New Orleans Celebrates The New Year
We have a lot to celebrate at the end of this year. For the most part, Hurricane Gustav had minor effects in the city and Hurricane Ike bypassed us completely. "The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons" opened a few days ago, and has been called by its star and part-time resident Brad Pitt "a love song to New Orleans." We had some magical snow earlier this month. Some festivities are in order. Come and join us!
New Year's Eve Midnight Fireworks Cruise
The Paddlewheeler, theCreole Queen is sailing from the Riverwalk at the Canal Street Dock on New Year's Eve. Boarding time is 10 pm. There will be a "decadent dessert" buffet, an open bar, and premium liquors including beer, wine. Acoompanying that is DJ entertainment, a champagne toast and party favors. Cruise on the Mississippi as you enjoy the fireworks on the river.
Celebration On The River
The Steamboat Natchez is setting off from its mooring at the Toulouse Street Wharf, behind Jax Brewery on the Riverfront. The Steamboat Natchez will open the gangway for boarding at 9:30pm. Departing for a New Year's Eve at 10:30, you will enjoy a magical two hour cruise. This is the one of the best venues to enjoy the midnight fireworks. There is a premium open bar, with dancing and romancing to the tunes of a local band. A Dinner Buffet will add to the evening and a toast of champagne will help you welcome 2009 in our "New" New Orleans. Party Favors for everyone! Adults $175 inclusive. Early on-line reservations are encouraged.
A NOLA New Year's Eve
The Crescent City Countdown Club sponsors the New Year's Eve celebration in Jackson Square, where beginning at 9 pm, local music accompanies the famous gumbo pot drop. This huge street party culminates with the midnight fireworks over the Mississippi River. Of course, the Quarter will buzzing for hours afterwards. Admission is free.
The Riverview Room Celebration
The Riverview room at the Jackson Brewerey,600 Decatur St., is the site of a more elegant festivity. Billed as the "Times Square of the South," the celebration begins takes place from 9 pm-1 am. The party inlcudes a full buffet dinner, a premium open bar, champagne, and favors. Music is by the very talented Top Cats. Here are some of the greatest views of the river, so you can enjoy the fireworks from an elegant setting. Reservtions are required, and cocktail attire, black tie is encouraged. Visit the Riverview website or call(888)236-8260, or locally(504)525-3000. Tickets are $160 per person.
Tipitina's Uptown
If you like funk, blues and jazz, you'll want to be Tipitina’s Uptown. You will see and hear “Galactic,” a jam-rock-funk band which includes fusion with other genres in its music. Also starring the Preservation Jazz Hall Band. Tickets are $55. Doors open at 9:00. 501 Napoleon Ave. 504-895-TIPS the website.
New Year's For Kids
The Louisiana Children's Museum will host a party just for kids on December 31, from 9:30am-2:30 pm. A balloon launch and confetti drop to ring in the new year kid style, at the stroke of noon. This year's musical guests are Baby Boyz Brass Band and Guyland Leday and Family Friends. Tickets are $10 per person for nonmembers and $3 for members. Reservations are required.
Noon Year's Eve
will take place at the Audubon Zoo beginning at 11:am, and features a Radio Disney Dance Party.
Stick around and make it to the Allstate Sugar Bowl on Jaunary 2, 2009. Even if you can't get tickets for the big game the surrounding activities include music, and food and are free to the public.
Rosy's Jazz Hall and Post-K Productions present the 2009 New year's Eve Party featuring New Orleans funk band Grooveset. Tickets are $75.00 in advance or $90.00 at the door, and are limited. Buy at Rosy's website.
