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.
VBGB Beer hall & Garden: VBGB and NoDa Brewing Company have teamed up to celebrate New Year's Eve. Free hors d'oeuvres, top-shelf open bar (with NoDa beers — yum!), a champagne toast at midnight and music by DJ J. Overcash (same last name, but no relation to me). $40-$50. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. 920 Hamilton St. 704-333-4111. www.vbgbuptown.com.
Howl at the Moon: Those looking to sing along to a range of cover songs provided by dueling (and goofy) piano players will find good company here. Even the out-of-tune folks mellow out after one too many sips from a fruity cocktail bucket. For New Year's Eve, the venue is offering special packages with reserved seating, a buffet, a champagne toast at midnight and party favors. $25 and up. 8 p.m. 210 E. Trade St. 704-936-4695. www.howlatthemoon.com.
Flying Saucer: Beer, beer and more beer — that's what comes to mind when we think Flying Saucer. Situated by UNC Charlotte, the crowd is a mix of college students and folks who are smart enough to know there's a good selection of beer from around the world here. For New Year's Eve, there also will be party favors, a champagne toast at midnight, special drink specials and live entertainment. $10. 9 p.m. 9605 N. Tryon St. 704-568-7253. www.beerknurd.com.
To find our complete and extensive list of parties happening on New Year's Eve, check out QC After Dark.Music
The Milestone: Looking for a whole bunch of weirdness under one roof? From the quirky (some may say sickening) style of The Emotron to the hip-hop of Mr. Invisible and the instrumental talent of Hectagons, the legendary Milestone offers a little bit of everything for NYE. Don't believe me? The Gore Gore Luchadores will be wrestling as well. Also on the bill: One Another and Hungry Girl. $7-$9. 9 p.m. 3400 Tuckaseegee Road. 704-398-4072. www.themilestoneclub.com. (Jeff Hahne)
Snug Harbor: Benji Hughes will have plenty of slow jams to bring in the new year. Opening the night is a new Charlotte supergroup of sorts, Cherry and the Tramps, featuring Kaya Stowers, Amy Kennemore (Snagglepuss), Alex Kastanas, Corrie Throckmorton (Babyshaker) and Lisa Barr. $15. 10 p.m. 1228 Gordon St. 704-333-9799. www.snugrock.com. (Hahne)
The Fillmore: He's on tour with electro-house phenom Steve Aoki these days, but Datsik will be ringing in 2012 on his own in Charlotte. The Canadian dubstepper was here over the summer for the Identity Festival, but his music should take on a whole new energy level at night. $37.50 and up. 9 p.m. 1000 Seaboard St. 704-916-8970. www.fillmorecharlottenc.com. (Hahne)
Petra's Piano Bar: Jon Lindsay, Plaza Midwood purveyor of purepop lushness and lyrical loveliness, has put together another holiday package of hot local music. On the bill along with Lindsay's solo band is his other group, The Catch Fire, as well as Old Milwaukee, Pullman Strike, Motel Glory and Sinners and Saints. (Here's assuming Lindsay will perform his apropos "These Are the End Times.") $10. 9 p.m. 1919 Commonwealth Ave. 704-332-6608. www.petraspianobar.com. (Hahne)
Amos' Southend: For lovers of big ol' hairy '80s metal by the likes of Poison and Motely Crue, Amos' Southend presents the Great American White Trash New Year's Eve Ball. We can't think of a more appropriate name with a lineup like Poison'd (a trib to Bret Michaels and co.), Red White and Crue (hmm, who could they be conjuring?), 21st Century Goliath, Furnace Road and Evanna. Come dressed redneck-style (may not be hard for some) for a chance to win prizes. Contest for trashiest tattoo wins you another tat, too. $10. 1423 S. Tryon St. 704-377-6874. www.amossouthend.com.
Theater
Belk Theater: Rock of Ages takes a hairpin turn back to 1987, when hair was big and music loud. Celebrate the new year with a deafening din that includes "Don't Stop Believing," "Hit Me With Your Best Shot," "Any Way You Want It," "Here I Go Again," "Waiting for a Girl Like You," and the late Bon Jovi's "Wanted Dead or Alive." If you're half as made-up and outrageous as these guys, you are definitely ready for a wild night of partying that just begins with the jolts of Journey, Night Ranger, Styx, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Asia, and Whitesnake. Kiss your eardrums goodbye along with 2011. $20 and up. 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalarts.org. (Perry Tannenbaum)
McGlohon Theatre: Founder of the Tosco Music Parties, emcee John Tosco brings us his 2nd Annual New Year's Eve Variety Show, which is a really big family shew, Ed Sullivan style. Included among the two-hour revolve of variety acts, Caroline Calouche & Co. will bring on their aerial dance, the Fettucini Brothers will astound with their juggling, and Omimeo mountebank Hardin Minor will no doubt upstage everyone with his outrageous clowning. $20.11 and up. 8 p.m. 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalarts.org. (Tannenbaum)
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)
Studio K: Early-morning risers can gather at Studio K for vinyasa yoga and other calming meditation practices. Vinyasa is known more for its movement and breathing methods than for those difficult stretching sequences. Beginners and all levels are welcome. While there, check out the studio's gallery space to see the works of local artists. Free, but donations accepted. 9:30 a.m.-10:45 a.m. 2024 E. 7th St. 704-607-6867. www.studiokart.com.
8TH Street Studio: The Yoga Center: Late-night yoga does not equal drunken downward dogs. The 7th Annual New Year's Eve Yoga Class is for fitness fans who would rather ring in the new year with asanas, meditative movements and chants, rather than alcohol rumbles. $20. 10 p.m.-12 a.m. 1940 E. 8th St. 704-372-4289. www.8thstreetstudio.com.
First Night: This alcohol-free, family-friendly annual event includes a plethora of entertainment choices (from musicians, dancers, comedians, magicians and more) at museums and other venues in the heart of Uptown. (More information at left, under Theater.)
Strike City: Strike City bowling alley's Strike in the New Year is an alternative to the usual NYE fare. Though you can still guzzle cold ones amongst friends, you'll probably want to be sober for your best game — and your last chance to knock down as many pins as possible before the new year. In addition to bowling, there will be a complimentary champagne toast at midnight and party favors. $20.12 per hour (includes shoe rentals). 9 p.m. 210 E. Trade St. 704-716-9300. www.strikecitycharlotte.com.