9 places offering FREE entry on New Year’s Eve
Haven’t made New Year’s Eve plans yet? If you’re bank balance doesn’t leave room for a high-ticket event, there are plenty of FREE options in the Queen City.
Here is my list of nine places to have fun bringing in the new year without having to pay a cover charge. Once you’re inside, it’s all you after that – there may be libations, activities, and other good stuff to purchase.
Lenny Boy’s New Year’s Eve Dance Party
3000 South Tryon St.
Time: 6 p.m.-1 a.m.
Info: This may be the party deal of the year. Live music with Aarodynamics at 9 p.m., $4 champagne, $15 beer pitchers, Asian street food from Bao Time food truck, release of the brand new Brut Beer (a champagne beer), and a new kombucha release.
Abari’s New Year’s Coin Jam
1721 N. Davidson St.
Time: 8 p.m.-2 a.m.
Info: Spend the night with Ms. Pac-Man, Mario, and Donkey Kong. Play the pinball machines and Killer Queen for free, while listening to a live DJ and drinking local brews and specialty cocktails. Champagne toast at midnight.
Big Ben Pub New Year’s Eve “Big Ben” Style!
2000 South Blvd. #530 Atherton Mill
Time: 5:30 p.m.-12 a.m.
Info: Choose between two celebrations: the British one starts at 5:30 p.m. for a 7 p.m. toast, and the American celebration begins at 8:30 p.m. for a midnight champagne toast. Regular menu with Chef Specials, and live music from Chuck Johnson Duo, “Crazy Horse”, and bagpiper, Dave McKenzie. Reservations are required for the early seating and recommended for the later seating. Contact them at (704) 817-9697.
CLT New Year’s Eve presented by Ally Bank
Romare Bearden Park, 300 S. Church St.
Time: 8 p.m.-12:15 a.m.
Info: Gather with thousands of other Charlotteans at this family-friendly, no alcohol event. Event features a DJ from 8-10 p.m., followed by a live band, Sol Fusion, from 10 p.m.–11:58. There will also be multiple food vendors, including Zaroob Food Truck, The Hunter’s Wife, Mel’s BLT Kitchen, and Smokn’ Aces Truck. Stay for the countdown and Charlotte’s only New Year’s Eve fireworks display.
Catawba Brewing Co.’s 2018 New Year’s Eve Party
933 Louise Avenue, Suite 105
Time: 9 p.m.–2 a.m.
Info: With 20 beers on tap, DJ Bryson Rider from 9 p.m.-1 a.m., and a champagne toast, Catawba Brewing is a great option for New Year’s Eve. Look for late night complimentary snack station with cold platters and munchies catered by Fresh Med.
Red Clay Ciderworks’ No Hype New Year’s Eve!
245 Clanton Rd.
Time: Noon.-1 a.m.
Info: If getting dressed up to go out is not your style, Red Clay Ciderworks has the perfect night for you. Relaxed vibe and PJs optional with late night appetizers, raffles, and a cider toast at midnight.
Whiskey Warehouse
1221 The Plaza
Time: 10 a.m.-2 a.m.
Info: Grab a bite from the regular menu through 11 p.m., then stay for the champagne toast, live music, prizes, and giveaways. Late night menu is available from 11 p.m.-1 a.m.
NoDa Company Store
3221 Yadkin Ave.
Time: 8 p.m.-2 a.m.
Time: Joey Hewell and Scott Lindsley know how to pack a house with a champagne toast at midnight and their special New Year’s Eve playlist.
Heist Brewery
2909 N. Davidson St.
Time: Opens at 11 a.m.
Info: Regular lunch and dinner menu available. Free toast at midnight.
C5 Pro Tips for New Year’s Day Recovery
- Amelie’s A French Bakery & Café in NoDa will be open regular hours (24/7) for a late-night or early morning stop.
- Celebrate with soup at Free Range Brewing’s 3rd Annual Free Soup Day from 12-4 p.m.
- Birdsong Brewing Co. is releasing its barrel-aged Belgian-style Abbey Ale, Puppies on Penguins. They’ll also have a bagel bar, “bloody” beers, and special infusion beers to help cure what’s ailing you.
- Legion Brewing’s Pass the Luck – Free New Year’s Day Lunch of chili, made with collard greens, pork and black-eyed peas, and cornbread while supplies last. It goes from 12-2 p.m. with live music and football, too.
- And if you are an overachiever, start the new year off with a free 5K road race in Davidson. I did that once (operative word is once).
This story was originally published December 15, 2017 at 12:00 AM.
