Looking for a fun way to celebrate New Year’s Eve on Sunday, December 31, 2023, and welcome 2024 in style? Look no further! I’ve compiled a list of festive places to ring in the new year, ranging from stand-up comedy, theater, and music performances to themed dinner parties and family-friendly activities.
I wish you a happy New Year’s Eve and good health in the coming year.
New Year’s Eve In and Around Rochester
Comedy & Theater
BT’s New Year’s Eve Musical Mayhem
Blackfriars Theatre
Shows at 4 and 7 p.m.
from their website: Six brave BT artists take the stage for a night of musical roulette! In the first act, each sings their show-stopping signature number with a live band backing them, but in act two, things get flipped on their head as six new songs are on the board, and the audience pulls names out of a hat to see who sings what. There’s a special NYE dessert and wine reception for all ticket holders between the shows.
New Year’s Eve with Todd Youngman
Comedy at the Carlson
Shows at 7 p.m.
from their website: Todd Youngman is a comedian based in New York state who has been making others laugh for most of his life and will do it some more on New Year’s Eve. Performing in clubs and theaters around the country and Canada, Todd has opened for comedians such as Joe Dombrowski, Fortune Feimster, Kevin Pollak, Jessica Kirson, Gary Gulman, and Pat McGann. Todd’s laid-back material contains observations about his life and the world around him.
Big Wigs
JCC
from their event details: Big Wigs is a high-energy, Las Vegas-style show featuring Mrs. Kasha Davis from RuPaul’s Drag Race and Rochester legend Aggy Dune. These two outrageous talents continue to deliver their dead-on impressions to sold-out crowds nationwide. This fast-paced show includes all your favorite divas: Cher, Tina Turner, Celine Dion, Liza Minnelli, Madonna, Joan Rivers, Dolly Parton, Bette Midler, and many more.
Music
90’s NYE Party ft. Dial Up & Friends
Essex
from their website: Join us on New Year’s Eve for a 90s throwback to remember hosted by Dino from 94.1 The Zone. Enjoy three tribute sets to Barenaked Ladies, No Doubt, and Weezer, followed by a set of your favorite 90’s classics by Rochester’s Dial Up.
Abstract Radio New Year’s Eve show w/ Special Guests After Life
California Brew Haus
from their event details: Come celebrate the New Year with Abstract Radio playing all the hits from the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s and our guests After Life Playing all the modern rock and metal classics. It will be a night of great music.
BUG JAR EVE 2023 ft. Safety Break / Starjuice / Ryan Sutherland
Bug Jar
from their event details: Featuring live music from Safety Break: Rochester queer rock-alternative, Starjuice; Buffalo dream pop/emo rock; and Ryan Sutherland (solo set): folk/psych acoustic ballads. Doors open at 8 p.m., and the party starts at 9 p.m. $10 cover, 21+ at the door. **LIMITED 18–20 yr entry w/ adv ticket (available at bugjar.com until 1230pm the day of the show.)
Cool Club & The Lipker Sisters: New Year’s Eve Bash!
Lovin’ Cup, Henrietta
from their website: The Cool Club & The Lipker Sisters are a unique blend of old and new. It’s a blend of four veteran (the old) musicians whose years of experience create a sound best described in the title of one of their originals…Jump, Jazz, Boogie-Woogie, Rag Time Swing. The Lipker Sisters are three young singers (the new) singing vocal harmony in a way only family can their entire lives. They bring back memories of The Andrew Sisters with the attitude of today’s Puppini Sisters while making it their own. Together, The Cool Club & The Lipker Sisters have quickly become one of the most popular acts in the Finger Lakes region.
moe.
Kodak Center
from their website: As they continue their fall tour across the US, moe. will ring in the New Year with a special 2-night run at the renowned Kodak Center in Rochester, NY. With deep roots in nearby Buffalo and an enduring connection to Rochester, these special performances are not just another set of gigs — they’re a testament to the band’s resilience, especially in light of guitarist Chuck Garvey’s recent health challenges and triumphant return to the road.
New Year’s Eve Bash with the Televisionaries
Radio Social
from their website: Swing into 2024 with Radio Social + the Televisionaries! Music at 9:30 p.m. in the Backyard [$15 ticketed entry beginning at 9 p.m.] Food + drink specials. Bubbly toast at midnight. Tickets will also be available at the Backyard door, pending availability. The front bar + dining room will not be ticketed entry. 21+ ONLY admitted after 9 p.m.
