Things to do on New Year's Eve in Cincinnati
As the year winds down, the celebrations ramp up, and there's a proliferation of New Year's Eve happenings around the city guaranteed to help you say "goodbye" (or perhaps "good riddance") to 2021. From family-friendly daytime countdowns and special menus at area restaurants to live music and themed parties, there's something for every taste and budget.
Here's a list of what's going on around the city on Dec. 31.
Update: Due to concern about the rise of COVID-19 cases, the New Year's Eve Masquerade with Blue Stone Ivory at Marriott Hotel has been canceled.
COMEDY
Downtown: Sal Vulcano & Chris Distefano, 8 p.m., Taft Theatre, 317 E. Fifth St. $39.75-$75. tafttheatre.org.
Liberty Township: Ryan Hamilton's NYE Show, 7:30 and 10 p.m., Funny Bone Comedy Club, 7518 Bales St. Ages 21-up. liberty.funnybone.com.
Montgomery: Mike Cronin, 7:30 and 10 p.m., Go Bananas, 8410 Market Place Lane. Ages 21-up. $20-$40. 513-873-7233; gobananascomedy.com.
Over-the-Rhine: Karaoke, Stand Up and Countdown, 10 p.m., MOTR Pub, 1345 Main St. Comedy with Karl and Andy, party favors, Champagne toast. motrpub.com.
FAMILY
Avondale: Happy Zoo Year, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St. "Party animals" of all ages can ring in the new year with a family-friendly glow party complete with DJ, glow giveaways, games and more. Kid-friendly early countdown at 8 p.m. cincinnatizoo.org.
Batavia: New Year's Eve Party, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Nakama Studio, 600 Kilgore St. Kids decorate party hats, countdown and toast with balloon drop at noon. Registration required. $5 per child or $15 per family. nakamastudio.org.
Corryville: Midnight in Munich, 4-8 p.m., Mecklenburg Gardens, 302 E. University Ave. German beer specials, hors d'oeuvres, live music, kid-friendly buffet, and Champagne toast during live stream of the Brandenburg Gate fireworks in Berlin. $23-$63. Online tickets only, none sold at door. eventbrite.com.
Downtown: New Year's Eve on the Square, 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m., Fountain Square, 520 Vine St. Party on the plaza includes hot, cold and bubbly drinks from the bar, heaters and high top tables, DJ, light show on plaza and ice, photo booth, glow vendors, fireworks at midnight. $10 ice skating. myfountainsquare.com.
Downtown: Cincinnati Cyclones vs Greenville Swamp Rabbits, 6 p.m., Heritage Bank Center, 100 Broadway. Following game, see indoor fireworks display. $19-$31. cycloneshockey.com.
Franklin: NYE Bowling Package, 3, 6 and 9 p.m. JD Legends, 65 Millard Drive. Packages include 2 hours of bowling, a large 2-topping pizza and pitcher of soda. $50-up. eventbrite.com.
Ludlow: Family New Year's Eve Party, 6-8 p.m., Ludlow Theatre, 322 Elm St. Family-friendly party features performance by Circus Mojo and instructional workshop, woodfired pizza and a ball-drop with ginger ale toast. $5-$60. eventbrite.com.
Mason: New Year's Eve at WinterFest, 5 p.m.-1 a.m., Kings Island, 6300 Kings Island Drive. Join the elves of Tinker's Toy Factory for an early NYE countdown with a giant balloon drop, or close out the year with music and fireworks at the stroke of midnight. visitkingsisland.com.
Newport: New Year's Eve Kids Cruise, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., BB Riverboats, Riverboat Row. Cruise includes party favors, DJ, countdown to noon and lunch buffet. Kids can dress up as their favorite character. $45, $36 ages 4-12. bbriverboats.com.
Newport: New Year's Eve Game Party, 6 p.m.-1 a.m., Cerberus Den, 1 Levee Way. Family-friendly party playing your favorite board games. Multiple role-playing games including Dungeons & Dragons and Vampire Masquerade. $5 to play all evening. facebook.com.
Norwood: The Anti-New Years Eve New Years Eve Party, noon-1 a.m., Stones Lanes, 3746 Montgomery Road. Unlike the other places, there are no extra NYE prices, no special cover charge and you don't have to buy a special package. Show up. Bowl. Party. $5.50 per game. $4 shoe rental. 513-396-7003; stoneslanes.com.
DINING
Colerain Township: Grilled to Perfection, 5 p.m., Vinoklet Winery, 11069 Colerain Ave. Dinner includes a wine tasting with 1/2 bottle per person, choice of entree, sides and dessert, and coffee and tea. Seatings from 5-7:30 p.m. by reservation only. $38-$48. vinokletwines.com.
