Ring In 2022 At These Bradenton New Year's Eve Parties, Events

BRADENTON, FL — Where do you plan to ring in 2022? From extravagant galas to live music to cozy cocktail parties, there’s something for everyone in Manatee County this New Year’s Eve.

Amid a surge in COVID-19 infections due to the fast-spreading omicron variant, some celebrations may be going virtual again even as 205 million Americans are fully vaccinated and more than 67 million have received booster doses — something health officials say is critical to protect yourself and others around you from the virus.

Still, there are likely to be more in-person celebrations this year, and if you’re among those hoping to get out this New Year’s Eve, here’s a sampling of events happening right here in the Bradenton area:

New Year’s Eve Ball Drop

Old Main Street, Downtown Bradenton

Catch the ball drop at midnight on Old Main Street, according to the city of Bradenton website. The event will feature food and live music, which starts at 6 p.m.

Noon Year’s Eve

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th Street West, Bradenton

This family-friendly event rings in the new year at noon, when the kids are actually awake, rather than midnight. Design egg shakers, party hats and write resolutions for 2022. Museum admission is half-price, as the museum will be closing at 1 p.m. Entry to DinoVenture is free with museum admission on New Year’s Eve.

Comedy and live music at Motorworks Brewing

1014 9th Street West, Bradenton

Johnny B, a radio host with 102.5 the Bone, will headline a New Year’s Eve comedy show — Johnny B presents NYE Comedy Bash — which runs from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Tickets are $20 each. Those attending must be 21 and older, and there’s a two-drink minimum.

The Nasuree Van Gelder Band and Twinkle will also perform live in the beer garden from 7 p.m. to midnight. There are no tickets for this event.

New Year Celebration at Pier 22

1200 1st Ave. W., Bradenton

Enjoy an elegant VIP dinner in the Pier 22 ballroom on New Year’s Eve. The evening includes an all-you-can-eat buffet, open bar and music from Gypsy Jazz. After dinner, make a midnight toast overlooking the Manatee River. Tickets are $150 per person. Check-in starts at 6:30 p.m.

New Year’s Hootenanny

Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen, 1114 12th Street West, Bradenton

Folk/bluegress/Americana band Passerine takes the stage at this Village of the Arts restaurant for New Year’s Eve. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the day of the show.

New Year’s Eve Dinner and Concert at The Family Church at Christian Retreat

1200 Glory Way Blvd., Bradenton

This family-friendly celebration features performances by the Brock Family and Elihana Elia. Dinner is at 7 p.m. in the Majesty Room followed by the concert at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person and must be purchased in advance.

New Year’s Eve Family Friendly Skate

Astro Skate, 3611 3rd Street West, Bradenton

This family-friendly, roller-skating, New Year’s Eve event runs from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Cost is $10 per person plus rental fees. Parents skate free. The evening includes a jam skate contest, a dance party, noise makers and a midnight toast.

New Year’s Eve Beach Bash

Whiskey Joe’s Manatee River, 5313 19th Street East, Ellenton

This free event features live classic rock music by J2 from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. A la carte food and drinks are available, and a champagne toast will take place at midnight. Reserve palapas and firepits for a fee. The event kicks off at 8 p.m.

Despite this year’s planned festivities, many Bradenton residents may opt to stay home as the state experiences a surge in daily coronavirus cases thanks to the fast-spreading omicron variant.

Just shy of 47,000 new cases were reported in Florida Wednesday, breaking the state's record for the number of cases reported in a single day, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to data from the Florida Department of Health, the state saw a new case positivity rate of 13.8 percent and 125,201 new coronavirus cases from Dec. 17-23.

Still, if you’re vaccinated and take the necessary precautions, you should be able to gather this New Year’s Eve safely.

To stay safe this holiday season, including New Year's Eve, the CDC recommends that those who are eligible get vaccinated against coronavirus.

Those who aren't vaccinated should wear well-fitting masks that cover your nose and mouth when indoors. And for people in a community with a high transmission rate, the agency recommends those who are vaccinated wear a mask indoors, as well.

Additionally, New Year's Eve revelers should opt for outdoor gatherings, if possible, and avoid crowded and poorly ventilated spaces.

The CDC also suggests that those who are sick should stay home to prevent the spread of the virus.

Know of another New Year’s Eve celebration that should make this list? Email Tiffany.Razzano@Patch.com.