Los Angeles New Year’s Eve 2015 Fireworks & Top 5 Affordable Adult and Family-Friendly Events
By now you've realized that finding an inexpensive New Year's Eve party is just as unlikely as finding a discount on Disneyland tickets. Clubs with a $100 general admission fee. Family cruises charging $30 per person for nothing more than the privilege of stepping on the boat. Not to mention that parking lots and Uber drivers will be implementing peak rates.
Overpriced events make anyone with a budget second-guess going out to the point that another NYE with CNN's Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin seems imminent.
Not every celebration has to cost an arm and a leg. From block parties to bar crawls to family-friend firework shows, Los Angeles has its share of affordable year-end events, many of which aren't solely for adults. Here's a look at the city's top five NYE parties.
Grand Park's N.Y.E. L.A
With three live music stages, 30 food vendors, and 12 park acres to work with, downtown Los Angeles' celebration will be the go-to spot for families. The best part: it won't even cost you a dime.
Musical acts like Breaksetra and Mr .Little Jeans - not to mention KCRW DJ's Gareth Trinadad and Chris Douridas- will keep your feet moving through the countdown an up until the show wraps up around 12:30. A 3-D projection mapping video displayed across City Hall will cover two sides of the 22-story building.
Keep in mind that this is a dry event. Alcohol will not be sold or allowed in the park, though picnic baskets, blankets, and water bottles will be permitted. The celebration runs from 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. For more information head to Grandparkla.org.
Universal CityWalk
In honor of Universal Studios Hollywood's 50th anniversary, AMC CityWalk Theaters will host a NYE celebration that includes all-you-can-eat popcorn, a New Year's goodie bag, and a live countdown DJ party. The admission ticket - $25 per adult, $15 per child- also includes a complementary soft drink.
Unfortunately, there won't be fireworks or outdoor concerts this time around.
Night spots, including Saddle Ranch Chop House and Howl at the Moon, have more adult-themed entertainment, starting at just $25 per person.
Downtown Long Beach Street Party
Beginning at 5 p.m., downtown's waterfront amphitheater becomes a family-friendly extravaganza with musical acts, children's activities, and a 9 p.m. firework spectacular that coincides with the east coast's NYE celebration. This may not be in Los Angeles County, but it's worth the short drive.
The 21 and over crowd can find more than enough entertainment on Pine Street where three blocks between First and Fourth Streets will be blocked off. For a pre-sale discount price of $25, you can celebrate the ball-drop with KROQ artist Fitz and the Tantrums, along with other notable headliners.
Partygoers have from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. to celebrate the New Year. Head to Downtownlongbeach.org for more information.
Aristocats and Alley Cats New Year's Eve Bar Crawl
Imagine celebrating NYE along with countries around the world. Aristocats and Alley Cats' New Year's Eve Bar Crawl give you that chance, toasting every hour on the hour until 1 a.m. There is no cover charge and drink specials will be available all night long.
The 12-bar excursion begins with an ode to Sweden at 3 p.m. and concludes with a 1 a.m. Alaskan celebration at King Eddy Saloon. Those who can hold their liquor can count down at either Spring St. Bar, Sixth St. Tavern, or Library Bar, the latter two which will be popping champagne bottles.
Hollywood Block Party NYE 2015
Southern California's biggest party may be on the corner of Ivar and Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood Block Party NYE 2015 extends to four nightlife hotspots, all included in a $75 VIP admission that includes party favors, appetizers, and a five-hour open bar. That alone is worth price of admission.
The Attic, Hemingway's, The Cosmo, and Rose Room each offer a complimentary champagne toast as the clock strikes midnight, each club offering a mix of Hip Hop, Top 40's, and House music. Those that countdown elsewhere can join in the after party for a $29 general admission fee that grants access to each venue beginning at 12:30 a.m.