New Year's Eve in Toronto, 2009 Planning Guide
New Year's Eve is only five nights away and Toronto certainly isn't devoid of parties, events and other options to ring in the first moments of 2009. Unfortunately, the night can also be a bit of cash grab when only a house party will do. Most bars suddenly roll out a cover charge under the guise of champagne toasts at midnight and other party favours. Unique venues line-up sponsors like Skyy Vodka and Absolut, only to pair them with three figure entrance fees and a limited (if any) open bar.
At least the TTC makes things a little easier on the wallet. Once again this year public transit in the city will be free (and open) between 12-4am. And for those with families or looking not to spend a cent, there's live music and fireworks at Nathan Phillips Square.
And for everyone else there are plenty of intriguing options. Here are 10 that are shaping up to be some of this New Years' best.
New Year's Eve in a Fitness Studio
The I Love New Years Eve at Flirty Girl Fitness Studio
With Diesel Fitness now closed, nearby Flirty Girl Fitness fills the gap for those who like to drink, dance and, uh, sweat where they workout. Except instead of weight machines this studio has poles. As in pole-dancing. Tickets $25 in advance.
New Year's Eve on College Street
Solid Garage & Footprints at Revival
Avoid the bad martini bars and head to Revival where Samba Elegua (led by blogTO alumnus Jonathan Rothman) and The Uma Nota Ensemble are just one of the many musical guests in attendance. Deep House compliments of Osunlade and beats from the Groove Institute, Dirty Dale and the Footprints crew. Tickets $25-$30.
New Year's Eve in a Penthouse
New Year's Eve at the top of the Burroughes Building
A night at the Burroughes Building never disappoints. Take the stairs to the top floor and rooftop patio to ring in 2009 with DJs and indie music acts including the always entertaining Fritz Helder and the Phantoms, Nacho Lovers and Golden Girls. Tickets $65 - $80 all inclusive bar.
New Year's Eve in a Warehouse
Promise + NuFunk New Years Eve
The organizers of Cherry Beach Sundays and the Harvest Festival are back with their second consecutive New Year's Eve soiree at 6 Noble St. in Parkdale. DJ Serious, Twonz, Eric Downer and more. Tickets $35.
New Year's Eve in the Market
The Black and White Bash
Funky, dressy, retro, trendy...whatever. As long as your outfit is black and white you'll fit in at Kensington's Bread & Circus for the Black and White Bash. $20 per person or $30 for two.
New Year's Eve in a Crystal
Crystal09 at the ROM
It's tough to recommend a party that costs over $100 AND doesn't include an open bar all night. But that's the price it costs these days to count down the last moments of 2008 inside one of Toronto's latest architectural masterpieces/mistakes. Semi formal. Tickets $100-$125.
New Year's Eve in a Church
Minutes to Midnight at the Berkeley Church
This event must be trying to lure NYE-goers from the 905 as the promotional material includes a hotel stay at the Delta Chelsea for $149. DJ Undercover, Marko Bongo, Geoff Brown and Vinyl Poetry are on the lineup. But this ain't cheap either. Tickets are $125.
New Year's Eve with Broken Social Scene
Broken Social Scene Presents Cuz It's a Dance Party
BSS pals Brendan Canning and Kevin Drew plus Jimmy Shaw of Metric aren't strangers to The Phoenix so maybe it makes sense for them to be winding down what's been a very successful year for them here. DJ duo The Gang of Two, Andy Capp and Rod Skimmins will all be making an appearance. Tickets $25.
New Year's Eve with Women
New Year's Eve at the Palais Royale
Well, you'll need to be a woman. New Year's for the lesbian community means plenty of options at one of the city's favourite Bar-Mitzvah venues. Tickets $75 for a show and dance. $150 includes dinner.
New Year's Eve Bollywood Style
Besharam Presents NYE at the Great Hall
DJ Amita spins Bollywood and Bhangra and Sheesha & Her Hookahs also make an appearance at the corner of Queen and Dovercourt. Tickets $40 in advance.
Do you have a New Year's Eve event in Toronto you'd like to recommend? If so, just add it to the comments below. Photo by skullworth on Flickr
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