Downtown: Meet Us Under the Mistletoe at Midnight, Via Vite Ristorante, 520 Vine St. Four-course prix-fixe menu. Multiple seatings. $85. Reservations: 513-721-8483.
Downtown: NYE Vibe Dining Experience, 5 p.m., Galla Park, 175 Joe Nuxhall Way. Featuring full menu and dinner specials. DJs, Champagne toast. $25-$125. eventbrite.com.
Downtown: VIP New Year's Eve at The Banks, 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m., E+O Kitchen, 56 W. Freedom Way. DJs, Champagne toast, opulent dining packages and more. $25-up. eventbrite.com.
Downtown: New Year's Eve Dinner, Butcher and Barrel, 700 Race St. Prix fixe 3-course dinner with Champagne toast. $60 per person. thebutcherbarrel.com.
Hyde Park: Meet Us Under the Mistletoe at Midnight, Forno Osteria & Bar, 3514 Erie Ave. Four-course prix-fixe menu. Multiple seatings. $75. Reservations: 513-818-8720.
Miami Township: Epic Live NYE Dinner Party, 6 p.m.-2 a.m., Epic Live Event Center, 59 E. Main St. Prime rib dinner, music by 4Reel, Champagne toast, party favors, DJ Johnny5, door prizes and free shuttle home. $125 per couple, $75 single. epiclive.events.
Montgomery: Meet Us Under the Mistletoe at Midnight, Forno Osteria & Bar, 9415 Montgomery Road. Four-course prix-fixe menu. Multiple seatings. $75. Reservations: 513-231-5555.
Newport: New Year's Eve Dinner Cruise, 9 p.m.-1 a.m., BB Riverboats, Riverboat Row. Includes special 3-entree buffet, entertainment, split of Champagne at midnight, late-night snack buffet and party favors. $120, $80 ages 4-12. bbriverboats.com.
Newport: Prost to 2022, Hofbrauhaus, 200 E. Third St. Live music from Jammin' Germans, special NYE menu and seasonal beers. Reservations: 859-491-7200; hofbrauhausnewport.com.
Over-the-Rhine: Dinner at Taft's, 6-8 and 8:30-10:30 p.m., Taft's Ale House, 1429 Race St. Includes 5-course dinner and welcome beer. $1 off all pints, Champagne toast with dessert. Two seatings. $100. eventbrite.com.
Pendleton: Twenty-Twenty-Two Dinner, Nicola's, 1420 Sycamore St. Four-course prix-fixe menu. Multiple seatings. $99. Reservations: 513-721-6200.
West Chester Township: New Year's Eve 2021, 4-10:30 p.m., Jag's Steak & Seafood, 5980 West Chester Road. 3-course dinner menu at $85 per person. Wine pairings additional $25 per person. Live music. jags.com.
LIVE MUSIC
Anderson Township: Noah Smith's Big Ol Family NYE Live Recording, 9 p.m., Big Ash Brewing, 5230 Beechmont Ave. Includes show, party favors, Champagne toast and more. $20-$100. eventbrite.com.
Anderson Township: New Year's Eve Party with Vinyl Countdown, 6 p.m.-2 a.m., Latitudes Bar & Bistro, 7454 Beechmont Ave. Includes Champagne toast, party favors and live entertainment. Reservation a table: 513-827-9146.
Clifton: Freekbass & the Bump Assembly does NYE FunKISSdelic: A Funkadelic-Kiss Mash-Up, Ludlow Garage, 342 Ludlow Ave. $30, $25 advance. ludlowgaragecincinnati.com.
Covington: NYE with Arlo McKinley, 8 p.m., Madison Theater, 730 Madison Ave. With Jeremy Pinnell, Buffalo Wabs & the Price Hill Hustle, Nolan Taylor. $35-$40. madisontheater.com.
Covington: New Year's Eve with Grey Dogs, 10 p.m., Molly Malones, 112 E. Fourth St. Balloon drop and Champagne toast at midnight. Free admission.
Covington: New Year's Eve with Mad Costanza, 10 p.m., Strasse Haus, 630 Main St.
Downtown: Clutch, 8:30 p.m., Andrew J. Brady Music Center, 25 Race St. With Stoner and Native Howl. bradymusiccenter.com.
Downtown: Hot Magnolias, 9 p.m., Arnold's Bar & Grill, 210 E. Eighth St.
East End: Rumpke Mountain Boys, 7 p.m., Riverfront Live, 4343 Kellogg Ave. Electric NYE show featuring Sicard Hollow and the Pickin Pear. $30, $25 advance. cincyticket.com.
