Here we are, at the end of not only another year, but an entire decade. Did you spend some time reading our end of decade coverage? Be sure to do that if you haven’t. But before you do a deep dive into reflecting upon the last ten years, or start tackling that list of resolutions that you will never follow through with, why not spend one last night of the 2010s indulging in a bit of revelry. As usual, C-U has a wide range of options for celebrating. We’ve pulled together some recommendations for you, should you need a little guidance. Happy New Year, friends.
Dinner at Black Dog Champaign, 5 p.m., $55, reservations required: (217) 954-0465
Dinner at Black Dog’s NYE dinner is long running and among the more affordable options. It’s a 4-course dinner that includes dessert, but no drink pairings. Take note, it’s only at the Champaign location. (JH) Photo from Black Dog’s Facebook page
Party with the whole fam, Lodgic Everyday Community, 6 to 10 p.m., $10-150
If you want to include the kiddos but would rather do it later than noon, Lodgic is doing kind of a unique thing here; giving families the opportunity to go out and party in the evening, but call it a night without having to stay up til midnight. You have a couple of options: $10 per person gives you access to the DJ dance party, party favors, and a kid-friendly buffet. If you want to keep the fun going, you can throw in a hotel room, late night swim party, and continental breakfast. Get tickets here. (JM) Photo by Patrick Singer
Dinner at The WheelHouse, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., $70 (wine pairings additional $30), reservations required: (217) 469-6252
Dinner at The WheelHouse, one of the best restaurants to open this decade, is offering a 7-course tasting menu from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., after which there will be dancing and a champagne toast at midnight. The food is bound to be delicious, and the dancing sounds like a good time. (JH) Photo by Jessica Hammie
Chachi & The Bandidos, Emily Anne Band, Bones Jugs, Paul Kotheimer, Rose Bowl Tavern, 7 p.m.-2 a.m., $10
Celebrate the wonderful year that the Rose Bowl has had with a bunch of acts that are no stranger to that hootenanny-style stage. Bones Jugs will perform two sets, the first of which starts early-ish at 7 p.m., followed by Paul Kotheimer, Emily Anne Band, and Chachi and the Bandidos, in that order. Have yourself a good time in Downtown Urbana at a venue we should all be happy exists. (PS) Photo by Steven Pratten
Dinner and comedy at Neil St. Blues, 7 p.m. $60
A full buffet dinner, open bar cocktail hour (you’ll need to pay for your drinks after 8 p.m.), comedy show, DJ, and champagne toast? Seems like a great deal for a great time. (JH) Photo from Facebook event page
Matt Talbott’s Lonely Rockin’ New Years Eve, Loose Cobra, 7 p.m.-1 a.m., no cover
The venerable Matt Talbott will be serenading you into 2020, as well as slinging your drinks throughout the night out at the Loose Cobra. It’s really simple: Loose Cobra is an awesome place to hang, and would make for a lovely and low-key NYE option. Just remember to be safe if you’re planning on drinking and traveling to and from C-U to Tolono. Uber and Lyft do go out to Tolono. (PS) Photo from the Facebook event page
Laugh it out, C-U Comedy Club at Soma, Doors open at 8 p.m., show at 9 p.m., $75
Maybe 2019 was a bit stressful for you. Hell, maybe the whole decade was. How about a little laughter to relieve some of that as you enter the decade. That ticket price will get you into the show and the music and dancing after, as well as open bar all night. The headliner is Dwight Simmons, who you can read more about here. Get your tickets here. (JM)
Anti-Party Party Society’s NYE, 25 O’Clock Brewing Co, 8 p.m.-2 a.m., donations accepted
Here’s a dance party with some bass over in Downtown Urbana. 25 O’Clock Brewing Co. will host a variety of DJs — Strick Lee, DJ Vader, and DJ Belly — who will be spinning all night long. “No cover, no dress code, no bullshit” is fairly straight forward. (PS) Photo from the Facebook event
Jaik Willis, Pour Bros. Craft Taproom, 8:30 p.m., no cover
Jaik Willis is something of a magician on stage, and Pour Bros. will be providing said stage for him to perform on. A solid free option in Downtown Champaign if you’re looking to take in some live music while not making too big of a committment on Tuesday night. (PS) Photo from the Facebook event page
Carnivále Debauche, Guido’s, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., $15-25
Before we embark on the 2020’s, take yourself back to the 1920’s. Carnivále Debauche, C-U’s own burlesque and vaudeville troupe, will be bringing it to the stage. Want a little taste of what you’re getting yourself into? We’ve covered the troupe’s adventures a few times…check them out here, here, and here. (JM) Image from Facebook event
Sun Stereo, Trouble Chasin’, Six Street Brass, Positive Vibr8ions, The Canopy Club, 9:30 p.m.-2 a.m., $35 advance/$40 day of show
This will surely be a party at Canopy Club on Tuesday night, complete with one of the best live bands in C-U in Sun Stereo, as well as an open bar (well drinks and draft beer, but still, that’s a solid deal). Canopy’s ticket package includes a food buffet from Manolo’s from 9-11 p.m., open bar, live music, and a champagne toast at midnight. (PS) Photo from the Facebook event
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All event information is accurate to the best of our abilities, but sometimes we make mistakes and sometimes event information, times, prices, etc., change after we look them up. Whenever possible, we’ve provided a link to the original event page; you should always double-check the source before you make any firm plans. Thanks for your understanding.