No matter if your budget is limitless or limited to “free,” whether your wardrobe preference is costume, causal or black tie and whatever your musical taste, there’s a NewYear’sEve party for you. If balloon drops, confetti cannons and champagne toasts aren’t enough, there’s a whole spectrum of entertainment from drag shows to comedy improv to choose from. We offer you what is by no means a comprehensive, but nonetheless a representative sampling of the many varieties of hootenanny for ringing in 2015.

BARS & CLUBS

The Bard’s Town
1801 Bardstown Road, 749-5275
thebardstown.com
Improv comedy with Total BS! Music by Mega Rewind and karaoke with Schutte.
5 p.m. Cost: Free!

Baxter’s 942 Bar and Grill
942 Baxter Ave., 409-9422
baxters942.com
Live music by Cover Me Badd.
9 p.m. Cost: $TBA

Bud’s Tavern
4014 Dixie Hwy., 384-9131
Music by DJ Marko, plus champagne toast.
8 p.m. Cost: Free

Darkstar on the Creek
6313 River Road, 228-1991
facebook.com/pages/Darkstar-Tavern
Live music by Contraband, plus champagne toast.
10 p.m. Cost: Free

Diamond Pub & Billiards
630 Barret Ave., 690-7040
diamondpubandbilliards.com
Live music by The Neon Nights, DJ Travisity, DJ Rewind, Naked Garden, Slinky Jenkins Bob Anonymous and Josh Woods.
8 p.m. Cost: $10

Fourth Street Live
4thstlive.com
Party includes live music by 100% Poly and DJ Mikus, a viewing of the Times Square ball drop, confetti cannons, a balloon drop and more. Must be 21+
8 p.m. Cost: Free!

Gerstle’s Place
3801 Frankfort Ave., 742-8616
gerstles.com
Live music by JD Shelburne and Zachary Joseph.
10 p.m. Cost: $10

Haymarket Whiskey Bar
331 E. Market St., 442-0523
haymarketwhiskeybar.com
Music by six DJs and live music by four bands plus $10 champagne bottles, toast and photo booth.
8 p.m. Cost: Free

Headliners Music Hall
1386 Lexington Road
584-8088
headlinerslouisville.com
WFPK New Year’s Eve with live music by James Brown Revue with House Band Thirty Spokes and special guests Carly Johnson, Butch Rice and Skyscraper.
9 p.m. Cost: $10 Adv, $12 DOS

Hideaway Saloon
1607 Bardstown Road, 485-0114
hideawaysaloon.com
Live music by Vessel.
11 p.m. Cost: $10

Jerry Green and Friends
2800 Breckinridge Lane, 451-0706
breckinridgeinn.com
Live music by Jerry Green plus appetizers, party favors and a champagne toast.
8 p.m. Cost: $55

Jim Porter’s
2345 Lexington Road, 452-9531
jimporters.com
Live music by Wulfe Brothers, Billy Davis Group, Rare Breed Rock Bottom Blues plus champagne toast, party favors and balloon drop.
6 p.m. Cost: $20

The Louisville Palace
625 S. 4th Street, 583-4555
louisvillepalace.com
Live music by Jason Isbell with special guest Shovels and Rope.
8:30 p.m. Cost: $58

Magnolia Bar
1398 S. 2nd St., 637-9052
magbar.tumblr.com
Groove, Clay & Duffy, all vinyl dance party and champagne.
10 p.m. Cost: Free

The Mercury Ballroom
611 S. 4th St., 583-4555
mercuryballroom.com
The Gentlemen of Dream Team and MJ Entertainment present The Champagn Affair.
9 p.m. Cost: $30

Meta
425 W. Chestnut St., 822-6382
metalouisville.com
Music by DJ Kim Sorise and JP Source.
8 p.m. Cost: $15

Monkey Wrench
1025 Barret Ave., 582-2433
facebook.com/1025TheMonkey-Wrench
Rock in the Mother F**kin’ New Year Ball.
10 p.m. Cost: Free

The New Vintage
2126 S. Preston St., 749-4050
newvintagelouisville.com
Live music by Zach Longoria Project and special guest Soundtrakno.
9 p.m. Cost: $10 – $15

