Another year has come and gone.
Only a few hours of 2016 remain, before everyone starts fresh. The new year offers potential and promise, starting when the ball drops and the sounds of “Auld Lang Syne” fill the air.
Options to ring in the new year abound: You can relax quietly at home watching the ball drop on TV, gather with a few close friends for an intimate celebration or hit the town.
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The challenge is finding the best way to celebrate. Do you want wild music and dancing, sophisticated dinner and drinks or family-friendly fun taking into account early bedtimes.
Central Indiana has something for everybody this New Year’s Eve. Each event is being conducted at a unique venue and locale throughout the area, but everyone will still end up in the same place: 2017
<p style="text-align: left"><strong>Family New Year’s Eve</strong></p>
When: 6 to 9 p.m. SaturdayWhere: Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis
Cost: $15, $9 for members
What: Not everyone can stay up until midnight — children or adults. For those looking to celebrate a little bit earlier, the Indiana State Museum will move up the clocks for a more reasonable New Year’s party. The alcohol-free event will feature jugglers, face painting and train rides in the museum’s Great Hall, with a balloon drop at 8 p.m. Reservations for the party are encouraged.
<p style="text-align: left"><strong>Black & Gold NYE Party</strong></p>
When: 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. SaturdayWhere: BoJak’s Bar and Grill, 377 E. Jefferson St., Franklin
Cost: No cover
What: Ring in the new year with a bumping playlist of the hottest techno, hip-hop and rock . BoJak’s will turn to DJ Freeze to spin the best party tracks starting at 10 p.m., and guests will receive complimentary party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. In addition to watching the ball drop at midnight, everyone in the door will receive a raffle ticket for drawings at 1, 2 and 3 a.m.
<p style="text-align: left"><strong>Triple Play BBQ</strong></p>
When: 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. SaturdayWhere: 186 W. Jefferson St., Franklin
Cost: $10 admission; buffet for $21.95
What: On two other occasions, local band Split Rail has taken the stage at Triple Play BBQ. And each time, they’ve brought down the house. So what better way to help close out the year than to give the band its third showcase at the venue. To keep up your energy, party-goers will have access to a special dinner buffet and appetizers, plus party favors. Reservations are required.
<p style="text-align: left"><strong>Downtown Indy’s New Year’s Eve Celebration</strong></p>
When: 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. SaturdayWhere: Georgia Street, downtown Indianapolis
Cost: Free
What: Forget watching the ball drop. In central Indiana, you get to watch the IndyCar drop. The specially mounted car will descend at midnight, amidst fireworks and music at this all-ages event. Electronic dance band Jump Smokers will headline the event, with performances by Standout Story, 87 Southbound and Just’A Band as well. Full bars and food trucks will be available throughout the night and a special countdown pavilion will be set up inside Bankers Life Fieldhouse so people can warm up.
<p style="text-align: left"><strong>NYE at the Willard</strong></p>
When: 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. SaturdayWhere: The Willard, 99 N. Main St., Franklin
Cost: Free entry
What: Cadillac Scott and the Snakehandlers have been a staple of the local music scene for years, performing rollicking blues and hit songs from the groove and soul labels of the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s. The full band will pack into the Willard, a Franklin institution for the past 30 years, for a special show.
<p style="text-align: left"><strong>Ciroc the New Year 2017</strong></p>
When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. SaturdayWhere: Regions Bank Tower, 211 N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis
Cost: $130
What: Indianapolis’ only rooftop event will allow guests to enjoy a 360-degree view of the city as the new year starts. This party-centric event will feature an open bar all night, with light appetizers and a champagne toast. Music will be provided by some of the area’s best DJs, including DJ Indiana Jones, DJ Gabby Love, Action Jackson, Lemi Vice, Massey Appeal, DJ Rican and DJ Jozyano.
<p style="text-align: left"><strong>New Year’s Eve Boy Band Revue</strong></p>
When: Doors at 9 p.m., concert from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. SaturdayWhere: The Vogue, 6259 N. College Ave., Indianapolis
Cost: $75
What: Is your idea of a perfect night reliving the glory days of NSYNC, Backstreet Boys and 98 Degrees? Then the Vogue will feature all of the choreographed dance moves and matching outfits you can handle. Their New Year’s Eve party will spotlight Chicago-based Boy Band Revue, a tribute group focused on the pop titans of the late ‘90s. Admission includes all-you-can-drink.
<p style="text-align: left"><strong>New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball</strong></p>
When: 8:30 p.m. to 1:45 a.m. SaturdayWhere: Union Station, 39 W. Jackson Place, Indianapolis
Cost: $50 general admission, $99 VIP
What: For the past 10 years, planners have staged a three-parties-in-one event in the unique architectural ballrooms of Union Station. Guests are invited to don their masks and meander between the trio of themed events planned out. Living Proof, an Indianapolis cover band, will provide live music in the Grand Hall, while ‘80s rock band Mullet Over relives the decade of decadence in the Iron Horse Lounge. Club music will bump in the Illinois Street Ballroom.
