All Weekend
Skate in the New Year at the Custom House Plaza! Ice Skating by the Bay remains open this weekend to entertain kids still on Christmas break. Friday 11am-10pm, Saturday 11am-11pm and Sunday noon-8pm, Custom House Plaza, Monterey. $12 for adults, $10 for children 12 and under and $3 skate rental fee. Stop by the ice rink at Northridge Mall after returning those “thoughtful” gifts from Grandma. Hurry, the rink only stays open for one more week! Friday 10am-9pm, Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 11am-6pm, 796 Northridge Mall, Salinas. $15 for adults, $12 for children.Friday
You might have trouble keeping yourself from dancing in the aisles at the Buddy Holly Tribute Concert at the Golden Bough Theatre in Carmel-by-the-Sea. This annual tribute show will showcase music from Elvis and Buddy Holly to Bob Dylan. There will definitely be a whole lotta shakin’ goin on! 7:30pm, Golden Bough Theatre, Carmel-by-the-Sea. $7-$35. Chill out at the London Bridge Pub tonight before all of the New Year’s Eve parties. Tonight they will host acoustic guitarist Rex Wheeler. 9pm, 256 Figueroa St., Wharf #2, Monterey. No cover.Saturday
Want to ring in the New Year before your little ones' bed time? MY Museum in downtown Monterey celebrates 2012 with a Noon-Year’s Eve Party. The countdown to noon will be full of family fun, snacks and activities. 10am-12pm, 425 Washington Street, Monterey. $10. First Night Monterey is the one-stop shop for your family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration. The party kicks off at 3pm and keeps going into the wee hours of 2012 with plenty of activities and entertainment to keep you busy. Over 25 venues hold concurrent performances and activities for both children and adults, culminating in a convergence on Custom House Plaza to ring in the New Year. Tickets can be purchased online. 3pm-12am, Downtown Monterey. Adult tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door; youth tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. A Band of Ninjas rocks out tonight on the patio of Bullwacker’s. The duo covers some of the greatest hits from the ‘80s, classic rock to pop. 8:30pm, 653 Cannery Row, Monterey. No cover. The Fernwood Tavern serves up a double dose of awesomeness tonight. Gypsy swing band Beso Negro and blues band the Dark Town Rounders play continuous music throughout the night. Come early and enjoy a special New Year’s Eve dinner complete with beer tastings and American/Mexican fare. 9pm, 47200 Highway One, Big Sur. No cover. Jose’s Underground Lounge hosts an epic night of rock and metal music with a total of five bands! Thirty9FingerS, Pride Subject, Granted Earth, Foal and HINGE will each have their chance on stage to celebrate the coming of the New Year. 8pm, 638 Wave Street, Monterey.
Shout “3, 2, 1” tonight at The Inn at Spanish Bay in Pebble Beach. The beachside resort gears up for the “Boardwalk Ball” which will transport you back in time to the ‘60s and ‘70s. Play like a kid at the various carnival games, enjoy fair food or dance the night away to jams from the Papa Doo Run Run’s. 8pm-1am, 2700 17-mile Drive, Pebble Beach. $375.
The Mucky Duck parties the night away with three local favorite bands: A Band of Ninjas, the Road House Band and Outer Edge! Enjoy their rockin’ jams and then ring in the New Year with a champagne toast! 9pm, 479 Alvarado Street, Monterey. $10 cover beginning at 8pm.
Tom Faia is at London Bridge Pub to entertain you with roots rock this New Year’s Eve. Carmel native, Faia does it all, playing the harmonica, guitar and vocals. 9:30pm, 256 Figueroa St., Wharf #2, Monterey. No cover.
For more ideas on how to party like it's 2012 click here. There are several great dinners, dances and parties going on throughout Monterey County.