Nowhere Bar Louisville
1133 Bardstown Road, 451-0466
facebook.com/NowhereLouisville)
DJ Brios from 10 p.m.-4 a.m. Party favors, heated tent over the patio, champagne toast at midnight (champagne included). Cost: $10.
VIP packages, #1: up to 5 people, 1 premium liquor, 1 bottle champagne, 4 Red Bull, all mixers, VIP entry, access to VIP area, private server. Cost: $500.
#2: up to 5 people, 2 premium liquor, 1 bottle champagne, 6 Red Bull, all mixers, VIP entry, access to VIP area, private server. Cost: $700.
#3: 1 person, 8 premium drink tickets, VIP entry, access to VIP area is NOT included. Cost: $75

Patrick O’Shea’s
123 W. Main St., 708-2488
osheaslouisville.net
DJ Melly Mel, Eight Inch Elvis in the Cellar, champagne toast, balloon drop, party favors. 10 p.m. Cost: $15. VIP package: Above plus four-course meal, unlimited liquor, champagne, Bud Light. 6 p.m. Cost: $75 (table of 10 $700)

Phoenix Hill Tavern
644 Baxter Ave., 589-4630
phoenixhill.com
Live music by Saving Abel, Year of the Gun, Caducus, Two Pump Chump and Str8 Jakkit.
8 p.m. Cost: $20

Play
1101 E. Washington St., 882-3615
playdancebar.com
Live entertainment by Derrick Barry with three shows starring the Play Mates, balloon drop, midnight champagne toast and the biggest hits of 2014 in the dance bar.
10 p.m. Cost: $20

Pride Bar and Lounge
504 State St., New Albany, 812-200-9546
facebook.com/NewAlbanyPride
The New Years Eve Bash includes a drag show, party favors, free champagne toast at midnight, balloon drop and dancing.
9:45 p.m. Cost: Free

Saints Pizza and Pub
131 Breckinridge Lane, 891-8883
facebook.com/saintspizzapub
Music by DJ Blue Steel in the SkyBar, karaoke in the pub, dinner buffet, champagne, toast and party favors.
8 p.m. Cost: $20 adv./$25 general admission

Stevie Ray’s
230 E. Main St., 582-9945
stevieraysbluesbar.com
Live music by Old School.
8 p.m. Cost: $15

Zanzabar
2100 S. Preston St., 635-9227
Live music by Q: Are we not them? A: We aren’t Devo!
8 p.m. Cost: $10

 

RESTAURANTS

A5
A5 and Rye combine forces with ABK Productions to introduce a new event venue in downtown Louisville. Music by DJ Sleepy-T. Tickets include 2 drinks and a champagne toast at midnight! Benefits Best Buddies Kentucky and AIDS Interfaith Ministries.
9 p.m. Cost $45

Bearno’s By the Bridge
131 W. Main St., 584-7437
bearnosNYE.eventbrite.com
All-inclusive food and drink (open bar and buffet), midnight champagne toast. Live music from Kimmet & Doug and Calen & Clay. Also DJ COMPLETE with dance music and karaoke in the basement.
8 p.m. Cost: $90, special package pricing for couples and groups

Blu Italian Grille
280 W. Jefferson St., 671-4265
blugrille.com
Evening includes a three-course menu.
Cost: $60/person.

Bourbons Bistro
2255 Frankfort Ave., 894-8838
bourbonsbistro.com
In addition to their regular menu, Bourbons Bistro will welcome 2015 with three specials: an 18 oz. Cowboy Ribeye, Pan Seared Striped Bass and Chocolate Babas. They’ll also feature a champagne cocktail toast at midnight.

Bristol Bar and Grille
614 W. Main St., 582-1995
bristolbarandgrille.com
The downtown Bristol is hosting a very Pappy New Year. Executive chef Ramon Forcelledo is pairing a Kentucky bourbon flight with a four-course menu. The flight includes one pour of 12-year-old Van Winkle Special Reserve and three of the highly sought-after Pappy Van Winkle 15, 20 and 23-year-old batches.
5 p.m. Cost: $100

Bristol Bar and Grille
700 W. Riverside Drive, Jeffersonville, 812-218-1995
bristolbarandgrille.com
Experience wines from around the world with master sommelier Scott Harper. Wines from Italy, Australia, France, Argentina, California and Spain will be among those offered, including a five-course menu from Chef Richard Doering. Cost: $279/couple, which includes a room at the Sheraton Louisville Riverside Hotel

