Check out all of the places and events to bid farewell to 2010, Austin-style. All events are on Dec. 31 unless noted.
Bar & Restaurant Employee New Year's Eve (BARENYE)
Where: Speakeasy, 412 CongressWhen: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., Dec. 29
What: New Year's Eve is coming a little early for those who have to work on the big night, down to the big countdown, balloon drop and a Champagne toast. No cover.
A.N.Y. (Austin's New Year)
Courtesy of the City of Austin
Where: Auditorium Shores (South First Street and Riverside Drive)
When: 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
What: The city invites one and all to its family-friendly and alcohol-free New Year's Eve celebration. The free annual event will be a night filled with live musical performances, film screenings, food, art and other activities before the big fireworks finale over Lady Bird Lake at 10:15 p.m. Parking will be available at city and private garages, but Austin officials are encouraging attendees to walk, bike or ride the bus because of multiple road closures and their effect on traffic downtown.
When: 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
What: The city invites one and all to its family-friendly and alcohol-free New Year's Eve celebration. The free annual event will be a night filled with live musical performances, film screenings, food, art and other activities before the big fireworks finale over Lady Bird Lake at 10:15 p.m. Parking will be available at city and private garages, but Austin officials are encouraging attendees to walk, bike or ride the bus because of multiple road closures and their effect on traffic downtown.
Cheer Up Charlie's
Where: 1104 E. Sixth St.When: 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
What: If you're up for an evening of music and free (yes, free) food and booze, the bar's event is billed as a New Year's celebration/birthday party (for Tamara, the proprietor). In addition to being the tour kickoff for local band the Sour Notes, the show includes Marmalakes, Follow That Bird! and No Mas Bodas. The Vegan Yacht, Torchy's Tacos, Homeslice Pizza, Treaty Oak Rum and Graham's Texas Tea will be providing the food and beverages.
Country Rockin' New Year's
Where: North Austin Event Center, 10601 N. Lamar Blvd.When: 7 p.m.
What: Break out the boots and dancin' shoes for a party featuring performances by Rick Trevino, Dale Watson and the Derailers. $60 ($50 in advance).
Esther's Follies New Year's
Where: Esther's Pool, 525 E. Sixth St.When: 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
What: Get the last laugh on 2010 with a comedy show, Tex-Mex food, a Champagne toast and, of course, a festive hat. $45-55.
Fadó
Where: 214 W. Fourth St.When: 5 p.m.
What: Where else can you get two New Year's Eve celebrations in one? The downtown pub will toast both the Irish new year (at 6 p.m.) and the Texas one (at midnight) with a Champagne reception. Feast on Irish dishes and drinks while taking in music from the Blaggards. $15.
Foot Patrol
Courtesy of Transmission Entertainment
Where: The ND at 501 Studios, 501 Interstate 35
When: 8:30 p.m.
What: In an "Iron Chef"-style competition, Foot Patrol will play two full sets to determine once and for all whose hit machine reigns supreme. Will it be Prince or Michael Jackson? Fans get to vote at the end of the night. $25 ($20 in advance).
When: 8:30 p.m.
What: In an "Iron Chef"-style competition, Foot Patrol will play two full sets to determine once and for all whose hit machine reigns supreme. Will it be Prince or Michael Jackson? Fans get to vote at the end of the night. $25 ($20 in advance).
Gibson Ski Lodge New Year's Eve Party 2010
Courtesy of Gibson
Where: 1109 S. Lamar Blvd.
When: 9 p.m.
What: Skip the fancy clothes and channel your inner ski bunny on the slopes of Central Texas. For its year-end bash (which benefits the Trail Foundation), the bar is transforming itself into a winter wonderland with the help of 30 tons of real snow. Partygoers get complimentary commemorative ski caps, appetizers, cocktails, music, dancing and even photo ops in the hot tub in addition to a midnight Champagne toast. $115.
When: 9 p.m.
What: Skip the fancy clothes and channel your inner ski bunny on the slopes of Central Texas. For its year-end bash (which benefits the Trail Foundation), the bar is transforming itself into a winter wonderland with the help of 30 tons of real snow. Partygoers get complimentary commemorative ski caps, appetizers, cocktails, music, dancing and even photo ops in the hot tub in addition to a midnight Champagne toast. $115.
The Good Foot: A Live Funk Mash-Up
Where: The Scoot Inn, 1308 E. Fourth St.When: 10 p.m.
What: Fly your freak flag, rock a costume and dance, Soul Train-style, to performances by the Sugarfoot Family All-Stars and classic soul sets from DJ Greg Most. $20 ($15 in advance).
Imperia's NYE Bash
Where: 310 ColoradoWhen: 5:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.
What: The downtown sushi joint's free year-end party includes a DJ, party favors and a complimentary Champagne toast.