Here are a few parties and events to ring in the New Year that people have let me know about. It looks like there is something for everyone. Those who want to rock in the New Year have many choices but, surprisingly, those who want a more subdued evening have a few. There's even an AR event for those with small children.
Since New Year's Eve is a Friday night, all of the typical clubs and bars will be celebrating.
1. New Year's Eve at Peabody Little Rock
The Peabody claims to have the biggest party in Little Rock with musical acts stationed from the lobby to the ballrooms. Best of all, after the party you can just crash there and avoid driving home. I have friends who go to this and have a blast every year. Tickets are limited: $45.00 in advance in the gift shop; $55.00 at the door, (must be 21 or over). 501-906-4000.
2. New Year's Eve at the Arlington in Hot Springs
The Arlington knows how to do the holidays, and they offer a New Year's Eve Party. They have several options including breakfast, an international feast dinner, a gala dinner fance and a festival party. One party (the gala) is more formal. The gala is $175, and the festival party is $45. The dinners and breakfasts can be included as package deals or separately. 1-800-643-15023. The River Market
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4. Cajun's Wharf
New Year's Eve is a blast at Cajun's. They have a band at 5 p.m., but the main event starts at 9 p.m. Twenty five dollar cover. Located at 2400 Cantrell Rd. 501-375-5351.
5. The Empress Hotel
The Empress presents a yearly "Victorian Affair" that includes 1 night in the room of your choice, wine dinner dance beginning at 8:00 p.m. followed by dancing in the parlors just like "the olden days". Champagne toast at midnight. Period attire requested. Tickets are $200.00/couple. 877-374-7966.
6. Last Night Fayetteville
This is a new event this year, in the same spirit as the kid-friendly "First Night Fayetteville." They have 8 venues with bands and kid friendly entertainment. The festival ends in Fireworks. Check their website for a schedule.7. The Arkansas Queen New Year's Cruise
The Arkansas Cruise offers dinner cruises on New Year's Eve for a more relaxed evening. The cruise boards at 9:30 p.m. and returns around 12:30 a.m. on New Year's Day. The midnight cruise is around $50. 501-372-5777. The Queen also offers an early cruise with dinner, but it returns to the dock around 8 p.m. to allow you to ring in the actual New Year somewhere else.
8. Celebrate At The Afterthought
Celebrate New Year's Eve at the Afterthought where the Goodtime Ramblers will be playing. Party favors and a Champagne toast at midnight. Cover is $20. Located at 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196.9. The Looney Bin
There are two shows on New Year's Eve. The late show at the Looney Bin will have champagne at midnight, sparkling cider, party poppers, hats, horns, noisemakers and snacks. The cover charge is also increased to $27.50 (it's just $15 at the early show). Located at 1010 Breckenridge Dr. 501-225-7007.
