Party in the ERI

Another year over and in the blink of an eye, it seems...hang on, wasn't the Reader just compiling New Year's Eve events to ring in 2017? Maybe we're getting older, wiser and more in touch with our roots, but we're pretty psyched about the events on offer to those who want to start 2018 the right way. Whether you choose to enjoy cocktails in the comfort of your home, a classy sit-down meal at Presque Isle Downs, or the last Otters game of the year, make the concluding night of 2017 a good one. 

PREGAME

Erie Otters vs. Kingston Frontenacs 

Before you head to the bar, why not engage in something a bit more interactive? Catch the Erie Otters as they take on the Kingston Frontenacs — and you'll certainly get bonus points if you wear your New Year's Eve finery to the game. 

6:30 p.m. // 809 French Street // (814) 452-4857 // $20 // ottershockey.com

ArtErie Gallery night at BrewHaHa

Prefer your pre-party activities with a touch of class? Check out some local art, gather together with members of the local community, and get some caffeine to fuel those bad late night decisions you will probably make. If you're ready to start with libations, enjoy the specialty cocktails on offer — plus some snacks to soak up the booze. 

7 to 10 p.m. // 2612 W 8th St // Free // brewhahacolony.com

Annie at the Erie Playhouse

When it comes down to it, isn't this holiday all about tomorrow? Bet your bottom dollar, it is. To to those looking ahead to 2018, the Erie Playhouse has a special presentation of the musical Annie. The family friendly event will have refreshments, balloon animals, face painting, and a photo booth, complete with special gifts for theater-goers 12 and under.

Reception at 6:30pm, Show at 7:30 p.m. // 13 West 10th St. // $32.50 // (814) 454-2852 // erieplayhouse.org

A DELICIOUS DINNER

Brew Brothers Three-Course Dinner and Party

There's nothing more fun than getting dressed up, being served a delicious meal, and then taking advantage of the opportunity to dance the night away. If you're of this ilk, head to Presque Isle Downs first for dinner — at 4:30 or at 7:30 — before enjoying music from The Man's Room Band to get you through to midnight. Still partying? Pool together the last of your resources for the stretch run in the downstairs Mutuels room, where you can bet DJ Butch Knight will be spinning tunes until 2 a.m.

4:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. // 8199 Perry Hwy // 866-374-3386 // $80 to $95 // presqueisledowns.com

New Year's Eve at Peak 'n Peek

Hit the slopes to close out 2017 at Peak 'n Peek, and then enjoy a hearty New Year's Eve buffet to warm you up inside and out. When sated, swing over to the New Year's Eve party at Bistro 210 with tunes by DJ Henry (the festivities run from 9:30 until 1:30) and be sure to step outside for fireworks at 11 p.m. 

5 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. // 1405 Olde Road, Clymer, NY // (716) 355-4141 // $39, adults; $22, children // pknpk.com

HEAD TO THE BAR

Raise a glass at Scooters

There's nothing better than heading to a local bar for your favorite tipple, chatting with bartenders that know your name, and seeing plenty of familiar faces. And if you're new to Scooters, what better time to visit than on New Year's Eve? The venue will be serving up snacks, drink specials and a pork and sauerkraut dinner at midnight. Enjoy a champagne toast and party favors too. 

9 p.m. to 2 a.m. // 2802 Old French Rd  // (814) 452-4141 // Free // facebook.com/ScootersErie

Bourbon Barrel New Year's Bash

If you like your cocktails strong and your mechanical bull rides stronger, Bourbon Barrel could be your rodeo this New Year's Eve. The bartenders will be slinging their specialties and hopefully you'll be swinging some prizes — or at least last long enough to be swigging some champagne, compliments of the establishment. We don't recommend hopping on the bull with a full stomach, however. 

5 p.m. to 2 a.m. // 1213 State St // (814) 452-3000 // Free // facebook.com/BourbonBarrelErie

BYO 

Groove into the New Year

Dahhhling, don't forget your pearls and that bottle of bubbly before you head over to the Wingate to funk with The Groove at their New Year's Elegant Eve party. And yes, we're serious: bring your libations with you — this is a BYO event. And yes, on another formal note: Get dressed up because there will be a professional photographer capturing the soirée, so be ready to strike a pose in the photo booth, which will be on site. 

