Milwaukee New Year's Guide Events: 2018

MILWAUKEE, WI — It’s never too early to start thinking about New Year’s Eve! Here’s your guide to fireworks, parties and other events happening in and near Milwaukee

Love it or hate it, New Year’s Eve is happening again this year. Whether you plan to ring in 2018 at your favorite restaurant, a buzzing party with your friends, or all cozied up in front of the TV, we’ve got you covered.

So pop the bubbly, come up with some resolutions you can actually stick to and get ready to celebrate the New Year. Check out town-by-town listings below of New Year’s celebrations and events for 2017 in and near Waukesha if you’re one to want to go out, plus a look at what television programming may make you want to stay in.

Family Friendly Events

New Year’s Eve Family Celebration at The Domes

More than 500 balloons will be dropping from the Annex ceiling at 9 p.m. The family-friendly event will feature a variety of entertainment, including a DJ dance party, magic by Rick Allen, music by the Garlic Mustard Pickers, and fire dancers.

David HB Drake will present Gather the Family, a program of storytelling and song that celebrates getting together with family to give thanks for each other and to take time to share a song.

Face painting, balloon sculpting, and children’s crafts will round out the event. The evening will come to a close with a light show in the Show Dome, followed by the balloon drop in the Annex.

Activities, party favors, giveaways, exploring The Domes, and viewing Naughty or Nice, the holiday floral show, are included in the special-event admission.

• Admission: For this special fundraising event, admission is $10 per person and free for children age 2 and under.

• Sunday, Dec. 31
• 6pm to 9pm
• Mitchell Park Conservatory
• 414-257-5600 | milwaukeedomes.org

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The Original Harlem Globetrotters

Ring in the new year with an afternoon and early-evening date with the Harlem Globetrotters Sunday, Dec. 31 at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Spectators will experience the Globetrotter's typical ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry and family-friendly entertainment.

Information: The Harlem Globetrotters play two games on December 31 at 1:00 and 6:00 p.m. Click here to buy tickets and learn more.

Night Life

New Year's Eve at Potawatomi Hotel and Casino

The Potawatomi Hotel and Casino has a full lineup of evening entertainment planned for music fans of all kinds starting in the early afternoon right into 2018 itself:

DJ Bobby D from Chicago, DJ Bobby Styles from Chicago, DJ King James & DJ Goose
8 p.m. The Event Center
Purchase Tickets »

Eddie Butts Band
1:15 and 11 p.m., Bingo Hall
Read More »

Marcell & Joe Richter
8 p.m., Bar 360
Read More »

The Clique & VJ/DJ Brian S. Redd
8 p.m., The Fire Pit’s side bar
Read More »

Ring in the New Year with a view at Blu at the Pfister Hotel. Enjoy music from The David Wake Sextet and imaginative cocktails infused with all-natural ingredients. For reservations, call 414-273-8222 x2450.

• 5 p.m. Sunday Dec 31, 2017
• BLU - The Pfister Hotel
• 424 East Wisconsin Ave
• Milwaukee, WI 53203

Alchemist Theatre Soviet Spy-themed Party
All-you-care-to-drink fun specialty cocktails, snacks and pizza throughout the night. This event features a secret, cold-war cocktail room.

• 9 p.m. Sunday Dec 31, 2017
• Alchemist Theatre
• 2569 S Kinnickinnic Avenue
• Milwaukee, WI 53207

Sparkling Wine Flight

Ring out the old and ring in the new year with a unique tasting flight of sparkling wines and Champagnes, paired with a selection of chocolate truffles. .

• 9:00 p.m. Sunday Dec 31, 2017
• Intercontinental Milwaukee
• 139 E Kilbourn Avenue
• Milwaukee, WI 53202

New Year’s Eve at the Monarch Lounge

Enjoy holiday beverages, complimentary party favors, a champagne toast at midnight and live entertainment by Phil Seed Trio.

• 4 p.m. Sunday Dec 31, 2017
• Hilton Milwaukee City Center
• 509 West Wisconsin Avenue
• Milwaukee, WI 53203

We’ll be adding new events to this post as they pop up, so be sure to check back as the big day nears!

If you want to stay in...

If your idea of the perfect New Year’s Eve is curling up on the couch with a hot toddy and watching the countdown in your pajamas, you’re in luck. These are the top two live TV specials people are already talking about. Here’s a peek so you can you can plan accordingly:

“New Year’s Eve Live” With Anderson Cooper And Andy Cohen
Where to catch it: CNN
Why you should watch: For the first time ever, Anderson Cooper will host CNN’s annual New Year’s Eve Live special with none other than “Watch What Happens Live” host Andy Cohen. As these two are best friends in real life, you can expect tons witty banter and hilarious moments from the pair. The Bravo mogul will replace Cooper’s former co-host Kathy Griffin, whom CNN fired after her controversial Donald Trump photoshoot.

“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve 2018” Hosted by Ryan Seacrest
Where to catch it: ABC
Why you should watch: Remember last year’s infamous Mariah Carey mic incident? Yes, it happened on Seacrest’s watch. So if that’s any indication, this could be a good one to tune-in to. And even if there aren’t any crazy celebrity snafus, you can count on crazy views of Time Square packed with people, as well as awesome musical performances.

Image via Shutterstock