There might actually be too many things to do this New Year's Eve. From concerts to dance parties to a deep dive into science education, there's no excuse for not having any plans on New Year's Eve. Rather, the problem should be deciding where you're going to raise that glass of champagne. And with the following list of the top 11 New Year's Eve goings-on in Columbus, I've made that decision far more difficult for you. Enjoy, and Happy New Year.
There might actually be too many things to do this New Year's Eve. From concerts to dance parties to a deep dive into science education, there's no excuse for not having any plans on New Year's Eve. Rather, the problem should be deciding where you're going to raise that glass of champagne. And with the following list of the top 11 New Year's Eve goings-on in Columbus, I've made that decision far more difficult for you. Enjoy, and Happy New Year.
Skully's New Year's Eve Spectacular 2017
The perpetual dance party that is Skully's will continue into the new year. With the club's standby DJs Chuckstar and Skull Dogg running things for its New Year's Eve Spectacular, I can't see this event being anything short of that title. Upgrade to VIP to conclude 2016 in luxury.
Skully's Music-Diner
8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31
1151 N. High St., Short North
skullys.org
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The Deeptones at Rumba Café
ComFest mainstays the Deeptones are taking their funk and soul operation to Rumba to help ring in the new year on a positive note. How all 10 (!) of them will fit on Rumba's intimate stage is beyond me, but a tight squeeze is no reason not to see this troupe.
Rumba Café
10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31
2507 Summit St., North Campus
columbusrumbacafe.com
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The Up All Nights, INBOKEH and Tourist Trap at Spacebar
Spacebar is staying the course from last New Year's Eve with a free local alternative rock showcase. The lineup this year includes the Up All Nights (straight-up rock with nostalgia for the Stooges), INBOKEH (a more ethereal Smashing Pumpkins) and Tourist Trap (pop-leaning alternative in the vein of Dispatch). There'll only be a break for champagne at midnight.
Spacebar
9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31
2590 N. High St., Old North
spacebarcolumbus.com
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Zoo Trippin', Cadaver Dogs and the Worn Flints at A&R Bar
There are lots of shows New Year's Eve, though few will be as rowdy as the one CD102.5 is putting on at A&R Bar. Local party-inducers Zoo Trippin', along with the similarly lively Cadaver Dogs and Worn Flints, should make for a boisterous transition into the new year. It ought to produce the kind of catharsis we need from 2016.
A&R Music Bar
8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31
391 Neil Ave., Arena District
promowestlive.com
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New Year's Eve at Shadowbox Live
Shadowbox Live offers as good of a party as you can get on New Year's Eve. A ticket to Shadowbox gets you admission, dinner, a two-hour dance party with the house band and a champagne toast at midnight. The whole night is backed up with a cash bar to help you imbibe properly/responsibly.
Shadowbox Live
8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31
503 S. Front St., Brewery District
shadowboxlive.org
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First Night Columbus
Those looking for something family-friendly should make it a point to check out COSI's annual First Night Columbus event. It's unbelievable how much there is to see and do this year, including live music, a game room, science films, a variety of arts and crafts, planetarium access and – wait for it – a high-wire unicycle ride.
COSI
5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31
333 W. Broad St., Downtown
firstnightcolumbus.com
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New Thousand at Woodlands Tavern
For a band that bounces between New Orleans and Columbus, New Thousand actually chose to play in the latter's winter dread on New Year's Eve, and that's a really good thing. Come to Woodlands Tavern for hip-hop/trap-classical jams that'll exhilarate you before midnight, and help you shake off that stupor New Year's Day.
Woodlands Tavern
9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31
1200 W. Third Ave., Grandview
woodlandstavern.com
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Twiztid at Alrosa Villa
This has to be one of the finest Psychopathic Records/Majik Ninja Entertainment artist gatherings outside of the official Gathering each year. In the ninth edition of New Year's Evil, Twiztid, along with an extensive supporting cast highlighted by Blaze Ya Dead Homie, takes Alrosa Villa for a New Year's horrorcore bash that leaves little room for more bombast.
Alrosa Villa
6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31
5055 Sinclair Road, North Side
alrosavilla.com
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Future Modern at Brothers Drake
Fancy a New Year's Eve outing that includes sipping honey wine and listening to grandiose fusion music live? Then seeing Future Modern's set at Brothers Drake is just the thing for you. With sounds that are equal parts space-age and grounded, Future Modern's the perfect soundtrack while trying out some of the ever-unusual meads the bar offers.
Brothers Drake Meadery
9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31
26 E. Fifth Ave., Short North
brothersdrake.com
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Playing to Vapors, Cordial Sins and Souther at Big Room Bar
The other CD102.5 New Year's Eve show also offers a suite of artists that mesh well. At the Big Room Bar, Playing to Vapors will headline with In Rainbows-like atmospherics, supported byCordial Sins' Death Cab for Cutie-esque drive, plus a scorching, soul-bearing set from Carly Fratianne aka Souther.
Big Room Bar
7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31
1036 S. Front St., Brewery District
bigroombar.com
* * *
Envelope at Ace of Cups
Beloved local rapper Tony Collinger aka Envelope is back with his annual NYE party, this year dubbed "I'll Jump if You Jump." There'll likely be some Envelope swag (maybe another calendar?), plus support from the off-the-wall musicians/entertainers in Hugs & Kisses, more music from the American Jobs and DJs Detox and George Brazil spinning tunes.
Ace of Cups
9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31
2619 N. High St., Old North
aceofcupsbar.com