Bored of sitting at home and watching a replay of the ball drop on your couch while eating a bag of Doritos? Grab your friends, and do something extra special this year to soak up the last few hours of 2016 and ring in 2017 with a bang.
1. Candyland at Union Rooftop
Think glitter and gold are overrated for New Years? Switch things up a little bit this year, with Candyland at Union Rooftop and Rev Ultra Lounge. There are three floors of entertainment and DJs, not to mention the kettle corn, candy bar, and costumed staff. Tickets are $25.
2. The Black and White Ball at Hyatt Regency Hotel
A re-creation of New York City's, "Party of the Century" in 1966, The Black and White Ball, is one of the classier options for New Years in Minneapolis. The ball is the perfect excuse to get glamorous and enjoy three rooms of DJs playing disco, dance, funk, top 40, old school, house, and soul. Tickets are $40 for general admission or $75 for VIP.
3. Uptown NYE at Coup D'Etat
Looking for a place to party, but not willing to spend the money just for a night out? Uptown NYE will keep you dancing all night with DJs and multiple dance floors. Tickets have been going up, but are still cheaper than downtown options at $25, or you can get an all you can drink pass for $65.
4. Countdown MPLS at Calhoun Beach Club
Want the best of both worlds? Head down to Calhoun Beach Club for Countdown MPLS. They have three rooms of music and each promises a different vibe. That way, you can chill in a booth with your friends early in the night and head over to the dance floor when you're ready. Buy your tickets early to get them for $15 for general admission or $30 for VIP. Plus, each ticket pays for three meals through Feeding America.
5. The Black and White NYE Ball at The Exchange
Apparently, it really was the "Party of The Century," to inspire two New Year's Eve events in Minneapolis this year. The Exchange is also hosting a Black and White NYE Ball. The ball features DJs, stilt walkers, and Al Capon & Charlie Chaplin impersonators. Plus, sign up to win an awesome prize pack including a free hotel stay, a gift card to Borough, and a one year, unlimited complimentary drink pass to The Exchange. Tickets are $79 and include an open bar. If that's not enough, you can also get unlimited bottle service for $129.
6. New Year's Eve Dinner at Orchestra Hall
Bar scene not your cup of tea? No problem. Celebrate 2017 at Orchestra Hall. The Minnesota Orchestra will be hosting a New Year's Eve Dinner and Celebration, including cocktails, dinner, champagne toast, live entertainment, dancing, and a midnight countdown. Dinner tickets are $250 and orchestra concert tickets can be purchased for an extra fee.
7. New Years Eve Danceteria at First Ave
Nothing says Minneapolis quite like First Ave, and they won't disappoint. Plain Ole Bill & Last Word of Get Cryphy, AndThatsBrenon, Roy Freedom & DJ Smitty will be playing at First Avenue's New Year's Eve Danceteria to help you ring in the new year. Tickets are $10 in advance or $20 at the door.
8. New Year's Eve At The Top Of Your Lungs at The Shout House
Tired of dirty bars and DJs? Experience New Year's Eve a little differently this year with New Year's Eve At The Top Of Your Lungs at The Shout House. The event includes rock n' roll dueling pianos, a champagne toast, and a dinner buffet. Access to a top-shelf open bar can be purchased for $80. Tickets are $50-$75 or standing room only can be bought for $20 and does not include the dinner buffet.
9. A Frosted Affair at The Pourhouse
The Pourhouse will be transformed into a winter wonderland just in time for New Year's Eve and their A Frosted Affair party. Enjoy DJ sets, a cover band, stilt walkers and an open bar for $79 or take it up a notch with bottle service for $149.
10. GLAM NYE 2017 at MUSE Event Center
Glam is pulling out the big guns for 2017, including GRRRL PRTY DJ Shannon Blowtorch, Brittany Spears impersonator Derrick Barry, and DJ Dbaz, a confetti cannon, and a balloon drop. Oh, and did I mention there is a two-story ice luge and a beauty bar? Tickets are $30 for general admission or $75 for VIP, which includes access to the 3rd floor, complimentary coat check, champagne toast, lounge seating, and hors devours from CRAVE.
11. Crystal Ball at International Market Square
Tried and true, Crystal Ball is on its 13th year of putting on epic New Year's Eve celebrations. This year's event features Chase and Ovation performing Prince music, a number of DJ sets, performers from Dragon's Fire Theatre and Go-Go Dancers. Tickets are $50 for general admission or $80 for VIP, and a portion of the proceeds are donated to Spare Key, an organization that provides housing assistance to families with critically ill and seriously injured children in the hospital.
12. New Year's Eve at Buck Hill
Looking for something different to do to ring in 2017? How about spending your last memories of 2016 skiing, snowboarding, or tubing at Buck Hill? In addition to late night lift tickets for $15, New Year's Eve at Buck Hill features a magic show, air bag jump, glitter-glam hairdos, live music, jugglers, a ski race, cocktails, and a huge fireworks show at midnight. Lift tickets can be purchased. All other events are free.