As we head towards another year, it’s always nice to celebrate the moment and the year that was. There are some excellent celebrations planned for Peterborough and area. Early shows for the whole family, soulful R&B flavours, heavy metal, throwback speakeasy vibes, and eclectic concerts. Get out there and enjoy the ending of an old year and the start of a new one!
A family-friendly New Year’s Eve with Blues in the Bottle at The Spill in Peterborough
Beginning around 5 p.m., it features live music, snacks, and a variety of beverages. An early New Year’s Eve countdown will take place at 7 p.m. sharp. There’ll be a modest, yet appreciated, cover at the door.
Blues in the Bottle
SOLD OUT – A Celtic New Year’s Eve with Next Generation Leahy at Showplace in Peterborough
Doug Leahy, a member of Lakefield’s renowned band Leahy, along with his wife Jennifer, lead their six children — Adele (13), Gregory (12), Angus (10), Cecilia (8), Joseph (7), and Evelyn (5) — in an evening of singing, dancing, and music. The children are all accomplished multi-instrumentalists, playing fiddle, cello, accordian, and piano, and all of them sing and perform French-Canadian step dancing.
The show begins at 7 p.m. and is $30 for adults, $15 for children under 12. Tickets are available at the Showplace Box Office or online at www.showplace.org.
Next Generation Leahy
A big band New Year’s Eve with The Rocket Revue at Trentwinds in Peterborough
Special guests will include Beau Dixon and Jane Archer. Upbeat music with real horns and all! There’ll also be table munchies and party favours at midnight.
Doors open at 8 p.m. for general admission seating, with the show beginning at 9 p.m.
Tickets are $35 in advance or $40 at the door. Advance tickets are available at the Trentwinds office and Moondance (425 George St. N. Peterborough, 705-742-9425).
The Rocket Revue
A vintage New Year’s Eve at The Garnet in Peterborough
The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107) is hosting a speakeasy-themed party with DJ Waxwinder spinning vintage 78s on antique turntables.
There’s nothing like Prohibition-era garb, the genuine sound of needle on record, and old-style cocktails to usher in another new year.
There’s no cover to get in and festivities begin around 9 p.m. Flapper and gangster dress is encouraged.
Tiger Rag from the Roaring 20s
A headbanging New Year’s Eve with Mokomokai, Cross Dog, and Public Animal at the Gordon Best in Peterborough
Perhaps Peterborough and The Kawarthas most-rockin’ New Year’s Eve party will take place at the Gordon Best Theatre (216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-876-8884). The show will feature Peterborough’s metal heroes Mokomokai and fellow locals and punk/rock beauties Cross Dog, as well as Toronto hard-hitters Public Animal.
If your idea of a New Year’s Eve party is metal, heavy rock, loud guitars, sweat, and revelry, you won’t want to miss it.
The show begins around 9 p.m. and will be $15 at the door or $12 in advance (at The Only Cafe, below the Gordon Best).
Mokomokai – Heavy Metal Sky
New Year’s Eve with The Weber Brothers at The Red Dog in Peterborough
I write about these guys a lot but let’s face it, they’re awesome! The Weber Brothers will be hitting the stage on New Year’s Eve at The Historic Red Dog Tavern (189 Hunter St. W, Peterborough, 705-750-1710).
Killer musicianship, showmanship, and that extra something that the greats possess — that’s what the Webers bring to any stage. Widely known as one of Canada’s best live bands, their ushering in of 2016 will be a fun, energy-filled night of rock, roots, soul, and beyond.
Tickets are available at the door.
“Shelter from the Storm” – The Weber Brothers at The Red Dog
21 more New Year’s Eve celebrations in Peterborough and The Kawarthas
Here’s a quick snapshot of other New Year’s Eve celebrations happening around Peterborough and the Kawarthas, many featuring live music, and a couple of family-friendly ones too:
- For a family-friendly and alcohol-free celebration, the Peterborough English Country Dancers are hosting a New Year’s Eve Dance Party at St. John’s Anglican Church (99 Brock St., Peterborough) featuring live music with Linda Clark, Curtis Driedger, and Ken Brown. Cost is $10 adults, $4 students, and free for children under 12. Call 705-745-1630 for more info.
