Good riddance to this dumpster fire of a year.
There’s nothing worse than getting to the day before New Year’s Eve and realising you don’t have a single iota of how you’re going to bring in the New Year… and after the year we’ve all had, celebrations must be had.
For those that don’t really want to wind up drinking passion pop on somebody’s floor and eating chips out of the bag, we’ve compiled a list of NYE events around Geelong for when you just don’t have a clue.
The Inn Hotel
Who’s been missing hitting up The Inn’s events for some cheeky Vodka Redbulls and live beats and good times? We definitely have and thankfully the team are back with a vengeance and a slew of summer events – including a New Year’s Eve bash.
Providing the beats while we throw our middle fingers up to 2020 and welcome in a new (and hopefully better) year, the event kicks off at 3pm and will feature local muso’s, handcrafted cocktails and a NYE countdown like no other.
Better yet, this event is free so you can save your coin for things that matter, like cocktails. Limited bookings, walk-ins welcome from 3pm-late.
Check out the event here.
Sweet Checks Cocktail and Dessert Lounge
Lording it over the rest of the city, drink in hand, is truly one of life’s great pleasures, especially one New Year’s Eve.
Providing us all an escape from 2020 and the chance to indulge in the echelons of summer delight where a cool breeze and a chilled beverage provide the ultimate refreshment high above the steamy streets below, Sweet Cheeks Cocktail & Dessert Lounge are also hosting their own NYE do.
Coined ‘It’s a Jungle Out There’, the party will kick off at 7pm and spread across two floors with DJs, local acoustic musicians, CO2 Cannons, and of course, a whole lot of tasty cocktails.
Running with the theme, guests are encouraged to get in the spirit and do their best Tarzan or Jane, or even Gloria from Madagascar – it’s a jungle and this is the time to get those creative juices flowing. There will be spot prizes and door prizes for the best dressed.
After a wild year, this one seems very fitting.
Tickets start at $80 for general admin, which gets you roaming nibbles, a shot on arrival and a complimentary drink, or there’s some VIP packages if you really feel like treating yourself. You can purchase tickets here.
Sweet Cheeks/Bar Code is located at 71 Yarra Street, Geelong.
Murphys
If you like a chill NYE with acoustics and a great atmosphere, Murphys is a venue that will have something for everyone. Between the front bar, restaurant, vibrant rooftop bar and third level sky garden, there will be a spot to sip away the shitstorm that was 2020 and welcome 2021 surrounded by some of the best in the biz. Tunes will be provided by local duo Marty & Doc.
Murphys is located at 30 Aberdeen St, Geelong West. Check out the Facebook event here.
Wah Bah
While New Year’s Eve at the Bah won’t be an explosive as usual (thanks to the cancellation of the fireworks), the team have pivoted to deliver an even better offering for the festivities with their ultimate bottomless event – Bottomless Bao & Bubbles over the bay!
Located on Cunningham Pier, festivities kick-off 6:30pm featuring two hours of Bottomless Bao Buns & Sparkling Wine (white wine, red wine and tap beer options also available).
Once your two hours of bottomless fun is over, guests can stay for kick-on drinks at bar prices, ensuring all the good vibes as you do the countdown with some of your best pals.
Make sure to dress to impress, as this won’t be your average NYE. Whether you want to tear up the dancefloor for a few hours, or just want to feel better than the rest of the city while looking over the bay from the rooftop bar, this is the place to be December 31st.
Tickets are $99 per person with bookings available for groups of four or more. With limited tickets remaining, make sure to get your crew together and book before it’s sold out! You can book your tickets here.
Wah Bah is located at Cunningham Pier, 10 Western Beach Road, Geelong.
Geelong Hotel
Situated in the heart of Geelong’s CBD, The Geelong Hotel is your one-stop drinking spot for all things pulled, poured and shaken.
As one of the most vibin’ kids on the block, they’re hosting their own NYE event. Here, you’ll find three vibrant bars, fine food from 3pm, a slew of bartenders ready to make your dreams come true and resident DJs TVB, Mitch & Daniel who are keen AF to help you celebrate the New Year in style.
There are limited bookings available, and walk-ins welcome from 3pm-late.
The Geelong Hotel is located at 69 Yarra Street, Geelong.
Elephant & Castle Hotel
Boasting well over 100 years of history, The Elephant and Castle feels like a home away from home. It’s an iconic Geelong venue, and if you’re looking for a place to celebrate that feels like your local, then these guys have you covered.
Joining in on the NYE festivities, they’ll have Totally 80s and DJ Jim Danza providing the tunes and the good vibes from 7:30pm – it’s guaranteed you’ll be bringing in the new year with a huge pub singalong.
Tickets are $60 and include a free drink on arrival and gourmet finger food. The was limited tickets at time of writing so you might still be able to score one here.
Elephant & Castle is located at 158 McKillop Street, Geelong. Check out the Facebook event here.
