Compiled by Charlie Swanson
Twenty fifteen is nearly in the rearview mirror, and while chestnuts are still roasting on fires this week, we’ve already got our eyes fixed on next week’s New Year’s Eve activities. From family-friendly outings to prix fixe meals and rock concerts galore, we’ve got an assortment of ways for you to ring in the New Year with your party hat on.
MARIN COUNTY
Noon Year’s Eve
The North Bay’s littlest partygoers get their own early New Year’s Eve celebration at the Bay Area Discovery Museum. The outdoor Festival Plaza will feature face painting and fun with DJ Mancub playing the age-appropriate jams. There’s also a crafty crown-making party in the Art Studios and a ball drop at high noon. And no party is complete without beads and bubbles, both of which will safely be on hand for ages 18 months and up. Fort Baker, 557 McReynolds Road, Sausalito. 9am–2pm. $13–$14; Bubbles & Beads packages, $7–$10. 415/339-3900.
NYE Prix Fixe Dinner & Show
San Rafael’s hottest downtown destination for live music, Fenix once again rises to the occasion with not one but two New Year’s Eve dinner-and-concert events. For the early birds, the jazzy blues of keyboardist Brian Withycombe and saxophonist Greg Albright accompany a 5pm prix fixe dinner. For the late nighters, the San Francisco–based tribute act Aja Vu will embody the hits of jazz-rock pop powerhouses Steely Dan and Chicago with an 8pm prix fixe meal and all-night concert. 919 Fourth St., San Rafael. 5pm/8pm; $75/$125. 415/813-5600.
New Year’s Eve Celebration at Left Bank Brasserie
Larkspur’s Left Bank Brasserie is open all day on December 31 with an a la carte menu and a four-course prix fixe dinner. While it’s sure to be packed all day, in this case the last seating may be the first to fill up, as those who book 11pm reservations can expect to enjoy a complimentary sparkling wine toast and party favors at the stroke of midnight. 507 Magnolia Ave., Larkspur. Opens at 11:30am. Prix fixe dinner is $64.50. 415/927-3331.
New Year’s Eve Celebration at Sweetwater
Things are going to get heavy in Mill Valley, when The Weight perform the music of The Band. Made up of former members and collaborators of the legendary group, The Weight features Jim Weider and Randy Ciarlante, both long-time members of The Band’s latter incarnations, along with Marty Grebb (Bonnie Raitt), and Byron Isaacs and Brian Mitchell (Levon Helm Band). This collection of veteran talent does more than replicate the music of The Band, they interpret and express those classic songs anew. Bay Area favorite Moonalice opens the night with their psychedelic roots rock. 19 Corte Madera Ave, Mill Valley. 9pm. $75–$85.415/388-3850.
New Year’s Eve Celebration at Terrapin Crossroads
Marin’s busiest venue packs two shows into one night with two of its favorite musicians—who also happen to be two of the North Bay’s most popular music makers. At 8:30pm in the main room, Terrapin’s resident drummer Alex Koford fronts his grooving Colonel & the Mermaids, which he formed about a year ago. Next door in the Grate Room, the classic sounds of the Grateful Dead come alive at 9pm with Stu Allen & Mars Hotel performing right up to the champagne toast at midnight. 100 Yacht Club Drive, San Rafael. $55. 415/524-2773.
New Year’s Eve Stand-up Comedy Show
The Osher Marin JCC goes for the giggles with its 6th Annual New Year’s Eve Stand-up Comedy Show & After Party, featuring not one, not two, but five A-list stand-up performers in one show. National headliners Kevin Meaney and Joe DeVito top the bill, with Bay Area veterans Michael Meehan, John Hoogasian and Geoff Bolt also slated to appear. The show also includes a cocktail pre-party and countdown with bubbly. You can reserve tables for four or eight, and bring all of your friends with you to laugh in the new year. 7:30pm. $29.50 and up. 415/444-8000.
