Many people in Michigan (myself included), have either gone to a friend’s party, a local town club, or more often than not, New York or Chicago for New Years. Going to NY or the CHI can be very expensive plane tickets included, and you can get all of the same perks, and more by just heading to Detroit. There are dozens events across the city, but I wanted to highlight 4 of them that I think you should consider.
1). The 5th Annual Motor City New Year’s Eve –“The Drop”
2013
Location: Campus Martius Park, Cadiallac Square and the surrounding area
Price: FREE.99
Time: 4PM-1AM – Activities begin at 4:00pm
What to do:
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT ON TWO STAGES:
Main stage: Entertainment will be provided by DJ Tom T and Some of Metro Detroit’s Favorite Local Bands. Tent Stage: Heated Tent with a 2nd stage will also include live entertainment line-up. The Drop festivities will now feature a new mega-sized heated tent that will host the Tent Stage with live & DJ entertainment, a 40′ Full Bar w/ Cocktails, Selected Beers and non-alcoholic beverages. You can step in to take the chill off or enjoy the surrounding fire pits.
KIDS ZONE & KIDS’ DROP:
At 4pm the 2015 Kids Zone starts games, activities, kids karaoke, musical entertainment, face painting, carriage rides and the highlight of the afternoon – the Kids’ Drop at 6:30pm! This special edition of The Drop designed for younger revelers with early bedtimes. Of course the main featured event The Drop is at midnight.
DETROIT EATS:
Local restaurants, vendors & food trucks will be on-site offering a variety of your favorite Detroit Eats!
Last year this event had over 12,000 people, and they are shooting for 15,000 this year. Use Uber promo code “MotorCityNYE” for $25 off a ride during the event, if it’s your first ride with Uber, so convenient I know…
2) . The Fillmore Theatre: Resolution Ball
2013
Location: The Fillmore Theatre
Price: Party Passes start at $95
Size: 1700 people
The Resolution Ball is one of the largest in the Midwest. Entertainment includes high-wire acrobats and roving illusionists, as well as DJ Tommy Holiday. The Ball also features a midnight buffet with pizza, sliders and Coneys; a Champagne toast; a balloon drop; and six big screens tuned to Times Square. Dress is black tie optional.
3). Detroit Symphony Orchestra: New Year’s Eve
Location: Detroit Symphony Orchestra Hall
Price: Concert-only portion of evening starts at $40 / Gala Benefit at $175
Time: Gala benefit starts at 8PM and the Concert at 10 PM
For the first time in its 127-year history, the DSO will ring in 2015 with a televised black tie New Year extravaganza in partnership with Detroit Public Television! Led by DSO Principal Pops Conductor Jeff Tyzik, the orchestra will perform an evening of New Orleans Jazz, Motown, and Viennese favorites featuring the legendary Byron Stripling on trumpet and vocals as well as Bobby Floyd on B3 Hammond organ and piano. When the clock strikes midnight, guests are invited to sing along with a full orchestral performance of Auld Lang Syne!
4). Detroit Princess Riverboat: “Rock the Boat” Cruise
Location: Downtown Detroit (On the River as you probably could have guessed)
Time: Board at 8 PM / Cruise at 10 PM
What to do: The Detroit Princess Riverboat celebrates the New Year with music, dancing, a dinner buffet with Prime Rib, a Champagne toast, and, of course, cruising. DJ “Lightning Rod and “Captain Sky” will spin old school, dance and top-40 music or you take in a live show by the Prolifics.
Individual couples and small groups welcome. Space fills up fast and is sold on a first come first serve basis. Call the ticket office at 877-338-2628 or email at information@detroitprincess.com for more details.
These are all excellent events to check out. I know I am looking forward to my first New Years in Detroit.