Should Old Acquaintance Be Forgot?

Gregory Lee

We'll take a cup o' kindness yet! There are plenty of local parties for all ages this New Year's Eve. Here are some of them.

Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? The question that begins the song traditionally sung at the stroke of midnight on December 31st is a rhetorical one: it is generally understood to be a reflection upon the importance of friendships, while "Auld Lang Syne" loosely translates as "days gone by." Ringing in the new year often has us reflecting on the year that has passed and anticipating the year to come, all while (hopefully) celebrating in the company of those old acquaintances.

This New Year's Eve in Erie promises to be an eventful one: with parties happening at an eclectic mix of venues, you're sure to find something on the following list to get you celebrating. And even if you call it a night way before the ball drops, we've got you covered with a couple of restorative New Year's Day events as well. 

We'll take a cup o' kindness yet! Cheers to 2023!

Noon Year's Eve at the ExpERIEnce Children's Museum

This DAYTIME New Year's celebration allows the kiddos to get in on the party, without sacrificing their sleep schedules. There will be a countdown to a balloon drop, live entertainment, and festive gear. There are two sessions during the day and registration is required.

Saturday, Dec. 31 // 420 French Street // 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. // $10 for members, $12 for non-members // More information

New Year's Eve Bash at Room 33 Speakeasy

Featuring the prohibition-era, Art Deco vibe of Room 33 Speakeasy along with the swinging tunes of Matty B & the Dirty Pickles, this party promises to be a unique throwback experience to ring in the new year. Tickets include a champagne toast at midnight, favors, and entertainment, while the VIP pass includes the aforementioned complements, as well as reserved seating for four, a deluxe charcuterie board, and a choice of red off of the reserve wine list or Veuve Clicquot champagne. 

Saturday, Dec. 31 // 1033 State Street // 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. // $20-$175 // 21+ // More information

NYE Party with Eric Brewer & Friends at King's Rook Club

This party will not only celebrate the New Year, but will also celebrate Eric Brewer & Friends' 14th Band-iversary! Brewer will be joined by guests Ron Yarosz, Erika Kuhn, Nick Hoh, Lizzy Jurich, and Lone Sav, bringing a mix of local talent that will make this new year's celebration a memorable one. 

Saturday, Dec. 31 // 1921 Peach Street // 9:00 p.m. // $10 at the door // 21+ // More information

New Year's Eve Carnival Celebration at Splash Lagoon

Come one, come all to Splash Lagoon's New Year's Eve carnival themed celebration. Get the kids in on the New Year's fun with character appearances, a live animal show, face painting, coloring contests, and a midnight beach ball drop. The event is included with regular water park passes, but there are also New Years Eve hotel packages available.

Saturday Dec. 31 // 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. // 8091 Peach Street // All ages welcome // More information 

Boogie on the Bay: The Fiesta Way

The Bayfront Convention Center hosts their annual New Year's Eve party, featuring the music of The Chozen Few from Cleveland. Tickets must be purchased in advance and the cost includes four drinks, hors d'oeuvres, and a midnight champagne toast. Make it a night by booking a room at the Sheraton; packages are available. 

Saturday, Dec. 31 // 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. // 1 Sassafras Pier // 21+ // More information

New Year's Eve Party at 1020 Collective

New Year's eve marks the opening of 1020 Collective's newest sound exhibition "The Universal Nature of Harmony," an exploration of sound with Rick Bowser. The dance party kicks off at 9 p.m. and will continue well into the new year. If you're looking for a more low-key, less bar-like atmosphere in which to ring in the new year with art and sound, consider the 100 year old building turned artist collective on Holland Street.

Saturday, Dec 31 // 9:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. // 1020 Holland Street // More information

If partying until the break of dawn is not your thing, or if you'd like to get outdoors on the first day of 2023, check out the following events happening on New Year's Day. Get outside for a breath of fresh air (literally and figuratively) in a celebration of nature; seems like a positive way to start the year.

2023 First Day Hike at Asbury Woods

The folks at Asbury Woods would love you to join in on a traditional New Year's Day hike. This will be a one-to-two mile guided trail hike, so make sure to dress for the weather. If there are over six inches of snow, snowshoes will be used: either wear your own or use those available in the Nature Center. 

Sunday, Jan. 1 // 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. // 4105 Asbury Road, in the Nature Center // Free // No registration required // All ages welcome // More information

Annual New Year's Day Sledding Party

The Little Church on the Hill in Albion PA, home to the Elk Creek Historical Society, will be hosting an annual sledding party, swooshing down their picture-perfect sledding hill. Dress warm and bring your own sled; the duration of the event will depend on the weather. Cocoa and snacks provided.

Sunday, Jan. 1 // 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. // 10410 High Street, Albion // Free // All ages welcome // More information

2023 First Day Walk at Presque Isle State Park

First Day walks are a state park tradition, and Presque Isle is no exception. Join park staff as they take a two mile guided loop walk. Traditional activities include throwing the sorrows of the past year into the fire and splashing yourself with the crisp waters of Lake Erie. This event includes a take home goodie bag. Registration is required.

Sunday, Jan. 1 // 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon // Presque Isle State Park // Free // All ages welcome// More information