New Year’s Eve at Sausalito Seahorse
Longtime Bay Area musician James Moseley effortlessly mixes the eclectic sounds of Motown, reggae, soul and jazz with deft guitar playing and plenty of good vibes. For the last decade, his exceptional seven-piece band has delighted audiences in the North Bay, and this New Year’s Eve they take over the Sausalito Seahorse for a dynamic dance party. The restaurant also offers an optional five-course Italian dinner and champagne at midnight. 305 Harbor View Drive, Sausalito. Dinner at 7:30pm; music at 9pm. $25–$95. 415/331-2899.
New Year’s Rockin’ Eve
Guitarist and bandleader Danny Click has had a hell of a year. The longtime North Bay musician released his acclaimed album Holding Up the Sun last summer and has hit the circuit for sold-out shows up and down the California coast. This New Year’s Eve, Danny Click & the Hell Yeahs! return to the Throckmorton Theatre, scene of last year’s New Year’s gig, to once again burn up the dance floor with their rollicking country-western jams. The Theatre will also help you shake off the cold with warm drinks, hot soup and good times. 142 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley. 8pm. $40–$65. 415/383-9600.
Best of the San Francisco Stand-Up Comedy Competition
This gut-busting comedy show at the Marin Center’s Showcase Theatre rings in the new year with the funniest alumni of the internationally recognized stand-up competition. This year’s headliner is Kabir Singh, winner of the 2014 incarnation of the competition. His light-hearted insights into living in America as an Indian immigrant are compelling and hilarious, and earned him a Comedy Central stand-up special, his second, debuting on television this month. Several other funny folk will also be on hand for this show, which always sells out well in advance. 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. 9pm. $40. 415/473-6800.
Petty Theft at Hopmonk Tavern
Dance your way into the New Year with the Bay Area’s premier Tom Petty tribute band. This top-notch band of six professional Bay Area musicians is able to play Tom Petty’s songs just like the originals, and they will rock you all night long with everything from the old classics to the newest hits. All ticketed shows are standing-room (limited seating) unless otherwise designated. Reserve a table in the tavern before the show. 224 Vintage Way, Novato. Doors open at 8pm, show starts at 9pm. $50. 415/892-6200.—Lily O’Brien
New Year’s Eve at the Lark!
If wild parties aren’t for you, bring in the New Year British style at the Lark Theater, where the English National Opera’s lively, comic operetta, The Pirates of Penzance, live from the London Coliseum will be offered. This is an operatic debut by film and stage director and playwright Mike Lee. The evening begins with a Champagne & Chocolate Reception at 8pm. $20. 415/924-5111.—L.O.
Foreverland—New Year’s Eve Party in Mill Valley
Get your Michael Jackson fix with Foreverland, an electrifying 14-piece Michael Jackson tribute band. Including four dynamic vocalists, and a powerhouse rhythm and horn section, this band’s mission is to preserve the amazing legacy of Michael Jackson’s music. Mill Valley Community Center, 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley. 9pm. $55 general admission (standing) $70 (reserved seat at a table). 415/388-2550.—L.O.
Presidio Yacht Club New Year’s Eve Dinner and Dancing Under the Golden Gate
Start with a sumptuous dinner downstairs, including choices like prime rib, stuffed salmon, spinach salad, potatoes au Gratin and French chocolate mousse, then go upstairs and let the Lonestar Retrobates swing you into the New Year. With a million-dollar view of the Golden Gate Bridge, fireworks, free champagne and a great dance floor, this is the place to be. Presidio Yacht Club. Travis Marina, 679 Sommerville Rd., Sausalito. Dinner 7pm, $45, Dancing 9pm, $25-$35. 415/677-7917.—L.O.
SONOMA COUNTY
Happy New Year, Charlie Brown!
