If you’re lucky enough to be able to buy beer, then Portland’s got a variety of cool New Year’s Eve events, with everything from Burning Man inspired parties to 80s tribute bands. If you’re under 21, there’s comedy, which is cool and mostly a lot of DJ concerts. At least there’s always house parties and parents willing to pay bank for babysitters.
Under 21
A Very Brody New Year, bring in 2014 with some laughs,and free food and champagne at midnight at the Brody Theater comedy variety showcase, including improvisation and standup comedy; Brody Theater, 16 NW Broadway, $16 advance, $18 at the door, all ages. Show starts at 8 p.m.
Melao de Cuba New Year’s Eve, maybe being under 21 won’t feel so lame when you’re eating pizza and enjoying a Cuban band; Mississippi Pizza, 3552 N Mississippi Ave., free, music starts at 9 p.m.
Portland Neon New Years Eve w/ Riff Raff & Lil Debbie, Get dirty with Youtube famous performers, no dress code, all in a newly remodeled warehouse setting; Odyssey Event Space, $55 general admission. You can pay $299 for a backstage pass, VIP Gift bag, autographed Riff Raff gear and a hang out with Riff Raff at his hotel before the show at 9 p.m.
NYE 2014 Party, Typical DJ, dancing and lounge set-up, with a midnight toast and balloon drop full of prizes; Venue 126, SW 2nd & Pine, $15, 10 p.m. – 2:30 a.m.
Bass Odyssey NYE 2013, Roseland Theater hosts Portland’s biggest electronic dance party featuring Bro Safari, Etc! Etc!, and Torro Torro, with Sidestep and WayWay; Roseland Theater, 8 NW 6th Ave, $40, 8 p.m.
21 & over
Surfer Blood, Wild Ones, AgesandAges, Enjoy Surfer Blood’s indie surf rock as well as two native Portland bands at one of the cities coolest venues; Mississippi Studios, 3939 N Mississippi Ave., tickets $30 in advance, $35 day of show, 9 p.m.
InspireTruth New Year’s Eve Party, Featuring several DJs, live electronic acts, marketplaces, psychics and art, this event looks like a smaller indoor version of Burning Man. According to the website, “Your basest desires and your loftiest aspirations are all welcome at InspireTruth;” Portland Art Museum’s Mark Building, 1119 SW Park Ave., tickets $25-$195, 9 p.m, 4:30 a.m.
Dance Hard, Kiss Soft: New Year’s Eve 2013, Dig A Pony hosts a celebration featuring soul-funk singer Reva DeVito, electro-pop musicians Hustle and Drone who are also former Portugal the Man band members, DJ Montel Spinoza and Holla ‘N Oats, who hosts Pony’s monthly Prince and R. Kelley tributes; Dig A Pony, 736 SE Grand Ave., tickets $15, doors open at 8 p.m.
New Year’s Eve 2013 BarFly Bus Tour, Probably won’t be as much fun as getting on Kesey and the Merry Prankster’s bus, but forget worrying about a designated driver and let this bus take you and your friends (55 seats on the bus) to 8-10 bars. Cover charge, midnight toast and NYE paraphernalia included with ticket; check out barflybus.com, $30, 23+ only, starts at 7 p.m.
Hollyweird New Year Concert, Like tribute bands? Feel like you’re seeing The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Motley Crue and Poison, by bands Sir Psycho Sexy, Same o’l Situation, and my personal favorite, Poison’us; Hawthorne Theatre, 1507 SE 39th Street, $10 in advance, $12 day of show, 8 p.m.