Those looking for something to do to ring in the new year have options in Juneau.
There’s food, live music, dancing, fireworks and more planned for New Year’s Eve, and there will be a safe ride service to get around and get home safely. Here’s a list of what you can do to welcome 2019.
New Year’s Eve Dinner, 6:30-9:30 p.m., In Bocca Al Lupo, 120 Second St. This is a six-course dinner for those 21 and older. Tickets are $120 per person, which includes wine pairings and gratuity. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available with advance notice. Tickets can be bought in person, over the phone by calling (907) 586-1409 or online at www.squareup.com/store/inboccaallupo.
Swing in the New Year Gala, 6:30 p.m.-1 a.m., Centennial Hall, 101 Egan Drive. Cocktails and appetizers start at 6:30 p.m., three-course dinner and dancing is at 7:30 p.m., and Gamble and the High Costa of Living start at 9:30 p.m. General admission (non-dinner) tickets are $30-$36, and dinner tickets are $125, or $225 for a couple. Tickets and are available at the JAHC, Hearthside Books, Jahc.org and jazzandclassics.org.
SteamPunk Murder Mystery 2018, 7-11:59 p.m., Stinkerbell’s, 8322 Gladstone St. This New Year’s Eve event is a costumed murder mystery presented by Juneau Fencers and Stinkerbell’s. Costumes may be SteamPunk or medieval. Those interested in participating are encouraged to visit the event’s Facebook page and choose a character ahead of the event.
Safe Ride Home, 7-9 p.m. Safe Ride Home taxi program will pick up people for free and take them to one of their partner destinations. From 9 p.m.-3 a.m., there will be free cabs to take people home if they ask a bartender at a partner location to call a cab. People will also be able to hail cabs with green, flashing lights. Pick-up locations include: Alaska Cache Liquor, Alaskan Hotel and Bar, Baranof Hotel, Duck Creek Market, Hangar on the Wharf, Imperial Bar, Louie’s Douglas Inn, Lucky Lady Pub, Moose Lodge 700, The Narrows, Red Dog Saloon, Rendezvous Bar, Squirez Bar, the Island Pub, Triangle Club Bar and Viking Lounge.
New Year’s Eve Barn Dance, 7:30-11 p.m., St. Ann’s Parish Hall, 430 Fifth St. Say farewell to the old year with live, foot-stomping music and friendly folks. There will be live old-time music by Rumbleshack — featuring Andy Ferguson, Jack Fontanella, Ian Putnam and Abbey Janes. Tom Paul will teach and call contra and square dances for all abilities. No experience or partner is needed. Admission for adults is $10, students and those 25 and under is $5, the event is free for JVs and Americorps. Tickets are bought at the door.
New Year’s Eve music, 10 p.m., The Alaskan Hotel and Bar, 167 S. Franklin St. The Psychotics will play to celebrate the big night.
Squirez firework show, midnight, Squirez, 11806 Glacier Highway. There will be a live fireworks show to ring in the new year.
Tuesday, Jan. 1
Polar Bear Dip, 1 p.m., Auke Bay Rec Main Shelter. Ring in the new year by dashing into the frigid water with your friends and neighbors. The event is free and registration is not required.
Swimmers wait with excitement before the 24th annual Polar Bear Dip at the Auke Village Recreation Area on Friday, Jan. 1, 2016. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
