Since New Year’s Eve falls on a Sunday (December 31st), many beach bars will be using New Year’s Eve for a long weekend. Ticket prices and cover fees for the big night itself can be very expensive, but those who want to go out on a Friday or Saturday instead can find cheaper entertainment options.
Party the weekend away at Dewey Beach’s top spots
Starboard Nightclub in Dewey Beach is one such spot. His local ’80s tribute act, Decade 80, will rock the venue on Friday, December 29th at 9:30pm, followed by party favorites Kristen & The Noise on Saturday, December 30th at 9:45pm .
At last count, there were only 175 tickets left ($40) for Sunday’s NYE Celebration at Starboard featuring DJ Smoky and DJ Manny Mann.
But the party doesn’t end there. Kristen & the Noise will be back for the New Year’s Day Afternoon Show on Monday, January 1st at 2:30 p.m. Admission is free every day, except for Sunday’s ticketed event.
First day’s hike:Celebrate the New Year and get some exercise with opening day hikes across Maryland
Bottle & Coke, New Year’s Eve Party at Rusty Ladder and more
Elsewhere in Dewey, nearby Bottle & Coke will host its annual New Year’s Eve party on Sunday at 8 p.m. with electronic dance music by colorfully costumed deejay White Panda ($40). There will also be sets from DJ Alwz Sunny and DJ Knappy.
Our sister restaurant in Cork, Rusty Ladder, is technically closed for the season, but remains open once or twice a month for special events. It will have its own NYE celebration on Sunday at 9 p.m. Entertainment includes Love Seed Mama Jump, Stealing Savannah and Gab Cinque Band ($120).
The Rudder will reopen for the 5th Annual Surf Gimp Foundation Winter Beach Bash on Saturday, January 13th from 6pm to 11pm. Music will be provided by Just the Tip (former Mr. Green Jeans vocalist Brien O’Boyle will be on the mic).
General admission tickets are $90, but VIP packages are available for up to $1,500. Proceeds will be donated to people with disabilities who engage in athletic activities such as swimming and surfing.
Jumping into 2024:Put 2023 behind you and head into 2024 with a New Year’s swim in Ocean City, Chincoteague: Everything you need to know
Ocean City hosts big secret bash, Cher tribute and more
The OC Performing Arts Center in Ocean City continues to host concerts throughout the year. “The Beat Goes On — A Tribute to Cher” is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 29, at 7 p.m. ($35, $40). Award-winning Nashville vocalist Lisa McCrory pays tribute to the legendary singer.
Tickets are on sale for a concert by national a cappella singer Take 6 at the OC Performing Arts Center in the coming weeks. The group will perform at her Sunday, January 14th at 7pm ($45, $55).
Even in Ocean City, Sunday’s New Year’s Eve party at Secrets is sure to be a lot of fun, running from 4pm to 4am. There will be no advance ticket sales for those who wish to dance and party in the bar area. Instead, there will be a $30 cover charge at 5 p.m., increasing to $40 at 8 p.m.
Performers include Full Circle, Screaming Monkeys, Band of Make Believe, and Garden State Radio.
However, if you wish to have dinner at Seacrets on Sunday, you must make a reservation. Seating for dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. ($79). 6:45pm ($89). 7:30pm ($99). and 8:45 p.m. (also $99).
New Year’s Eve Fireworks at OC:Ocean City usher in the new year with two fireworks displays, in memory of Cher: Everything you need to know
Tickets are now on sale for Amish Outlaws’ performance on Friday, March 8th, featuring popular rockers celebrating the band’s 20th anniversary in anticipation of the new year at Secrets ($20 in advance, admission prohibited) ($25 on the day) (sold out in advance).
Email Roger Hillis rogerhillis@gmail.com