- If you’re a clubber, you’ll want to check out the NYE 2016 countdown with DJ Muddler and Rith at ARIA (331 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-743-0333). $15 for general admission or $20 VIP.
- Big Daddio and the Cassettes will be bringing in the New Year at the Black Horse Pub (352 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-0633). No cover.
- After the family New Year’s Eve celebration, there’ll be An Evening of Fuzz and Reverb at The Spill (414 George St., Peterborough, 705-748-6167).
- SOLD OUT – Party at The Junction (257 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-743-0550) on New Year’s Eve with DJ Bill Porter and DJ Justin Anderson. Tickets are $10 and include a champagne toast at midnight and party favours
- Oldies 96.5 FM has a New Year’s Eve Bash with DJ Marlove for those 25+ at the TankHouse (295 George St. N, Peterborough, 705-743-2717).
- Celebrate New Year’s Eve with The Kevin Carley Band at The Dobro (287 George St., Peterborough, 705-775-9645). There’s no cover, but there’ll be a chicken and ribs buffet for $20.
- New Year’s Eve with 4 Front features a 7-piece band, snacks and champagne at midnight, as well as door prizes, at Holiday Inn Waterfront (150 George St. North, Peterborough 705-743-1144).
- There’s a New Year’s Eve Party at The Oxford Parlour & Patio (172 Simcoe St., Peterborough, 705-761-1297) featuring champagne and cocktails. There’s no cover, but RSVP if you want to reserve a booth or table.
- Get ready to boogie at Spanky’s (201 Hunter St. W., 705-874-5078) with their All Vinyl Disco Boogie Rock ‘n’ Soul New Year’s Eve, featuring 70s-style lighting, disco balls, and free noisemakers and champagne at midnight. No cover.
- Northern Soul will be playing classic rock, soul, and R&B tunes at Puck’ N Pint Sports Pub (871 Chemong Rd., Peterborough, 705-741-1078). There’ll also be party favours and champagne at midnight. No cover.
- Ring in the New Year with live music from Alyssa Morrissey at Peterborough’s only country bar, the Bourbon Barrel Saloon (140 King St., Peterborough, 705-874-5600). The $5 cover includes a champagne toast at midnight.
- The New Year’s Celebration at Canoe & Paddle (18 Bridge St., Lakefield, 705-651-1111) features a three-course meal and drink at 7 p.m. with live music with The Footnotes starting at 8:30 p.m., and champagne at midnight. Cost is $80. There’ll also be an earlier celebration from 4 to 7 p.m., featuring the meal and drink only, for $45.
- Globus Theatre is hosting its annual New Year’s Eve celebration at Lakeview Arts Barn (2300 Pigeon Lake Rd., Bobcaygeon, 705-738-2037), featuring dancing, an all-night buffet, and a free ride home to your door if you live in the Lindsay, Fenelon Falls, and Bobcaygeon areas. $50 per person.
- Another family-friendly celebration is Cobourg’s “First Night” at Rotary Waterfront Park. There’ll be activities for the entire family including skating, wagon rides, and outdoor entertainment, followed by fireworks at 10 p.m.
- New Year’s Eve with Brian MacNamara takes place at The Mill Restaurant and Pub (990 Ontario St., Cobourg, 905-377-8177).
- There’s a “Rockabilly Rave Up” happening on New Year’s Eve at The Station Pub (20 Ontario St., Port Hope, 905-885-5550), with Lucky Strike featuring the talents of Clayton Yates, Pearly Jenkins, and Mike Williams.
- New Year’s Eve with Side Street happens at the Coach & Horses Pub (16 York St. S., Lindsay, 705-328-0006). No cover.
- A New Year’s Eve Celebration featuring live music by Third Round, party favours, and a midnight buffet takes place at Jake’s Bar & Eatery (34 Lindsay St. S., Lindsay, 705-324-5253). Cost is $15.
- There’s a New Year’s Eve Dance Party featuring DJs Sean Cassidy & B# at The Arlington (32990 Highway 62, Maynooth, 613- 338-2080). $10 cover.
- The New Year’s Eve Dinner & Dance at the Dominion Hotel (113 Main St., Minden, 705-286-6954) features a prime rib dinner, live music with Movin’ On, champagne toast, noisemakers, and a midnight buffet. Cost is $65, with overnight accommodation available at extra cost.
