Cover story

RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR

Cork and Fork Facebook

CLASSIC SOUND Local musician Glennie B is scheduled to play on Dec. 31 at Cork and Fork in Capitola.

CELEBRATE Crowds mingle and enjoy a festive atmosphere at Abbott Square in 2018 on New Year’s Eve.

Celebrations planned across the Monterey Bay

After last year’s stay-at-home New Year’s celebrations, many people are looking for ways to once again celebrate the holidays out and about with friends and family.

While some may still (understandably) opt to stay close to home, settling in for a quiet night with a bottle of bubbly or attending a virtual party, venues throughout the Monterey Bay are opening their doors for in-person events as well. From small restaurants hosting local bands to ticketed events in fancier settings, there are plenty of ways to ring in the new year.

Below is a listing of New Year’s Eve celebrations happening tonight across the region. Just remember to stay safe—wear your mask as often as possible, keep an acceptable distance from others and bring along some hand sanitizer.

Here’s to 2022!

Moe’s Alley Facebook

ROCKIN’ GOOD TIME The Coffis Brothers will perform live at Moe’s Alley on New Year’s Eve.

SAN JUAN BAUTISTA

New Year’s Eve with Jon Griffin and the LightFighters

Daisy’s Saloon, 213 3rd St., San Juan Bautista Ring in 2022 with the criticallyacclaimed band Jon Griffin and The LightFighters. Show starts at 9pm. No cover charge. Info: bit. ly/3Hdk2Ab.

PRUNEDALE

New Year’s Eve with The Edge Band

American Legion Post 593, 8300 Prunedale North Road, Prunedale Come experience a New Year’s Eve at the Prunedale Legion with the Edge Band. Music starts at 7pm, with breakfast served after midnight. Get your tickets now in-person at the Prunedale Legion. Info: bit.ly/3FxmUYb.

MID-COUNTY

Glennie B New Year’s Eve Party

Cork and Fork, 312-B Capitola Ave., Capitola Local musician Glennie B is kicking 2021 out the door. Come and welcome the New Year with some old-fashioned entertainment at the popular wine bar in Capitola Village. Wines are available by the glass or bottle, and local beer is on tap. Enjoy handmade pizzas on the outdoor patio with a fire pit to gather around. Event includes a $10 cover charge. Info: bit. ly/3z4NeGs.

New Year’s Eve Celebration with The China Cats

Michael’s on Main, 2591 Main St., Soquel Come celebrate the new year with the China Cats, a band carrying on the tradition of the Grateful Dead for nearly a decade. Tickets are $50. This year’s celebration includes a Dinner Special & Show Combo for $90 (starting at 7pm). Info: michaelsonmain.info.

SANTA CRUZ

NYE w/ The Coffis Brothers

Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz Celebrate the occasion with local band The Coffis Brothers, plus AJ Lee & Blue Summit. Doors open at 8pm, show starts at 9pm. Cost: $25-30. Info: moesalley.com.

NYE at Abbott Square

Abbott Square Market, 725 Front St., Santa Cruz Come to dance and bring in the new year with music and people at the outdoor Abbott Square in Downtown Santa Cruz. Live band Brain Food will play sets between 6-9pm, and DJ Sparkle and Father Taj between 9pm-midnight. Plus, late-night food and drinks will be available for purchase at the market. Event is free. Info: abbottsquaremarket.com.

3rd Annual Ecstatic Dance New Year’s Eve Party

Ecstatic Dance Santa Cruz, 428 Front St., Santa Cruz Come experience the 3rd Annual Ecstatic Dance NYE party and community celebration. Enjoy live DJs, musicians, performances, a tea service, face and body painting, and a midnight countdown and “intentionsetting” ceremony. Event is cell phone-free, substance-free and scentfree. Tickets are $35 in advance, $45 at door. Info: bit.ly/3Hm3ZQJ.

SALINAS

New Year’s Eve 2022: Dinner & Entertainment at 201 Main

201 Main St., Salinas Start 2022 off with dinner and cocktails. Then head upstairs for dancing and entertainment along with complimentary champagne, a photo booth and balloon drops to ring in the New Year. Reservations for dinner start at 6pm and continue every 30 minutes until 8pm. Cost: $40 and up. For information about VIP experiences, call 253-3155 or text 710-6031. Info: 201complex.com.