This weekend, December 21-23, 2012, is your last chance to party, join fundraisers, and get into the holiday spirit before Christmas. As always in New York City, there is something for everyone. Read on to find out where to go and what to do.
Friday, December 21
Doomsday Countdown Parties
Taking advantage of the end of the world hype, Zed's Dead is coming to NYC to play an exclusive set at Webster Hall (125 E. 11th St.) this Friday. Advance tickets can be bought online or by calling 917-302-0847. Doors open at 10 p.m., and you must be 19 or older. Bring ID.
The End of The World Event featuring Maninblack will be at the Double Down Saloon (14 Ave. A in Manhattan) from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. There is no cover charge, and more information is available on their Facebook event page. 21 and up.
The end of the world party at Times Scare Fun House is on from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. at 669 Eighth Ave. Sponsored by several Meetup groups and The New York Social Network, the event is free and includes a haunted fun house, two bars, and a kitchen. Specials on Friday include a 50-percent off coupon for the haunted house and a 15-percent discount on food. $4 beers and $5 cocktails will be available.
Newtown Fundraisers
Hang out at the Solstice Party and Newtown Fundraiser at Les Sans Culottes, thrown by the New York City Atheists. This party at the French restaurant will include music, comedy, and food, as well as an open mic for any random thoughts you want to share with the crowd. Guitarist Ron Duncan will get things started with some rowdy Scottish songs. The event is a fundraiser for victims of the Newtown, Connecticut, shooting. The event starts at 6 p.m. at 1085 Second Ave. in Manhattan on the second floor. $40 cash-only entrance fee covers an appetizer basket, choice of five entrees, dessert, one soft drink, tax, and tip. Cash bar.
Stage
Still on stage for a few more days through December 30, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular has performances throughout the weekend and includes a showcase featuring the Rockettes' most extraordinary costumes during its 85 years. Radio City Music Hall (1260 Avenue of Americas in Manhattan). Tickets range from $40-$275.
Free Music
The Brooklyn Night Bazaar is still going strong, and this weekend, it will include free musical performances by Kyp Malone, Pictureplane, and Motive. The full lineup can be found on their information page. The bazaar is at 45 N. Fifth St. in Brooklyn, from 6 p.m. to midnight and is free.
Saturday, December 22
Stage and Film
Here's your chance to see Katie Holmes on stage post-Tom Cruise escape. Holmes is on Broadway with Norbert Leo Butz (who has won a Tony twice) in the comedy "Dead Accounts." The play, written by Pulitzer Prize nominee Theresa Rebeck, is a comedy about a brother and a sister and a $27 million secret. Directed by three-time Tony Award-winner Jack O'Brien, Holmes has gotten pretty solid reviews for her performance. The play is at the Music Box Theatre at 239 W. 45th St. in Manhattan. Tickets range from $67-147, but student discounts are possible.
Free
For something a little different and free, the Museum of the City of New York at 1220 Fifth Ave. at 103rd Street has an ongoing exhibit called "Activist New York" about social activism in NYC. It includes, photographs, audio, and visual presentations and interactive elements document protests surrounding civil rights, wages, sexual orientation, and religious freedom from the 1600s until today. Suggested admission, no set entry fee.
Sunday, December 23
Museums
For history buffs, the Metropolitan Museum of Art at 6 E. 82nd St. is hosting an exhibit of British silver and a gallery of Henri Matisse paintings this month. Entry to the museum is technically free, with a suggested donation of up to $20.
Music
Grammy Award-winning pianist, composer, and educator Arturo O'Farrill is performing this weekend at the Birdland Jazz Club at 315 W. 44th St. in Manhattan. O'Farrill has been dubbed among the "first family of Afro-Cuban jazz" by the New York Times. Tickets are $30, and doors open at 8 p.m.
