Here we are at the end of another year, another year that’s come with its share of difficulties. We are still facing uncertainty in this ongoing pandemic, yet we have hope that 2022 will bring about change for the better. We certainly aren’t back to “normal”, whatever that was, so take careful consideration when you celebrate this year. If you are vaccinated and boosted, heading out on the town, or gathering with friends, is less risky than if you aren’t. It’s still a good idea to do a rapid COVID test before your event.
We’ve gathered some options if you’re planning to venture out. There’s also nothing wrong with celebrating at home, in your PJs, with some takeout. Just be sure to check your favorite spots to make sure they’re open!
Please party safely, and Happy New Year!
– Julie McClure, Culture Editor
Photo by Alyssa Buckley.
Ease into NYE at your leisure, The Literary, 9 a.m. to 12 a.m., no cover
The new bookstore/coffee shop/bar s hosting a Civilized New Year’s Eve. Listen to music, pick out some new reads for the year, sip some coffee, wine or beer, or a mocktail — depending on the time of day. The kitchen will be open until 10 p.m., and the bar will be open until midnight. (JM)
Photo from Big Thorn Farm Facebook page.
Celebrate an outdoor NYE (early), Big Thorn Farm, 3 to 9 p.m., no cover
Big Thorn is throwing an Early Bird party for all those who yawn way before midnight. There will be a toast at midnight South Georgia time (8 p.m. Central), and a special celebratory beer for the evening called 2022 Cider Pils (5%) in addition to a new sandwich menu from The Truck. You can reserve an igloo for the event. (AB)
Photo from Hamilton Walker’s.
Get your lobster fix, Hamilton Walker’s, 4 to 9 p.m.
Experience some fine dining at Hamilton Walker’s. They are featuring lobster specials for the evening. Lobster with their amazing spinach salad and some bacon wrapped date sounds delightful. Top it off with a champagne cocktail and you’re set. Be sure to make a reservation. (JM)
Photo from Rose Bowl Tavern Facebook page.
Enjoy a stacked lineup of music, Rose Bowl Tavern, 5 p.m. – ?, $10
Rose Bowl Tavern in Urbana has an impressive lineup of musicians. Starting at 5 p.m., check out The Turino Family Band, Paul Kotheimer, Clayton Burke Band, Big Daddy Pride and the East Side Five, and Belle Isle. There will be a champagne toast at midnight. (SW)
Photo from Kilborn Alley Blues Facebook page.
Take in some swing jazz and blues, Esquire Lounge, 5 p.m., no cover
Esquire Lounge will be hosting two groups on New Years Eve this year. The Vine Street Syncopators will be bringing some swinging jazz from 5-8 p.m, and Kilborn Alley Blues will provide the blues until 1 a.m. (SW)
Photo from Seven Saints Facebook page.
Get spiffed up for a speakeasy, Seven Saints, 6:30 p.m. to 12 a.m., $50
Seven Saints is bringing back their annual speakeasy. Did you know that the block that Seven Saints sits on used to be filled with speakeasies, brothels, and gambling halls during Prohibition? Don your finest and dine on prime rib or salmon and enjoy cocktail specials while you’re soothed by the sounds of Leon Lewis-Nicol and the Chip McNeill Jazz Quartet. Purchase your tickets ahead of time. (JM)
Photo from Neil Street Blues Facebook page.
Head out for comedy, music, and food, Neil St. Blues, 8 p.m. to 1 p.m., $40
Neil St. Blues will have two DJs, two comedians, and an all-you-can-eat buffet. Their food is so delicious, and the buffet will be available from 8 to 10 p.m. There will be a champagne toast at midnight for party guests. Purchase your tickets here. (AB)
Photo from The City Center Facebook page.
Canceled: Have a hillbilly holiday, The City Center, 8 p.m., $30-50
Note: The City Center announced on December 27th that this event is canceled due to challenges brought on by COVID-19.
The Feudin’ Hillbillies is headlining a night of music at The City Center. They’ll be joined by Ethan Scott off at 8 p.m., as well as Ancient Ways at 9 p.m. Tickets start at $30 for general admission, but you can also get VIP mezzanine tickets for $50 which include a private entry door, as well as appetizers and hors d’oeuvres. Get your tickets here. (SW)
Photo by Alyssa Buckley.
Throw axes and ring in the new year, The Axe Bar, 8:30 p.m. to 2 a.m., $20
The Axe Bar in Downtown Champaign is having a party with the band XKrush. There will be live music, axe throwing, a photobooth, and a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets can only be purchased at the door the night of the event. (AB)
Photo by Jessica Hammie.
Hang out with all your vaxxed friends, Bentley’s Pub, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., no cover
We can’t deny that COVID continues to throw a wrench of uncertainty into our holiday plans. The crew at Bentley’s is making the wise decision to require proof of vaccination for their festivities. Bring your ID, proof of vax (card, photo of card, or MyChart app), as well as a mask. DJ Nico will be playing “all-wax rock & roll” while you enjoy their one of a kind cocktails. (JM)
Alyssa Buckley, Julie McClure, and Sean Wilkinson contributed to this article.