Where To Celebrate New Year's Eve In Aurora

AURORA, IL — A new year is right around the corner, and as Aurora residents are gearing up with resolutions and goals for 2022, several downtown Aurora businesses are preparing for New Year's Eve festivities.

Several venues, restaurants and bars will host special celebrations — some include musical performances, while others include interesting tasting menus.

With COVID-19 on the rise thanks to the omicron variant, plans have the possibility to change, so guests are encouraged to call in advance or keep track of social media for last-minute updates.

The Venue, 21 S. Broadway

Chicago-based blues artist Joanna Connor will be bringing The Venue guests into the new year with a performance starting at 10 p.m. and a champagne toast at midnight.

The New Year's Eve event kicks off The Venue's monthly Burgers, Blues and Brews event. Concert-goers can grab grub from Gillerson's Grubbery Food Truck, order a drink and get ready for an evening of blues.

Doors will open at 8 p.m., and proof of vaccination is required for entry. Tickets — between $20-22 in advance — can be purchased here.

Ballydoyle Pub, 28 W. New York St.

If ringing in the new year with a breakfast buffet is a dream of yours, Ballydoyle's New Year's Eve party is ready to make that come true.

Naperville-based rock outfit This End Up will be performing on the last day of the year. The show starts at 9 p.m. and doors open at 7 p.m., but guests are encouraged to come early for cocktails and appetizers at the pub, which opens in the afternoon. Party favors, decorations, a champagne toast and a late-night breakfast buffet are included in the cost of a ticket.

Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets, which cost $25, can be purchased here.

The Riverfront Playhouse, 11 S. Water St.

For people who may already have evening plans for New Year's Eve or would prefer to spend a quiet night at home, The Riverfront Playhouse's afternoon event is fitting.

From 3 p.m. to about 6:30 p.m., The Playhouse will serve as the site of a small carnival sideshow of music, art and dance on New Year's Eve. Guests will be able to enjoy performances from Cora Vasseur, The Heels, The League of Erics and Magnolia Dance Troupe.

Several artists will be around displaying and selling their work, and Annie Hex will be doing tarot readings in the lobby.

Tickets cost $5 and can be purchased at the door, with proceeds going toward The Playhouse.

Aurora Tap House, 134 W. Downer Place

The Hurricane Project, a group of Chicago Blues musicians, will be ringing in the new year at Aurora Tap House. The concert starts at 8 p.m., and the $20 cover charge includes a champagne toast at midnight.

Two Brothers Roundhouse, 205 N. Broadway

Bid 2021 farewell with a night of craft beer, cocktails, food and dancing. Two Brothers Roundhouse is hosting a night of live music — courtesy DJ Jayrock — starting at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets, which cost $55 per person, include a welcome beer, dinner buffet and champagne toast. Tickets can be purchased here.

Tavern on Broadway, 24 N. Broadway

Want to ring in the new year with Good Morning Aurora? Tavern on Broadway is hosting a black- and white-themed party on New Year's Eve. Guests will "sing and be merry" throughout the night and can enjoy a complimentary champagne toast at midnight.

Stolp Island Social, 5 E. Galena Boulevard

Stolp Island Social, which recently reopened in Aurora, will be open for regular dinner service on New Year's Eve. Chef John Thurmond will be offering festive a la carte specials, including Florida stone crab claws and imported Japanese wagyu steak.

The kitchen will be open for bites until 11 p.m., and the bar will be open until midnight.

Know of an event happening on New Year's Eve that should be included in the round-up? Email emily.rosca@patch.com with details.