Patti Smith and a Polar Bear Plunge: 11 things to do this NYE weekend

By Joshua Encinias

Put a fork in 2022 because this year is done. In case you’ve missed it, we’ve already put together some of the best parties and concerts this weekend, and we’re back with a few more to light up your last weekend of the year.

Patti Smith comes to Brooklyn on Friday night and so, too, does Future (separate shows, but we’d go just to see them play together). You can roller skate into 2023 at The Skate And Dance Studio on Saturday. And Sunday has Coney Island’s Polar Bear plunge and a nature hike in Prospect Park.

Here’s what else this weekend has in store:

Friday, December 30

Donate to New York Cares Coat Drive
Various times through Saturday
New York Cares Coat Drive is celebrating 35 years of providing coats and meals to New Yorkers in need. The coat drive has tons of drop off locations across Brooklyn and many of those sites also distribute coats. Find your nearest location to help a neighbor today.

Public Ice Skating at Lakeside
Various session times
Covered and open-air ice skating rinks are open at The LeFrak Center at Lakeside in Prospect Park until February 28. Grab a hot drink and a snack at Bluestone Cafe and enjoy the rinks while it’s on the warmer side this New Years weekend. See Lakeside’s website for Bluestone and the rink’s hours. 171 East Drive. Tickets are $9.50 on weekdays and $4 on weekend, with weekend prices in effect through Sunday.

Patti Smith and her Band
Doors 7 p.m., show 8 p.m.
Patti Smith closes out a two night residency tonight at Brooklyn Steel in celebration of her 76th birthday. Smith brings her band to Brooklyn after playing her 75th at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester in February (it was moved due to Covid). Come out tonight and celebrate Smith’s 50th year as an artist “because the night belongs to us” — sorry, had to. 16+. 319 Frost St. Tickets are $170.

Future at Barclays Center
Doors 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m.
If Patti Smith isn’t your vibe, check out Future’s “The Ball Drops In Brooklyn” show, happening at Barclays Center tonight. Featuring 21 Savage, King Combs, Chinese Kitty, DJ Bobby Trends and DJ Spade (although the line-up is subject to change without notice), the rapper behind recent hits “WAIT FOR U” and “PUFFIN ON ZOOTIEZ” starts the New Year’s party early. 620 Atlantic Ave. Tickets range from $70 to $120.

Saturday, December 31

Roller Skate into the New Year
8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
DJ Freedom and Queen Martina will transform The Skate And Dance Studio into a roller rink on Saturday for a Roller Skate and Dance Celebration. The pristine wood floors are the perfect spot to roll-bounce your way into 2023. DJ Freedom will spin R&B, Nu-Disco, House Music and Hip-Hop and he promises you will feel every beat. 1219 Quentin Road. Tickets are $28.

Lee Fields at Brooklyn Made
Doors at 8 p.m., show at 9 p.m.
Lee Fields’ launched his career in the summer of 1967 in Brooklyn at the 521 Club (RIP) and 55 years later, he’s playing a New Year’s Eve show at Brooklyn Made. One of the last of the OG (and arguably one of the greatest) soul singers is kicking off 2023 with “The Sentimental Fool Tour” with DJ Mikey Post. 21+. 428 Troutman St. Tickets are $39.50 in advance and $45 day of show.

Italomatic at Ciao Ciao
9 p.m. until late
Say ciao ciao bambina to 2022 at Italomatic’s “sexy soirée in celebration of another celestial circling of the sun.” Spin to the synthesizer sounds of Facets, Rok1, and Alex English and boogie on the dance floor. 21+. 97 N 10th St. Tickets are available at the door.

New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Prospect Park
10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Brooklyn’s NYE fireworks celebration is back! For the first time since 2020, Prospect Park will light up the night sky at Grand Army Plaza on Saturday night. Presented by Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, NYC Parks and Prospect Park Alliance, Quintessential Playlist will perform live music at 10 p.m. before fireworks begin. Mark the return of Brooklyn’s four-decade tradition with a firework show by Santore’s World Famous Fireworks. All ages. Grand Army Plaza on Flatbush Avenue. Free.

Sunday, January 1

Coney Island’s 2023 Polar Bear Plunge
11 a.m.
2023 marks Coney Island’s 120th polar bear plunge. Temperatures will be in the 30s, which is warmer than it could be, but this dip still isn’t for the faint of heart. The plunge is free but donations go to help Coney Island institutions like the New York Aquarium, Alliance for Coney Island, and the Coney Island History Project. What’s more, everyone who takes the dip can visit the New York Aquarium for free. Changing stations will be available for all swimmers and anyone under the age of 18 must have a waiver signed and a parent or guardian present. Stillwell Avenue and Boardwalk in Coney Island.

New Year’s Day Hike with Urban Park Rangers
12 to 2 p.m.
If you don’t go too hard on Saturday night, join the Urban Park Rangers in Prospect Park for a New Year’s Day hike. Kick-off 2023 with a guided hike through some of the park’s hidden gems, but dress warm and wear your best hiking shoes. Parkside Avenue and South Lake Drive. Free.

Kid’s Comics Art Class
12 to 2 p.m.
Anyone Comics has a chill comic art class for kids on New Year’s Day. Hosted by indie comic creator Raymond Salvador, your kids will learn the fundamentals of comic creation. Kids 8 to 13 are invited to learn storytelling skills like character design, shading, and page layouts. 1216 Union St. Tickets are $18.