What to do on New Year’s Eve
Nine outrageous — and outrageously fun — options to ring in 2023 that won't break the bank, from a Gatsby gala to a cumbia dance-off
Let’s be honest. December 31 can be one of the most overpriced, overrated, chaotic, dastardly nights of the year. But it doesn’t have to be that way, we swear. By galavanting through the big beautiful borough of Brooklyn (and staying as far away from Times Square as possible), you’ll be sure to discover your perfect kind of New Year’s Eve affair.
After several years of limited festivities, 2023 is set to deliver. Here’s our curated list of the most fun, outrageous, saucy, not to mention themed, events Brooklyn has to offer without breaking the bank.
Expect games, mansion glitz, endless dancing, retro vibes, drag, swag, scantily clad performances, feasts, even flamingos (we’ll explain). Above all else, one thing deems true: outfits are key.
Be safe out there, and don’t let your future self down!
House of Yes’s Gala Galactica
2 Wyckoff Ave, Bushwick
Three. Two. One. Blast off! This New Year’s Eve, dare to get celestial at the House of Yes. Brooklyn’s home to fantastical immersive experiences — a madcap mix of dance, circus, theater and cabaret — is hosting its very own Gala Galactica, coaxing all space-travelers to the dancefloor for intimate encounters and a truly divine countdown into 2023. As you dream of moonwalking your way through the cosmos, don’t forget to dress to impress. For this party, think galactic glamor, celestial chic, metallic magic, and cosmic couture — their words.
Merge Techno Collective’s 18-Hour Danceathon
Destination TBA, Brooklyn
Dance your way well into the New Year at Merge’s techno marathon extravaganza. From 11 p.m. Saturday to 5 p.m. Sunday, the Brooklyn-based queer techno collective is inviting everyone to “come correct and ready to sweat!” to the sounds of six unique DJs, including SilentServant, Clarisa Kimskii, and Ron Like Hell, leaving only one real question to ask yourself: Can you last 18 hours?
San Junipero Retrowave Party
1120 Manhattan Ave, Greenpoint
Who’s down to get Satanic in an ‘80s kinda way? Greenpoint’s beloved Saint Vitus Bar — a heavy metal speakeasy named after the patron saint of nervous disorders and dancing — is power-sliding into one of Black Mirror’s most famous episodes, asking bargoers to embrace 2023 in San Junipero, a world brimming with Phil Collins drum-fills, 80s synth riffs, Italo disco and all things retro. What could be better than three DJs and a Ryan-Gosling-in-”Drive”-meets-John-Hughes aesthetic?
Royal Palms Shuffleboard Flamingo Formal
514 Union St, Boerum Hill
If playing games (and/or dressing up like a bird) is your thing, the Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club’s Flamingo Formal is the party for you. Show off your sleekest pink, white and black duds and stay for the full court shuffleboard (an anomaly outside of Florida or your grandparents’ basement). There’s free admission until the place fills up, so come early — you may never look this good playing shuffleboard again.
Peppermint Ball at All Night Skate
54 Rockaway Ave, Ocean Hill
Slip into your favorite “Winter Formal” wear for a night of dancing, drag, and “extravagant surprises” at Ocean Hill’s neighborhood hangout, All Night Skate. Sans skating rink, the Peppermint Ball will feature performances by the wonderful Cheeks Voila and Coco. Each ticket also comes equipped with a champagne toast, a rhinestone prop necklace, deluxe confetti poppers and more — who doesn’t love a goodie bag?
Gatsby Gala at Secret Pour
1114 Dekalb Ave, Bushwick
Is it 2023 or 1923? With champagne, cabaret, swing music and speakeasy libations, does it really even matter? Bushwick’s Secret Pour is hosting a Gatsby-themed gala featuring burlesque dancer Vulgar Divine (along with her Cabaret Cuties), promising guests a roaring good time.
A Very Special Cumbia vs. Reggaeton New Year’s Eve Party
4 Stuyvesant Ave AND 610 Bushwick Ave, Bushwick
For those who believe one bar is just too limiting for a proper romp into the New Year, ride the train over to Myrtle and Broadway for two synchronous parties at Jade and Rebecca’s. We repeat: two bars, one ticket. Come move your hips to cumbia and reggaeton beats as seven local DJs spin their way through midnight, one street apart.
Black Eye Peas and Collard Greens NYE Mansion Party
130 Lincoln Rd, Prospect Lefferts Gardens
Listen up, y’all. Brooklyn-based creative collective EYEWONDER is throwing the quintessential New Year’s celebration in a mansion off Prospect Park. The shindig’s name follows the long held custom of eating black eye peas and collard greens on December 31st, a tradition that represents the wish for communal health and positivity in the upcoming year. Find yourself on three themed floors eating local cuisine, drinking homemade cocktails, and moving to a multitude of Brooklyn’s finest DJs, like Brown Suga Bounce and DJ JahMedicine.
The Sultan Room’s NYE 2023 Bash
234 Starr St, Bushwick
Fancy a multi-course Turkish meal before you start shaking and grooving? Well then hop off at Jefferson St. and shuffle toward the elaborately decorated Turk’s Inn, a replica of an infamous Wisconsin dinner club, which also houses an intimate music venue known as The Sultan Room. No need to wander out into the cold between dinner and two psychedelic sets by !!! (chk chk chk) and Funky Seshwa — just carry your bubbly down the hall.
