Once again, the Tampa Bay Times comes through with yet another exhaustive list of all the ways to ring in the new year in Tampa Bay. From parties to art to sporting events and concerts, there’s somewhere for everyone to count down the last 10 seconds of 2018.
NYE 2018
The waterfront venue’s 20th annual New Year’s Eve party features a balloon drop, champagne toast, fireworks viewing, party favors and DJ dancing. Upgrade to VIP Plus for open bar, appetizers, reserved dance floor and a private DJ. 21 and older only. The party goes until 3 a.m. 9 p.m., Jackson’s Bistro Bar & Sushi, 601 S Harbour Island Blvd., Tampa. $50-$150 (prices subject to change). (813) 812-4950.
Aqua-Eve
The aquarium is transformed from a family play area to a 21 and older party, complete with live entertainment, food, drinks, champagne toast and a great view of the City of Tampa’s fireworks. The party goes until 1 a.m. 9 p.m., Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa. $130-$220. (813) 273-4000.
New Year’s Eve 2018
Mario Lopez hosts the popular Pied Piper Productions New Year’s Eve party with indoor and outdoor party areas, an expanded professional fireworks show and music by platinum-selling artist and DJ Magic Mike. 21 and older only. The party ends at 2:30 a.m. 9 p.m., TPepin’s Hospitality Centre, 4121 N 50th St., Tampa. $75 (prices increase with demand). (813) 279-8335.
Diamonds Are Forever
Tampa NYE: Dress to kill for this 007/James Bond themed chic party with a red carpet fashion review, backdrop photos, champagne toast, balloon drop, appetizer buffet, DJ dancing, casino tables, best-dressed contest and a silent auction. The party goes until 1:30 a.m. 9:30 p.m., A La Carte Event Pavilion, 4050 Dana Shores Drive, Tampa. $57.07. (813) 447-8538.
New Year’s Eve at the Ritz
Disco Donnie hosts this 18 and older party with Slushii headlining. The party goes until 3 a.m. 10 p.m., Ritz Ybor, 1503 E Seventh Ave., Tampa. $25. (813) 247-2555.
Sam Tripoli: New Year’s Eve Celebration
The former co-host of Spike TV’s Wild World of Spike also co-hosts two All Things Comedy podcasts, has numerous television credits, and received one of only two standing ovations on Comedy Central’s Premium Blend. $25 show only; $35 includes a choice of snack, champagne toast and party favor. 10 p.m., Improv Comedy Theater, 1600 E Eighth Ave., Tampa. $12-$16. (813) 864-4000.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY
Sunset Cinema at Pier 60
Despicable Me 3 (PG): Bring blankets or low lawn chairs to watch free movies on a jumbo-sized screen. No alcohol. Shows start around dusk. 6 p.m., Pier 60, 10 Pier 60 Drive, Clearwater Beach. Free. (727) 449-1036.
Outback Bowl Parade
Marching bands and cheerleaders from the Michigan Wolverines and the South Carolina Gamecocks combine for this New Year’s Eve parade and pep rally with floats, walking units and more. The parade steps off at 5:30 p.m. and runs along Seventh Avenue in Ybor City. 5:30 p.m., Ybor City, 1700 E Seventh Ave., Tampa. Free. (813) 874-2695.
Kid’s New Year’s Eve
Kids can countdown with a DJ dance party, missing clock hunt, mosaic building, giant LEGO brick drop (Dec. 31 only) and Lego-themed fireworks. Included with admission. 8 p.m., Legoland Florida, 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven. $75, $65 seniors/ages 3-12, 2 and younger free. (877) 350-5346.
Downtown Countdown
Kids can celebrate the New Year at the top of every hour. Included with admission. 1 p.m., Glazer Children’s Museum, 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa. $15, $12.50 military/seniors, $9.50 children, 1 and younger free. (813) 443-3861.
The Tampa Bay Times never disappoints with its ‘Things To Do’ lists. And our list doesn’t even include the neighboring cities and counties. But for those of you looking to celebrate in Tampa, this list is a great place to start – and end your year!
So as we say goodbye to 2018 and welcome shiny, new 2019, all of us at the DeLeon Sheffield Company family wish you and yours a happy, healthy, prosperous and safe New Year’s!
Because at DeLeon Sheffield Company, ‘We’re More Than Realty; We’re Family.’
