HYDE PARK — The neighborhood may feel like a ghost town on New Year’s Eve with the University of Chicago closed down and lots of businesses shuttered until students return, but there are still things to do.
On Saturday, there are events for kids around the neighborhood — and even some for the adults — but be ready to pay for your entertainment.
The 57th Street Books bookstore and the Blackstone Public Library are both hosting reading events for kids on New Year’s Eve and all for free.
Events kick off 10:30 a.m. at 57th Street Books, 1301 E. 57th St., with songs, rhymes and five story books for kids ages 6 and younger with Franny Billingsley.
“I might read a story about the Festival of Lights,” Billingsley said, adding that she was still picking out books.
If that’s not enough for your bookworm kids, the Blackstone library, 4904 S. Lake Park Ave., will ring in the New Year for kids with a countdown at noon.
The library will let kids toast to the New Year 12 hours early with sparkling grape juice, followed by crafts and games.
For adults, there is some higher-end entertainment in Hyde Park and close by.
The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave., is hosting a “Black Metropolis” themed party starting at 8 p.m. with DJs Rae Chardonnay and Lisa Decibel.
The party celebrates Bronzeville’s legacy with music from the neighborhood’s hey-day in the ‘30s with music like the jitterbug, its avant-garde period of Afro-futurism in the ‘60s and predicting a technology-drenched future — so dress appropriately.
Tickets are pricey at $100, but the night will be filled with complimentary hors d’oeuvres from the Promontory restaurant downstairs and an open bar, plus a complimentary champagne toast at midnight.
If the price tag is a bit too much, the Chosen Few DJs behind the annual house music picnic in July in Jackson Park, are hosting a New Year’s Eve party at 8 p.m. at Norman’s Bistro, 1001 E. 43rd St., and spilling over into the neighboring Room 43.
Tickets are $25 with DJs J Imani, Koko and DJ Doug playing music all night.
A free shuttle bus will be available from a parking lot at One Stop Food, 4301 S. Lake Park Ave.
The Harold Washington Cultural Center, 4701 S. Martin Luther King Drive, is hosting a night of music and gambling, with the winnings all going to benefit the center.
Hosea Sanders and Ji Suk Yi from ABC Channel 7 will host the televised party starting at 8 p.m. with music from the Chicago Blues All-Stars, poker, craps, black jack and a champagne toast at midnight.
The neighborhood’s newest club, Renaissance Bronzeville, 4641 S. Martin Luther King Drive, is also hosting a New Year’s Eve party.
Tickets are $20 for the event with free hors d’oeuvres and party favors that’s being billed as the kick-off event for the new club’s first full year in the neighborhood.
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