We’ve nearly made it. We’re just a handful of days away from closing the chapter of 2023 and starting a new one entitled “2024.” Whether or not this has been your year, a lot of good has come of it, especially in Downtown! We welcomed new businesses into our family fold – Malted Vinyl, Luci & Carl’s Candy Cabin, Bumblz Boa Tea, The Grove Beverage Cafe, to name a few – experienced fantastic numbers at Ladies Opening Night, and the beloved Winter Open House, and the Petoskey District Library received some much-needed exterior TLC!
To commemorate the year’s good and local growth and get visitors and residents in on the fun, we’re highlighting a few New Year’s Eve gatherings and celebrations that are set to occur Downtown on Sunday, December 31.
First up is the annual “New Year’s Eve at the Arts Center with Petoskey District Library,” which CTAC Events Manager Michelle Horn is thrilled to share with the community.
“This will be an unforgettable evening packed with arts and crafts, live music, dance workshops, magic shows, and exciting new additions like a silent disco and an acrobatic comedy show. The festivities extend to the Petoskey District Library and Bidwell Plaza, bringing the family-friendly community celebration to downtown Petoskey. We’re grateful for the support of our sponsors and the work of many volunteers for making this annual tradition a memorable experience for our community in 2024.”
Suitable for kids aged one to 92, this community-centric event will also feature DJ-spun tunes, food courtesy of Mancino’s and Parkside Deli, video games, outdoor games, photo ops, bonfires, and an on-stage performance by local band The Third Degree.
A quintet of rockers well-known to Northern Michigan, The Third Degree is spearheaded by lead singer Abbey Byrne, who shared her thoughts on NYE because she and the band are playing a double-header on the 31st – the first show on CTAC’s stage and the second at City Park Grill.
“I’m super excited to be playing two wonderful events on New Year’s Eve! Both of these venues have a very special place in my heart. Crooked Tree Arts Center is where The Third Degree was founded, so it is wonderful to be back again! CTAC is where I grew my musicianship and found my love of music. City Park Grill booked The Third Degree when we were starting out as a little motley group of high schoolers. It’s super fun to come back to these places where we grew up and grew as a band! New Year’s Eve is going to be a blast; you’re not gonna wanna miss it!”
“New Year’s Eve at the Arts Center with Petoskey Library” concludes with a ball-drop on East Mitchell Street at 9 p.m., which leaves those of you 21 & up enough time to get over to City Park Grill for “Black & Silver, Sparkles & Champagne,” which starts at 10 p.m. and goes until 1 a.m. To enjoy the prix fixe dinner or the a la carte dinner menu, we recommend making early reservations so you don’t miss out on delicious food or another chance to see The Third Degree and dance your way into January 1, 2024!
Then, just a short walk from City Park Grill, you’ll find another celebration brewing at High Five Spirits. There’ll be music and beverages at the Howard Street locale, but you can also catch a shuttle to take you over to their sister location, Gypsy Distillery. The former Bay Harbor Equestrian Club is hosting a glamorous and exclusive event, complete with cocktails, appetizers, a photo booth, dancing to the beats of DJ Parker Marshall, and a midnight balloon drop to mark the changing of the guard from ‘23 to ‘24. General Admission and VIP tickets are available for this party, but act fast – last year’s ultimate event sold out.
Want the details on a couple more shindigs? Ernesto’s Cigar Lounge & Bar is hosting their ticketed New Year Party from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. with food catered by Spring & Porter. The tucked-away, speak-easy-esque hangout will be open to the public from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. And Malted Vinyl is presenting their ticketed New Year’s Eve soiree from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Rock through the decades with vinyl tunes, delicious drinks, and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight.
So, whether you’re looking for kid-friendly activities and fun or adult beverages and blasting tracks, our little Downtown community has something to help you welcome the New Year!
