Art Nerd New York’s Top Event Picks for New Year’s Eve 2017
In a city where hundreds of interesting happenings occur each week, it can be hard to pick and choose your way to a fulfilling life. Art Nerd‘s philosophy is a combination of observation, participation, education and of course a party to create the ultimate well-rounded week. Jump ahead for Art Nerd founder Lori Zimmer’s top picks for 6sqft readers!
With most of us ready to kick 2016 to the curb, there’s never been a better reason to get out and do something big for New Year’s Eve. This Saturday, put on something fancy/freaky/celebratory and get yourself to one of these amazing experiential parties. Take a cue from Dali at the Second Annual Surrealist Ball at the Roxy Hotel, or go Black Tie with Soho Grand’s Masquerade Ball. Expand your Sleep No More experience with their super fancy Bohemian Ball, or get a table at Mission Chinese for Luke Neocamp’s takeover. Hang all night at an art opening by Rae BK, or go the tourist way for the 112th New Year’s celebration in Times Square. Or if you’re in Brooklyn, head to The Well for a massive Tiki Disco, or to the immersive House of Yes for a party looking to the future. Whatever path you choose, happy New Year to all!
New Year’s Eve in Times Square ↑
Times Square
Saturday, December 31, 3:00pm
A New York tradition for 112 years, the Times Square Alliance continues to plan a day of total programming for those brave enough to deal with the massive crowds that gather to watch the ball drop IRL. This year features performances by Gloria Estefan, Gavin Degraw and Mariah Carey, as well as a bunch of video messages, champagne toasts, games and other appearances. DRESS: warmly, event is free.
2nd Annual Surrealist Ball ↑
The Roxy Hotel, 2 Avenue of the Americas
Saturday, December 31, 9pm-late
Rated one of the top New Year’s parties last year, I’m excited to co-host the 2nd rendition of our party inspired by Art Nerdiness, the original 1972 Surrealist Ball at the de Rothschild chateau, Surrealist masters, and the visual fantasies of New York Club kid history. This year is Hot Hot Hot – with a performance by Buster Poindexter (aka David Johansen from the New York Dolls), and a slew of fantastic creative cohosts like Natalie Kates, Muffinhead, nightlife legend Kenny Kenny and mask designer Max Steiner. DRESS: your weirdest attire inspired by the Surrealists (anything goes), tickets start at $99 and include premium open bar.
The McKittrick Masquerade, a Bohemian Soiree ↑
The McKittrick Hotel, 530 West 27th Street
Saturday, December 31, 6:00pm
The fantastical Sleep No More invites guest for a decadent evening with options for dinner, dancing, one-night-only performances by Paisley Players in true Sleep No More Style, and surprises in the actual Sleep No More performance should you choose to attend. DRESS: Gold, black, red or white, and masked. Tickets start at $300 and include cocktails.
RAE BK, All Systems Go ↑
99 Bowery
Saturday, December 31, 9:00pm-2:00am
Celebrate with an all-night art opening featuring 40 new pieces by RAE BK, and a DJ set by KOOL Herc. Dress casually cool, tickets are $85 and include open bar and an art raffle.
Annual Black and White Masquerade Ball ↑
Soho Grand Hotel, 310 West Broadway
Saturday, December 31, 9:00pm
An ode to Truman Capote’s infamous Grand Masked Ball, the annual ball is all about class, decadence, and free-flowing cocktails. A truly glamorous affair, the evening has hosts like Mick Rock, Alexa Chung and At Large Magazine, with DJs all night and a Karaoke party starting in the wee hours. DRESS: Black tie with a fancy mask, tickets start at $199 and include snacks, table side vodka and champagne.
Club Mission NYE ↑
Mission Chinese, 171 East Broadway
Saturday, December 31, 9:30pm
The coveted Lower Lower East Side restaurant will be transformed into an evening of live music, DJ’s and immersive art by Cult of Dang, hosted by the enigmatic Luke Neocamp. DRESS: on the wild side, tickets start at $40 and include one hour of open bar and a champagne toast.
Tiki Disco ↑
The Well, 272 Meserole Street, Brooklyn
Saturday, December 31, 10:00pm-4:00am
The popular Tiki Disco party takes over the giant complex at the Well in Bushwick for a night of dancing this horrible year away. Sounds all night, food by nhà minh, and Brooklyn’s biggest balloon drop at midnight. DRESS: to sweat, tickets start at $30 and include “lots of free party favors.”
Future Perfect New Years Eve Gala ↑
House of Yes, 2 Wyckoff Avenue, Brooklyn
Saturday, December 31, 9:00pm
The Brooklyn den of iniquity’s party centers around the idea of our future selves. Party goers can wander through secret rooms and places, three rooms of music and magic, a “Future Beauty Perfection Parlor” and “energy cleansing.” DRESS: Like your future self, tickets start at $50 and include one hour open bar from 9-10pm.
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Lori Zimmer is a writer, curator, and founder of Art Nerd New York, an off-beat art history guide to the city. Lori is also the author of two books, The Art of Cardboard: Big Ideas for Creativity, Collaboration, Storytelling, and Reuse and The Art of Spray Paint. Follow her on Twitter @ArtNerdNY or Instagram @TheLoriZimmer
