UPDATED: Pegasus News Dallas-Fort Worth New Year’s 2009 Party Guide

by Mike Orren

It's the annual night of enforced partying, one that I generally spend at home. (Too many amateurs out on the road.) But I'm in the minority, as this is the one night of the year that everybody wants to get out and shake off the old year. And with the tough economic times, things may be a smidge more austere, but the need for release is even greater.

In what's become a holiday tradition here at Pegasus News, we have the most comprehensive list of Dallas / Fort Worth area New Year's Eve-ents, more than 200 strong. And while the size of that list means you're certain to find something to your taste or in your neighborhood (see map in the comments below), it can be a little daunting. So, here we separate the wheat from the chaff; the happy from the humdrum and the expensive from the economical.

Early-bird special: "Nell's New Years" charity ball is (was) on December 27th.

Know before you go: On the 28th, Cork has a Champagne and Sparkling Wine Tasting so you can know your Cristal from your Cristalino.

Sign of the times: Dick's "Broke Bash" sums up the economic mood. In past years we used to get press releases from hotels and restaurants who seemed to be in an arms race to offer the most expensive experience. This year, not so much -- my informal survey of pricy places suggests that tabs are down around 25% this year.

Whither the themes?: Seems like past years have been rife with theme parties. A couple years back, James Bond was all the rage, but Quantum of Solace isn't going over as well. This year, everybody seems to be going back to basics, save for a New York, New York theme at Blackfinn and a Venetian Masque at Zaza.

Dinners: There are numerous NYE dinners -- mostly with reservations recommended. In general, know that you're looking at a prix fixe meal and reservations are recommended. (That said, given the state of the economy, I think a lot of restaurants will have room for last-minute reservations.) Standouts include a Turkish-Style dinner at Shish and upscale Mexican at bargain prices from Lanny's in Fort Worth.

Join the masses: The Big D NYE at Victory Plaza is our local answer to Times Square, if'n you can see Gordon Keith as Ryan Sechrest; Dale Hansen as Dick Clark; and a bunch of fireworks as the falling ball. Has to be more enjoyable in person than it is on TV.

Lose the kids: Celebration Station in Mesquite has an all-night lock-in with unlimited pizza, go-carts and games. At $30, that's cheap babysitting.

Dust off the Tux: If the gala scene is your thing, the North Texas Asian American Cultural Association, the American Cancer Society, Contemporary Theatre of Dallas and the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration have you covered.

Have yourself a misanthropic little New Year: "SEBASTIAN'S facial expressions and complete disgust with human behavior has given him the reputation as one of the most sought after comedians working today."

Being there, virtually: The New Year's Nation party at the Old Red Courthouse would seem a run-of-the-mill celebration, if not for its marketing hook of being part of a cross-country network of parties that allow you to see other partiers in each time zone ring in the New Year. And Travis Barker and DJ AM being piped in from LA for part of the night. (Live DJs and bands will be in effect too.)

Music: There are always a few events where the music is the centerpiece, hidden amongst the sea of cover bands and DJ's. (Nothing against covers and DJ's-- they're probably a better fit for NYE, which is what makes the concerts notable.) This year, highlights include:

• Toadies / Lions / Boom Boom Box / Tendril
• Cas Haley & Woodbelly / Scott McCurry Band / Escort Service / The Far Star
• Jonathan Tyler & Northern Lights / Odis / Josh Weathers Band
• Cross Canadian Ragweed / Wade Bowen / Micky & the Motorcars
• Smokin’ Joe Kubek and Bnois King
• The Drams / The King Bucks
• Reckless Kelly
• Black Tie Dynasty / The Mile High Club
• The Backsliders
• Asleep at the Wheel

Best value:: I was going to make fun of the Blue Collar Bar for its decidedly white collar-sounding ticket price of $75-90. BUT, that includes an open bar; a cab voucher; and, according to promoter Best Damn Parties, "life changing moments." A close second is the NyLo Hotel in Plano with its Black & White New Year’s Celebration: a $275-per-couple package that includes a buffet dinner, open bar, hotel room and breakfast buffet.

Free or cheap (Save of course for hooch, but you knew that, right?): We've got a pretty large list of free or under $10 parties, which you can pretty generally translate as "the bar is open as usual, maybe with a little decoration." There are, however, a few standouts: For instance, the all-ages Mod dance party put on by The Smoke at the Sons of Hermann includes black-eyed peas, cornbread, and all the trimmings for only $5.

Second opinion: See what content partner Gay List Daily picked.

For those who have to work the party: The lot of New Year's service industry workers is to bust their backs while everyone else has a good time. On January 1, Sullivan's is throwing a special party just for barkeeps, waiters, cooks and everyone else who ensures your good time. Be sure to tip generously so they can attend.

The morning after: If you're not up for the New Year's Parade, there are lots of brunches available to kill that hangover.

If there are any NYE events we missed in our larger database, or you have any particular faves we didn't highlight here, please let us know in the comments. And be safe out there. We want you back with us all next year.

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