The Sporting Globe
New Year’s Eve is officially upon us, and the legends at The Sporting Globe have given you another option if you’re looking to get out and about.
For around $155, the SP are running drinks packages from 8.30pm – 12.30am including all tap beer/cider, house wine, basic spirits and soft drinks and live music all night.
Four hours and a whole lot of drinks – you’re essentially saving money!
You can purchase tickets here.
The Sporting Globe is located at 175-177 Ryrie Street, Geelong. Check the event here.
Piano Bar at The Pier
After a massive sell-out event last year, Victoria’s favourite dedicated piano bar, Piano Bar Geelong, will take over The Pier once again, bringing along the unparalleled atmosphere that only a piano bar delivers.
Prepare to sing at the top of your lung to all those guilty pleasures and make friendships for life (or even just the night) with entertainment by Piano Bar’s local legend Andy Popjoy and Shandelle McGennisken, as well as Drag Queen Sensation Art Simone. With a few special guests sprinkled along the way, it will certainly be a night to remember!
Doors are at 7:30pm and the show set for 8pm, providing you hours to dance like nobody is watching, sing to all your favourite classics and soak up the stunning view of the Geelong City skyline as you bring in 2021 with a bang (minus the view of the fireworks this year).
Tickets are on sale now here for $80 and includes canapes, antipasto grazing platters. All patrons must be 18+ to attend.
The Pier Geelong is located at Cunningham Pier, 10 Western Foreshore Rd, Geelong. Suss the event details here.
Novotel Geelong
If you’re feeling fancy for New Year’s this year, then Novotel have you sorted with their New Year’s Eve on the Waterfront event.
For $125 a person, they’ll be running a three-course dinner in the Waterfront Restaurant overlooking the bay with a glass of premium sparkling wine on arrival, alongside live music playing throughout the night.
This one kicks off at 6pm and runs until after the countdown.
You can purchase tickets here.
Novotel is located at 10-14 Eastern Beach Rd, Geelong.
The Warf Shed
The newly renovated Warf Shed are also putting on a little shindig for NYE. Taking over the upstairs area of the venue, this event features an all-inclusive package including canapés, mini meals, platters, beer, wine and “Billy Brownless’ special punch”, alongside some sweet tunes from the Peoples Poets.
Festivities kick off at 7pm, and tickets are $175 per person. You can purchase tickets here.
Check out the Facebook event for further details.
The Warf Shed is located at 15 Eastern Beach Road, Geelong.
Sphinx Hotel
With an exterior you can’t miss, The Sphinx Hotel is like nothing else in the region and they’ll also be hosting their own NYE bash.
You’ll be blessed with entertainment from Mr. Meaner & POW! for the duration of the night with doors opening from 8pm. Tickets are $30 and this is a fully seated event.
You can suss more deets on Facebook and buy tickets here.
The Sphinx is located at 2 Thompson Rd, North Geelong.
Edge Geelong
Wanting somewhere convenient with ocean breezes, a super laidback vibe and a killer view for your New Year’s? How about somewhere that does all-day dining, live music and great Summer bevs sound?
Well, Edge Geelong have your whole New Years sorted from New Years Eve to your New Years Day recovery, all with free entry… What’s not to love about that?
Kicking off the fun from 12pm on NYE, there will be live acoustics for you to sway to while indulging in some tapas and summer cocktails, while the DJs will be spinning all your fave dance floor hits from 6pm as you make the most of their premium gin selection, well into the night.
You can book your spot here.
Piano Bar
Piano Bar fans will be all over this one!
The final Pitch, Please! For 2020 (the fabulous singing and dancing drag show) will be one helluva way to celebrate the end of the year with Mr Joss Russell on keys, performances by the fabulous Art Simone & Pashion Colture and a DJ from midnight.
Tickets for this one are $90, and that includes your entry from 7pm, entertainment while dancing the year away until 1am, and a delicious finger food spread from our friends at SteamPocket catering. Drinks are at bar prices.
You can book your spot here.
Piano Bar is located at 26 Malop St, Geelong.
The Pelican Bar
The Bellarine’s new outdoor COVIDSafe dining and live entertainment experience is also joining in on the celebration, giving locals an evening to remember in an idyllic location on the shores of Swan Bay.
For New Year’s Eve, they’ll be running two shows – one at 8pm to 10pm, and one from 10:30pm to 12:30am, catering to absolutely everybody with performances from Jesse Valach & The Testaments and Miss Goldie.
You’ll be able to dine in style under cover of a Marquee tent whilst enjoying a fine dining menu provided by The Q-Train, Australia’s premier and award winning rail restaurant, paired with local craft beers and cider from Prickly Moses and the Queenscliff Brewhouse, local wines from Scotchmans Hill Winery, and Queenscliff Distillery Gin and Tonic cocktails.
You can purchase tickets here.
Check out the event here.
The Torquay Hotel and Barwon Heads Hotel also are running events but these are sold out. You can join the waitlist via the individual sites.
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