By AARON TRAYLOR
Seems like only last year that most of the really good New Year’s Eve parties in Missoula worth attending were limited to just downtown Ryman Street and… well, that was pretty much it.
Now it seems that there are more options this year than ever before, with surrounding area businesses hoping to attract party goers to their side of town with lavish countdown events. And heck! Perfect timing if you ask us. It is, after all, the end of the world, right? Why not offer up one final shebang before this so-called Armageddon thing arrives!
So, if you are going to party on New Year’s one final time you might as well make it worth your while.
Here are, in our opinion (and in no particular order), the Top Five Best Missoula New Years Parties:
1. First Night Missoula
The Missoula Cultural Council is living up to its 20-year standard of excellence by beefing up the performances and activities on a much larger scale than ever before. This year’s festivities feature over 80 individual entertainment, poetry, dancing, and comedy acts, including the Ed Norton Big Band in the UC Ballroom and Hypnotist Mark King at the University Theater.
This family-friendly event takes place in various venues all over Missoula and just one admission button gets you in to all of them for one low price. Learn more about First Night Missoula.
2. Shane Clouse and Stomping Ground at The Broadway
94.9 KYSS FM is throwing its first New Year’s Eve party in over four years, and this one promises to deliver a great way to ring in 2012. The party starts at 9 p.m. If you want to win free tickets and a free room for the night then tune in to KYSS FM mornings and mid-days for a chance to score.
To learn more about this country-style New Year’s party, visit Shane Clouse Throws a Party.
3. The Mighty Flick at The Elbow Room
Have you seen the new Elbow Room yet? The new bar, grill, and events center is now open and is absolutely jaw-dropping. What was once a slightly used (okay, very used) double-wide trailer has transformed into a massive venue with so many capabilities and is now capable of offering up its largest New Year’s party in their 35+ year history.
Trust me when I say this place is going to be hoppin’! So many people have yet to set foot in this newly-opened establishment that they are sure to fulfill their curiosity on New Year’s night as the house band Flick takes to the stage around 9 p.m.
4. A Night on the Town: New Year’s Extravaganza at the Missoula Hilton
It’s a New York-themed New Year’s bash at one of the most lavish ballrooms in the city. Not just a unique party with a grand vision, but also a great cause as the Hilton assists in attempting to raise awareness and funds for the Partners In Home Care organization, a service dedicated to offering affordable health care with the highest quality.
Join the Don Lawrence Orchestra on the dance floor and enjoy the final minutes of 2011 knowing that you’ve helped benefit a great local cause.
For more information on the fundraiser, check out the KPAX website for details.
5. N.Y.E. Armageddon Masquerade Ball at The Elks.
Here’s one production company that knows how to capitalize on the moment with a timely party theme. RMF Entertainment is widely known for some of the most successful 18 and up dance parties and it seems that their events grow larger and larger each New Year.
This one promises to their biggest event of 2011 in Missoula as they encourage all attendees to don their masks for a night of mystery and high energy excitement. Join your host Money Mike and DJ Chunkiye along with special guest Northwest Noise out of Boston for a night of Hip-Hop, Elektro, and Dubstep.
Here’s a little more information on the N.Y.E. Armageddon Masquerade Ball.
These five Missoula New Year’s Eve events certainly seem like the places to be and be seen. And if you do indeed plan on dancing until the world ends, then hopefully we pointed you in the right direction so you can at least go out in style and with a bang.
Are there any other parties in Missoula worth mentioning that we may have not mentioned? If so, give us your shameless plug in the comment section below.
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To say he is America’s Tallest DJ wouldn’t be far from the truth when it comes to Aaron Traylor. He clocks in at a whopping 6 foot 10 inches and has been the premiere source of the Northwest’s born and raised talent for 20 years; he’s a radio disc jockey at ZooFM, turntable mix master, and a guy who has a hard time fitting into most clothing.