Erlanger: NYE with Naked Karate Girls, 8 p.m.-1 a.m., Receptions, 1379 Donaldson Hwy. Includes live music, open well bar, appetizers, buffet dinner, late-night snack bar, Champagne toast and party favors. $150 per person. receptionsinc.com.
Fairfield: NYE with the Band That Killed Elvis, 9 p.m., Fairfield Pub, 465 Nilles Road. Champagne toast at midnight. facebook.com.
Fairfield: NYE with the Menus, 8 p.m.-1 a.m., Receptions, 5975 Boymel Drive. Includes live music, buffet dinner, dessert bar, late-night snack bar, open bar, Champagne toast. $175 per couple, $90 per person. receptionsinc.com.
Franklin: KISS 2021 Goodbye with Mr. Speed, 9 p.m., JD Legends, 65 Millard Drive. Kiss tribute band rings in new year. $25-$35. eventbrite.com.
Harrison: New Year's Eve with Bad Habit & Under the Sun, 6:30 p.m., Blue Note, 9660 Dry Fork Road. Ages 21-up. $20 per seat. cincyticket.com.
Montgomery: New Year's Party with the Hanky Panks, 6:30 p.m.-1 a.m., The Belle & the Bear, 8512 Market Place Lane. Acoustic Blue opens. Free appetizers, Champagne at midnight, no cover. facebook.com.
Over-the-Rhine: Shaken, Not Stirred, 8 p.m., Music Hall, 1241 Elm St. John Morris Russell conducts the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. Featuring iconic themes and famous music from the longest-running franchise in movie history: James Bond. $25-$115. cincinnatiarts.org.
Over-the-Rhine: Party at the Point w/Phil DeGreg Quartet, 7:30 p.m.-12:30 p.m., Schwartz's Point Jazz & Acoustic Club, 1901 Vine St. Live music, buffet dinner, desserts and Champagne toast. $50. eventbrite.com.
Mount Lookout: NYE with Donnie Baker & the Pork Pistols Live, 8 p.m.-1 a.m., The Redmoor, 3187 Linwood Ave. Ring in the new year with Donnie Baker & the Pork Pistols, Catfish Cooley and Blackbeard Gypsies. Includes party favors, Champagne and appetizers. Performance will be recorded live for next album. Doors open 7 p.m. $50-up. theredmoor.com.
Walnut Hills: NYE Party with Mandy Gaines Quartet, 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m., Caffe Vivace, 975 E. McMillan St. Swing in the new year with live jazz. Ticket includes show, selection of hors d'oeuvres, party favors and Champagne toast at midnight. $50-$110. eventbrite.com.
West Chester Township: New Year's Eve Masquerade Party with Bluestone Ivory, 6 p.m., Marriott Hotel, 6189 Muhlhauser Road. Includes accommodations, dinner, open bar, live entertainment, breakfast buffet and late checkout. $429 per couple. 513-874-7335; bluestoneivory.com. CANCELED.
PARTIES
Clifton: New Year's Eve at the St. Clair, 8 p.m.-2 a.m., The St. Clair, 245 Calhoun St. Half-price drinks from 8-10 p.m. thestclair.com.
Colerain Township: Dinner and Dancing, 7 p.m.-1 a.m., Vinoklet Winery, 11069 Colerain Ave. Includes dinner, open bar, cocktail hour, dinner, dancing, light hors d'oeuvres and Champagne toast at midnight. Reservation only. $89. vinokletwines.com.
College Hill: New Year's Eve Latin Party, 8 p.m.-1 a.m., MashRoots, 5903 Hamilton Ave. Latin-style buffet, salsa, merengue and more by maestro Joel Alleguez, batucada at midnight, open bar. $72 VIP, $42. 513-620-4126; mashroots.com.
Covington: Garage, Glitz and Glamour New Year's Party, 8 p.m.-1 a.m., The Standard, 434 Main St. Come dressed up or dressed down, just be ready to get down. Small bites until 10 p.m., Champagne toast, drink specials all night. $20. eventbrite.com.
Covington: NYE in NKY, 7 p.m., Braxton Brewing Co., Covington. Music by DJ Fur Sur, Primal, DJ BSP, DGNR8. Includes midnight toast, photo booth, dance contest with prizes. Drinks and all-you-can-eat buffet catered by Gomez included. Ages 21-up. $200 VIP rooftop igloo access, $125, $100 advance. cincyticket.com.
Covington: Ring In the New Year, Radisson Hotel, 668 W. Fifth St. Package includes overnight accommodations, party from 10 p.m.-1 a.m. at Eighteen with DJ, cash bar and Champagne toast. Breakfast buffet for two on New Year's Day. $389. radisonhotelsamericas.com.
