DOWNTOWN — Chicago's new outdoor New Year's Eve Party has a lot more than a ball drop.
Chi-Town Rising, an unprecedented riverfront festival promoted by Arena Partners with sponsors including NBC5, Corona and Hyatt Hotels, will feature everything from fireworks to live music and skating in Millennium Park.
Here's everything you need to know about Chi-Town Rising:
Where Is It?
The main event is a fireworks show and big star rising up the side of the riverfront Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Wacker Drive, but there will be activities throughout Downtown, including at Navy Pier and Millennium Park. Here's a map:
[Chi-Town Rising]
What's happening?
Here's a full timeline of events Dec. 31 courtesy of NBC5, which is sponsoring and broadcasting the event:
3 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Skating in Millennium Park as part of a "Kids Countdown Spectacular."
7 p.m. to 11 p.m.: Live music will be performed on the Countdown Stage within "Broadcast Boulevard" featuring Chicago artists and tunes from DJ Sye Young. iHeart Radio will also broadcast live from the Countdown Stage on KISS-FM. The Countdown Stage is on Upper Wacker Drive in front of the Hyatt Regency hotel.
7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.: Partygoers with special tickets can enjoy the Corona Extra Beach House, which also has a DJ, drinks, a warm view of the Countdown Stage and Rising Star, a buffet and a complimentary glass of Ruffino Prosecco at midnight.
8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.: Guests staying with the official Chi-Town Rising hotel partners can get exclusive access to "Broadcast Boulevard" on Wacker near Michigan, where they can experience the TV Audience Zone.
8 p.m. to 1 a.m.: Howells & Hood, 435 N. Michigan Ave., will host its own soirée with party packages ranging from $75 (standing room) to $2,750 (private room).
8:15 p.m. to 2 a.m.: Navy Pier will host its 4th annual Resolution Gala, with tickets ranging from $99 to $1,790.
Who's playing?
American Authors will take the stage at 11 p.m., and classic rock band Chicago will play at midnight. Other acts include:
• The NuBlu Band, 7 p.m.
• Carlito Olivero, 7:30 p.m.
• Kweku Collins, 8 p.m.
• Radio Free Honduras, 8:35 p.m.
• JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound, 9:15 p.m.
• The Heard, 9:55 p.m.
• The O'My's, 10:35 p.m.
I'm from out of town. Where can I stay?
The Hyatt Regency is at the center of the action and has party packages for guests, too. Our favorite is a private ballroom fête with open bar from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., champagne toast, party favors, food, and a 2 p.m. late checkout. The cost is $499 (including lodging), and tickets to the outdoor show are an extra $100.
I don't want to be outside in Chicago on New Year's Eve. Can I just watch on TV?
Yes, NBC5 and Telemundo Chicago will broadcast the event starting at 11 p.m.
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