Last year for New Year’s Eve, I was at Label, where the party was Gatsby-themed, and, of course, epic. Poor planning and procrastination led to my girls and I running in right when the countdown started. But that didn’t keep us from each tossing back any cheap glass of free champagne we could get our hands on.
Ah, the good ol’ days.
As New Year’s Day 2015 approaches, however, I am reminded that I will have been out of college for three years, I haven’t managed to save any money and in four months I will be turning a quarter-century. Not to mention, I’ve lost count how many new years have come and gone without so much as an attempt at actually checking off a resolution on my list. I still don’t practice portion control or healthy eating habits, I can count on one hand how many times I’ve been to the gym this past year, and I still haven’t figured out how to drink “socially.”
And that’s when I realized what was happening. Hi, my name is Aerin, and I am suffering a quarter-life crisis.
It's time to start making New Year's Eve plans - especially to avoid sell-outs at hot spots and those high ticket fees that soar up closer to time at some venues around town. Check out our big ol' list of parties (in no particular order) below. Be sure to come back as it'll definitely keep growing. Cheers! (To submit a New Year's Eve party to this list, email aovercash@clclt.com.)
12th Annual Back to the Future Bash at Roxbury New Year's Eve at Roxbury, an 80s and 90s nightclub, includes party favors, glow sticks, four bars, drink specials ($5 "Marty Mcfly" shots and $5 Doc's mixed drinks) multiple dance floors, a patio and a champagne toast at midnight. Table reservations available. $20 before Dec. 29; $25 after. Dec. 31. Roxbury Nightclub, 115 W. 5th St. 704-375-8090. www.roxburynightclub.com.
The Big Release: A Rich Experience of Meditation, Yoga & Fresh Juice This New Year's Eve event features meditation led by John W. Love, Jr., yoga from Kelley Carboni-Woods and fresh-pressed juice provided by Happy Apple Juicery. For more information, visit https://squareup.com/market/revolution-ego/big-release-experience. $50. Dec. 31, 10 p.m. Revolution Ego Salon, 312 N. Myers St., Suite 115. 704-951-7386. www.revolutionego.com.
Blue Ice New Year's Eve Party at Cathode Azure This New Year's Eve party features music from DJ Rob Reeves, fully stocked bars, outdoor torches, and complimentary parking. $10 before 10 p.m. Dec. 31, 9 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Cathode Azure, 1820 South Blvd., Suite 106. 704-823-6066. www.cathodeazure.com.
Bollywood New Years Eve at Hindu Center of Charlotte A family-friendly New Year's Eve party featuring local DJs spinning Bollywood hits. There will also be karaoke, games, and Chowpati-style street food. All ages are welcome, but kids must be accompanied by parents or an adult. All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Hindu Center construction project. For more information, call 704-607-8412. $5; free for kids under 12. Dec. 31, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Hindu Center, 7400 City View Drive.
Bootleggers Ball: A NYE Celebration at Barreled at the Lift Speakeasy A prohibition shindig on New Year's Eve, featuring beer, cocktails, wine, champagne, hookahs, party favors and music from DJ's Nurotik and Amalgam, who will be playing from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. 21 and up. For ticket information, call 704-626-8850 or email terri@barreledcharlotte.com. Dec. 31, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Barreled at the Lift Speakeasy, 1600 E. Woodlawn Road. 704-626-8850. www.barreledcharlotte.com.
Blast from the Past: A StrikeCity New Years Eve Time Warp Strike City turns into a time machine with music from four decades - 70s, 80s, 90s, and the 2000s. Costumes are encouraged, but not required. Price includes drink tickets and appetizers until midnight, a champagne toast, party favors, and more. VIP bowling tickets available for $90 per person (minimum 4 four people, maximum six). $45 (before Dec. 30)-$65. Dec. 31, 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Strike City, 210 E. Trade St. 704-716-9300. www.strikecitycharlotte.com.
