CL's list of New Year's Eve events that don't blow 

Thanks to the realm of eschatology and prophecies deciphered from the Mayan calendar -- together with other mythological sources like Nostradamus, Baba Vanga, the Bible and Harold Camping -- doomsday is lurking just around the corner. This means 2012 is your final chance to bring in the new year, and your frantic search for party shenanigans starts now. This is where CL comes in.

We've compiled a list of places you can go to get the biggest end-of-the-world bang for your buck. This includes nightlife, music, theater, dining, and sober events worthy of your ringing presence — unless that is, you're already hunkered down in a bunker somewhere.

In the media world, talk of the apocalypse usually equals one primary objective: increased page views. Well, just so you know, we really, truly just want you to eat, drink and be merry. No sense in worrying about something that's out of your control (though a bunker does sound like a nice, yet costly back-up plan). Instead, let's focus on partying as best we can and setting resolutions we can actually reach in a short and timely manner. For example, did you know the U.S. didn't make the Top 10 of the World Health Organization's 2011 list of the World's Drunkest Countries? That's something to shoot for.

How about we kick-start a calendar project to predict future catastrophes in some faraway place and time that we'll never live to see? That could be fun and productive — that is, until funding is cut and we've got to write a dramatic ending. To that end, have a happy (and explosive) new year, folks!

Nightlife

Breakfast Club: 2012 is coming, even if it feels as though you're taking a blast into the past at Breakfast Club's Back to the Future Bash. The ninth annual NYE shindig features three levels of festivities, party favors, a champagne toast and confetti at midnight and, most importantly — for those who haven't quite moved forward musically — '80s and '90s dance mixes all night long. $20 in advance. 9 p.m. 225 N. Caldwell St. 704-374-1982. www.that80sclub.com.

Dharma Lounge: The path to a cool, yet chill way to spend your New Year's Eve leads to Dharma. Jask headlines, and Identity Theft and Tag Techno host with performances from a handful of DJs — Jason Phillips, KT Caustic, Kev Kev, Nat Eichler and Proton Jones — who want to enlighten you with their spinning capabilities. Champagne toast at midnight. $12 in advance. 9 p.m. 1440 S. Tryon St. 704-334-8336. www.dharmacharlotte.com.

Founders Hall: You can expect a New Year's Eve shindig thrown by the likes of Bluegoose, Inner Circle Events, The Sol Kitchen, RoundTable Ent. and M. Simmons to be pretty slick. Music by DJ C. Rob. VIP tickets include a premium top-shelf open bar and a food menu. For more information, visit www.nyecharlotte.com. $20 and up. 9 p.m. 100 N. Tryon St.

Marigny: The venue's Krew Years Eve party features a performance by the lovely songstress Julissa Veloz — better know as "Tiara girl" after her stint on season eight of American Idol. Following that TV appearance, she landed a record deal, and her single, "Take Control," even made the Billboard charts. With DJ Jay R. $12-$15. 1440 S. Tryon St., Suite 110. 704-910-4444. www.marignycharlotte.com.

The Comedy Zone Charlotte: With the economy in a long-standing slumber, we could all use something to laugh at during the final hours of 2011. John Wesley Austin, aka "cowboy comedian," has lassoed his funniest material for his NYE performances — yeehaw to that! The late show features a final countdown to 2012 with party favors and a champagne toast. Did we say "yeehaw to that"? $20-$22.50 for dinner show at 8 p.m. ; $30-$32.50 for late show at 10:15 p.m. 900 Seaboard St., Suite B3. 980-321-4702. www.cltcomedyzone.com.

The Scorpio: This show should be a real drag — in the good sense. The Rehab dance party kickoff features music from DJ Pepito and performances by go-go boys and Charlotte-area drag queens (including special guest Angela Lopez and hostess Tiffany Storm). $100 cash prize goes to the hottest patient ... er, guest. 8 p.m. 2301 Freedom Drive. 704-373-9124. www.thescorpio.com.

BlackFinn Restaurant & Saloon: Flappers unite for a romp back in time to the Roaring Twenties. The shindig includes party favors, a complimentary champagne toast at midnight and light complimentary hors d'oeuvres served throughout the night. Don't forget your feather boa. Tickets guarantee admission before 10:30 p.m.; after that, it's first come, first served. $25 and up. 8 p.m. 210 E. Trade St., Suite B-120. 704-971-4440. www.blackfinncharlotte.com.

Phoenix: Glam and glitz go hand in hand at Decades Disco Ball. The dazzling New Year's Eve throwdown features performances by an entourage of glittery go-go dancers, an aerialist, stilt walkers and diva drag queen Bethann Phetamine. DJs Johnny Vicious, Andy Kastanas, Scott Weaver, Tober, Dick Tracey, Sasha Taylor and Steve Tuohy will spin through the night. Balloon drop, confetti, party favors and other surprises too. $15-$20. 300 N. College St. 704-375-8765. www.phoenixofcharlotte.com.