Moving from the year that was 2020 into 2021 was one of the most unusual times in our history. Still in a pandemic, we had many unknowns of what 2021 would bring. Now that this year is almost over, some feelings do still linger. Even though the pandemic is still around, with the vaccines this year we have more freedoms and reasons to celebrate the New Year. With that, there are several places in our Curious Communities holding New Year’s Eve celebrations.

*Listed in alphabetical order. Links in names*

Back Berner Bar & Grill

Back Berner in Tiffin is jamming in the New Year with a live music event. Country singer Jake McVey will take the stage at 9:30 p.m and end his set at 12:30 a.m.

Big Grove Brewery

Big Grove Brewery in Iowa City is holding New Year’s Eve celebrations for both kids and adults. The kid’s party has two options. The first starting at 11:00 a.m. with a balloon drop at 1:00 p.m. The second starts at 4:00 p.m. with a balloon drop at 6:00 p.m. Both cost $5 and feature all-you-can-eat cake pops, cotton candy, and popcorn. The party for adults is from 9:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. and cost $25. Guest can enjoy popcorn, cotton candy, and other snacks. There will also be a live DJ and a fireworks show at midnight.

Elray’s Live & Dive

Elray’s has three rooms for entertainment with live music and DJs. General admission at the door will start at $10 and increase throughout the night based upon available capacity. Starting at 8:00 p.m. the front room will feature live music from the band Part Time Vegan and later from the Zach Westcott Band. Both the back room and upstairs will have DJs starting at 9:00 p.m.

Gabe’s 

The fun at Gabe’s in Iowa City begins at 9:00 p.m. with live music from singer-songwriter and Iowa native William Elliot Whitmore, who’s genres include country, blues, folk, and punk. Table reservations are sold out but general admission tickets are $25.

Joystick and Studio 13

Joystick and Studio 13 are having a joint New Year’s Eve party starting with a comedy show at 9:00 p.m. That will be followed by a drag show at 10:00 with DJs and karaoke throughout the night. At midnight there will be a champagne toast and balloon drop. Tickets cost $10 for those older than 21 and $15 for anyone under 21-years-old.

Reds Alehouse

Reds Alehouse in North Liberty is holding a futuristic New Year’s celebration they are calling a Future Disco. The party will have a DJ and starts at 9:00 p.m. Entry is $25 which includes a cocktail, hors d’oeuvres, and a midnight champagne toast. Reds will be featuring specials until 10:30 p.m. with shrimp cocktail, surf ‘n turf, cajun chicken pasta, and s’mores for dessert.

Tribute Eatery & Bar

Tribute in Coralville is flashing back to the Roaring 20’s for their New Year’s Eve party. Tickets are $65. Doors open at 10:00 p.m. with a complimentary cocktail of your choice. Also included with entry is sparking wine and hors d’oeuvres. A NYE featured cocktail menu will be available as well.

Vue Rooftop

Running from 10:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Vue Rooftop in Iowa City is also ringing in the New Year in style. For $50 guest can dance the night away with a DJ. There will also be drink specials, a midnight balloon drop, champagne toast, and a midnight snack buffet. Dinner reservations can be made before the event.

Wildwood Saloon

Grateful Dead tribute band Winterland will be rocking into the New Year at Wildwood Saloon. The cover band will be re-creating Grateful Dead’s setlist from their 1972 New Year’s Eve performance at the Winterland Arena in San Francisco. The show starts at 9:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $25 for a reserved table.