Already over the NYE hype? Or just missed out on tickets to one of the big galas? Take it easy-ish at these no-ticket-needed parties that are basically just slightly glitzier versions of the bars and restaurants you already know and love.
“thank u, next,” a 2019 NYE Celebration at Pitchers and A League of Her Own
All of both Pitches and A League of Her Own will be open for a “thank u, next” themed NYE celebration. There’s no cover, but donations will be accepted for the tagg magazine scholarship fund, which supports the education of young queer women of color. Donate and receive a complimentary glass of bubbles at midnight! Doors open at 8 p.m. and DJ Electrox will be playing from 10 p.m. to 3:30 a.m.
90’s NYE Party at Punch Bowl Social Arlington
Get a babysitter for your Tamagotchi and party like it’s 1999 at Punch Bowl Social Arlington. With darts, karaoke, ping pong, and 90’s jams, it’s like being back in your parent’s basement, but with better booze and food. Like the basement, entry is free.
Low Key New Year’s Eve at EatBar
Don your most festive sweatpants for the closest thing to a night in you can get while still going out. Play Super Mario Kart, Street Fighter 2–and any other Super Nintendo game you bring–fueled by $25 bottomless bubbles, pepperoni Hot Pockets, eggrolls, corn dogs, and more at EatBar in Barrack’s Row.
Gaslight Tavern Roaring 20’s Theme Party
Already tired of everyone talking about 2020? Go back to 1920 at Gaslight Tavern with a live swing band and a champagne toast at midnight. Be sure to wear your best Gatsby-getup, old sport, lest your pre-Prohibition era glassware look out of place in your undoubtedly tasteful Instagram.
Showtime’s New Year’s Eve Spectacular
No cover, a Granny and the Boys set followed by DJ Leon City Sounds, a complimentary champipple toast at midnight, AND it might actually be cold enough that the inside of Showtime won’t feel like a sauna? That’s what we call a win-win-win-win. The action starts at 7 p.m. and wraps up at 3 a.m.
New Year’s Eve at Boundary Stone
Walk across the street from Showtime to Boundary Stone for another live music set and drink specials with no cover charge. Happy hour runs ‘til 10 p.m., and at 10:30 p.m. local folk/blues band Reed Appleseed takes the stage until midnight.
Jack Rose New Years Eve Celebration
Jack Rose promises “no cover, no minimum, no pressure.” The dining room will be open from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., offering several NYE specials, including bottomless bubbles, vintage cocktails, and top whiskey picks of 2018 from the staff and the owner. With happy hour extended until 8 p.m. and a late-night menu served until 1 a.m., there’s no reason to wake up to an overdraft notice on New Year’s Day. Waking up full of Jack Rose’s burrata is vastly preferable to waking up full of regret.
New Year’s Eve with NAKD at Crimson Whiskey Bar
Catch a set from NAKD, the EDM/pop/motown duo from Atlanta, and enjoy a complimentary champagne toast at midnight at Crimson. With songs like “Miss Fancy, “Outrageous,” “Doin the Most,” and “Tonight’s the Night,” your photo captions are practically pre-ordained. Just remember to keep the “Bootytouchin” consensual, kids.
Blagden Alley’s Pizza and Beer Party hosted by Calico
Start early at Calico, where you can enjoy Miller High Life champagne bottles, house-made pizza, karaoke, and games from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. There won’t be a cover charge, but there will be a bubbly toast at midnight.
The Comedy Shuffle with Capital Laughs at Bier Baron
The Dupont Circle bar hosts Capital Laughs’ last open mic night of the year with a twist: a seasoned comic will provide color commentary during each newbie’s set. What better way to say fare-thee-well to the oddities and absurdities of 2018 than with a sweet and salty brine of laughter and tears (and no cover charge).
Want something a little fancier? Here are 35 ticketed parties and events to choose from.
