Whether you’re celebrating the end of the old year or the beginning of the new, tonight’s the night when many folks get out and party.
Here’s a sample of North Olympic Peninsula celebrations, most with music, some with other activities.
First Night
PORT TOWNSEND — First Night, an alcohol-free New Year’s Eve community celebration, takes place inside of two blocks around historic City Hall, 540 Water St., from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. today.
The event, organized by the historical society and sponsored by First Federal, celebrates art, culture and heritage.
Children’s activities will include stories presented by the Key City Public Theatre, hosted by the Port Townsend Athletic Club; art projects by Jefferson Community School; and “The Best of PT Shorts,” by the Key City Playhouse.
At historic City Hall, the Old Crusty Minstrel and PT Songlines Chorus will be featured in the City Council Chambers; photos will be taken in the Hildt Room; jazz and folk musicians will perform in the Fire Hall; a hands-on “history hunt” and Native American history project will take place in the courtroom; and the Port Townsend High School Interact Club will conduct children’s games in old jail cells below the oldest City Hall in the state.
Face painting and live music will be featured next door at Elevated Ice Cream, 627 and 631 Water St., while square dancing, line dancing, round dancing and folk dancing will be held at the Pope Marine Building, 100 Madison St.
The Boiler Room, 711 Water St., also will feature live music.
An illuminated anchor, created by sculptor Thaddeus Jurczynski, and fireworks, provided by David Chuljian, Port Townsend dentist and licensed pyrotechnics operator, will be featured at 9 p.m. timed with New York City’s Times Square ball drop.
Admission to all events is by donation, with proceeds benefitting historical society programs.
First Night passes and raffle tickets will be available in the new City Hall lobby, 250 Madison St.
Raffle prizes, donated by local merchants, will be distributed following the fireworks display.
For more information, click on www.jchsmuseum.org.
Sequim celebration
SEQUIM — A New Year’s Eve party will be held at the SunLand Golf and Country Club, 109 Hilltop Drive, at 7 p.m. today.
The new year will be celebrated along with New York City at 9 p.m.
Cost to attend is $50 a person, which includes a prime rib or salmon dinner, a bottle of champagne, dessert and party favors.
Lynn Peterson and The Phatt Kattz will provide live music.
To make reservations, or for more information, phone Brad Littlefield at 360-681-8595.
VFW celebrates
SEQUIM — Final Approach will be performing tonight, beginning at 8 p.m. in the VFW Hall, 169 E. Washington Ave., Sequim.
The party will premier Amanda Lynn Bacon.
New York in PT
PORT TOWNSEND — “A Broadway New Year’s Eve” will regale the audience with Broadway tunes performed by local musicians at the Dundee Hill Center today.
The cost of the evening, which will be from 9 p.m. until midnight, is $36 per person at the center at the corner of Hancock and 32nd streets in Port Townsend.
Audience members are invited to come in costume, dress up or dress down.
The show will include five small plates of food served to each audience member throughout the evening.
Tickets must be purchased in advance by phoning 360-385-9567 or e-mailing audjean@gmail.com.
Nordland party
NORDLAND — Live music, food and non-alcoholic beverages will be served at the Marrowstone Island Community Association’s New Year’s Eve party today.
The party will be from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at the Nordland Garden Club on Garden Club Road.
Residents and guests are invited.
Barry and Friends will perform.
A limited number of tickets will be sold for $10 at the door.
For more information, phone Sally Dern at 360-385-7458.
Top 40 band
PORT ANGELES — The Big Fine Daddies will perform at Castaways Restaurant and Night Club, 1213 Marine Drive, tonight.
The 1970s-’90s top 40 band will play from 9 p.m. to 1 .am.
Party favors, appetizers and a champagne toast at midnight are planned.
Reservations are suggested. The evening costs $10.
Deadwood Revival
PORT ANGELES — The Junction Roadhouse will feature Deadwood Revival from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. tonight.
The $10 cover charge will include party favors, appetizers and a champagne toast.
A New Year’s Eve shuttle from Port Angeles homes to the Junction and back will be provided by Willie’s All Points Charters and Tours. Phone 360-565-1139, ext. 2, to schedule ahead, or 360-775-9128 on New Year’s Eve.
Tickets are limited and can be purchased at Port Book and News bookstore, 104 E. First St., or reserved at 360-460-1236.
Jimmy Hoffman Band
SEQUIM — A four-course meal and country rock is planned at the Oasis Sports Bar and Grill, 301 E. Washington St., from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. tonight.
The Jimmy Hoffman Band will perform, at 9 p.m., with a $15 cover charge.
Dinner, $55 per person or $100 per couple, will begin at 6 p.m.
A shuttle service has been arranged with All Points Charters and Tours. Phone 360-565-1139, ext. 1, to make a prior reservation for pick up in the Sequim area.
Phone 360-460-7131 during the New Year’s Eve evening for pick up and return.
Phone 360-587-3143 for reservations at the Oasis.
7 Cedars
BLYN — Three bands will ring in the new year at 7 Cedars.
From 8:30 p.m. to midnight, the Stardust Big Band will perform in the events center.
In the Club Seven lounge, Blind Floyd will play from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., while The Goods, will perform from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
For more information, phone 7 Cedars, 270756 U.S. Highway 101, at 360-683-7777.
Upstage
PORT TOWNSEND — Polly O’Keary and the Rhythm Method will play at the Upstage, 923 Washington St., beginning at 8 p.m.tonight.
For more information, phone 360-385-2216.
