Believe it or not, two weeks from now, it'll already by 2015. And if you live in the Bay Area, you know that it's the one night a year that the fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants residents actually make plans ahead of time. Many reservations are booked and events are sold out, but we've got you covered—read on for our top picks for how to ring in the new year. Now, go get your tickets before they're gone!
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings @ The Fillmore
Even if Sharon Jones is news to you, we guarantee that you've heard the funk-soul band's dulcet tones. Listening to their repeat-worthy tunes somehow transports you straight back to the heart of the 1960's soul movement, yet the beats feel refreshingly modern (very 2015, dare we say?). Needless to say, it's the perfect way to start the New Year. And if you needed any other persuasion, we'll just say that James Hunter of The James Hunter Six and Harry Duncan of KCSM will also be rocking out. 8 pm December 30th, 9 pm December 31st at The Fillmore, 1805 Geary Blvd. Get tickets here.
AList ‘Passport to the World’ NYE Spectacular
If you're a world traveler (or just have a massive Pinterest board of exotic locales) and love giving back to a good cause, AList's "Passport to the World" celebration at the Westin St. Francis will definitely be your cup of tea. For the eighth year in a row, this event promises to be the largest upscale NYE party in San Francisco, with a premium hosted bar, 16 DJs, 11 different areas, two live bands, one electric violinist, and a partridge in a pear tree (ok, we're joking about that last bit). At the stroke of midnight, get prepared for the largest balloon drop in the city. Popping totally allowed! December 31st 9 pm - 2 am. Black tie optional. 21+ only, 23+ preferred. Westin St. Francis Hotel, 335 Powell Street. Get tickets here.
If your definition of a perfect NYE leans away from disco lights and closer to a foodie's paradise, make a reservation for Long Meadow Ranch's annual celebration, featuring a four-course prix-fixe dinner menu, Long Meadow Ranch wines, tasty cocktails, and a little live music. Think Dungeness crab, burrata with black truffles, and a ribeye served with a canoe (yes, a canoe) of bone marrow. Go for the wine pairing to make your holiday a little extra merry. $65/person prix fixe, $90/person with wine pairings, regular menu also available. December 31st, 5 pm - 1 am, at Long Meadow Ranch, 738 Main Street, St. Helena. Make a reservation here or by calling (707) 963-9181.
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue @ The Masonic
Funk, rock, jazz, and hip-hop are all groove-worthy on their own, but combining them into a single musical act is guaranteed to bring your NYE to the next level. Grammy-nominated New Orleans native Trombone Shorty is the front man for his own ensemble Orleans Avenue, who have toured across the U.S., Europe, Australia, Russia, Japan, and Brazil. He'll be rocking hits from his debut album onward, bringing you straight back to classic New Orleans. Tickets start at $45. 9 pm, December 31st at The Masonic, 1111 California Street. Get tickets here.
Cirque 2015 @ The Fairmont Hotel
Get ready to rock out, revel, and ring in 2015 at the Fairmont in Nob Hill with DJs, dancing, and Cirque-inspired performers. The storied venue plays host to a multitude of galas and high-profile events and is often the hotel of choice for world dignitaries—and who's to say that you can't feel like one for the night? The event is chock-full of ways to shake your groove thing, including a DJ playing top 40 tunes in the Grand Ballroom, live 80's cover band The Spazmatics in the Terrace Room, and a live music/DJ hybrid in everyone's favorite—the Tonga Room. With stilt walkers, cyclists, contortionists, and more, this is going to be one glamorous circus. Tickets start at $65. 9 pm - 1:30 am, December 31st. Formal Attire. 21+ only, 27 + preferred. Fairmont Hotel, 950 Mason Street. Get tickets here.
Make (Good) Bad Decisions @ Stock in Trade
After a rousing success ringing in 2014, the folks at Stock in Trade are planning on an event more festive round two. With complete open bar (seriously—everything on their shelves is up for grabs), plentiful heavy apps to fortify your stomach, glittery decor, pumping music, and what promises to be a tipsy midnight countdown, Stock in Trade is your place to be for some good, dirty fun. As the Stock in Trade motto goes, they have everything covered but the Uber ride home. $125. 8 pm - 2 am. Stock in Trade, 2036 Lombard St. Get tickets here.
Ring in the New Year with 98.1 KISS FM @ Aloft SFO
Whether you live in the South Bay and don't want to with the SF NYE gridlock or are traveling when we usher the new year in, the Westin San Francisco Airport is the perfect destination for an old-school party. The Westin's hip younger sibling, Aloft SFO, is hosting a fiesta-themed event complete with KISS FM's DJs, including DJ Jay Plus and DJ Boy Wonder. Think classic and current R&B, disco, Latin, and Top 40 hits. And with a variety of ticket options ranging from classic party to straight-up baller, there's something for everyone. $99-485. Doors at 8 pm, champagne toast at 12 am. 1 Old Bayshore Hwy, Millbrae. Get tickets here.
