As a New Year looms just around the corner, St. Pete residents are no doubt making plans to say farewell to 2015 and welcome 2016. For those who are still scrambling to make plans, there is no shortage of opportunity for fun and celebration.
St. Pete’s largest celebration is its annual First Night. Festivities begin throughout downtown at 4 p.m. and continue right up until midnight. There’s live music featuring just about every genre of music imaginable including this year’s headliner, Turkish band Kafkasso. The band even comes with belly dancers.
During the earlier hours of First Night, kids can come together to make hats and masks at First United Methodist Church. Kid-friendly activities also include a petting zoo, science shows, puppets and LED light activities.
A dance stage will be set up for various performances ranging from ballet to a light show at Williams Park. Studio @620 is hosting a series of interactive radio theater performances and American Stage is hosting improv comedy at the Sunshine Center auditorium.
Fireworks go off at 8 p.m. This is the 23rd anniversary of First Night in St. Pete and is the largest First Night celebration in the state.
While First Night is geared for all ages, those looking for a little more rambunctious evening also have some options.
Sip Social Lounge located at 179 First Ave. N. is hosting a party from 8 p.m. until 3 a.m. There’s a $25 cover that includes a two-hour open bar from 8 until 10 and “heavily passed” hors d’oeuvres. There’s a comedy show, midnight champagne toast and balloon drop. A “dress to impress” dress code will be strictly enforced.
Push Ultra Lounge in downtown begins its party at 9 p.m. with what the club describes as some of the areas best DJs.
The Arlington, Virginia-based reggae band Soja is playing at Jannus Live starting at 6:30 p.m.
And as is always the case in downtown St. Pete’s bustling night scene, bars around Central Avenue including hot spots like MacDinton’s and Mandarin Hide will be ripe for bar hopping after eating dinner at any of the area’s prime restaurants.
For those looking for a beachy New Year’s Eve celebration the TradeWinds resort on St. Pete Beach is hosting “Toast by the Coast” from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. The $100 per person event comes with a fancy buffet including chef-carved beef steamship round with roasted garlic au jus, pear and blue cheese in phyllo, stuffed mini beef Wellington, Tandoori chicken sate and a pasta station featuring gnocchi in a sweet basil Pomodoro sauce and cheese tortellini in saffron cream with goat cheese. A dessert buffet will also be open.
Admission includes a champagne toast at midnight and noisemakers. Live music will be performed by the band Motel Funk. The resort is offering a two-night package for $598. It includes two nights at the resort or neighboring Guy Harvey Outpost, admission for two and all of the resorts amenities including the water slide and a covered beach cabana.
Caddy’s on the Beach just a few clicks North on Sunset Beach is hosting a no-cover party including live music by The Lori Cherry Band, party favors, champagne toast and hors d’oeuvres.
Perhaps the most important thing to remember for New Year’s Eve partiers is getting home safely. AAA is again offering its safe ride program. If you’ve found yourself imbibing just a little too much to drive, AAA will tow you and your car back home safely for free.
