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

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Charlotte Motor Speedway: With 20 previous performances of this New Year's Eve Murder Mystery Dinner whodunit, this may the most-performed show in the history of Concord's Old Courthouse Theatre as well as the longest-running. A former CL Actor of the Year, Hank West, is no doubt part of the show's longevity, for he's getting ready to play a pivotal role for the 17th time. Aside from the party, the music, the dinner, and the midnight champagne, West has a simple explanation for the show's popularity: "I don't know, people like to see me mean and die." For reservations, call 704-788-2405 or email info@oldcourthousetheatre.org. $85 per person; $170 per couple. 8 p.m. Charlotte Motor Speedway (5th floor ballroom of the Smith Tower), 5555 Concord Parkway South, Concord. 704-455-3200. www.charlottemotorspeedway.com. (Tannenbaum)

Narroway Productions: Yes, you do have to cross state lines to take in the dinner theater Christian musicals at NarroWay, but for folks with longtime memories and first-time visitors, NarroWay represents the last remnant of the glory that was Heritage USA, as much the essence of Charlotte as Billy Graham Parkway. Beholding the message, from a godly grandmother, that you can't tell a book by its cover, Billy Loves Bobby Sue is a teen musical that takes us back to 1969, and may change your life. If it doesn't, there's still the petting zoo. $21.95 for adults; $19.95 for seniors; $12.95 for teens ages 13-18 years old; $5 for children 12 years old and under. Dinner packages also available. 6:30 p.m. 3327 Highway 51 N, Fort Mill. 803-802-2300 or 704-831-8893. www.narroway.net. (Tannenbaum)

First Night: You and your kids can get first helpings of The Fettuccini Brothers and Caroline Calouche & Co.'s aerial wizardry and not to mention the inimitable PlayPlay theater group exclusively for toddlers during the daytime kids segment of First Night, amid a sprawling schedule from noon to 5 p.m., spread across a swath stretching from the NASCAR Hall of Fame and the Charlotte Convention Center to the Bechtler and Mint Museums. But abandoning the oxymoronic for the nighttime schedule (after a three-hour break to help tuck the anklebiters away), First Night coalesces on The Green and the Levine Avenue of the Arts for its second 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m. stint. Amazing ninja dervish yogi hoop dancer Spiral will splash the color from 10 p.m.-12:30 a.m. on the mezzanine level of the Mint Museum. Hopefully the entire spectacle will spark new year's resolutions to visit the Mint, the Bechtler, and the Gantt during 2012. $10 for adults; $5 for children 5-12 years old; free for children 4 years old and under. 12 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Held at NASCAR Hall of Fame, The Green, Charlotte Convention Center, and the Levine Avenue of the Arts. For schedule details, visit www.firstnightcharlotte.com. (Tannenbaum)

Dining

Cosmos Cafe: It's no good to ring in the new year on an empty stomach. With that thought in mind, both of the Cosmoses (Uptown and Ballantyne) are offering special four-course dinners. For course No. 3, pick from meaty selections such as tenderloin, duck and salmon. Desserts are a toss-up of sugar highs: creme brulee, chocolate lava cake and cheesecake. $39.95 per person. Cosmos Uptown, 300 N. College St. 704-372-3553. Cosmos Ballantyne, 8420 Rea Road. 704-544-5268. www.cosmoscafe.com.

Vida Mexican Kitchen y Cantina: As a fiesta is in order for NYE, Vida's cooking up three-course dinners. Unfortunately, the menu on the website is jacked, so what's being served is a mystery. We do know that in addition to the edibles, there will be a champagne toast at midnight. $60. 210 E. Trade St. 704-971-8432. www.vidacantina.com.

Osso: This glitzy, brand-spankin' new quarter of the N.C. Music Factory is taking dinner and lounge reservations for New Year's Eve. The midnight celebration offers party favors, champagne toasts and a guest DJ. Three-course dinner and lounge table packages available. $40-$50 lounge cover. Tables and dining prices vary. 1000 N.C. Music Factory Blvd. 704-971-0550. www.ossocharlotte.com.

Andrew Blair's American Bistro & Wine Bar: Andrew Blair's Anything Goes New Year's Eve bash is dishing up light appetizers to be enjoyed along with frequent stops to its five-hour long open liquor bar. The venue also wants enough space as possible, so a heated tent is being raised and other evening festivities include guest DJs, a cash balloon drop and a champagne toast at midnight. For more information or advance reservations, visit www.bandtastic.com/andrewblairs. 1600 Montford Drive. 704-525-8282. www.andrewblairs.com.

Sober

2012: Year of the 12th Step: Quit drinking but still want to party like it's 2012? You're in luck. No need to slog through all the spilled beer, vomit, liquor breath, embarrassing pick-up lines and other inscrutable chitchat at those crash-and-burn parties. Duck out to a 12-step meeting or take in an all-night marathon sponsored by one of the area's various anonymous organizations. One such event is the New Year's Alcothon running from 6 p.m., Dec. 31, to 6 p.m., Jan. 1, in the Anuvia Center at 100 Billingsley Road. Don't let anybody tell you that you can't blast boozeless into the new year. Little-known secret: It's a hell of a lot more fun this way. For more info on this and other substance-free shindigs, go to www.charlotteaa.org or www.crna.org. (Mark Kemp)