Houston and its surrounding areas are replete with ways to the Houston New Year's Eve celebrations. There are hotel parties, wine tasting parties, hipster parties, murder mystery parties, and just regular ol' party parties. Have a look below to find one that's right for you. And, as always, if you've got a line on another party, shoot me an email and I'll add it to the list.
Chill out with backpack hip-hopper DJ Flash Gordon Parks for the Leave It All Behind Event at the Tasting Room. This is one of the few events around town that is free.
114 Gray
Houston, Texas 77002
713-528-6402
The party at swanky night club Venue, which will feature a performance by Mexico City's DJ Vaxhia, light show, balloon drop, and Venue dancers (female, presumably), will run you $50 presale, $75 at the door.
723 Main St
Houston, TX 77002
713-236-8150
The live music historical landmark that is Fitzgerald's will be hosting Us and Them, The Pink Floyd Experience. Tickets are a reasonable $10-15.
2706 White Oak Dr
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 862-7580
Note: You are reading the Houston New Year's Eve guide for 2008. Read 2009's here.
Hand over between $35 and $85 to the recently opened House of Blues, and you'll be able to ring in the new year with Eli Young and his band, which is aptly titled -- get ready for it- the Eli Young Band. It should be noted that their music is considerably more creative than their band naming abilities.
1204 Caroline Street
Houston, TX 77002
1.888.402.5837
Superstar house DJ, Armand Van Helden, will be spinning his digital wares at Bar Rio. Plus, they're advertising the city's biggest balloon drop, for all of you Inflatable Plastic Things enthusiasts out there. $20 gets you in.
6400 Richmond Ave
Houston, TX 77057
832-251-9600
Head out to the Meridian for the Andy Vargas (of Santana) and David De La Garza (of La Mafia) New Year's Eve party and be treated to a champagne toast, hors de ouevres, balloon drop, swag bag(?), late-night Mexican breakfast, and a chance to win an autographed guitar
1503 Chartres
Houston, TX 77003
713-225-1717
Folk rocker Guy Forsyth and roots music good ol' boys the Sideshow Tramps will provide a pretension free show at Dan Electro's. I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that you won't be entirely out of place if you aren't in a tuxedo.
1031 E. 24th
Houston, TX 77009
713-862-8707
Houstonian Club, Hotel and Spa
The Houstonian Grande Ballroom
If a party is being held in a hotel, you can be fairly safe in assuming that it'll be of a high class ambience. And just in case there was any doubt, the price tag - $630 per couple for the party plus a room, $249 per person for just the party - should clear it up.
111 North Post Oak Lane
Houston, Texas 77024
713-680-2626
Note: You are reading the Houston New Year's Eve guide for 2008. Read 2009's here.
Hotel Zaza is one of the nicest hotels in Houston, so I'm not terribly surprised to see that packages are beginning at $395. Expect a complimentary champagne toast, DJ Guillaume, and lots of power players.
5701 Main St.
Houston, TX 77005
713-526-1991
If you've never been, Whiskey Creek is a rootin' tootin' country bar. Accordingly, $10 gets you in all night, with bottle reservations earning you two free admissions and a copy of Road House on DVD.
2905 Travis St
Houston, TX 77006
713-526-4225
Renaissance Houston Hotel Greenway Plaza
The party at the RHHGP looks to be some kind of murder mystery, dinner, DJ dance party amalgamation, which has always proven to be, er, something.
6 Greenway Plaza East
Houston , TX 77046
DJ Roland Belmares heads what will be an undoubtedly entertaing night at this gay club. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door.
808 Pacific St
Houston, TX 77006
713-529-7623
This is your prototypical wine bar celebration, meaning you'll be treated to a three course dinner (as well as access to all the necessary acrumens) throughout the course of the evening. Tickets are $34 if you opt for the wineless package, $79 with.
2720 Richmond Ave
Houston, TX 77098
713-526-9463
$15 gets you in to see blues legend Guitar Shorty at Houston's famed blues bar, The Big Easy.
5731 Kirby
Houston, TX 77005
713-523-9999
Fair warning, heart throb folk singer Tody Castillo is the night's main attraction, and he's slick as all get out. Watch your girl is all I'm saying.
2010 Waugh Dr
Houston, TX 77006
713-521-0521
Note: You are reading the Houston New Year's Eve guide for 2008. Read 2009's here.
Big, big party at Lucky's for New Year's, including sponsorship from The Rod Ryan Morning Show, Sportsmonkey.com, and 94.5 The Buzz.
801 St. Emanuel
Houston, TX 77003
713-522-2010
Another hard to find free event. Live music begins at with the El Orbits and concludes with the enjoyable Allen Oldies Band (who take the stage at 11 p.m.).
3700 Main St
Houston, TX 77002
713-529-9666
What better way to spend your New Year's Eve than with days-gone-by TV pseudostars Rickey Smiley (of BET fame) and songstress Fantasia (of American Idol fame) at the Jokes and Jamz blowout.
7322 Southwest Fwy
Houston, TX 77074
713-772-5900
Not much has been revealed about the NYE party at this 18 and up hipster hotspot other than (a) there will be one, and (b) you'll be made to feel uncool if your t-shirt doesn't have some kind of cutesy ironic twist. (i.e. references Saved By The Bell or has a clever saying, like "Strictly for my Ninjas.")
1515 Pease St
Houston, TX 77002
713-659-2000
Indie live music galore at this peculiar culture spot. Catch bands Ladyheat, Electric Attitude, The Backalley Sluts, Hops, and Sara Van Biskirk.
314 Main
Houston, TX 77002
713-409-4750
