Too often, New Year’s Eve means expensive tickets to a party that’s going to be “the best ever” but usually ends up feeling like a typical night out. We’ve got five, totally free (well, no cover) options for you. So, even if 2020 starts with you drunk and crying in a bathroom, at least you can say you didn’t spend $100 to get there. 

New Year’s Eve in Spain!
Holy Grale  |  1034 Bardstown Road 
holygralelouisville.com
4 p.m.-midnight
Spend your New Year abroad while still staying in Louisville. Holy Grale’s New Year’s Eve in Spain features flamenco performances, Spanish drinks and food and a toast at 6 p.m. (when it will be midnight in Spain). 

New Year’s Eve 2020
Akasha Brewing Co. 
909 E. Market St.  | 
Search Facebook |  No cover  |  5 p.m.

It’s a New Year’s Eve party with all the trimmings: a toast and balloon drop, a potlock, live music (from local band Jameron) and, because it’s Akasha, a menu of small batch brews and a special guest draft.

New Year’s Eve Midnight Brunch
theMerryWeather  |  1101 Lydia Street  |  Search Facebook  |  9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Breakfast for dinner tastes even sweeter when it’s the last of the decade. Eat a Lydia House-style brunch, starting at 10 p.m. — or participate in a round of karaoke, which begins right at 9.

NYE Masquerade Ball
Double Barrel  |  147 E. Main St., New Albany  |  Search Facebook  |  9 p.m.-3 a.m.
What happens in 2019, stays in 2019, and if you’re wearing a mask, no one will know it was you dancing the macarena all night. Hide your identity at this masquerade party at Double Barrel, featuring light appetizers, drink specials and a champagne toast at midnight.

Drag Me To 2020
Gravely Brewing Co.  |  514 Baxter Ave.  |  Search Facebook  |  10 p.m.-2 a.m.
Drag shows are rarely free, not to mention New Year’s Eve drag shows. DJ S.Y.I.M.O.N.E and the queens will keep the party alive. Photo-ops are included, but you will have to throw down some cash — $2 — if you want to participate in the champagne toast.

Taproom New Year’s Eve 2020
Highlands Tap Room  |  1058 Bardstown Road  |  Search Facebook  |  10 p.m.-3:30 a.m.
Let’s hope the 2020s are just as legendary as the 1920s. Maybe if we dress up like we’re from the Jazz Age, they will be. Highlands Tap Room is throwing a ‘20s-themed party, but, as organizers say, “this time, with legal alcohol!” —LEO

No Cover New Year’s Eve
Seidenfaden’s  |  1134 E. Breckenridge St.  |  nightvisionsradio.com  |  10 p.m.-4 a.m.
Three DJs spinning only vinyl — it’s a night of dancing and good times so nice that you won’t want the year to end.