Kids love New Year’s Eve as much as the rest of us, but staying up late is not their strong suit. Instead, take them to the Charles M. Schulz Museum for a fun afternoon of crafts and games, with a big balloon drop and root beer toasts at noon and 3pm. Hey, it’s New Year’s somewhere. 2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa. 10am to 4pm. 707/579-4452.
Hollywood Glam New Year’s Party
Spoonbar chef Louis Maldonado loves to get into the holidays, from his Italian-inspired Feast of Seven Fishes to his exclusive Christmas Day menu. For New Year’s, Maldonado and his crew are offering another luxurious and glamorous night of food and entertainment, this one with a Hollywood theme. Caviar and champagne are just the beginning of this multi-course menu. After you dine, walk the red carpet and get to the dancing with DJs and a photo booth. 219 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg. Dining begins at 6:30pm. $155. 707/433-7222.
Mischief Masquerade
Sonoma County’s most lovable rabblerousers, the North Bay Cabaret, once again take over Santa Rosa’s Whiskey Tip for a night of exciting performances and DJs spinning jams late into the night. As always, the Cabaret takes on a theme for the New Year’s Eve celebration, this time presenting a mischievous masquerade ball that will feature burlesque, belly dancing, stand-up, sideshow acts and more. Don your favorite masquerade mask and your best formal blacks or come in a crazy costume, and be ready for some wild fun. 1910 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa. 7pm. $15–$20. 707/843-5535.
NYE Dinner & Dance at French Garden
The Sebastopol restaurant and bistro prepares a five-course prix fixe menu produced largely with ingredients from the bistro’s farm, harvested daily by chef Arturo Guzman and his staff. The food boasts a bit of a surf-and-turf vibe, with French Garden butternut squash risotto, pan-seared California halibut, seafood bisque and steak. After dinner, the popular Susan Comstock Swingtet will count down the night with their blend of jazz and blues. 8050 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol. Dinner starts at 5pm; dance party, at 9pm. $30–$100. 707/824-2030.
New Year’s Seafood Feast
Famed San Francisco chef Mike Selvera’s Seaside Metal oyster bar and restaurant in downtown Guerneville has been warmly welcomed by the community for its locally sourced menu and casual yet elegant dining experience. And that’s how Selvera likes it. For New Year’s Eve, Seaside Metal is keeping it casual with a family-style affair that features fresh-from-the-sea food and Sonoma County beer and wine. 16222 Main St., Guerneville. 707/604-7250.
Sally Tomatoes’ New Year’s Extravaganza
Longtime North Bay comic and emcee Tony Sparks this year hosts the third annual party at Sally Tomatoes. He welcomes headlining Bay Area stand-ups Adam Pearlstein and Casey Williams. There’s also a dinner and cascading champagne, and after the laughs, the dancing shoes come on as the Honeydippers rock out until the midnight toast. 1100 Valley House Drive, Rohnert Park. 7pm. $25–$75. 707/665-9472.
New Year’s Eve Cabaret
The Big Easy, Petaluma’s underground jazz club, gets into the New Orleans swing for the new year with a dressed-to-the-nines dinner and show featuring Gypsy soul band Royal Jelly Jive. Led by the powerful and elegant voice of Lauren Michelle Bjelde and the smooth squeezebox of Jesse Lemme Adams, the North Bay band has spent the last part of 2015 raising funds to go on a national tour in 2016. Joining Jive is Sonoma County creative cooperative the Butterfly Ship, who are as theatrical as they are musical. 128 American Alley, Petaluma. Dinner starts at 6:30pm; concert at 8:30pm. $40. 707/776-4631.
McNear’s New Year’s Eve Bash
Just a few blocks over in downtown Petaluma, McNear’s Mystic Theatre is throwing its own party with San Francisco country rockers Brothers Comatose. First emerging on the scene back in 2008 and led by brothers Alex and Ben Morrison, the harmonious five-piece string band includes a few North Bay natives and has been gaining momentum at a rapid pace in the last few years, hitting major festivals like BottleRock and selling out clubs in the city. Opening for the Brothers are Santa Rosa stompers Frankie Boots & the County Line, whose folk-rock gospel is a popular staple at outdoor shows like last year’s Railroad Square Music Fest. 23 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma. 9pm. $36. 707/776-4631.
