Every New Yearâs Eve, you have to make two difficult decisions. How much should you spend to ensure your party is memorable? And how much should you drink to ensure you donât remember it? We canât decide for youâall we can do is provide the most comprehensive list of authentic parties, dinners, shows, and events available in the city. Auld lang syne, or whateverâjust have fun and be safe.
JET CITY IMPROV NEW YEARâS SPECTACULAR
Jet City performs three hours of comedy, accompanied by satellite feeds from three different time zones and fireworks projected on the big screen, with dancing until 2 am. Catered by a Casa del Mojito, desserts provided by the Confectional, and a champagne toast at midnight. Historic University Theater, 5510 University Way NE, 781-3879. 9 pm, $50/$80 for couples.
NEUMOâS BLACK-TIE NEW YEARâS EVE MASQUERADE BALL
Black ties and formal wear are encouraged at this party with Floater, Voyager One, and Burning Hearts Burlesque. Ticket price includes masquerade mask. Neumoâs, 925 E Pike St, 709-9467. 8 pm, $15 adv, 21+.
DICK CLARKâS STROKINâ NEW YEARâS EVE
Dick Clark will be on tape-delayed satellite TV at 11:59 pm at the Blue Moon. Music by the Moondoggies and Purty Mouth at 10 pm, complimentary champagne toast at midnight, and âprobably some stupid-looking hats, too.â Blue Moon, 712 NE 45th St, 675-9116. 9 pm, free, 21+.
NEW YEARâS AT TWIST
A swanky party at this classy Belltown bar, with record spinning by DJ Elad. Twist, 2313 First Ave, 44-TWIST. 6 pm, $25 adv/$30 DOS/$70 for a four-course prix-fixe meal, 21+.
FIREWORKS AT THE FUNHOUSE
Watch the show from right under the Needle, in the scenic Funhouse patio and additional parking-lot beer garden. DJs Baby J and Blackout spin all night, with a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Funhouse, 206 Fifth Ave N, 374-8400. 9:30 pm, $5, 21+.
MAKTUB NEW YEARâS EVE BASH
Ring in the New Year with Reggie Wattsâs giant âfro. Also featuring Carrie Akre and Kid Hops of KEXP. Showbox at the Market, 1426 First Ave. 8 pm, $27.50 adv/$30 DOS, 21+.
SUPER DIAMOND NEW YEARâS EVE BASH
âSince 1993, Super Diamond has made it their mission to spread the âGood Word of Neilâ to all, bridging the gap between young and old, rich and poor, great and smallâŠ.â With the Beatniks. Showbox Sodo, 1700 First Ave S. 8 pm, $35 adv/$40 DOS, 21+.
XTREME THEATRESPORTS
There are four teams, each with four improvisers. The audienceâs job is to score in the comedy battle! Unexpected Productions at the Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, 325-6500. 9 pm, $20, all ages w/21+ lounge.
SEATTLE CHILDRENâS THEATRE PARTY
Join the Dusty 45âs, fresh off their Obama fundraiser momentum, for a rockabilly New Yearâs. Hors dâoeuvres and a champagne toast at midnight with an excellent view of the fireworks from SCTâs patio. Seattle Childrenâs Theatre, 201 Thomas St, 859-4011. 8 pm, $85, 21+.
CHERRYâS QUEER NEW YEARâS EVE PARTY
The crew from Cherry make the dance happen all night long, with DJs Amateur Youth and Mathematix. Re-Bar, 1114 Howell St, www.cherryseattle.com. 10 pm, $8 adv/$10 DOS, 21+.
NEW YEARâS FEAST BY A FOOD GENIUS
Lauri Carter prepares a prix fixe meal, which is awesome because she is one of the best chefs in the city. Moxie, 530 First Ave N, 283-6614. 6:30 pm, $70, all ages.
DINNER AT THE APARTMENT
The Apartment Bistro, that is. Get a special-occasion three-course prix fixe dinner for $60 between 5 and 11 pm, and then stay to dance all night with DJ Lex. Apartment Bistro, 2226 First Ave, 956-8288. 5 pm, dinner all ages, dance party 21+.