Captain’s Quarters
5700 Captain’s Quarters Road, 228-1651
cqriverside.com
The New Year’s Eve Cruise includes dinner, a cruise on CQ Princess Yacht, champagne toast and balloon drop.
Cost: $89/person

English Grill at The Brown Hotel
335 W. Broadway, 583-1234
brownhotel.com
A multi-course dinner offered with party favors and live music. Dinner seating is available at 8, 8:30 and 9 p.m. Cost: $119/person

Flanagan’s Ale House
934 Baxter Ave., 585-3700
flanagansalehouse.com/
The Ancient Order of Hibernians and Flanagan’s present an Irish New Year’s Celebration from 5-9 p.m. Following the clocks in Dublin, the year will be welcomed at 7 p.m. with a special toast and bagpipe salute. Includes Irish music, beer, favors and menu specials. Cost: $3

Garage Bar
700 E. Market St., 749-7100
garageonmarket.com
A New Year’s Day Champagne (of Beers) and Oyster Brunch featuring $2 Miller High Life and $6 Bloody Mary on Jan. 1 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Jeff Ruby’s
325 W. Main St., 584-0102
jeffruby.com/Louisville
Live music by Robbie Bartlett starting at 9 p.m.

La Coop: Bistro a Vins
732 E. Market St., 410-2888
coopbistro.com
La Coop will say farewell with one last dining event. The five-course dinner is available by reservation at 6 and 8:30 p.m. Cost: $60/person

Lilly’s, A Kentucky Bistro
1147 Bardstown Rd., 451-0447
lillyslapeche.com
Special a la carte menu for the evening.
5 p.m. Cost: TBA

Loui Loui’s
10212 Taylorsville Road, 266-7599
louilouis.com
Special New Years Eve dinners with music by Bag of Hammers.
9 p.m. Cost: $24.99-$47.99

Maker’s Mark Bourbon House & Lounge
Fourth Street Live, 568-9009
makerslounge.com
Four packages available. General Admission. Cost: $10. All Access General Admission with bar package (domestic beer, house wine, premium wells and champagne toast). Cost: $50. $100 Bottle Service includes All Access General Admission, VIP Table for up to 5 people with bottle (options: Pinnacle Vodka, Old Forester Bourbon, Cazadores Tequila, Pinnacle Gin, Cruzan Rum), 3 mixers and 2 Red Bull. $200 Bottle Service includes All Access General Admission, VIP Table for up to 5 people with bottle (options: Grey Goose Vodka, Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Patron Tequila, Bombay Gin, Bacardi Rum), 3 mixers and 2 Red Bull. 10 p.m.-1 a.m.

MilkWood
316 W. Main St., 584-6455
milkwoodrestaurant.com
Chef Kevin Ashworth is preparing a Whole Roast BBQ Sucking Pig and Whole Chinese-style Roast Ducks that will be presented on the bar. This will be served in addition to the normal menu. Cost: $28 per person for the additional roast meat platter. Splits of Lamberti Prosecco Extra Dry available one night only for $15 a bottle. $2 shots of Rebel Yell all night long.

Proof on Main
702 W. Main St., 217-6360
proofmain.com
Chef Levon Wallace will present a prix fixe 4-course dinner, party favors, champagne toast and access to the NYE bash at 21c Museum Hotel.8 p.m. Cost: $140

RIVUE Restaurant & Lounge
Galt House Hotel and Suites
140 N. Fourth St., 589-5200
galthouse.com
RIVUE is hosting The Cotton Club party, which includes dinner for two, midnight champagne toast and live entertainment, including tap dancers, swing dancers and a big band. Packages include overnight accommodations and New Year’s Day brunch.
8 p.m. Cost: $275/couple

Z’s Oyster Bar & Steakhouse
115 S. Fourth St., 855-8000
zoysterbar.com
Dinner off the menu with live music and champagne toast.
Cost: TBA

 

HOTELS

21c Museum Hotel
710 W. Main St., 217-6300
21chotel.com
Music by DJ GlitterTitz. $55 ticket includes party favor, two cocktails and champagne toast at midnight. New Year’s Eve Package includes two tickets to the NYE bash and complimentary 3 p.m. late checkout.
8 p.m. Cost: $55 – $369

Brown Hotel
335 W. Broadway, 583-1234
brownhotel.com
Cost: $199/room for guests also dining at English Grill.