NAPA COUNTY
New Year’s Eve at Ca’ Momi Osteria
When Italian native Valentina Guolo-Migotto first opened her Ca’ Momi Enoteca in Napa’s Oxbow Market five years ago, it was meant to be an Italian wine shop and market first and eatery second, yet the popular pizzas and plates soon caught on. Last October, Guolo-Migotto expanded into a new Napa restaurant location, Ca’ Momi Osteria, and this New Year’s Eve, she shares her love of Italian cooking with a festive party. Seven courses of Old World cuisine, sparkling wine, late-night dancing to the sounds of DJs Bulby York and AdamBomb and a bigné bar with traditional Italian pastries and party favors await. 1141 First St., Napa. Seating begins at 5pm. 707/224-6664.
Napa Valley Wine Train’s New Year’s Eve
For New Year’s Eve, the Wine Train offers sparkling wine and scenic views. This year, a vintage circus spectacular will provide whimsical entertainment and carnival games. Enjoy a reception with hors d’oeuvres at the station before a three-hour train ride and gourmet dinner whisks you around the Napa Valley. There’s also an after-party with DJs and a wine toast at midnight. 1275 McKinstry St., Napa. 5pm. $75–$340. 800/427-4124.
New Year’s Eve Red Tie Affair
Dress in your red-tie best for a two-part party package that will ring in the new year with dining and delight in Napa’s Westin Verasa hotel. First, chef Ken Frank prepares a sumptuous meal at his landmark restaurant La Toque. Champagne and small bites precede the dinner, and after dessert, live music and cocktails will be available at the adjacent Bank Cafe & Bar. Nor Cal Sound spins the turntables, with sweet treats and sparkling wine passed around when the big ball drops. 1314 McKinstry St., Napa. 7pm. $40 and up. 707/257-5157.
1313 Main’s Big Band New Year’s Eve
The secret word this year at 1313 Main Restaurant & Wine Bar is “vintage.” From the swinging sounds of the 1920s and ’30s to the classic dinner menu, this is the best place to party like it’s 1929. The six-course menu features throwback delights like Oysters Rockefeller, Beef Wellington and a Baked Alaska for dessert. There’s also an open bar and an outdoor winter wonderland with s’mores and sweets. 1313 Main St., Napa. 6pm. $160 and up. 707/258-1313.
New Year’s Party at Silo’s
The Bay Area’s versatile rock and roll dance band Bobby Joe Russell and the All-Star Band are playing two sets of their classic rhythm and blues at Silo’s. Both shows include party favors and bubbly, and there’s also a special room package at the Napa River Inn for anyone interested in an all-nighter. 530 Main St., Napa. 7pm and 10pm. $70; $95. 707/251-5833.
New Year’s Eve Party at City Winery
City Winery Napa sadly announced back in August that 2015 would be its last year occupying the historic Opera House in downtown Napa, making this New Year’s Eve your last chance to party down in the gorgeous space. And City Winery is going out with a bang, hosting North Bay party band Wonder Bread 5 for a night of nonstop dancing and merriment. 1030 Main St., Napa. 8pm. $30. 707/260-1600.
New Year’s Eve Dining & Extravaganza at Silverado Resort
The Silverado Resort and Spa hosts a blowout night of fine food and fun. A special four-course meal at The Grill and a seafood buffet in The Royal Oak get the evening started. Then the nine-piece City Lights band lights up the night with a blend of bossa nova, jazz and brass-band camaraderie. There will also be party favors, a balloon drop and more. 1600 Atlas Peak Road, Napa. 3pm and 6pm. $35 and up. 707/257-5495.