Downtown: Gatsby's House 2022, 8 p.m.-1 a.m., Westin Hotel Ballroom, 21 E. Fifth St., Downtown. Ring in the new year in true 1920s flapper fashion in this multi-room party. DJs, 5 hours of premium prepaid drinks, hors d'oeuvres, state-of-the-art lighting and sound system, casino night with games and prizes, hotel room packages. Tickets start at $95. eventbrite.com.
Downtown: New Year's Eve 2022 Global Countdown, noon-2 a.m., Fishbowl at The Banks, 141 E. Freedom Way. Celebrate the new year around the world, starting with Australia at noon. Complimentary Champagne every hour. facebook.com/fishbowlatthebanks.
Downtown: A Night to Remember NYE Bash, 8 p.m.-2 a.m, Tin Roof, 160 E. Freedom Way, Downtown. Live performance by DJ Kombat and Super Nash Bros. VIP entry includes table for 4 or 8, Champagne, one bottle vodka, one appetizer sampler, party favors. Reservations required. $30-$500. ticketweb.com.
Downtown: NYE at QCE, 9 p.m.-2 a.m., Queen City Exchange, 32 W. Court St., Downtown. Open bar, food, Champagne toast at midnight. 4-top and 2-top tables available for reservation. $100. eventbrite.com.
Downtown: New Year's Eve 2021, The Birdcage, 927 Race St. Featuring DJ Patrick B, live entertainment and vocal performances, hors d'oeuvres, party favors, balloon drop and toast at midnight. $35. 513-381-0563; thebirdcagecincinnati.com.
Downtown: Bubbles and Bow Ties, 9 p.m.-2 a.m., Igby's, 122 E. Sixth St. Includes Champagne toast upon arrival and a midnight toast, party favors and dancing. $45. eventbrite.com.
Downtown: The Shift New Year's Event, 8 p.m., Sample Space, 140 Marian Spencer Way. Four DJs, hors d'oeuvres, specialty cocktail bar and more. $50-$100. eventbrite.com.
Downtown: Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati Goes Gaga for NYE. 7 p.m., Hard Rock Casino, 1000 Broadway. First 4,000 through the door receive Lady Gaga-themed sunglasses. Local artists will be painting Lady Gaga murals throughout the casino, live DJ spinning all evening. Live performance in the Cafe by Cassette Junkies starting at 9:30 p.m. Lady Gaga look alike models on the casino floor for photos and selfies. Casino restaurants have extended hours. Reservations: 513-250-3150.
East End: Dead Glow Brewing NYE Keg Drop, 4 p.m.-1 a.m., Dead Low, 5959 Kellogg Ave., East End. Live music by Shadwell 5, 3-course dinner, appetizers and more. Wear white or your favorite neon colors. $20-$100. deadlow.com.
East Walnut Hills: New Year's Eve Wonderland, 8 p.m., Woodburn Brewing Co., 2800 Woodburn Ave. Food and drink specials, entertainment featuring House of Aphrodesia, Ophelia Plenty, Spicy Chaos, Legendary Lewt, Captain Derron Von Awesome and Venomous Dahlia. Pay as you go, or $75 Queens Court Access includes all food and drinks. woodburnbrewing.com.
East Walnut Hills: New Year's Eve Celebration, 9 p.m.-2:30 a.m., Twenties, 2733 Woodburn Ave. Hors d'oeuvres from 9-11 p.m., party favors, Champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight, music with DJ Croix Boi and more. $25-up. twentiescincy.com.
Fort Thomas: 2022 Countdown Party, 9 p.m., Grassroots & Vine, 1011 S. Fort Thomas Ave Festive attire encouraged. DJ, dancing, complimentary lite bites, party favors and midnight countdown. Bar service available. $30. eventbrite.com.
Lawrenceburg: Boogie Nights NYE, 9 p.m., Hollywood Casino, 777 Hollywood Blvd. Live entertainment with Zack Attack, balloon drop, party favors, Boogie Nights party and $50K Break the Bank drawing. Ages 21-up. hollywoodindiana.com.
Ludlow: Freakshow Deluxe, 9 p.m., Ludlow Theatre, 322 Elm St., Ludlow. Dark vaudevillian extravaganza with sexy performers, stunning visuals and a sense of humor. $10-$25. eventbrite.com.
Mason: Dueling Pianos NYE 2021, 7 p.m.-1 a.m., 16 Lots Brewing Co., 753 Reading Road. Entertainment with Aston Wolf Dueling Pianos. Includes unlimited 16 Lots beer, cider and wine, unlimited appetizers, Champagne toast at midnight. $50-$95. eventbrite.com.