9 p.m. to 1 a.m. // 8281 Oliver Rd // ((814) 490-7093 // $50 // facebook.com/TheGrooveErie

LET THEM ENTERTAIN YOU

Brew Year's Eve 2018

Beer. Check. Great space. Check. Delightful music. Check. All systems are go for Brewerie's annual party. Head down to enjoy an open bar, hors d'oeuvres and great sounds from the Ruby Port Band, who provide the evening's soundtrack for the third consecutive year. Grab tickets quickly because they tend to sell out. 

9 p.m. to 1 a.m. // 123 W 14th St // ((814) 454-2200 // $50 // brewerie.com

Have a laugh with Greg Hahn

Giggle your way into the New Year at Jr's Last Laugh with comedian Greg Hahn, who has appeared on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Comedy Central, CBS and ABC, to name but a few. Great with the one-liners and possessing an insane amount of energy, Hahn will have you rolling out of your seat with laugher. And the evening doesn't stop there: Enjoy music from Superband after the 9 p.m. show as they take you through the night. 

6 p.m. or 9 p.m. // 1402 State St // (814) 461-0911 // $20 (early show) or $37.50 (late show) // jrslastlaugh.com

Chestnut Grove, Looms & The Wildeyes 

Like your music loud and energetic? Head over to the King's Rook Club for a blast of sound and some great jams from Chestnut Grove and Looms. Then, continue the party upstairs with local favorites The Wildeyes. Music lovers should know that this is the place to be on New Year's Eve. And when the late-night munchies hit, KRC Bistro will be serving up delectable fare until 2:30 a.m.

10 p.m. to 2 a.m. // 1921 Peach St // (814) 456-6439 // facebook.com/kingsrookclub

Piano tunes shaken and stirred

There may be nothing classier than sitting at the bar with a martini and listening to soft piano music in the background. If this sounds like your jam, pop over to Scotty's Martini Bar where Branislaus will be hitting the old ivories to carry you into 2018. If you really want to get in the mood, enjoy one of the fine cigars on offer, or just enjoy peering mysteriously through the smoke and imagine you're traveling back in time. 

6 p.m. to 1 a.m. // 301 German St // (814) 459-3800// Free //facebook.com/Scottys.Martini

A GOOD, OLD FASHIONED PARTY 

Avalon Hotel New Year's Eve Gala

Put on your dancing shoes and sweep into the Avalon Hotel to party the night away. The event features an open bar, tunes from Dynamic Sounds and a balloon drop at midnight. Snack on hors d'oeuvres and scream "Happy New Year!" with a champagne toast at midnight. 

8 p.m. // 16 West 10th Street // (814) 459 2220 // facebook.com/AvalonErie

New Year's Eve Bash at the Ambassador

Make sure you have a drink in your hand and dance along to tunes spun by DJ Matt Barnes at the Ambassador's celebration. Attendees can also enjoy hors d'oeuvres, a champagne toast and jump into the photo booth before the party ends. Want to stay the night? Ask about special room packages to wake up in someone else's bed — literally. 

9 p.m. to 1 a.m. // 7794 Peach St// (877) 866-3445 // $59 // facebook.com/ambassadorcenter

Toast 2018 at McCoy's Barrelhouse & Grill

Downtown Erie is the place to be on Dec 31 (and every other night of the year) and local favorite McCoy's is opening its doors to celebrate. Get there early to grab a good spot as the drinks will be flowing and the horns will be blowing. The venue is offering up the services of its best bartenders and providing free noisemakers, party favors and a champagne toast when the clock strikes 12. Watch the ball drop in Times Square from a warmer place with a drink in hand and friends all around. 

9 p.m. to 2 a.m. // 1013 State St // (814) 871-2940 // Free // facebook.com/mccoysbarrelhouse

Miriam Lamey can be reached at mlamey@eriereader.com