BROOKLYN — If you’re looking to avoid the crowd in Times Square this weekend and are scrambling for last-minute plans, ring in the New Year in Brooklyn.
Whether you’re looking for what 2017 holds with tarot card readings or want to count down to midnight with some fireworks, there are plenty of cost-friendly or free celebrations in your own backyard.
Bedford-Stuyvesant
► Happy New Years 2017: Kangols & Kuff Edition
Where: Lovers Rock, 419 Tompkins Ave., Bedford-Stuyvesant
When: 8 p.m. onward
Kangol hats are encouraged at this Lovers Rock celebration, where happy hour goes from 8 to 10 p.m. Admission is $10 before midnight and $20 afterward, with a Prosecco toast at midnight. Enjoy Appleton rum drink specials all night in the backyard heated tent.
Where: Therapy Wine Bar, 364 Lewis Ave., Bedford-Stuyvesant
When: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Get a bottle of sparkling rosé for $24 at Therapy Wine Bar, along with two hours of unlimited snacks.
Where: Bedford Hall, 1177 Bedford Ave., Bedford-Stuyvesant
When: 8 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Count down at Bedford Hall, where food specials will be on the menu and happy hour extends from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. The event is free of charge, or you can inquire about VIP packages with reserved seating, priority admission, hors d’oeuvres and specialty cocktails.
► Bed-Vyne’s New Year's Eve Celebration
Where: Bed-Vyne Brew Bar, 370 Tompkins Ave., Bedford-Stuyvesant
When: 9 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Three DJs help you ring in the new year at this free event. Enjoy a champagne toast as the clock strikes midnight.
Where: Brooklyn Wine Yard, 1114 Fulton St., Bedford-Stuyvesant
When: 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Welcome 2017 at Brooklyn Wine Yard, which is offering a free viewing of the New Year’s Eve countdown and a midnight champagne toast. Two DJs will be on site so you can dance the night away, and party-goers must RSVP online beforehand.
Boerum Hill
► Truth Is Marching In: New Year's Celebration
Where: Issue Project Room, 22 Boerum Pl., Boerum Hill
When: 10 p.m.
Guitarist Marc Riot returns to ISSUE project room with drummer Chad Taylor and bassist Henry Grimes for a night of improvisation and experimental jazz. The trio will ring in the new year with a special rendition of Albert Ayler’s “Bells” at midnight. Tickets are $30.
Bushwick
► Tarot Readings for the New Year
Where: Tarot Society, 2 Charles Place, Bushwick
When: 2 p.m. to midnight
Catch a glimpse of what the new year will bring you with tarot reading and astrology forecasts at Bushwick’s Tarot Society. Readings start at $30.
Clinton Hill
Where: Mekelburg’s, 293 Grand Ave., Clinton Hill
When: 6 to 9 p.m., and 10 p.m. to midnight
Eat away all your feelings about 2016 over a New Year’s feast at specialty food shop Mekelburg’s. A $45 ticket gets you the whole hog, two sides and dessert. And those who preorder their tickets will get a free tall boy with their meal. The tickets are good for one of two time slots, between 6 and 9 p.m., and 10 p.m. and midnight.
Columbia Waterfront District
Where: Jalopy Theatre, 315 Columbia St., Red Hook
When: 8 p.m.
Say goodbye to 2016 with a benefit concert featuring music from Dr. Medicine, Holy Smokes, Pinkey Promise and Victory Walk. All proceeds will go toward the LGBTQ+ community and The Brooklyn Community Pride Center. Tickets are $10.
Coney Island
► Coney Island New Year’s Eve Celebration
Where: Surf and Stillwell avenues
When: 9 p.m. to midnight
Have a Coney Island-style New Year with fireworks, live music, games and free rides on the carousel, the Wonder Wheel and the Thunderbolt, if the weather allows. Free ice skating will stay open until 10 p.m. and the New York Aquarium will be open until 9 p.m. There will be drinks and food from local vendors.
Crown Heights
► No Cover Party at Branch Ofc.
Where: Branch Ofc. bar, 225 Rogers Ave., Crown Heights
When: 10 p.m.
Stay local and enjoy a low-key bar party at Branch Ofc. on Rogers Avenue in Crown Heights. Reservations for parties of five or more get a free bottle of bubbly!
Greenpoint
► Afternoon Movies on New Year’s Eve
Where: The Shanty, 79 Richardson St., Greenpoint
When: 2, 4 and 6 p.m. screenings
Watch classic flicks while slurping down $5 Manhattans and martinis, gearing up for the big night. “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” starts at 2 p.m., followed by a screening of “Coming to America,” and then “Saturday Night Fever” at 6 p.m.
Prospect Heights
► “Future is Female” NYE Party
Where: Ode to Babel, 772 Dean St., Prospect Heights
When: 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Come to an all-night dance party celebrating women at the intimate Prospect Heights event space Ode to Babel. There is a $20 cover and an RSVP is recommended.
Where: Long Meadow and Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Park
When: Music and event begins at 10 p.m., fireworks at midnight
Join the Brooklyn Borough President, the Prospect Park Alliance and multiple musical acts for this 2017 kick-off event at Grand Army Plaza. Or, bundle up and come on down for the free fireworks display at midnight. Any spot in the Long Meadow or nearby will have a good view.
Williamsburg
Where: Radegast Hall and Biergarten, 113 N. 3rd St., Williamsburg
When: 3 to 6 p.m.
Launch New Year’s Eve early with live funk music from 3 to 6, while you shovel down beer and bratwurst.
Where: Brooklyn side of Williamsburg Bridge, Williamsburg
When: 9:45 p.m.
Join the annual Time’s Up New Year’s Eve bike ride, culminating in a party at Belvedere Castle in Central Park. Meet up with fellow riders in Brooklyn to enjoy a tour over the East River and into the city. The event is free and open to the public; there are also feeder rides to the party from locations in Manhattan.
These listings were compiled by DNAinfo's Brooklyn reporters Camille Bautista, Gwynne Hogan, Rachel Holliday Smith and Alexandra Leon.
