The Mighty Mighty Bosstones' three-day run at the House of Blues ended yesterday, but the band will throw down at the Middle East tonight to mark the end of 2009. If you don't have tickets to the sold out show, perhaps you'll be spending tonight planning your New Year's Eve.
We might just stay home and play board games like many of these Boston Tweeps. However, the weather forecast calls for 30s, so it won't be as bitterly cold as last year: perhaps it's enough to get you out of the house to welcome 2010. Just in case, we found a few not-too-sucky ways to ring in the new year. If there are other things going on, please let us know in the comments.
Our Picks
First Night
It happens every year, just like a hangover, or the realization that you haven't achieved what you meant to over the past year. And it's not actually the first night, but rather the last night. Still, people seem to dig First Night, a family-friendly, arts-centric way to ring in the new year. There will be everything from ice sculptures to anime, and plenty of live performances to entertain you. Download the program guide (PDF) for details. All evening, all around town, $18.
New Year's Eve with Amanda Palmer and the Boston Pops
We're not really fangirls/fanboys/fanpeople of very much here at Bostonist. You might even call us crotchety. But even we have to admit that Amanda Palmer is kinda fucking rad. In between making music and getting naked, she did a real live high school musical this year, not to mention an apt send-up of Lady Gaga and Madonna. If you're into her, you'll be loathe to miss this. And even if you're not, hey—it's still our friend Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops. Symphony Hall, 10pm, $80-160.
Hipster Heaven
Magic Magic, You Can Be a Wesley, and Mean Creek are all bands we actually like, playing at a venue that's not so bad, for a price that's quite a deal. Recommended if you want to (indie) rock. Great Scott (1222 Comm Ave, Allston), 10pm, $10 advance / $15 doors.
Transportation Tips
In the only night of the year when its service makes some sense, the T will stay open until 2am: not late enough for the real partiers, but late enough to at least let you experience an hour or two of 2010 before heading home. Cambridge offers free cab rides if you miss that 2am cutoff.
Eating Food
10, 9, 8, 7, Sushi
Ginger Exchange, a new sushi joint in Inman, will have a low-key sushi special night for those who like their 2010s with raw fish. 9pm, Ginger Exchange (1287 Cambridge St, Cambridge), $25.
Make-Your-Own Speakeasy
Many actual public speakeasy-esque venues r doin it wrong, so do it right, yourself, at home: Chow.com offers recipes for a speakeasy night with old-school cocktails and classy appetizers. Your house, cost of ingredients.
Expensive Frenchiness
L'Espalier has a big reputation, but usually backs it up. Check the menu and see if you're inspired. 774 Boylston, $195.
But Will They Play Auld Lang Syne?
Thunderdome MMX
Thunderdome is something else, and the kids love it. $25 for a PBR toast at midnight? Don't mind if they do. Villa Victoria (85 West Newton), 10pm, $25.
Bottom of the 9th
Three Day Threshold and Forgetful Jones
Country-tinged band plays at Cask n Flagon (62 Brookline Avenue) for a mere $20.
Boston Rock Royalty
The Motion Sick, Gentlemen and Upper Crust thrash Church of Boston. A hardcore way to ring it in. Church (69 Kilmarnock), 10pm, $25.
The Type of Stuff We Don't Understand Why Anyone Wants To Do
Love blowing a shitload of money on expensive tickets and fancy getups for swanky events with terrible people? Okay, if that's your bag, here's how to do it.
Resolution Ball, Back Bay
Live music, DJ, hors d'oeuvres, silent auction, nice views, etc.
Top of the Hub (800 Boylston St) $124+
Boston's Resolution Ball, South End
Felix Brown Band and DJ Samuel L get the Cyclorama dancing.
Cyclorama (539 Tremont St), $79
BYPA’s 7th Annual Global Gala New Year’s Eve Ball: Passport to the World
Yes, because paying $75 to hang out in Lir is exactly the same as a passport to the world. At least there's a promise of Lindt Chocolate.
Lir (903 Boylston St), $75
Carpe Diem: “Seize The Night”
Uh, we hate to be that asshole, but come on: Noctem. Incorrect Latin prevails in an "gothic European night lounge" with DJ KON, wine, and Italian appetizers.
Ivy Restaurant (49 Temple Place), $65
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