Brewery New Year's Eve - The Chilled New Years Eve at Sycamore Brewing: Sycamore Brewing's New Year's Eve Celebration features craft beer, wine, champagne and food (including barbecue sandwiches, mac & cheese and other southern sides) available for purchase. Dec. 31, 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sycamore Brewing, 2161 Hawkins St. 704-910-3821. www.sycamorebrew.com.
Brew Year's Eve at the Flying Saucer A New Year's celebration of craft beer at the Flying Saucer. Specialty tappings including Terrapin French Toast'd Wake n' Bake, Founder's Big Lushious, Stone Master of Disguise, Dogfish Head American Beauty, and more. Rare bottles including three liter New Holland Dragon's Milk, three liter Samichlaus, and Sam Adams Infinium. Live DJ starting at 9 p.m. and complimentary champagne toast at midnight. $10-$15. Dec. 31, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Flying Saucer, 9605 N. Tryon St. 704-568-7253. www.beerknurd.com/stores/charlotte/.
CLT New Year’s Eve Uptown's family-friendly and alcohol-free New Year’s Eve celebration features live music, a variety of activities and performances and fireworks. Dec. 31, 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. NASCAR Hall of Fame Plaza, 400 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Draught Gets Lucky: New Year's Eve This New Year's Eve package inlcudes Vegas-style gaming ( blackjack, craps & roulette) with $10,000 in free play money. There's also heavy hors d'oeuvres, beer, wine & liquor options, a champagne toast at midnight, DJs, party favors and prizes. For tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com. $70-$85. Dec. 31, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Draught Charlotte, 601 S. Cedar St. 704-375-7566. www.draughtcharlotte.com.
Drop !t featuring Slander at The Fillmore: Disco Donnie Presents and Sugar Society present this New Year's Eve party with Slander. For more information visit www.fillmorecharlotte.com and www.discodonniepresents.com. Wed., Dec. 31, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. The Fillmore, 1000 N.C. Music Factory Blvd. 704-549-5555. www.livenation.com.
The Duke Mansion's 100th Birthday Party on New Year's Eve This black-tie New Year's Eve party also celebrates Duke Mansion's 100th anniversary with a multi-course dinner from Chef Harrison Booth in a heated tent adorned with lights on the McGuire Lawn. There will also be music from That Guy Smitty, a champagne toast and a late-evening breakfast. To RSVP, email kellis@tlwf.org or call 704-714-4445. $258 per person; $515 per couple. Dec. 31, 8 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Duke Mansion, 400 Hermitage Road. 704-714-4400. www.dukemansion.org.
Grand Ball at Hilton Charlotte Center City Southern Skyline presents this New Year's Eve Grand Ball that's. black tie-optional and features entertainment from Tyler Boone, DJ Method, Atlas Road Crew and Mangas Colorado. There will also be heavy hors d’oeuvres and a full bar. For more information and a complete schedule, visit www.southern-skyline.com. $125 per person; $180 for VIP. Dec. 31, 9 p.m. Hilton Charlotte Center City, 222 E. 3rd St.
A Great Gatsby New Year's Eve at Leroy Fox Leroy Fox celebrates New Year's Eve with a taste of the roaring '20s. At 8 p.m. there will be a five-course meal with a selection of prohibition-style cocktails. Then ring in 2015 with a complimentary glass of champagne at midnight. For more information and menu details, visit www.eventbrite.com. $60 (ticket includes five-course meal (with choices for each course), two prohibition-style cocktails, a champagne toast at midnight, entry into Glitter & Glitz after party and live jazz performance). Dec. 31, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Leroy Fox, 705 S. Sharon Amity Road. 704-366-3232. www.leroyfox.com.
Hollywood Glam New Year's Eve at Whisky River: Whisky River meets Hollywood at this special themed New Year's Eve party. $25. Dec. 31, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Whisky River, 210 E. Trade St. 704-749-1097. www.thewhiskyriver.com.
John Tosco's 5th Annual New Year's Eve Variety Show John Tosco’s New Year's Eve tradition continues with family-friendly entertainment, including comedy, a ventriloquist, juggling, kazoos and more. For tickets, call 704-372-1000 of visit www.carolinatix.org. $15. Dec. 31, 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. McGlohon Theater, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalarts.org.
