The Indiana State Museum’s Family New Year is a family-friendly event featuring glittering tattoos, music and a dance party, with a balloon drop and countdown at 8 p.m.
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When the ball drops and the clock strikes midnight on Friday, it will be time to close the door on 2021.
Though not quite as tumultuous and challenging as 2020, the past year has come with its ups and downs. New Year’s Eve offers an opportunity to look back, take the lessons we learned and set up for success over the coming 12 months.
And of course, it’s a chance to party.
Whether your New Year’s Eve focus is on wild late-night bangers, sophisticated soirees or an early evening with family, a variety of options are available to start the next year out right.
Here are some of the best options going on around the area:
New Year’s Eve at SmockTown Brewing
Details: 6 p.m.-midnight Friday, SmockTown Brewing, 223 W. Main St., Greenwood
What: Johnson County’s newest brewery is entering 2022 on a hopeful note, and wants to party in their new multi-level space. This private party, held at the casual SmockTown bar as well as upstairs in the speakeasy-esque Attic Hardware, will feature dinner, dessert, a late-night snack and midnight toast.
Live music will be going in both bars, with Ben Tatum performing on acoustic guitar downstairs and the Sax Guy setting the mood in Attic Hardware. Food will be provided by Hot Pink Pepper Catering. Cost is $65 per person, and attendees must select a seating time when they purchase tickets at 317-215-4836.
A Rock ‘n’ Roll New Year’s Eve Party
Details: 7 p.m.-midnight Friday, Johnson County Shrine Club, 751 W. King St., Franklin
What: Ring in the new year with rock ‘n’ roll style as the Johnson County Shrine Club opens their facility to the community to come celebrate. A plate dinner, featuring pork steak, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn casserole and dinner roll, will be served starting at 7 p.m., and the kitchen will be open for short orders.
Entertainment by Alan Cochran and the Crestliners kicks up the energy starting at 9 p.m., and a complimentary champagne toast and party favors will be passed out once midnight rolls around. General admission is $15, and the event is open to the public.
New Year’s Eve at BoJak’s
Details: 8 p.m.-3 a.m. Friday, BoJak’s Bar & Grille, 377 E. Jefferson St., Franklin
What: BoJak’s Bar & Grille is pulling out all of its tricks to create one of the best New Year’s Eve parties in the county. Revelers can enjoy a state-of-the-art DJ set-up, a unique countdown experience and a bevy of special features over the course of the night.
Guests receive an entry cocktail/beer, party favors (though supplies are limited) and a ticket redeemable for a complimentary glass of champagne as the ball drops. General admission is $15, with four-person, six-person and eight-person table reservations available for $20 per person. Purchase tickets in advance at tinyurl.com/BoJaksNYE.
Family New Year’s: Sparkle & Shine
Details: 6-9 p.m. Friday, Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis
What: New Year’s Eve has a reputation as a hard-partying night that goes well into the early morning. But for parents with young kids, that’s not in the works. Luckily, the Indiana State Museum has created an ideal event that is both fun and festive and family friendly. Guests can enjoy glittering tattoos, music and a dance party as they get in the celebratory mood.
Photo-ops will be set up to remember your night, activity stations in the galleries offer a different look at the museum and the museum’s new Snowfall Express will take riders on a magical winter journey. The night ends with a balloon drop and confetti celebration at 8 p.m. Tickets are $16 per person, $12 for members and free for children younger than age 3. Go to indianamuseum.org/programs/family-new-years-eve-sparkle-shine for more information.
Countdown to Noon
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, 3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis
What: Get the party going a little bit earlier on Dec. 31 at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, which returns its popular Countdown to Noon event. Families can cheer and celebrate among the confetti as the museum’s famous water clock counts down at noon and again at 1 p.m. While people wait, they can dance and sing with Grammy award-nominated musician Zak Morgan, who will lead the festivities.
Visitors can learn how people all over the world send New Year’s greetings, create a family paper time capsule commemorating 2021 and explore unique creations at the “Inventing the Future” exhibit. Admission to the celebration is included in regular museum admission. Learn more at childrensmuseum.org.
The Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band
Details: 8 p.m. Friday, Brown County Music Center, 200 Maple Leaf Blvd, Nashville
What: Welcome in 2022 with some of the nation’s best roots rock and country blues, when The Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band takes the stage for their hometown New Year’s Eve show. In addition to a thumping performance by Rev. Peyton, the concert will feature special guests including Detroit rock-influenced country band Myron Elkins and The Dying Breed, and local American roots duo The Hammer and The Hatchet.
Tickets range from $25 to $35, and attendees are required to show either proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test (PCR test within 72 hours or rapid antigen test within 6 hours.) For more information, go to browncountymusiccenter.com.
