New Year's Eve Planning Guide
For a night built up as much as New Year's Eve, it's too bad that it's actually one of the more challenging nights to have fun in the city. Restaurants roll out the prix-fix menus, clubs jack their cover charges and many of the top artists and DJs either take the night off or get lured south of the border.
It's no surprise that many decide to stay home, throw a house party or do whatever they can to avoid spending the midnight hour in a taxi.
But for everyone else, we've assembled a New Year's Eve 2007/08 Planning Guide. Keep reading for the breakdown.
If you can't avoid the club district
This is Rio at This is London
Throw back caipirinhas, dig into a Latin American buffet and ogle half naked Brazilian dancers and drummers. Tickets start at $45.
Web site
Footwork NYE
Chicago's Terry Mullan headlines a night that should still be going strong until 5am. Tickets $30 in advance.
Event Link | Tribe Thread | Facebook
If you want to go somewhere new
Dollarama NYE at Wrongbar
Avoid club district prices with only a $1 cover at Parkdale's newly opened Wrongbar. DJs include Your Boy Brian and St. Mandrew.
Event Link | Facebook
Dragonette at Tattoo Rock Parlour
Dragonette is joined by Hunter Valentine and DJ Sasha Von Bon Bon at this spot formerly occupied by the Crystal Room and Left Bank. Tickets $40.
Event Link | Web Site | Facebook
If you like unconventional spaces
Warehouse New Years Eve
The Pia Bouman Ballet School studio space at #6 Noble Street in Parkdale will feature two music rooms, a chill-out space and 12 DJs. Tickets $33.
Event Link | Facebook
Destiny New Year's Eve at GPKartways
Go Karting, a video arcade and electronic music courtesy of Goldie, Jelo and Jackal & Hyde. Tickets start at $49.
Event Link | Web Site | Facebook
If you're feeling indie
Tranzac New Years Eve
For only $10 ($12 at the door), ring in 2008 with Gentlemen Reg, Steve Kado, Forest City Lovers, The Phonemes, Drumheller, By Divine Right and other local bands.
Event Link | Web Site | Facebook
Shit La Merde New Year's Eve at Sneaky Dees
In Flagranti and Supercycle plus DJs La Merde, PAMMM and Dougie Boom. Tickets $20.
Event Link | Myspace | Facebook
If you're feeling gay
Fab Magazine's New Years Eve at Fly
Miami DJs Alyson Calagna imports electric mix of Electro, tribal, funky and progressive house. The UK's Paul Heron spins house. Tickets $50 at the door.
Event Link | Facebook
New Year's Retro Party at Goodhandy's
SCREWW retro queer party. Live performances by Ivory Goth and Jamieson Eakin. Music by DJ Duval. Tickets $20-$25.
Event Link | Facebook
If you want to be near the Drake, but not at the Drake
Raunch 'N Roll New Year at The Gladstone
Presented by Skin Tight Outta Sight Rebel Burlesque. Featuring Diamondback Annie, Cooter Nipplestein and Majenta Butterfly. Music by The Creepshow and DJ Scottie P. Tickets $30-$40.
Event Link | Web site | Facebook
NYE 2008 with Flosstradamus at The Social
DJs J2K and Autobot with backup from Team DMT and Nasty Nav. Tickets $40-$60.
Event Link | Web Site | Facebook
If you're looking to spot a blogTO celebrity
These Electric Lives at Central
blogTO's Gary Peter DJs at this two floor bar on Markham Street. Rumor has it that the Morning Brew's Jerrold Litwinenko might also be making an appearance. No cover.
Event Link | Facebook
If you're looking for an after party
Diesel Fitness Afterparty
JoJo Flores and owner George Chaker stumble over from the main event at Brassaii to lay down the beats at the city's most sublime fitness club. Tickets $50.
Event Link | Facebook
The After Party at Teranga African Bar
DJs Jeff Milligan, Adam Marshall, Fatima and Tom Kuo cap off the night with deep house, space techno and disco in Kensington Market.
Event Link | Web Site | Facebook
If the above list doesn't do it for you
All the usual suspect have their picks for what to do on New Year's Eve. I find many of these lists too massive to be useful but they're still probably worth a quick scan.
* Stillepost
* Tribe
* Clubzone
* Now Magazine
* Martini Boys
* Toronto.com
Do you have any NYE picks? If so, add them to the comment thread below or submit them to our event listings.
Have a safe and happy NYE! And remember, the TTC is free.
Photos by blogTO Flickr Group members sniderscion and Photendo
Join the conversation Load comments