Dec 26, 2013 >> The G&F Procrastinator’s Guide to New Year’s Eve
If you’re anything like the G&F crew, making plans for New Year’s Eve always feels like a very last minute affair. But just because it’s close to the wire doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the fun. We’ve combed through some of Chicago’s best New Year’s Eve events to bring you our favorites to ring in 2014.
From a December 30th fete to New Year’s Day brunch (and literally everything in between), this is a must-use list for those who are looking for a little something different this season—and especially for those who won’t end up deciding where they’ll be smooching at midnight until the very last minute.
NAME // EVE of the EVE
LOCATION // Union Station, 500 W. Jackson
TIME // December 30th, 8PM-1AM
DESCRIPTION // Avoid the crowds (and long lines at the bar!) and ring in 2014 a day early. Guests can enjoy a jump-start to the New Year with this black-tie optional event and all proceeds benefit HighSight’s scholarship program. Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and music from two guest DJ’s are included with purchase of a ticket.
TICKETS // $125 in advance;$140 day off; $160 VIP
MORE INFO // HighSight.org
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NAME // HQ NYE
LOCATION // Headquarters Beercade, 2833 N. Sheffield
TIME // December 31st, 8PM-1AM
DESCRIPTION // Ring in midnight a different way his year. For those of you looking for a unique and low-key way to celebrate, this is the perfect option. Where else can you ring in 2014 and get the highest score on a pinball machine?
TICKETS // $70
MORE INFO // HqBeercade.com
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NAME // theWit’s ROOF NYE Party
LOCATION // 201 N State St 27th FL
TIME // December 31st, 9:30PM-2AM
DESCRIPTION // With a wide range of tickets and table package, there is something for everyone. The Masquerade-themed party will have a premium open bar. And, of course, a 360 degree view of the city.
TICKETS // General Admission $160 to Ultimate VIP $25,000
MORE INFO // EventBrite.com
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NAME // New Years Eve at The Chop Shop & 1st Ward
LOCATION // 203 W North Avenue
TIME // December 31st, 8PM-1AM
DESCRIPTION // Did you read our G&F Spotlight this week? Guests will enjoy a drink package, light food with general admission ticket and a seated dinner with VIP ticket. The Gold Coast All Starts and DJ Hey Champ & Friends will perform. This is a win/win/win night.
TICKETS // General Admission $150; VIP $225
MORE INFO // TicketFly.com
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NAME // Black & White Ball
LOCATION // Travelle at the Langham Hotel, 330 N. Wabash
TIME // December 31st, 5PM seating and 7:30PM seating
DESCRIPTION // Party like it’s 1966! Dine in style (midcentury modern, of course) at Travelle. During the 7:30PM seating, guests are encouraged to wear black & white masks and attire—and if yours is voted the best, you’ll receive a magnum of Veuve Clicquot for your table. Not a bad way to start the new year!
TICKETS // $125-$175/person (drink service additional)
MORE INFO // TravelleChicago.com
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NAME // New Year’s Eve Firework Dinner Cruise
LOCATION // Odyssey Cruises, 600 E. Grand Ave
TIME // 8:30PM-1AM
DESCRIPTION // Magnificent memories, anyone? Cruise along Lake Michigan and ring in the New Year with a firework display a midnight.
TICKETS // $229.90
MORE INFO // OdysseyCruises.com
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NAME // New Year’s Eve Dinner
LOCATION // Homestead On the Roof, 1916 W Chicago Ave
TIME // December 31st, Early Seating 6PM-8:30PM, Late Seating 9PM-1AM
DESCRIPTION // A sit-down multi-course New Year’s meal will be served on Homestead’s heated interior second story space. Guests have the option to purchase two different timings (Our choice? The later time ends in a midnight celebration).
TICKETS // Early Seating $135.00, Late Seating $185.00
MORE INFO // EventBrite.com
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NAME // Count Down Comedy Bash
LOCATION // The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway
TIME // December 31st, 9:30PM
DESCRIPTION // Laugh your way into 2014. Guests will enjoy a variety of acts, passed bites and a champagne toast at midnight.
TICKETS // General Admission $35; Pre-sale VIP $65; Premium VIP, $265
MORE INFO // LaughFactory.com
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NAME // Metropolis Ball
LOCATION // Untitled, 111 W. Kinzie St.
TIME // December 31st, 8PM-Close
DESCRIPTION // Each of Untitled’s rooms will be designed as a surreal, interactive set representing the film “Metropolis”. Guests will enjoy avant-garde fashion, dancing, passed apps and an open bar all night. We mean… this one sounds exceptionally cool.
TICKETS // $175.00
MORE INFO // EventBrite.com
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NAME // Feliz Ano
LOCATION // Mercadito,
TIME // December 31st, Seatings at 5PM, 7:30PM, & 9:45PM
DESCRIPTION // Feliz Ano!!! Enjoy a 5-course meal including Ceviche and handmade Guacamole. Ticket price also includes 3-hour open bar and a classic midnight toast.
TICKETS // New Year Option: $120.00, Exclusive Party $150.00 per guest
MORE INFO // MercaditoRestaurants.com
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NAME // Stories Of What Happens Next
LOCATION // The Den Theatre, 1333 N. Milwaukee Ave.
TIME // December 31st, 9:30PM
DESCRIPTION // Celebrate the New Year with less yelling and more sharing. With purchase of a ticket, guests get three crafted stories, live soundtrack, bites, and a toast at midnight.
TICKETS // $50
MORE INFO // 2ndstory.com
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NAME // 29th Annual New Year’s Day 5K Run & Walk
LOCATION // Lincoln Park, Stockton Drive & LaSalle
TIME // January 1st, 11AM
DESCRIPTION // Kick off the New Year with a healthy start. Plus, a portion of the ticket price goes to the Lake View Citizen’s Council. A post-event party will be held at O’Brien’s in Old Town and complimentary drinks and raffle prizes are included in the registration fees.
TICKETS // Pre-Register $30, Day Of $35 for Walk, Day Of $40 for Run
MORE INFO // ChicagoEvents.com
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NAME // New Years Day Blues Brunch
LOCATION // Howells & Hood, 435 N. Michigan Ave
TIME // January 1st, 10AM-2PM
DESCRIPTION // Entertain those out-of-town guests or that wicked hangover from the night before. With many dining options closed for the holiday, Howells & Hood offers an unique option to enjoy the first day of 2014. Make a reservations now and enjoy live blues music from artist Matt Hendricks.
TICKETS // $29/per person
MORE INFO // HowellsandHood.com
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