Aquarium’s Aqua Eve party is the premiere New Year’s Eve party in Tampa to ring in 2017! Food and desserts will be served. Beer and wine included in event admission with a champagne toast at midnight. Cash liquor bar will be available. 21+ only. ID Required. 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, 813-273-4000, http://www.flaquarium.org/event-calendar/Aqua-Eve.aspx
Rooftop-Eve: Celebrate the New Year on the top level of a downtown Tampa parking garage transformed into Rooftop Eve 2017: In The Sky With Diamonds, where everyone is a VIP. The price of admission is an ALL INCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE, as you will enjoy PREMIUM TOP SHELF spirits, Premium Wine, Beer and Premium Champagne! Not to mention desserts by the Mini Doughnut Factory. This year’s party will once again be on top of a 10-story tall roof in the heart of Downtown Tampa with stunning views of the skyline and amazing views of fireworks. The Rooftop Eve will be the ‘highest’ New Year’s Eve Party in the Southeast USA! Admission includes Premium Open Bar with Liquor, Beer, & Wine, Premium Champagne Bar All Night. Entertainment from Band and DJ; Desserts by the Mini Doughnut Factory. Ft. Brooke Garage, 107 N Franklin St., Tampa. www.therooftopeve.com
Jackson’s Bistro: Great food and a waterfront room and dining patio for the fireworks show. 601 S. Harbour Island Blvd., Tampa, 813-277-0112 and www.jacksonsbistro.com
Pop the Cork: New Year’s Eve includes performances by Blender followed by Taylor John Trio (lobby) and Stumble Fox followed by King’s Country (Council Oak Lounge. Check the website for event details about the party celebrations. Seminole Hard Rock Café is located off Interstate 4 at North Orient Road and Hillsborough Avenue about 10 minutes east of Tampa (5223 North Orient Road). 1-800-937-0010 www.seminolehardrocktampa.com
Skipper’s Celebration: Along with music by Donna the Buffalo, the night includes party favors, a champagne toast and more. Distinctive, groove-heavy, and danceable, Donna the Buffalo is a band for the people. One of the most dynamic and determined bands continuously touring America since 1989, Donna the Buffalo has created a community environment at their shows through their distinctive, groove-heavy and danceable music. Donna the Buffalo is a band for the people that is accessible, positive, and memorable. With roots in old time fiddle music that evolved into a soulful electric American mix infused with elements of cajun/zydeco, rock, folk, reggae, and country, Donna’s music often contains social and moral responsibility as core beliefs, and they are just simply fun to get out and celebrate life with. 910 Skipper Road, Tampa. 813-971-0666. www.skipperssmokehouse.com
Happy New Year and Welcome to 2017!
By Nanette Wiser