Mojo Ruckus New Year's Eve Bash at Philosopher's Stone Pre- and post- Widespread Panic fans and concert goers might want to consider this your party home. Featuring a set from Mojo Ruckus, a champagne toast and party favors. For more information, visit www.facebook.com. $10. Dec. 31, 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Philosopher's Stone Tavern, 1958 E. 7th St. 704-350-1331. www.philosophersstonetavern.com.
New Year's Eve Celebration with Jim Quick and Coastline at Queens Landing: Private cruise with Jim Quick and Coastline. Rub elbows with the band while sampling an array of appetizers. There's also dancing, a buffet, a chocolate bar, party favors, a champagne toast at midnight and a cash bar. $60 (main concert & dance, from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.)-$100 (celeb cruise, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.). Dec. 31, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Queen’s Landing, 1459 River Highway, Mooresville. 704-663-2628. www.queenslanding.com.
New Year' Eve at Nan & Byron's This New Year's Eve party at Nan and Byron's features an open bar and buffet from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., music from DJ Steven K, a live countdown of the ball drop, party favors, and a champagne toast at midnight. Limited $55 general admission tickets available at. www.ticketleap.com (Keyword: Nan and Byron's). A portion of proceeds will be donated to Levine Children's Hospital's Give Here for Kids Here program. $55. Dec. 31, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Nan & Byron's, 1714 South Blvd. 980-224-7492. www.nanandbyrons.com.
New Year Eve Masquerade Ball at L4 Lounge This New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball at L4 Lounge includes an open hors d' oeuvres buffet from 9 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., party favors and giveaways, a best mask contest, the ball drop broadcast on flat screen TVs, music from DJ Arthy and a champagne toast at midnight. Doors open at 9 p.m. 18 and up. For tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com. Limited VIP tables/bottle service available. For reservations, text Tam at 336-953-0162. Dec. 31, 9 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. L4 Lounge, 2906 Central Ave. 704-567-2158. www.l4lounge.com.
New Year's Eve: A Night of Whimsy at New Gallery of Modern Art Charity ball that will support Restore International (www.restoreinternational.org). Doors open at 9 p.m. and dress code is formally colorful. Features a full bar plus appetizers and desserts. Popcorn, cotton candy, and adult snowcones will be available as well. There will also be a DJ, a dance floor, prizes and a champagne toast at midnight. For tickets, visit http://restoreint.myevent.com or www.eventbrite.com. $85 until Dec. 15. Dec. 31, 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. New Gallery of Modern Art, 435 S. Tryon St. 704-373-1464. www.newgalleryofmodernart.com.
New Year's Eve at 5Church This New Year's Eve party features an open bar and buffet from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., music from DJ Lee Connor, a live countdown of the ball drop, party favors, and a champagne toast at midnight. Limited $85 general admission tickets available at www.ticketLeap.com (Keyword: 5Church). Private VIP horseshoe room available. Doors open 10 p.m. A portion of proceeds will be donated to Levine Children's Hospital's Give Here for Kids Here program. $85. Dec. 31, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. 5Church, 127 N. Tryon St. 704-919-1322. www.5church.com.
New Year's Eve at Heist Brewery To celebrate New Year's Eve, Heist Brewery will have a specially-crafted NYE menu, in addition to beer and cocktails features. No cover. Dec. 31. Heist Brewery, 2909 N. Davidson St., Suite 200. 704-375-8260. www.heistbrewery.com.
New Year's Eve at All American Pub: The all-inclusive party includes multiple bars and DJ's, in addition to party favors, a champagne toast at midnight, screening of the ball drop, coat check, a photo area and more. VIP packages available. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.sportslinkus.com. $25 for designated drivers; $65 for general admission and $90 for VIP. Dec. 31, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. All American Pub, 200 E. Bland St. 704-370-2000. www.allamericanpubclt.com.
After you've locked in whatever you're doing to bring in 2015 — see big-ass party list here to help with that — take heed of some of our crass advice.