SEATTLE WOLVES FOOTBALL CLUB PARTY
Our local soccer team (srsly!) teams up with 107.7 The End to host a dance party with the Blakes and the Saturday Knights. Starfire Sports and Entertainment Complex, 14800 Starfire Way, Tukwila. 9 pm, $35, all ages.
A NEW YEARâS EVE BLACK & WHITE FUNK-TION
Altered States of Funk host this annual semiformal. With Wuddha and the Boogilistics and DJ Leopold Bloom. Nectar, 412 N 36th St, 632-2020. 8 pm, $15, 21+.
NEW YEARâS AT LINDAâS TAVERN
DJ Hotty Scotty spins while you chug $5 JĂ€ger shots. Lindaâs Tavern, 707 E Pine St, 325-1220. 9 pm, free, 21+.
CENTRAL SALOON NEW YEARâS EVE
Music by Enkrya, Windowpane, Late September Dogs, Universal Measure, and Sister Hyde. Central Saloon, 207 First Ave S, 622-0209. 8 pm, $25, 21+.
EVIDENCE OF DECADENCE/CABARET VARIETE
A gypsyfied cabaret evening featuring music by the Bad Things, Orkestar Zirkonium, and DJ Darek Mazzone; aerials by Michele Francis; Faye the Tattooed Psychic; and much more. Rendezvous, 2322 Second Ave. 9 pm, $10 adv/$12 DOS, 21+.
FLOWMOTION
The Tractor Tavern hosts this party with the funkiest band in town. Tractor Tavern, 5213 Ballard Ave NW, 789-3599. 9 pm, $20, 21+.
VOLTAIRE
âDirect from the underground New York goth scene comes this strange brew of gypsy violins, driving rhythms, sardonic wit, and turn-of-the-century mayhem.â El CorazĂłn, 109 Eastlake Ave E, 262-0482. 8 pm, $10 adv/$15 DOS, all ages.
SUPERSONIC SOUL PIMPS
Ring in the New Year with some funky soul. With Darrick Bob Jones and Midstokke. High Dive, 513 N 36th Ave, 632-0212. 9 pm, $15, 21+.
SEATTLE SYMPHONY PRESENTS BEETHOVENâS NINTH
Gerard Schwarz and his team of orchestral no-goodniks pump out the classic New Yearâs jams. Schwarz is also going to lead the countdown to midnight. The whole business is preceded by a three-course dinner by chefs of Wolfgang Puck, if you choose to attend it, and after the symphony there will be swing dancing from HB Radke and the Jet City Swingers. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St. Dinner at 7:15 pm, symphony at 9 pm, dance party at 11 pm, prices vary.
STUDIO SEVEN NEW YEARâS
Music from God Machine, Sanction VIII, Pain Syndicate, and Choker. Studio Seven, 110 S Horton St, 442-2993. 8 pm, $8 adv/$10 DOS, all ages.
HOUSE OF TARAB NEW YEARâS
Bellydancing in Bothell by Seattleâs premier Arabic Music Ensemble. Champagne toast at midnight. Country Village Banquet Hall, 23634 Bothell-Everett Hwy, Bothell, 425-368-0389. 7 pm, $40, all ages.
INDULGENCE NEW YEARâS EVE BASH
Hit Explosion in the Sky Church, Andy Stokes Band in the Revolution Lounge, and free range of the EMP, with DJs and other activities all night. Experience Music Project, 325 Fifth Ave N, www.seattlebash.com. 8 pm, $69, 21+.
NEW YEARâS AT THE WILDROSE
Seattleâs only true lesbian chill spot will feature DJs Lady Jane and Sweet Seduction, along with a champagne toast at midnight and party favors for everyone. The Wildrose, 1021 E Pike St, 324-9210. 9 pm, 21+.
JILLIANâS SAFE IN â08
DJ-XTC spins all night, and there will be dancing, contests, games, and prizes. Donât worry about getting homeâJillianâs is teaming up with the local cab companies and nearby hotels to make sure you get somewhere safely. Jillianâs, 731 Westlake Ave N, 223-0300. 8 pm, $10, 21+, dress code strictly enforced.