New Year’s Eve with Dirty Blanket
Three Heads Brewing
from their event page: Come ring in the New Year with Dirty Blanket. The band will play through midnight in proper NYE fashion. Doors open at 8 p.m., $20 advance / $25 door
NYE Masquerade w/ Public Water Supply
The Social at The Naples Hotel
from their event page: Join us for our annual NYE Party @ The Social Restaurant & Taproom! This year is Masquerade-themed. Public Water Supply will provide the music for your dancing shoes starting at 9 p.m. Dinner will be by reservation from 4 p.m. with the last seating at 8 p.m. Call (585) 374-5630. Dinner reservations do not require a ticket; plan to purchase one if you stay for the party. $30 advanced; $40 at the door. Doors open at 7:30. Ticket includes light appetizers and a complimentary prosecco toast for the ball drop.
New Year’s Eve with The Sandra Naro Band
Russell Station Bar & Grill
from their event page: The Sandra Naro Band will kick off New Year’s Eve at Russell Station Bar & Grill on December 31, 2023, at 9 p.m. There is no cover charge or reservations, so get there as soon as possible! Join us for the best time of your life!
New Year’s Eve Poetry & Karaoke
Tropix Night Club
from their event page: Karaoke – poetry and dance party hosted by S.H.E. featuring DJ REDRUM AND DJ EPIC and TITAN SOUND DJS.
Juice Box: New Queers Eve
Photo City Music Hall
from their event page: Join us for an unforgettable night of celebration and queer joy at Juice Box: New Queers Eve! Say goodbye to 2023 in style and welcome 2024 with the best NYE party in town. Once again, we will be ringing in the new year at Photo City Music Hall on Sunday, December 31, 2023, starting at 9:00 p.m. Get ready to dance all night long to music provided by our talented lineup of DJs, featuring Sole Rehab’s resident, Tom DeBlase, and Juice Box’s residents, Dorianne Gay and Brian Buttlett.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to ring in the new year at our biggest party. Tickets are expected to sell out, so get yours soon. There will be a limited amount of door tickets that will be cash-only and first-come-first-serve.
Grab your friends, wear your most fabulous outfit, or come as you are. Let’s ring in the new year with love, laughter, and a whole lot of glitter!
Dinners & Parties
New Year’s Eve Bash
ARTISANworks
from their event page: Ring in the New Year at Artisanworks, where creativity meets celebration, for an unforgettable night of art, music, and good vibes! Join us on Sunday, December 31, 2023, at 8:00 PM for an unforgettable evening of festivities. Located at the stunning ARTISANworks, this exclusive event promises to be a night to remember. Immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere filled with art, music, and joyous celebrations. Indulge in delectable bites and sip exquisite beverages from our carefully curated menu, specially crafted for this occasion. Dance the night away with DJ Bobby Ellis, ensuring a lively and energetic atmosphere throughout the night.
Fire & Ice New Year’s Eve Party
The Strathallan
from their event page: Join us at The Strathallan Hotel on Sunday, December 31st, from 9 p.m.–1 a.m. to ring in the New Year. Sponsored by Encore Events. 21+ over event.
- Premium open bar 9pm-12am, Cash bar 12am-1am
- Dress to impress
- Toast at MIDNIGHT
- Heavy appetizers & desserts
- DJ and dancing
- Photo booth
VIP Package includes Igloo for up to 12 guests and champagne.
NYE @ Tony D’s
Tony D’s
1290 University Ave
from their event page: We’re opening the entire venue for an extravagant New Year’s Eve celebration! Featuring Live Music, Giveaways, DJ, Photo Backdrop, Assorted Stations, & (3) Hour Signature Open Bar! Both front and back ballrooms will be included with full-service open bars/food!
NYE 2024 Party
O’Callaghan’s Pub
from their event details: New Year’s Eve is quickly approaching. Lock down your plans now with us. Every year, we host a closed party from 8 p.m. – 12:30 a.m., with an open bar, heavy hor d’oeuvres, desserts, and Champagne toast for only $75 cash or $85 credit—tax included. More food and desserts than you can stuff in your face! Moet and Veuve Clicquot bottles raffled off to four lucky people right before midnight for your own personal toast with friends. Balloon drop and tons of noisemakers! An overall great evening. Tickets are for sale at the pub now—only 100 are available. You must have a ticket to join the fun. This event has sold out quickly for the last 15 years we have hosted it—get your tickets now! ***Dress to Impress for the holiday***
New Year’s Eve Bash
Red White and Brew of Rochester
from their event details: Get ready to ring in the New Year with a bang at Red White and Brew of Rochester! Join us for an unforgettable night of laughter, dancing, and good vibes.
