Your New Year's Eve rundown 2024
New Year's Eve falls on a Tuesday this year, which is like having an office party, and then being told to go back to work. Whether you’re a day partier, a happy-hour-then-bag-it-and go-home type, or a diehard up ‘til midnight and beyond, Penobscot Bay Pilot has the complete rundown on what’s happening for New Year’s Eve in the Midcoast, including new venues and events.
The events are color-coded. Enjoy your night, and stay safe!
Belfast
NYE Community Sing
· All Ages: Belfast Last Night, an all-volunteer-run organization, is putting on a free community singalong at the Unitarian Universalist Church from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to sing along or to share/teach a song to the group. FMI: Community Sing
UU Ukelele
· All Ages: Midcoast Ukes is a group of ukulele players based in Belfast who will be playing at the UCC First Church Sanctuary at 8 p.m. The show is free, but donations are welcome. FMI: UCC First Church Sanctuary
Belfast Library
· All Ages: Do you want to release those old resolutions, negative experiences, and personal regrets? The Belfast Public Library will take your sentiments written on construction paper with a hanging ribbon and burn them in a big bonfire from 5-9:30 p.m. Free to the public. FMI: Belfast Public Library
Additionally, Last Night Belfast is sponsoring the Library's other free event: Conjuring Carroll- Maine's fun magician and family entertainer at 5:15 p.m.
New Year's Eve Games
· All Ages: Boardgame Cafe and Last Night Belfast are hosting an entire day and night of gaming starting at 11 a.m. and going to 11:30 p.m. For $5 per person, explore their game library, which contains more than 100 titles, from familiar classics like Monopoly and Clue to the latest award-winning strategy and cooperative games. The cafe has snacks and drinks such as fresh pastries, quiche, and tea. Play till 11:30 p.m., and join everyone for the midnight bonfire on the beach. FMI: New Year's Eve Games
Belfast Last Night
· Adults: Belfast Last Night also hosts a dance party with DJ Denis at Belfast Maskers from 9:30 to 11:30 p.m. There is a suggested donation of $5-10. FMI: Belfast Maskers
Marina Moonlight
· Adults: The Bayview Point Event Center on Belfast Bay will feature an exclusive event with an Asian fusion street food buffet prepared by Crave Maine food truck, two popular bands, The Hot Suppers and The Sugar Snaps, and a cash bar by Bagaduce Music. The event runs from 6:00-11:00 p.m. for all-inclusive ticket holders and 7:30-11:00 p.m. for show-only guests. FMI: Bayview Point Event Center
Camden-Rockport
Bistro La Cave, Camden
· Adults: Get ready for a New Year's Eve Masquerade Gala for an evening of live music, a four or five-course menu and live music from New Shades of Blue playing until 9 p.m., followed by an energetic party set by DJ Alex Schellhaas. Dining guests will enjoy a complimentary exclusive pass, and for non-dining guests; there will be a $20 cover, which includes photo booths, complimentary masks upon entry, and a champagne glass. FMI: Bistro La Cave
Holiday on The Harbor, Rockport
· All Ages: When the sun sets at 4:30 p.m., luminaries will light Rockport harbor with fire pits, a DJ, and food trucks to add to the festive atmosphere. Then, stay to watch the fireworks at 6 p.m. After that, the Rockport Opera House will be hosting a NYE party with The Right Track band playing and a cash bar by Flatbread. Tickets will go fast. FMI: Rockport Opera House
NYE at MRC, Rockport
· All Ages: Mid-Coast Recreation Center is hosting a sports-themed night of events and tournaments from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. Activities include a late night skate; pickleball (Learn to Play, Open Play, and Random Contests), Tennis (Hit with the Pros, Triples, and Upside Down Tournaments). A sparkling grape juice toast will be offered at the stroke of midnight. Entry to this event is by donation, and you choose the amount. FMI: MRC
Rockland
The Steel House
· Adults: Practice your best English accent as The Steel House is hosting a British New Year's Eve Party early with food, beverages, and funky music from 5 to 7 p.m. FMI: The Steel House
High Tide
· Adults: A New Year's Eve '80s party is taking place at High Tide starting at 10 p.m. with all your favorite hits performed by Maine's Hottest 80s tribute band. FMI: High Tide
Ada's Kitchen
· Adults: Don’t miss DJ Leather Mommy at Ada's annual New Year’s Eve Party from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. FMI: Ada's Kitchen
Searsport
Hey Sailor
· Adults: Hey Sailor's Rockin' New Year's Eve will feature the band Rigometrics with a toast at midnight and music til 1 a.m. Doors open at 4 p.m. Music starts at 8 p.m. 21 & over. FMI: Hey Sailor
Thomaston
Watts Hall Noon Year's Eve
· Parents and Kids: Watts Hall starts early with a dance and sing along with Fun Run, a Maine-based Kindie Rock Band, which brings family-friendly singalong songs to children with a sparkling grape juice toast. Their songs tell stories that range from adventurous dogs and ladybugs to teaching kindness. Tickets are $10. FMI: Watts Hall
Waldoboro
The Narrows Tavern
· All Ages: The Narrows will have a festive dinner menu along with some drink specials and live music with Mark from 7-10 p.m., then switching it over to the speakers and dancing into the new year! FMI: The Narrows Tavern
kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com