NEW YEARâS AT THE TRIPLE DOOR
You have two options here. In the main concert hall, you can enjoy the combo of swing and jump blues with Too Slim and the Taildraggers. In the Musiquarium Lounge, jazz vocalist Isabella Du Graf, pianist Randy Halberstadt, and the Waterbabies will entertain all night. Triple Door, 216 Union St, 838-4333. Main room shows at 7 pm (all ages) and 10:30 pm (21+), $30 plus food and beverage package; Musiquarium show at 7 pm, free, 21+.
STEP INTO THE NEW YEAR â08
Have a funky New Year with the Staxx Brothers and Kissing Potion. Breakdancing by Chase Eldridge and Colleen Bean, and record spinning by DJ Kutz and DJ Tanner. First 50 ticket buyers get a copy of the new Staxx Brothers record, 12th Street Blues. ToST Lounge, 513 N 36th St. 8 pm, $12 adv/$15 DOS/$12 DOS with canned food donation, 21+.
NEW YEARâS EVE WITH DAVE HATES CHICO
Also featuring Aury Moore & the Sonic Earth Angels. Mainstage Comedy & Music Club, 315 First Ave N, 217-3700. 8 pm, $15, 21+.
SKYLARK NEW YEARâS
Join indie popsters Beehive and DJ Greg J for a fun West Seattle party. Full menu available until 10 pm, late-night nibbles after that. Skylark Cafe & Club, 3803 Delridge Way SW, 935-2111. 7 pm, free, 21+.
ENCHANTMENT UNDER THE SEA DANCE
DJs Pretty Titty, Fourcolorzack, Curtis, and Paul Devro will hit your bodyrock all night long. Semiformal attire encouraged and a champagne toast at midnight. Moe Bar/Neumoâs VIP Room, 925 E Pike St. 8 pm, $20, 21+.
NEW YEARâS AT THE CHA CHA LOUNGE
DJs Damaged Goods and Babyfeather will provide the soundtrack to your drink specials. Cha Cha Lounge, 1013 E Pike St (basement). 8 pm, free, 21+.
NEW YEARâS EVE COSTUME GALA AT THE LITTLE RED STUDIO
The Nasty Habits play music, during which there will be aerials, dance, and other surprises. Champagne toast at midnight. An afterparty that continues into the wee hours of the New Year is included in the price. Little Red Studio, 750 Harrison St, 328-4758. 9 pm, $50, 21+.
OWL âN THISTLE NEW YEARâS
Party with the house band at the most fun bar on that block of Post Ave. Owl âN Thistle, 808 Post Ave, 621-7777. 8 pm, free, 21+.
NYE 1968âA NEW YEARâS EVE âRECORD HOPâ
Emerald City Soul Club and Studio 66 host the oldest party in town. Rare soul in the back, garage in the front, CD giveaways, â60s films, and a midnight champagne toast make this party Dyn-O-Mite! Lo_Fi Performance Gallery, 429-B Eastlake Ave E. 9 pm, $10, 21+.
FLASH BACK WITH JACK
96.5 Jack FM hosts this â80s-themed party. Live music by Shelley and the Curves, records spun by DJ Ricki Leigh, prize giveaways for best period costume. A gala dinner precedes the dance party. Bell Harbor International Conference Center, 2211 Alaskan Way, www.flashbackwithjack.com. 6:30 pm dinner, 8 pm party, $99 for dinner and party/$45 for party alone, 21+.
LIBERTY NEW YEARâS
Free sushi and a champagne toast at midnight. Liberty, 517 15th Ave E, 323-9898. Free, 21+.
DEFY THE POLICE STATE IN 2008
A New Yearâs Eve celebration for civil libertarians. Featuring a âseditiously deliciousâ Italian feast, a âriotous reality showâ by the Pepper Spray Players, and so much more. New Freeway Hall, 5018 Rainier Ave S, 722-6057. 8:30 pm, $17 with buffet/$5 for show only, all ages.
