LAKEVIEW — Looking to kick off the new year in the neighborhood?
Whether you like a good scare or a good laugh, Lakeview has an option for you. And don't worry, a good drink accompanies nearly all of them. Just remember to buy in advance; some of these events sell out quickly.
For the artsy: Bottle & Bottega, 2900 Lincoln Ave., $55
This art party space will host their usual BYOB painting class. The special addition on New Year's Eve? A buffet from Fiesta Mexicana before the painting and dancing afterward.
For the pro-gay marriage: Sidetrack the Video Bar, 3349 N. Halsted St., $25
Proceeds from the tickets at this landmark Boystown bar will be donated to the Equality Illinois, a pro-gay marriage political action group. Illinois marriage equality bill is expected to go to a vote in the new year.
For the film buff: Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave., $23
The indie theater will be screening The Poseidon Adventure, a 1972 Gene Hackman film about a cruise ship overturning on New Year's. People dress up to see it, and New Year's in the film happens at the same time as New Year's in real life — commemorated with a glass of champagne, of course.
For the people who miss Halloween: Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., $70
The theater will transform for a New Year Eve's Monster Ball, with unlimited drinks, appetizers, cover band Uncomfortably Large, a haunted house and — beware!— "spooky surprises all night long," the event page says. Oh, and in case you miss Halloween, you can dress up for this dance party.
For the laughs, kids or adults: Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway Ave., $25 or $35 general admission; Comedy Sportz, 929 W. Belmont Ave., $25 for early show or $32 for late show
Both Laugh Factory and Comedy Sports are having early and late shows. Comedy Sportz' kid friendly early shows start at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. and end with a toast of cider. The later show at this improv theater starts at 10 p.m. and ends with dancing.
Laugh Factory, whose headliners have not yet been released, will be having a show at 8 p.m. ($25) and 10:30 p.m. ($35). Both ticket prices include a Laugh Factory gift certificate, and the night one includes party favors and a champagne toast.
But if you're really just looking for a solid drink deal: Most Wrigleyville bars have tickets for sale at a set price that includes unlimited drinks and food, including The Irish Oak, Moe's Cantina, John Barleycorn, Red Ivy, and Sluggers Wrigleyville. Check your favorite bar to see if they have a special you can take advantage of. Be fast — as the date gets closer, bars tend to sell out of these tickets.