Mount Adams: Hi-Fi NYE, 8 p.m.-2 a.m., HiFi, 941 Pavilion St. Live music from Mayglow, and DJ spinning vinyl. In the Lo-Fi room will be electronic music and techno beats. $25. eventbrite.com.
Newport: Party Like it's 1999, 7 p.m., Newport Syndicate, 18 E. Fifth St. Choose from several party options. Rusty Griswolds perform in the Grand Ballroom. Q102's Mark McFadden hosts party in the Ambassador Room. Gangsters Piano Bar party. $85-$125. cincyticket.com.
Newport: NYE at the Levee, 4 p.m.-2 a.m., Beeline, 1 Levee Way. Drink specials all night, DJ and more. No cover. 859-392-0600; facebook.com.
Newport: NYE Party, Brothers Bar & Grill, 1 Levee Way. Live DJ, Champagne toast at midnight.
Newport: New Year's Eve 2022 on the Levee, 9 p.m., Newport Ultra Lounge, 120 E. Third St. Free party favors. newyearseve2022.eventbrite.com.
Newport: NYE Bowling Packages, 8 p.m.-1 a.m., Rotolo, 1 Levee Way. Package includes six drink tickets, bottle of Champagne and 5-hour lane reservation for six. $300. Open to the public for walk-ins. 859-652-7250; rotolobowling.com.
Newport: New Year's Eve Party, The Boardroom, 844 York St. Live DJ and entertainment, drink specials, Champagne toast at midnight.
Newport: Riot Rose Burlesque and Variety Show, Jake Logan & the Midnight Riders, 9 p.m., Southgate House Revival, 111 E. Sixth St. $15-$65. southgatehouse.com.
North College Hill: New Year's Eve at Flock Dome, 9 p.m., Flock Dome, 6630 Hamilton Ave. Music by DJ Fresh and DJ Slick Rick, plus Chrisette Michelle and Musiq Soulchild. $75-$200. 513-800-2992; cincyticket.com.
Norwood: It's Party Time, 7 p.m.-1 a.m., Fueled Collective, 3825 Edwards Road. Open bar, food all night long, VIP group sections, Champagne toast and party favors. $75-up. eventbrite.com.
Oakley: Something Different New Year's Eve, 9 p.m.-1 a.m., MadTree Brewing, 3301 Madison Road. Music by DJ Kombat and DJ Karnyge. Open bar, catering. $99-$150. casualsocialite.com.
Over-the-Rhine: Black Sheep Black Tie NYE Celebration, 9 p.m., Revel OTR Urban Winery, 111 E. 12th St. Live music, 2 drink tickets, bubbly toast at midnight, light bites all night. $75. eventbrite.com.
Over-the-Rhine: Glow New Year's Showgurls, 8 and 11 p.m., Cabaret at Below Zero Lounge, 1122 Walnut St. Doors open 30 minutes before shows. Each show lasts 75-90 minutes. $25-$45. eventbrite.com.
Over-the-Rhine: Bad, Bougie & Bubbles, 4 p.m.-2 a.m., E19 Lounge Bar, 1905 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. DJ Jay Downs, FOMO pop-up performances by resident drag queens, hors d'oeuvres and more. $25-$500. eventbrite.com.
Over-the-Rhine: International NYE Party, 9 p.m., Homemakers Bar, 39 E. 13th St., Over-the-Rhine. DJ TizieB spins beats, authentic international experience. $5-$10. eventbrite.com.
Over-the-Rhine: Cabaret Soiree, 9 p.m.-1 a.m., Rhinegeist, 1910 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Taproom morphs into a turn-of-the-century cabaret, so don your ballroom best and party like it's 1899. $20. rhinegeist.com.
Walnut Hills: New Year's Eve Salsa Mixer, 6-8 pm., Esoteric Brewing Co., 918 E. McMillan St. No partner required at this salsa mixer. Food and drinks available for purchase. $25. eventbrite.com.
West Chester Township: New Year's Eve Celebration, 7 p.m., Lori's Roadhouse, 4924 Union Centre Pavilion Drive. Live country music with Chris Shrader Band and the Jake Taylor Band. $60-$100. lrhlive.com.
Wilder: Honkytonkin' New Year's Eve, 8 p.m., Bobby Mackey's, 44 Licking Pike. Line dancing, karaoke, bull rides and hourly ghost tours. Ages 18-up with ID. $15. 859-431-5588.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: New Year's Eve events in Cincinnati as 2021 turns to 2022