You can expect a lovely atmosphere and fantastic music by DJ Massive. There will be delicious desserts and appetizers and one of NY’s finest bubblies to toast when the clock hits midnight.
There is no reserved seating. We’ll have the back lounge set up for dancing with open seating all around. Dress so you feel your best because we want you to feel great all night.
New Year’s Eve Bubble Party
Flight Wine Bar
from their event details: Pre-game with us in the best way possible. Bubbles for everyone! $45 per person includes a bubbly flight, dessert, shrimp cocktail, caprese sticks, and lots of fun! Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions.
New Year’s Eve 2024 Ball Drop Express
Five Bars, One Party
Hop aboard the NYE 2024 Ball Drop Express for a memorable New Year’s Eve experience across five restaurants: The Revelry, Branca Midtown, Bitter Honey, Velvet Belly, and Ziggy’s. Your ticket is your golden key to an all-inclusive celebration, including an open bar from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., free entry to the Essex concert, and a party bus to travel safely between venues throughout the night. Say goodbye to the ordinary and welcome 2024 with a bang at the NYE 2024 Ball Drop Express, where one ticket unlocks the door to Five Bars, One BIG Party.
$130 All-Inclusive Price Includes:
- All-access NYE Bracelet
- Open Bar at The Revelry, Branca Midtown, Bitter Honey, Velvet Belly, and Ziggy’s [10p-1a]
- Open Bar Includes a selection of beer, wine, house liquors, + a specialty cocktail at each location.
- Champagne toast at midnight
- DJs at select locations
- Party bus transportation between locations from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
- Free entry to Essex NYE show featuring three bands [cash bar only at this location]
New Year’s Eve at Roar
Roar
from the event details: This year is black and gold, and we’ve got some hats, beads, and more at the door (while supplies last). 18+ welcome. Serving till at least 3 a.m.! 2 DJs / 6 Drag performers / 1 Epic night! 8 p.m. – Free snacks/apps at the bar, 8–10 p.m. – Enjoy Riviero on the pole, 10 p.m., 11:30 p.m. & 1:30 a.m. – Drag Shows (pre-show w/ Hans), Midnight – Free Champagne toast (21+), 1–2:30 a.m. – Breakfast sandwiches and more for sale in our back hallway.
New Year’s Eve 2024
Capri Wine Bar & Restaurant
Ticket sales are coming soon, so watch their Facebook page for more information.
New Year’s Eve 2024
Murphy’s Law
from the event details: Come ring in 2024 at Murphy’s Law with the best open bar package in town! $65 includes an open bar from 9 p.m.–1 a.m., hors d’oeuvres, party hats and noise makers, Champagne toast at midnight, and DJ Lou Rock.
New Year’s Eve Dinner
Public Provisions
from their event details: Ring in the New Year with a five-course tasting menu at Public Provisions! Reservations are available at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. There will be a $20 deposit per person when making a reservation; this deposit will be applied to your final bill. This deposit is nonrefundable after the 24-hour mark. If you have any additional questions, please email info@public-provisions.com
NYE Hollywood Gala
Avon Inn
from their website: Join us for a glamorous night at the Avon Inn as we celebrate the New Year in true Hollywood style! Get ready for an unforgettable evening filled with glitz, glamour, and endless fun. Dress to impress in your finest attire and walk the red carpet like a star. Indulge in a delectable array of culinary delights as our talented chefs serve up a mouthwatering feast fit for Hollywood royalty. Sip on exquisite cocktails crafted by our expert mixologists while mingling with fellow guests.
New Year’s Eve Party
Hyatt Regency
from their website: Join us for a New Year’s Eve party at Hyatt Regency Rochester in the heart of downtown Rochester. We’ll be serving a four-course dinner and partying to music all night long. OK, maybe from 8 p.m.–2 a.m. Don’t miss out! Get your tickets today. It’s only $300 per couple, and you can add a room for only $114 (which includes a 14% room tax).
New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball
Tournedos at Inn On Broadway
from their event details: All tickets begin with the Merriment Package, which includes an open bar from 8-11 p.m., light hors d’oeuvres, and a champagne toast at midnight in our Grand Ballroom. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Optional Add-Ons:
The Gourmand Package (+$125) includes a multi-course dinner in the Tournedos dining room, with 50 seats available for 5:30 p.m. and 50 seats available for 7:30 p.m. Note: total Gourmand Package add-ons must equal the number of tickets purchased, or the reservation will be canceled.
