It’s almost time to toast to 2023, and there’s plenty of ways to celebrate the new year in Alameda. From the formal gala aboard the USS Hornet to meeting up with family and friends at a favorite restaurant, there are plenty of great ways to ring in the new year in our city. There’s even early family fun for the kids without any missed bedtimes. Here are a few suggestions.
Events
Swing in the New Year on the USS Hornet
The USS Hornet’s annual New Year’s Eve gala on December 31 is the largest fundraising event of the year for the museum. The party starts at 7:30 p.m. and features the iconic big band 3 O’Clock Jump and multiple dance floors, a countdown to midnight, food and drink concessions, a silent auction, and plenty of free parking. Black tie optional. Purchase tickets online.
Afro Gatsby: A Night at the Cabaret
Start the night with Kev Choice in an intimate fundraiser concert in partnership with the Oakland Symphony at Karibu Wine Lounge, 1419 Park St. Enjoy a selection of hors d’oeuvres and a glass of wine from Wachira Wines. End the night by dancing into the new year with DJ JohnnyBeats and a complimentary midnight toast. Tickets may sell out, so call 510-479-4920 for information. Purchase tickets online.
Laugh in the new year with Eddie Pepitone
Start 2023 with cult comic Eddie Pepitone at Alameda Comedy Club, 2431 Central Ave. A force of nature on stage, Eddie is hailed as a modern-day cross between Jackie Gleason, Don Rickles, and Eckart Tolle. Shows are at 7 and 10 p.m. Late show includes live music. Purchase tickets online.
Nosh, sip, and toast at a disco wonderland
Dress in disco chic, nosh on favorites from this retro era, and sip champagne at Alley & Vine, 1332 Park St. If this is your first stop, go to the early seating, 5 to 7:30 p.m., or if you want to celebrate the new year as it happens, go to the later seating, 8 p.m. to close. Both seatings feature indoor and outdoor options. The later seating includes disco hits from DJ Vinyl Richie, party favors, and a midnight toast. Purchase tickets online.
Yummy treats from around the world plus R &B music
Wine & Waffles, 1505 Park St., is serving a variety of hors d’oeuvres and beverages from Japan, Italy, Morocco, and Brazil, along with live music from R&B & soul artists Elaine Johnson and Luhtakizz. And, of course, a champagne toast at midnight. Enjoy a lounge-type setting indoors and heated back patio with games and entertainment. Purchase tickets online.
Party with DJ Dave Stebbins at the Fireside
It’s all about dancing with DJ Dave Stebbins video mix and rad tunes, good vibes by the fire, and a bubbly toast at midnight when you ring in 2023 the Fireside Lounge, 1453 Webster St. The cover charge for the NYE party is just $10. Purchase tickets online.
Flip out at the Pinball Museum
To celebrate the new year and 20 years of flipping, the Pinball Museum, 1510 Webster St., will stay open until 12:30 a.m., with the usual free games on all machines plus beer and wine available for purchase (with valid ID) after 8 p.m.
Family fun
Families with kids 6 months to 8 years old will love the 4 to 6 p.m. New Year’s Eve party at Swings and Wings, 2307 Blanding Ave., Suite E, where there will be a winter wonderland complete with fancy bites, bubbly drinks, warm cocoa, fun-filled stations, and photo booths.
High Scores Arcade, 1414 Park St., will be open 12:30 to 10 p.m. for unlimited gaming on New Year’s Eve, and Subpar Miniature Golf, 1600 Park St., will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for indoor mini golf (reservations recommended), arcade games, and pool tables.
Or kick back and enjoy a blockbuster movie at Alameda Theatre & Cineplex, 2317 Central Ave., where there’s matinee pricing all day on New Year’s Eve.
21+ Hangouts
And if you’re looking for a last-minute gathering place to celebrate the new year with a 21+ audience, Alameda has no shortage of night spots that will be open on New Year’s Eve:
- 1400 Bar and Grill — 1400 Webster St.
- Alameda Island Brewing Company — 1716 Park St.
- American Oak — 2319 Santa Clara Ave. CLOSED
- Club House — 1215 Park St.
- Dragon Rouge — 2337 Blanding Ave.
- Fireside Lounge — 1453 Webster St.
- Forbidden Island — 1304 Lincoln Ave.
- Hobnob — 1313 Park St.
- Lemon Drop — 2542 Santa Clara Ave.
- Lucky 13 — 1301 Park St.
- McGee’s Bar & Grill — 1645 Park St.
- Park Street Tavern — 1901 Park St.
- Preacher’s Daughter Wine Bistro — 1629 Park St.
- Speisekammer — 2424 Lincoln Ave.
- Swell Bar — 1539 Lincoln Ave.
- Town Tavern — 1437 Park St.
- Wally’s Corner — 1600 Webster St.
