While it may be hard to believe, we’re just days away from saying goodbye to 2015 and hello to 2016.
It isn’t always easy to figure out what to do for New Year’s, but if you want to get out of the house (and out of your pajamas) to ring in the new year, then check out the list below for the best NYE events in Santa Cruz.
Live Music
Beats Antique
When: Doors at 8:00 PM, Show at 9:00 PM
Where: The Catalyst
Cost: $55-$95
Anyone 21 and up is welcome to head to the Catalyst for a fully immersive, multimedia NYE experience, including live DJs, experimental rock band Beats Antique, and free reign to move about the club’s different rooms.
Beatles Tribute: New Year’s Eve Celebration with The Sun Kings
When: 9:00 PM
Where: Don Quixote’s
Cost: $40-$45
Maybe the best way to welcome in the new year is to enjoy some great music from years’ past. Popular Beatles cover band The Sun Kings will perform hits from all over the group’s decade-spanning career.
Extra Large
When: 9:30 PM
Where: The Crow’s Nest
Cost: $15
If you want an unforgettable New Year’s Eve full of upbeat dance music and general revelry, then you will want to join the party with Extra Large, which has been voted the Best Local Band in Santa Cruz county on nine different occasions.
New Year’s Eve With B-SIDE PLAYERS
When: Doors at 8:00 PM, Show at 9:00 PM
Where: Moe’s Alley
Cost: $25-$30
The nine members B-Side Players take pride in their ability to take beats and techniques from genres as wide-ranging rock, hip hop and Cumbia and blend them into one perfectly different sound. Ring in the New Year in a completely unique way by checking them out at Moe’s Alley.
Harry and the Hitmen New Year’s Eve Extravaganza!!!
When: 9:00 PM
Where: The Crepe Place
Cost: $20
Harry and the Hitmen are a classic Motown-style band with a strong history in improvised rock. If you cannot catch their NYE show, don’t worry, as they will be playing shows at the Crepe Place on the 29th and 30th as well.
The Billy Martini Show 70s Musical Tribute
When: 7:00 PM
Where: Severino’s Bar & Grill at Seacliff Inn
Cost: Dancing is free; $99 for dinner & show
Be prepared to rock in the new year with the Billy Martini Show featuring backup dancers, costumes, audience participation, and rock ‘n’ roll, of course! Dinner and hotel packages available.
Winter Wonderland Dance Party
When: 9:30 PM
Where: Zelda’s Restaurant
Cost: $5
Ring in the new year with the ocean as your backdrop, in Capitola Village. Dance the night away at Zelda’s, where they’ll be hosting their 5th annual New Year’s Eve Winter Wonderland Celebration.
New Year’s Eve Bowling
When: 9:00 PM to 12:30 AM
Where: Boardwalk Bowl
Cost: $99 per lane
Make your reservations early! Atomic bowling includes champagne or apple cider, party favors, and shoe rental, plus local band Hammerdown will be playing at Coasters.
Licensed to Thrill: A Bond NYE Party
When: 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Where: MOTIV
Cost: Not yet known
Count down to 2016 dressed as your favorite secret agent, evil villain, or femme fatale. Enjoy DJ/dancing all night!
New Year’s Eve at Lucio’s
When: 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Where: Caffe Lucio’s
Cost: No cover
Enjoy NYE dinner specials and acoustic rock and Americana from 36 North.
Restaurants
The following restaurants will be open late to host NYE celebrations. Click the links below for more information.
- Aquarius
- El Palomar
- Severinos
- Davenport Roadhouse
- Shadowbrook
- Don Quixote’s
- The Crow’s Nest
- The Hideout
New Year’s Day Activities
First Day Hikes
When: January 1, 2016
Where: California State Parks
Cost: Free
Ready to #OptOutside in 2016? Get started on New Year’s Day with a First Day Hike at the following state parks. Happy new year and happy trails!
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Old-Growth Redwood Loop to Cable Car Beach @ 10:30 am
- A River Wild @ 11:00 am
- Critter Safari @ 1:00 pm
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Meteor Trail Hike @ 10:30 am
- Shadowbrook Stroll @ 12 noon
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ 1 pm
Wilder Ranch State Park
- Tour of the Grey Whale Ranch Area @ 9:00 am
- New Year’s Coast Nature Walk @ 10:00 am
