FRIDAY FIVE
It’s easy to forget about New Year’s Eve if you’re caught up in Christmas madness—or if you just forget that 2018 is (finally) coming to an end next week. Yes, it’s hard to believe that another year has passed. Luckily, New Year’s Eve in the Bay Area has a little something for everyone that (shockingly) doesn’t require you to put a big dent in your wallet. Whether you want to dine at your favorite restaurant, dance the night away or just sip wine with your beloveds, here are a few ways to celebrate that don’t require much planning:
1. Izakaya Sushi Ran’s Barrel-Breaking Ceremony
Do you like sake and sushi? Then you should consider kicking off your New Year’s Eve by celebrating at Izakaya Sushi Ran and taking part in their sake barrel-breaking ceremony. This fun Japanese tradition is just like how it sounds: people break and open a sake barrel. The event is free and starts at 6:30 p.m., leaving you plenty of time to drink more sake and eat sushi after the ceremony, and eventually head home buzzed and full before midnight if you’re looking to have an early night.
2223 Market Street (Castro)| izakayasushiran.com
2. Prohibition-Themed Party at Sir Francis Drake Hotel
If you’re an F. Scott Fitzgerald fan and dream of living out your Gatsby fantasies, this might be the night on which to do so. Indeed, a 1920s Prohibition-era party is happening at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel in the historic Starlight Room. There will be ’20s-themed cocktails, passed bites, a live DJ and a five-piece house band. For $50, you can enter the party after 11:00 p.m. and get a glass of complimentary champagne for a midnight toast.
450 Powell Street (Union Square)| sirfrancisdrake.com
3. Fireworks over the Bay
One nice part about living in San Francisco is that it’s not too cold to go outside during the winter. If you’re more interested in doing a traditional New Year’s Eve activity, watching the fireworks over the bay is a good idea (weather depending, of course). The best viewing spots are on the Embarcadero between Mission and Folsom Streets. You can start your night off at your apartment (or a friend’s) and meander over when you’re ready. Don’t forget to bring champagne for the show too.
Embarcadero| https://sf.funcheap.com/san-francisco-new-years-eve-fireworks/
4. Thievery Corporation Concert at the Masonic
If you’re looking to spend New Year’s Eve dancing and listening to music, attending the Thievery Corporation concert could be for you. Thievery Corporation is known as an American electronic music duo, and their style is a mix of dub, reggae, Middle Eastern and jazz—a.k.a. something you can dance to. The Masonic is a particularly special venue in San Francisco, mostly because there is no bad seat in the house. The best part is that tickets are still on sale and are only $35.
1111 California St. (Nob Hill) | https://concerts1.livenation.com/event/1C0054F2D5C085D4?f_PPL=true&ab=efeat5787v1
5. Geographer at Monarch
Monarch is a great dance venue, so if you’re looking to truly boogie all night long, this is the spot. Especially since Michael Deni, the musician who records and performs as Geogrpaher, is playing. Deni used to live in San Francisco and got his start here, so it’s not a coincidence that he’s planned to ring in 2019 by hosting a massive dance party. Tickets start at $14.
101 6th Street (SOMA) | http://www.monarchsf.com
Hey! The Bold Italic recently launched a podcast, This Is Your Life in Silicon Valley. Check out the full season or listen to the episode below featuring Aarti Shahani, technology reporter at NPR. More coming soon, so stay tuned!