The VIP Package (+$1050) includes the Gourmand Package, a luxury hotel room, and a premium bottle of champagne.
Party Like Gatsby NYE 2023
The Cub Room
from their event details: Five-course dinner, a glass of champagne for midnight, dancing, and a photo booth included at $125 per person. Cocktail specials all night! We now accept reservations only by phone at (585) 504-2790—call for more details. The bar opens at 7 p.m., and dinner bookings begin at 8:15 p.m.
New Year’s Eve Soiree
ARTISANworks
from their event details: Ring in the New Year at Artisanworks, where creativity meets celebration, for an unforgettable night of art, music, and good vibes! Celebrate the new year’s arrival at Artisanworks, the perfect venue to bid farewell to the old and welcome the new in style! Join us on Sunday, December 31, 2023, at 8:00 p.m. for an unforgettable evening of festivities. Located at the stunning ARTISANworks, this exclusive event will be a night to remember. Immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere filled with art, music, and joyous celebrations. Indulge in delectable bites and sip exquisite beverages from our carefully curated menu, specially crafted for this occasion. Dance the night away with DJ Bobby Ellis, ensuring a lively and energetic atmosphere throughout the night. Whether you’re attending with friends, family, or that special someone, New Year’s Eve @ Artisanworks guarantees an incredible start to the new year. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to create lasting memories and embrace the excitement of the countdown to midnight. Join us at Artisanworks on December 31, and let’s welcome the new year together in a setting that perfectly blends art, culture, and celebration.
New Year’s Eve Dinner
Nosh
from their event details: Please join us for an elegant surf and turf dinner celebrating new beginnings. Each dinner serves 2-4 people and includes one 45 oz. Tomahawk steak, two 1-lb. lobster tails, fries, charred asparagus, and one bottle of your choice: Veuve Clicquot champagne or Freemark Abbey. Booking Times: first session (5-7:30 p.m.), second session (7:30-10 p.m.)
Family-Friendly Fun
International Noon Year’s Eve
Rochester Museum & Science Center
from their website: Have a bedtime to catch before midnight? Attend one of our Noon Years programs so that your littlest ones get to celebrate, too! Celebrate New Year’s around the world! Collect an RMSC passport with your ticket and travel the globe to learn about New Year’s traditions from a multitude of cultures.
Noon Year’s Eve
Seneca Park Zoo
from their website: Visit the Zoo on New Year’s Eve and enjoy a fun family opportunity, including noon ball drops at three different locations throughout the Zoo, a special giveaway for the first 500 guests, New Year’s themed animal experiences throughout the day & more!
- Free with the price of admission!
- Three noon ball drops! Pick your favorite animal – elephant, sea lion, and snow leopard
- Celebrate with a juice toast following the ball drop
- First 500 guests through the gate receive free bubbles
- Hot chocolate, cookies, s’mores, and more are available for purchase at the Trailside Café.
- All activities are included with admission. Reminder: The last entry into the Zoo is at 3 p.m. Grounds close at 4 p.m.
ROCovery New Year’s Eve Party
ROCovery Fitness
1035 Dewy Ave
from their event page: Ring in the new year with your ROCovery fam. This family-friendly event will include food, music, dancing, and other sober fun NYE shenanigans! This year’s party theme is Dress to Impress. Get fancy, throw on some sparkles, a twirly dress, or a bowtie! Whatever gets you feeling glammed up! Bring a dish to pass if you are able.
Fireworks?
Will the City of Rochester sponsor a fireworks show on New Year’s Eve again? Are there fireworks offered in other towns around Rochester? Let us know in the comments!
Remember that some of these are ticketed events and may have sold out before you’ve read this.
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How will you spend 2023-2024 New Year’s Eve around Rochester?
Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.
People often ask me if I get free access to places while exploring. The answer is no unless I’m invited to previews or granted behind-the-scenes access as part of my media role. Generally, I don’t mention my project, Day Trips Around Rochester, NY, because I want the same experience you would have. I create and share content simply because it brings me joy. I would appreciate your support—a cup of coffee or two to help fuel future field trips—if you have found valuable information here that has helped you explore the Rochester area.
why is there no fireworks happening?
I would imagine budget constraints.
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