Tip #1
Leave your fucking phone at home. Your friends will tag you on social media anyway, and it won’t end up floating in a hotel toilet.
Tip #2
All cash everything. Instead of plastic, ball out like a real boss and know exactly what you spent the morning after. For extra player points, you can even make it rain at midnight.
Tip #3
Don’t be a party rookie — eat something prior to drinking so you’re not puking your guts out before midnight.
Tip #4
Determine ahead of time what is officially your jam. Songs to avoid: “I’m All About That Bass,” “Fancy” and “Shake It Off.”
In honor of the holiday season, I wanted to do something special for this week’s column — a Queen City twist on a classic Christmas poem, with a touch, no, actually a lot of holiday wine and spirits. Grab some eggnog, cozy up to a fire and enjoy.
’Twas the night before Saturday, and I was tired as can be,
didn’t want to do anything, it was sad even for me.
But still I got ready, with little to no care
in hopes that my Uber soon would be there.
I envisioned myself all snuggled in bed,
with visions of funemployment dancing in my head,
a Netflix series on repeat and me donning a cap;
I could definitely go for a long winter’s nap.
Recently, one of my best friends was in town to celebrate a mutual friend’s engagement. Want to know another reason why post-college life sucks? All of your girls are now getting married and having kids. Not that I’m ready for any of that. But I’m still reminded of something else I haven’t checked off my list — like keeping flowers alive for more than three days. You know, adult things.
After spending an hour forcing down only two cider ales — I was hungover from the night before — the rest of our more intoxicated group decided we should walk what felt like five blocks in Alaska to Dandelion Market.
I’ve been to this Uptown bar a handful of times. Once, I was even kicked out — not my fault though, as my best friend had decided to nap in the bathroom and apparently that’s unacceptable bar behavior. But this night, I was pretty sober.
The last time I was at Lake Norman, I almost drowned. (Long story short, my roommate who had never driven a boat was our captain, there was a woman overboard, and I tried to save her — oh, and alcohol was involved.) So when we got the opportunity to check out nightlife at the lake, I was hopeful for a less life-threatening experience.
What I didn’t realize is that I was going to need a life jacket while there, whether I was on a boat or not.
Around 7:30 p.m., my P.I.C. and I started out at The Vinyl Pi, a pizza joint and bar. There, the owner told us about the Lake Norman culture: In short, the area has become a major relocation spot for many of the now 35-and-up hipsters previously from NoDa.
The first thing I do on Friday when I get off work is send a text along the lines of “What are we doing tonight?” The question implies there is no option, and like clockwork, the response is normally, “I have no clue. But I’m down! [insert dancing girls emoji].”
That is what you’d call a true P.I.C. — a partner in crime.
A P.I.C. is the person you call no matter what, whether you’re in jail or you’re on a miserable date, but especially if you’re ready to drink. He/she is always there and always down for the party. Even when you end up at a hole-in-the wall or the middle of an empty dance floor, you end the night with a happy if exhausted “That was so much fun.”
But don’t miss out on the good ones. I almost did many times. The most recent example was a co-worker at my previous job. She was the new girl, dressed all professional career woman with a super-friendly smile. Too friendly, in fact. I was “too cool for school,” a veteran of sorts, and going through an intense (cue Drake) “No New Friends” phase. I was genuinely uninterested in making any new acquaintances.
But one day, I had to eat lunch with her alone. I texted another co-worker: “What the hell are we going to talk about?” As we ate and chatted about nothing, I could feel anxiety bubbling inside my chest, racking my brain to find new topics to cover. Then she told me a story about getting so drunk at her previous supervisor’s baby shower that she ended up throwing up in the bathroom and passing out. That’s when I knew we were definitely going to get along. That conversation opened a door, and since then we have been tearing up the Queen City one, two and three drinks at a time. She is now a certified P.I.C.
In the past few years, I have managed to get a solid group of P.I.C.s together, some of whom I also initially gave the cold shoulder. Oops. I guess you could say I’ve learned a thing or two about what makes a good one. Here are some things to consider when scouting out tonight’s drinking partner.