Clarion Hotel
505 Marriott Dr., Clarksville
812-283-4411
clarionhotel.com/hotel-clarksville-indiana-IN043
Live music by Replay, room for two, buffet, party favors, balloon drop, cash bar, champagne toast and brunch the next morning.
8:15 p.m. Cost: $199/couple

Crowne Plaza Hotel
830 Phillips Lane, 367-2251
cplouisville.com
Package includes deluxe accommodations for two with late checkout, dance floor and live music with the band Caribou, two dinner buffet tickets, four drink tickets, champagne toast at midnight, cash bar and New Year’s Day Brunch for two from 8 am to Noon.
7 p.m. Cost: $299/couple

French Lick Resort
French Lick, Ind., 888-936-9360
frenchlick.com
The event has music by Sarah Stivers and her orchestra, with hors d’oeuvres, dessert buffet, cash bar, party favors, champagne toast and more.
Overnight package: $599/couple

Galt House Hotel and Suites
140 N. Fourth St., 589-5200
galthouse.com
The Galt House is hosting multiple parties: The Blackout Affair features Unlimited Show Band and DJ Empty Beats, appetizer buffet and champagne toast at midnight. Cost: $50. Chicago Razzle Dazzle, including two parties, music by Burning Las Vegas, buffet, drink tickets and champagne toast, New Year’s Day brunch. Cost: Two-night package, $212/person or one-night package.

Hyatt Regency
320 W. Jefferson St., 581-1234
louisville.hyatt.com
Room for two, entry to Fourth Street Live’s NYE Party featuring an open bar and all access to Fourth Street Live bars. Cost: TBD

Louisville Marriott Downtown
280 W. Jefferson St., 627-5045
marriottlouisville.com
New Year’s Eve Package includes breakfast for 2 guests, chocolate covered strawberries upon arrival, 1 bottle of sparkling wine upon arrival and self-parking.
Cost: $259/couple

Seelbach Hilton Hotel
500 Fourth St., 585-3200
seelbachhilton.com
Package includes room, four-course dinner, DJ and champagne toast.
Cost: $358/couple

Sheraton Riverside
700 W. Riverside Drive, Jeffersonville, 812-218-1995
sheratonlouisvilleriverside.com
Overnight accommodations plus KYE’s New Year’s Celebration, shuttle transportation, breakfast, extended check-out.
9 p.m. Cost: $275/per couple

 

AND SO ON …

AmVets Post 9
1567 S. Shelby St., 639-1900
facebook.com/Amvetspost9
Live music by The Kentucky Cruisers Band.
8 p.m. Cost: $5 (adv)/$7.50 (door)

The Gillespie
421 W. Market St., 584-8080
thegillespie.com
Music by DJQ from 96.5 FM and Kirbys Dreamland. Champagne toast at midnight.
9 p.m. Cost: $60

Horseshoe Casino
Elizabeth, Ind., 866-676-SHOE
horseshoeindiana.com
Live music by the Rumors and the Louisville Crashers at Legends, party favors and champagne toast. Room packages available.

Ice House
226 E. Washington St., 589-4700
flavorus.com/goldenagenewyears
Golden Age and Old Hollywood party. Live music by Endless Summer Band. Old Hollywood-themed decorations, hors d’oeuvres by Crushed Ice Events and golden age themed cocktails, including champagne toast at midnight. Benefits YMCA Safe Place Services.
9 p.m. Cost $75

Kye’s
500 Missouri Ave., Jeffersonville, 812-285-8500
kye-s.com
Music by Kye’s DJ, free draft beer and champagne, cash bar, appetizers, party favors, photo booth and sliders at midnight.
9 p.m. Cost: $65/person.

Mellwood Arts Center
1860 Mellwood Ave.
[email protected]
nye2015louisville.eventbrit.com
Music by Tony & The Tan Lines and DJ K-Dogg. Open bar, appetizers and midnight champagne toast.
9 p.m. Cost: $75

Spirit of Jefferson Cruise
401 W. River Road, 574-2992
belleoflouisville.org
Boards at 9:30 p.m. and cruises till 1 a.m. Features appetizers, DJ, champagne toast and party favors.
Cost: $67/person