Here’s a look at events happening in the Greater Cincinnati region:
MASKerade at Taft’s Ale House
This artisanal brewpub is throwing a New Year’s Eve party that includes a five-course dinner and Taft’s own brews and specialty cocktails. Your ticket includes a welcome beer or cocktail, $1 off all pints, a specialty cocktail menu with the dinner courses in mind, and a champagne toast with dessert. The five-course meal includes Roasted Beet Salad, Kaase Spaetzle, Bruised Pork Shank, and Chocolate Bark. Seating will be limited for social distancing purposes.
When: 5-9 p.m. Friday
Where: Taft’s Ale House, 1429 Race St., Cincinnati
Cost: $100 per person (tip included)
More Info: 513-334-1393 or www.taftsbeer.com
Throwback Thursday 90s New Year’s Eve and Celebration
Cartridge Brewing just opened in Maineville in the fall, and they’re not wasting any time. Their first New Year’s Eve party will have a 1990s theme. Staff will be wearing grunge flannel, crop tops, Doc Martens, and “Clueless”-style plaid (and they encourage you to do the same), while Austin Ellis (Team Adam from “The Voice”) will be performing acoustic versions of 90s hits.
Each course of the five-course meal will be paired with a craft beer and curated wine as appropriate. A sparkling wine toast will accompany course #5 and there’s a designated driver option as well. The meal includes Lobster Bisque, Stuffed Quail, Braised Short Rib, Strawberry Marble Cheesecake, and more. This party is limited to 100 people with no parties greater than six allowed. The ball will drop at 9:15 p.m. and you’ll have a stemless flute to take home.
When: 6-10 p.m. Friday
Where: Cartridge Brewing, 1411 Grandin Road, Maineville
Cost: $135 per person, $75 for designated driver (tip included)
More Info: 513-697-3434 or www.cartridgebrewing.com
European New Year Keg Drop at Dead Low Brewing
This downtown Cincinnati brewery is cleverly spinning their New Year’s COVID-19 party as a celebration of European New Years (i.e. it may only be 7 p.m. in Cincinnati, but it’s midnight in London!).
The full Dead Low Brewing menu will be available, but there will also be food and drink specials reflecting the European countries ringing in 2021 throughout the evening. There will be two keg drops, one at 6 p.m. and the other at 9 p.m. just before last call. There will be a celebratory toast for each. Reservations are required and limited.
When: 4-10 p.m. Friday
Where: Dead Low Brewing, 5959 Kellogg Avenue, Cincinnati
Cost: Inquire at events@deadlow.com with number of people in your party, time of arrival, and contact info
More Info: 513-800-1231 or www.deadlowbrewing.com
New Year’s Bash, Roaring Twenties style
There have been plenty of Prohibition-themed New Year’s parties at various locales in the past, but thanks to COVID-19 restrictions, you can genuinely feel for the first time that you’re getting away with something in a speakeasy.
This is the first ever such New Year’s party for the Little River Bar and Grill. Come dressed as a flapper, gangster, or silent movie star, and enjoy an evening that includes music, karaoke, champagne toasts, and a live ball drop with fireworks.
Your reservation also includes a steak, ribs, or chicken dinner with two sides, champagne, and party favors.
When: 6-10 p.m. Friday
Where: Little River Bar and Grill, 5527 Oregonia Road, Oregonia
Cost: $30-$50
More Info: 513-932-4000 or www.littleriverbarandgrill.com
New Year’s Eve Party by Bucketheads
Want to spend New Year’s in a sporting atmosphere? This sports bar known for its expansive and diverse menu has you covered. Your admission includes appetizers, a three-course plated dinner (choice of chicken, beef, or fish), ten drink tickets, five shot tickets, party favors, and a souvenir champagne class.
A DJ will provide the entertainment, and there’ll be a “midnight” toast. Admission is limited due to COVID-19.
When: Friday, time TBA due to COVID-19
Where: Bucketheads, 6507 Harrison Ave., Cincinnati
Cost: $80
More Info: 513-574-5600 or www.bucketheadcincy.com
That Arena Rock Show at J.D. Legends
J.D. Legends, a multi-entertainment venue that includes bowling, volleyball, a restaurant, and concerts, is throwing a New Year’s Party that pays homage to 1970s and 80s arena hard rock and heavy metal. That Arena Rock Show will blast the sounds of Aerosmith, AC/DC, Bon Jovi, Guns N Roses, and more.
When: 7-10 p.m. Friday
Where: J.D. Legends, 65 Millard Drive, Franklin
Cost: $25-$35
More Info: 937-746-4950 or www.jdlegends.com
New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise
You can bring in the New Year on the scenic Ohio River with the Cincinnati skyline as a backdrop. Dinner is a three-entrée buffet that includes steak, baked chicken, whipped potatoes, and more. There will also be party favors, live entertainment, and a split of champagne.
Due to COVID-19, there will be reduced seating for social distancing. And because Kentucky has no curfew, you can celebrate the New Year as it actually happens.
When: 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. Friday
Where: BB Riverboats, 101 Riverboat Row, Newport, Kentucky
Cost: $112 (adults), $72 (kids)
More Info: 800-261-8586 or www.bbriverboats.com
New Year’s Eve Party at Rollarena
Beechmont Rollarena is throwing a New Year’s Eve party. Admission includes hat, noisemaker, balloon, and a lei. Balloon drop balloons will be passed out but not dropped. There will also be raffles throughout the evening. The winner will be announced at 9:45 p.m.
When: 6-10 p.m. Friday
Where: Beechmont Rollarena, 3988 Commercial Blvd., Cincinnati
Cost: $12 + fee for skates
More Info: 513-753-6868 or www.beechmontrollarena.com
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