CHICAGO — Don't worry: There's still time to buy tickets to New Year's Eve events or schedule outings to ring in the new year.
Whether you're looking for a traditional evening of sipping champagne in a sparkly dress or doing something more unconventional, like showing off your WhirlyBall skills, we've got you covered.
DNAinfo Chicago rounded up a diverse selection of things to do on the last evening of 2014, spanning the city's neighborhoods.
Live music and hors d'oeuvres at the Irish American Heritage Center
The annual party kicks off at 7 p.m. at the center's Fifth Province Pub at 4626 N. Knox Ave. in Irving Park. It ends at 12:30 a.m.
There will be live entertainment by Kara and Gerry Eadie, hors d'oeuvres, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight.
Tickets cost $25 and can be purchased online, at the door, or by phone at 773-282-7035 ext. 10.
Dinner at avec
The Near West Side restaurant at 615 W. Randolph St. is offering a five-course tasting menu complete with wood oven-baked oysters, burrata with pomegranate and harissa-braised lamb.
In addition to Mediterranean fare, a wine or beer pairing with a champagne toast is available for an additional $40.
To make reservations, call the restaurant at 312-377-2002.
Show off your WhirlyBall skills
Who says New Year's Eve has to involve dinner or dancing? Gather some friends for WhirlyBall at a new complex that opened in Bucktown at 1825 W. Webster Ave. earlier this month.
While it usually closes at midnight, the complex will stay open until 1 New Year's morning. That means you can kick off the new year by scoring a game-winning goal.
The game involves sitting in bumper cars and using hand-held scoops to pass a whiffle ball. Players score by hitting a target.
Make a reservation by calling 773-486-7777. Parties of 10 should book an hour of playing time. Larger parties can play for an hour and sub players in or book more time so everyone can play. Walk-ins are subject to availability.
Check out experimental theater
Billed as the longest-running show in Chicago, "Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind," New Year's Eve edition, will be staged in Andersonville at the Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N. Ashland Ave.
Since 1988, the squad has attempted to put on 30 plays in 60 minutes.
A catered preshow reception begins at 9:30 p.m., which leaves an hour and a half before the performance begins. Expect a champagne or sparkling apple juice toast at midnight.
Tickets are $50. They can be bought online or by calling 773-878-4557.
"Brew Year's Eve" at Maria's Community Bar
To celebrate the new year, the Bridgeport bar at 960 W. 31st St. is offering $1 off its 18 draft beers as well as specialty cocktails.
Resident DJ Luis Aguilera will provide the entertainment.
Dress fancy for Bronzeville's Bow Tie Ball
The second annual Bow Tie Ball, held at the historic Parkway Ballroom, 4455 S. King Drive, is for those who want to get dressed up and dance the night away.
Chef Claude Ako will be preparing the food, while DJ I.N.C. and the Javon Watson Experience will provide the entertainment.
From 9 p.m. Wednesday to 2 a.m. Thursday, guests can take advantage of the open bar.
Tickets can be bought online for $75. Free secured parking is included. Eventgoers are eligible for Downtown hotel discounts at The Godfrey Hotel or Hotel Felix with proof of purchase.
Watch cult emo band American Football at the Bottom Lounge
Let's face it: There's no better time to see late '90s emo music live than a holiday dedicated to introspection.
The musicians behind American Football are reuniting for performances at the Bottom Lounge at 1375 W. Lake St. Tuesday and New Year's Eve, but the show on Tuesday is sold out.
Guitarist Mike Kinsella, who has gone on to play in Cap'n Jazz and Joan of Arc, drummer Steve Lamos and guitarist Steve Holmes make up American Football.
They only put out one full-length album in 1999 before disbanding, but they established a cult following.
Tickets can be bought online for $45. Concertgoers must be 21 years or older. Math rock band Pele and indie rock outfit S. Carey are also scheduled to perform.
Dance to house music, eat five-course meal at the Promontory in Hyde Park
Be sure to wear your dancing shoes to the Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Avenue West, in Hyde Park. They promise to ring in the new year with the "last and best house music party of 2014," according to their website.
Maurice "Ice" Culpepper will warm up the crowd and Farley Jackmaster Funk, who is considered the king of house music, will be spinning. V103's Joe Soto will be the emcee for the night, and Auntie Netta B will make a special appearance.
At midnight, expect a complimentary glass of champagne. VIP tickets include reserved seating and party favors.
There's also a dinner and show package, which includes a five-course tasting menu with dishes like Hoosier beef pot roast and seared scallop and lobster ravioli. Dinner starts at 6:30 p.m.
General admission tickets for the show can be bought online for $55. Seating is not guaranteed. Dinner and show tickets cost $120. The show begins at 9 p.m.; diners are seated at 6:30 p.m.
Pretend it's Halloween at the New Year's Eve Monsters Ball
Do you feel like New Year's Eve pales in comparison to Halloween? Then Stage 773's New Year's Eve Monsters Ball is the event for you.
Come dressed to the Lakeview theater venue at 1225 W. Belmont Ave. in spooky costumes for unlimited specialty drinks, appetizers and live entertainment. There will be spooky surprises all night long, according to the event description.
Plus, everyone gets a "cham-pain" toast to celebrate the new year.
Those who opt for the VIP package will not only get to sit in the VIP lounge, they'll also get free monster makeup, raffle tickets, photo booth pictures and top-shelf drinks made by a private bartender.
Regular tickets cost $70 and VIP tickets cost $100. They can be bought online.
Drink Three Floyds beer at Big Star in Wicker Park
Big Star, 1531 N. Damen Ave., is offering a real treat to fans of Indiana brewery Three Floyds on the last evening of 2014.
Draft beers from Three Floyds will be available all night, including favorites like Gumballhead and rare brews like Blot Out The Sun, Yum Yum and Space Station Middle Finger.
And instead of champagne, patrons will get a shot of whisky at midnight.
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