LAST SUPPER CLUB NEW YEARâS
Three rooms of Seattleâs top DJs spinning house, hiphop, mashups, lounge, and rock, plus a live performance by the Afrodisiacs. Dinner available before the party and a whole mess of party favors included in the price. Last Supper Club, 124 S Washington St, 748-9975. $75 with dinner/$30 without/$25 after midnight (includes a Pioneer Square Joint Admission stamp), 21+.
NEW YEARâS ENCHANTED EVE
An electronic extravaganza featuring DJs Chris C, SuPeR K, Sayphonik, Jimni Cricket, and many more. Club Motor, 1950 First Ave S, 577-6949, www.webbwerx.com. 8 pm, $25.
PONCHO SANCHEZ LATIN JAZZ BAND
Choose from three optionsâsee the first set of this popular band and eat dinner, see the second set and get dessert, or do both. Jazz Alley, 2033 Sixth Ave, 441-9729. First set 6 pm, $100.50, all ages; second set 10:30 pm, $75.50, 21+; both sets $150.50.
HAYRIDE TO HELL II
Crazy blues party featuring Ruby Dee & the Snakehandlers, the Roy Kay Trio, Wages of Sin, and tons more surprises. Highway 99 Blues Club, 1414 Alaskan Way, 382-2171. 4 pm, $10, 21+.
A VOGUE NEW YEARâS EVE
All the old-school Vogue DJs (Evan Blackstone, Eternal Darkness, Reverend of Rock, and Paul Aleinikoff) spinning â80s new wave, goth, and industrial. Neighbours Underground, 1509 Broadway. 8 pm, 21+.
VICEROY NEW YEARâS
DJs Dyce and Kuhnex spin all night, and at midnight everyone gets noisemakers and champagne. Viceroy, 2332 Second Ave, 956-VICE. 8 pm, $20, 21+.
THE BALLROOMâS BLACK & WHITE BASH
An informal formal, featuring DJ Pete Biddy. Ballroom, 456 N 36th St, 634-2575. Free before 9 pm/$20 after, 21+.
SUNSET NEW YEARâS PARTY
Music by the Tripwires, the Whore Moans, the Small Change, and Zero Down. Bring your earplugs. Sunset, 5433 Ballard Ave NW. 9 pm, $25, 21+.
AION NEW YEARâS EVE COSTUME BALL
Live music from C/A/T, Endif, and the Mentats, plus DJs Jay Selway, Coldheart, Osiris Indriya, Amanita, Jen Woolfe, Mythril, and Byron. And if that wasnât enough, there are also performances by PURE Cirkus and Womanipura. Capitol Hill Arts Center, 1621 12th Ave. 9 pm, $75 VIP/$25 first tier/$30 second tier/$35 DOS, 21+.
HAVANA NEW YEARâS GALA
DJs N8 and Soul One spinning hiphop hits all night. Havana, 1010 E Pike St, 323-CUBA. 8 pm, $20 adv, 21+.
NEW YEARâS RESOVOLUTION
This âParty with a Purposeâ (is the purpose getting tanked?) features reggae from Clinton Fearon and the Boogie Brown Band. Underground Events Center, 2407 First Ave, www.thinksmall.org/pwap. 8 pm, $20, 21+.
SWING AND SALSA AT CENTURY BALLROOM
A New Yearâs gala featuring live salsa band Tumbao and swing by DJ Brenda Starr. You could have had dinner as well, but it sold out, so act fast to get your dance tickets. Century Ballroom, 915 E Pine St (second floor), 324-7263. 9:30 pm, $40, 21+.
NEW YEARâS AT DANTEâS
Join the Ricky Venture Revue for a live variety show, and DJ Motor for your live hiphop hits. Go ahead, drink out of the pitcher. Danteâs, 5300 Roosevelt Way NE, 525-1300. 9 pm, $5, 21+.
