Tampa Bay New Year's Events: 2019 Guide

TAMPA BAY, FL -- The question isn't what to do for New Year's Eve. It's which to do.

Fireworks, champagne and confetti will be in abundance as Tampa Bay celebrates the arrival of 2019. Not sure how to ring in the New Year? Here are some suggestions:

New Year's Eve In Clearwater

In what's become a Clearwater tradition, a giant fireworks display will be shot off on Sand Key in Clearwater Beach at midnight. Fireworks will be shot off Sand Key for a midnight display that can be seen along all of Clearwater Beach.

For a $20 cover charge, you can watch the fireworks from Jimmy’s On The Edge’s rooftop bar, 505 S. Gulfview Blvd., from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. The cover charge includes a champagne toast and DJ music.

Or head on over to the Shephard's Beach Resort, 619 S. Gulfview Blvd., from 8 p.m. to 2 p.m. to watch the fireworks display. Tickets are $40 and include live music on the Tiki Stage with New Divide. There will be a balloon drop in the Wave Nightclub at midnight with a champagne toast and party favors.

Jimmy's Fish House on Clearwater Beach will offer live entertainment by the Life Of The Party Band with complimentary party hats, noise makers and a champagne toast. Secure your seat to ring in the New Year by purchasing advanced seating for the 10 p.m. feast of filet mignon and lobster for $99.95 per couple.

The Wyndham Grand at Clearwater Beach will open its door at 8 p.m. with live entertainment by the Black Honkeys. General admission includes two drink tickets, light appetizers, live music, party favors and a champagne toast for $65 per person or $20 for kids 5 and under. VIP tickets for $125 for those over 21 include Grand Glow Bar access, complimentary drink specials, VIP seating near the stage, appetizers, party favors and a champagne toast.

Or watch the fireworks from the rooftop deck of Cantina Tequila Bar and Grille. Reservations include chef entree specials, party favors, a champagne toast and DJ music starting at 9 p.m.

The Tropics Boat Tours will offer a three-hour fireworks cruise for $50. It includes access to the premium bar, a complimentary champagne toast at midnight and music. The cruise will board at 9:30 p.m. at 25 Causeway Blvd., Clearwater Beach. Click here for reservations.

Spend New Year's Eve aboard Starlite Majesty where you can watch fireworks displays and enjoy dinner, dancing, drinks and live entertainment throughout the four-hour cruise. Tickets are $149.99 to $199.95 and includes a choice of 10 entrees, house dessert, party favors, a champagne toast at midnight and a full premium bar. Boarding begin at 8 p.m. at 25 Causeway Blvd., Clearwater Beach. Click here for reservations.

Sunset Cinema at Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach will host a New Year's Eve movie, "Solo: A Star Wars Story." Bring blankets and watch the movie on the jumbo screen beginning at dusk. Click here for more information.

Celebrate At Circles

Circles restaurant at 1212 Apollo Beach Blvd., Apollo Beach, will host its annual New Year's fireworks display over the water at midnight. Residents can watch from the shore or gather on boats in the bay. There will also be a DJ and a food truck later in the evening. Click here for more information.

First Night St. Petertsburg

Downtown St. Petersburg will host its 26th First Night St. Petersburg, providing a family-oriented party that includes two fireworks shows at 8 p.m. and midnight in Straub Park at Beach Drive and Fifth Avenue Northeast. One of the largest family-friendly New Year’s Eve events in the state, the best viewing areas are along the downtown waterfront from Vinoy Park to Albert Whitted Park. Click here for the full schedule.

Ring In The New Year At Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens, 10165 N. McKinley Drive, Tampa, will be open until 1 a.m. and features live music throughout the park and thrill rides in the dark. There will be a parkwide countdown to midnight followed by a fireworks show in Gwazi Park. The event is included with park admission. Click here for information.

New Year's Eve At Armature Works

Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave., will host its first New Year’s Eve celebration and fireworks show. It’s a family-friendly, free event with viewing areas on the South and West Lawns along the Hillsborough River. There will be live music beginning at 8 p.m. and food and drink vendors in the Heights Public Market.

Armature Works will also host a “Noon Year’s Eve Party" for kids beginning at 11:30 a.m. with a magic show, a countdown to noon and a balloon drop. Click here for more information.

New Year's For Kids

Great Exploration museum in St. Petersburg will host a New Year's celebration for kids from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 31. Kids will learn about New Year’s traditions around the world and celebrate the New Year with a balloon drop and sparkling juice toast. Tickets are $15 for nonmembers. Children younger than 12 are admitted for free. Click here for more information.

Outback Bowl Parade

The Outback Bowl Parade kicks off at 5:30 p.m. along 7th Avenue in Ybor City. There will be dozens of floats and 15 marching bands, including bands from Iowa State and Mississippi State. The pep rally will also feature a battle of the bands and cheerleaders from both universities. The parade is free and family-friendly. Click here for information.

Sail New Year's Eve Block Party

The Sail, 333 S. Franklin St., next to the Tampa Convention Center, is hosting a free Block Partywith food trucks, DJ Andy Scott, champagne toast and party favors. American Social and Jackson’s Bistro are also planning a fireworks show over the Hillsborough River right in front of the party. Click here for more information.

Fireworks On Rocky Point

Pied Piper Productions will host a New Year's Eve party with its own fireworks display over the bay at the Godfrey Hotel, 7700 W. Courtney Campbell Causeway, Tampa. Mario Lopez will host the event for the second year. The cost is $29 to $59. Click here for information.

New Year's Pajama Party

Brew Bus Brewing, 4101 N. Florida Ave., in Seminole Heights. will host its third annual New Year's Eve Pajama Party.Attendees are invited to wear PJs and celebrate from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. with beer, champagne, snacks, entertainment and a countdown.

Masquerade Ball

Prost Kitchen, 2801 E. Bearss Ave., Tampa, will host the New Year's Eve Prost Masquerade Ball. Tickets for $25 include complimentary food and cocktails from 9 to 11 p.m., and a complimentary champagne tosts at midnight.

Boogie In The New Year

Red Star Rock Bar at 5210 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, is hosting a New Year's Eve Disco Inferno with entertainment by The Beatcave. Come dressed in your '70s groove thangs and enjoy drink specials and a champagne toast.

Party Like It's 1999

The Bricks Ybor, 1327 E. 7th Ave., Tampa, invites everyone to Party Like It's 1999 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. with no cover charge, jams from the late '90s and a free champagne toast at midnight.

007 Masquerade Ball

Aralyia Venue, Channelside, 375 S. 12th Street, Tampa, invites party-goers to dress as their favorite James Bond character for Goldeneye: The 007 Masquerade Ball. The black-tie event will feature a red-carpet welcome, an hors d'oeuvre buffet until 11 p.m., a live disc jockey and performance, a silent auction with celebrity-signed memorabilia, a champagne toast and a Shimmery Skyball Blast at midnight. Tickets start at $87/person or $157/couple.

Check back for more New Year's Eve events.

Image via First Night St. Petersburg

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