From what my contacts around town are saying, there won't be a New Year's fireworks show in downtown Reno to bring in 2009. Considering the current economic funk, I understand why it's not happening, but it sure was fun in 2008. It will be missed.
Free New Year's Eve Bus Service
Between 7 p.m. and 2 a.m. on New Year's Eve, RTC RIDE will be offering free rides on routes departing from RTC CitiCenter in Reno, RTC Centennial Plaza in Sparks, and the Meadowood Mall. Reno's downtown bus system, Sierra Spirit, is already free and will be running its regular schedule on New Year's Eve. You can download the 2008 New Year's Eve Schedule Brochure, or call (775) 348-RIDE (348-7433) for details.New Year's Eve Events and Parties at Casinos and Restaurants
New Years 2009 Celebration at the Atlantis Casino - The Atlantis New Year's Eve party features free cabaret entertainment, party favors, midnight champagne toast, and a casino-wide balloon drop. For 21 and over. For more information, call (775) 824-4467.Celebrate the New Year in Style at the Eldorado Hotel Casino - The Eldorado's night spots will all be holding New Year's Eve bashes. Choose from Roxy's Bar & Lounge, the BuBinga Lounge, The Brew Brothers, the Casino Cabaret, and Cin Cin Bar and Lounge. Times and cover vary at each venue, so call (775) 786-5700 for details.
New Year's Eve at the Silver Legacy Resort Casino - There will be several different parties at the Silver Legacy. At Rum Bullions, the dueling pianos will be doing what they do best and the party includes a midnight champagne toast and party favors. $20 cover. Starts 8 p.m. (775) 325-7396.
Rockin' The Dome Dance Party features a DJ, dancing, midnight champagne toast and party favors. $30 per person. (775) 325-7401.
At the Aura Ultra Lounge, dance to the tunes of DJ Red Rum. Reserved tables with bottle service are available by calling Aura. $20 cover includes a midnight champagne toast and party favors. Starts 8 p.m.
New Year's Eve at Harrah's Reno - Harrah's New Year's party is a 21 and over affair in Sammy's Showroom, featuring live music from the Motown group Just Us. Your $45 ticket includes dancing, party favors, and champagne toast. The festivities start at 9:30 p.m. Call (775) 788- 2900 for reservations.
Carnivale di Siena - The Siena's New Year's Eve soiree will be in their Lexie's on the River restaurant and lounge. Come enjoy a carnivale atmosphere with live music, free entertainment and party favors, midnight champagne toast, stilt walkers, Shakespeare troupe, and more. A New Year's dinner will be served from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. - call (775) 788- 2900 for reservations.
New Year's Eve at John Ascuaga's Nugget in Sparks - Come to the Celebrity Showroom for the Funky Disco Dance Party with Bootiequake. The party includes dance music from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., as well as free champagne at midnight and party favors. Tickets are $45. Call (800) 648-1177 for details.
New Year's Eve at Reno's Wild River Grill - Located on Reno's Riverwalk, the Wild River Grill will ring in the New Year with drink and dinner specials, live music, and a champagne toast at midnight. Come early and enjoy a 3-course dinner menu for $35 per person, or spoil yourself with a 4-course deluxe dinner for $65 per person. The regular menu will be available and entertainment begins at 9 p.m. For more information, call (775) 284-7455. Call (775) 786-5700 for details.
New Year's Eve Events and Parties at Lake Tahoe Ski Areas
Coast to Coast High Camp Gold and Silver New Year's Eve Parties at Squaw Valley - East Coast Dinner and Toast for Families: Come dressed in gold and silver for this New Year's Eve Extravaganza. The all-ages party includes a cable car ride, ice skating, dinner in the Poolside Cafe, entertainment, and a 9 p.m. East Coast New Year's champagne toast. Limited to the first 80 guests.West Coast Toast Featuring The Shotgun Wedding Quintet and DJ Paul: Come dressed in gold and silver to the West Coast ball drop. This over 21 experience will be in the Terrace and Bar North areas. Enjoy a cable car ride, dancing overlooking Lake Tahoe, light snacks, a complimentary glass of champagne for the West Coast toast at midnight, and live entertainment with The Shotgun Wedding Quintet and DJ Paul. Ride the 9 p.m. cable car to High Camp where a live band will play until 1 a.m. Final trip down on the cable car will be at 2 a.m.
Tickets are $72.50 per person for party one and $45 for party two. To make a reservation, call (530) 452-7122. Squaw Valley is south of Truckee on Highway 89.
"Fire and Ice" New Year's Eve Party at Northstar at Tahoe - Go to Northstar at Tahoe for their family friendly and free "Fire and Ice" New Year's Eve Party. Controlled Burn fire dancers from Reno will be performing three shows at 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. There will be live music, shopping, dining, skating, drink specials, and other fun. A fireworks show will light the skies at 9 p.m., weather permitting. Northstar is south of Truckee on Highway 267. For details, call (530) 562-1010.
Kirkwood's New Year's Eve Fireworks and Torchlight Parade - Come to Kirkwood for this crowd favorite as the resort ushers in the New Year with a torchlight parade on the mountain slopes, a dazzling fireworks display, and plenty of other activities. To participate in the Torchlight Parade, meet at Chair 6 at 6 p.m. to sign up. Participants must be upper intermediate skiers / riders and be comfortable skiing / riding in the dark holding torchlights. Kirkwood Mountain Resort is on Highway 88 at Kirkwood, CA. For details, call (209) 258-6000.