THE SWAINSâ SWANSONG
The country band performs for the last time tonight. Champagne toast at midnight. Little Red Hen, 7115 Woodlawn Ave NE, 522-1168. 8 pm, $10, 21+.
SCIENCE FRICTION (NYE)
The disco devils at the Decibel Festival, Shameless, SunTzu Sound, and more are throwing a hell of a New Yearâs party with a bunch of their friends. There are more than 25 performers, including Jacob London, Sutekh, Truckasauras, and Darek Mazzone. Party goes until 4 am. Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 4408 Delridge Way SW, www.dbfestival.com. 9 pm, $25 adv/$30 DOS, 21+.
FWD: 2008 NYE
Aurora Diving Club, Johnny Fever, and Wesley Holmes hook up the house jams all night. Champagne toast at midnight. See Sound Lounge, 115 Blanchard St, 374-3733. 9 pm, $30 adv/$40 DOS, 21+.
SMITH NEW YEARâS EVE
Noisemakers at midnight! DJ spinning all night and drink specials, too. Smith, 332 15th Ave E, 709-1900. Free, 21+.
NEW YEARâS EVE DISCO PARTY
A Studio 54âthemed hot disco party, featuring DJs TJ Gorton (a Stranger contributor), Pat Les Stache, and special guests. Champagne toast and snacks provided. Solo, 200 Roy St. 8 pm, $15, 21+.
LEVEL 5 NEW YEARâS
Brought to you by Team Party Down, who also are responsible for Papparazzi! at the Shark Club in Kirkland. Level 5, 332 Fifth Ave N. 9 pm, $20 adv, 21+.
HUDSON BLUES BAND
New Orleans Creole Restaurant puts on a crazy gumbo party, and this year is no different, with the blues of the Hudson Blues Band. New Orleans Creole, 114 First Ave S, 622-2563. 9 pm, $25 Pioneer Square Joint Cover stamp, 21+.
THE LASHES RECORD-RELEASE PARTY
Be the first to get the new Lashes record, Thank You Side A, and then be the first to pass out in the bathroom. With the Trucks, Feral Children, Flying Fox, and more. Comet Tavern, 922 E Pike St. 9 pm, $12, 21+.
NEW YEARâS MASQUERADE BALL
AmorĂ©âs party will have a four-course meal, champagne toast at midnight (the fireworks are right down the street!), plus cabaret all evening and music from the Hot Roddinâ Romeos. AmorĂ©, 2301 Fifth Ave, 770-0606. $80, 21+.
WATCHING DICK CLARK IN YOUR UNDERWEAR
Has he finally decided to start aging? Itâs time to find out! Your house, all ages.
CABS
Farwest 433-1788
Graytop Cab 622-4800
Low Fare 246-0808
North End Taxi 363-3333
Northwest Taxi Association Limited 262-1122
Orange Cab Company 522-8800
Redtop Cab 789-4949
Seattle Taxi Cab 709-2003
Yellow Cab 622-6500
TOWNCAR AND LIMO SERVICE
ABS Town Car 334-0461
Absolute Towncar Taxi Service 380-3569
Advance Limo Towncar Service 941-7000
All State Limos & Towncar LLC 786-4204
Atlas Towncar 860-7777
Black & Green 228-8331
Crown Black Car 722-7696
Cruise & Pleasure Towncar and Limo Service 381-3636
Driver for Hire 423-9603
Executive Towncar Service 443-4343
Goldstar Towncar & Limousine Service 877-800-6005
Pioneer Towncar 622-8383
Professional Towncar Service 778-7751
Seattle Towncar 860-2121
Stars VIP Towncars Inc 604-2998
METRO BUS INFORMATION
On Mon Dec 31, Metro Transit operates on weekday schedules, however, the following routes are canceled: 45, 46, 76, 77, 79, 133, 167, 197, 202 (route 202 Mercer Island Shuttle trips will operate according to their regular schedules, but trips to and from downtown Seattle will not operate), 205, 272, 277, 304, 308, and 373.
The following routes have designated trips canceled: 31, 65, 67, 68, 75, 372, and ST 540. Affected trips are marked in timetables.