New Year's Eve Events in Northeast Ohio

Northeast Ohio boasts dozens of festive New Year's Eve events, from the family-friendly First Night in Akron to Cleveland Pops Orchestra concert, from restaurant parties to dinner cruises. Find out more about what's going on in the city New Year's Eve. (All events are December 31 unless otherwise noted.) Updated for New Year's Eve 2009. Events will be added as they are announced.

• Cleveland Pops Orchestra - Severance Hall, Concert and Dance with the Three Redneck Tenors; Concert at 9pm, dancing afterwards, call 216 231-1111 for reservations.
  
  
• First Night Akron - Enjoy this family-friendly event in downtown Akron. In its 12th year, there will be fireworks, live entertainment, and over 70 artists; admission is $10, under 10 are free; the party starts at 445pm.
  
  
• Cleveland Metroparks Zoo - Celebrate the New Year with crafts, animals, live music, refreshments, and even a traditional "ball-drop"; 10am - 1pm, free with zoo admission.
  
  
• Budapest Blonde New Year's Eve Party - 6901 Rockside Rd., Independence; 440 237-0292; martinis, appetizers, wines, and Champagne; $50 per person; 9pm - 1am
  
  
• Fat Fish Blue New Year's Eve Party - "Black and White Ball"; four-course dinner, music all evening, and a two-hour cocktail hour with appetizers; $54.99 per person; reservations recommended; 216 875-6000
  
  
• Nautica Queen New Year's Eve Gala - lavish buffet and hors d'oeurvres, two levels of entertainment, free parking, and Champagne; 8pm - 1am; call 216 696-8888 for reservations.
  
  
• Mapleside Farms and Restaurant New Year's Eve Buffet - 294 Pearl Rd., Brunswick, 330 225-5576; Buffet includes prime rib, Champagne fountain, and shrimp cocktail
  
  
• Cleveland Children's Museum - New Year's Eve party for kids; 10a - 2pm
  
  
• Heck's Cafe - New Year's Eve Party; 2927 Bridge Ave., 216 861-5464; four-course candlelit dinner with live piano music; $50
  
  
• Howl at the Moon - New Year's Eve Party, 830pm - 2am, $10 cover includes party favors and Champagne; the Powerhouse in the Flats; 216 771-4695;
  
  
• Brennan's 25th annual New Year's Eve Party - Brennan's Party Center, 13000 Triskett Rd., 216 251-2131; live music by The Magpies, a prime rib buffet, Champagne and a top shelf bar; 7pm - 1am; $80 per person
  
  
• Great Lakes Brewing Company - Ohio City; Early New Year's Eve Dinner; 6pm and 7pm seatings; last call at 930pm; by reservation only; call 216 771-4404x222.
  
  
• Hard Rock Cafe - New Year's Eve Rockin' Bash; 9pm to 1am; $309 per couple includes party, appetizer buffet, open bar, hotel accommodations at the Renaissance Hotel, a shuttle to/from the hotel; brunch, and tax; party features music by "The Curve."
  
  
• John Q's Steakhouse - Dinner specials, including "Surf-n-Turf", hats and noisemakers, dinner served from 4pm to 11pm; public square; 216 861-0900
  
  
• New Year's Eve at Landerhaven - Dancing to the sounds of "Run, Avril, Run" and Eugene Ross & Company, full bar, elaborate hors d'oeuvres, specialty food stations, midnight Champagne, breakfast at 1am, coffee bar, and more; 8pm - 2am; 6111 Landerhaven Dr., Mayfield Hts; $125 + tax per person; 440 449-0700x288
  
  
• Stancato's New Year's Eve Dinner - 7380 State Rd., Parma; 440 886-6242; dinner buffet; 11am - 930pm
  
  
• Parnell's Pub - New Year's Eve Party; no cover; 2167 Lee Rd., Cleveland Hts.;216 321-3469
  
  
• House of Blues - New Year's Eve concert with Rusted Root; 9pm; dinner and overnight packages at the Hyatt Regency are also available; call 216 523-2583 for tickets and details.
  
  
• Bar Cento - 1948 W. 25th St., Cleveland; 216 344-9944; four course dinner, two seatings: 8pm and 10pm; $88
  
  
• Bier Market - 1948 W. 25th St., Cleveland; 216 274-1010; food buffet from 9pm to 10pm and "all-you-can-drink" cocktails, wine, and beer from 9pm to midnight; $60
  
  
• Ponte Vecchio - 2100 Superior Viaduct; special New Year's menu.
  
  
• Beachland Ballroom - 15711 Waterloo Rd., Cleveland; 216 383-1124; Rock 'n Soul New Year Eve party with Jason and the Scorchers; 9pm.

For more New Year's Eve events, see page two

Velvet Dog Cleveland - 1280 W. 6th St., Cleveland; 216 664-1116; two packages: VIP Package is $125 and includes top shelf open bar, access to 3rd floor VIP lounge, and a catered buffet. General Admission is $35 and includes two floors of dancing and music, two DJs, party favors and hats, and a Champagne toast at midnight.

^{(Last updated 12-30-08)}