Guide to Family-Friendly New Year's Eve Events
New Year's Eve in Sacramento has something for everyone—from spectacular fireworks that will make your whole family ooh and ah, to live music, or theater in the form of a musical or play, to the always entertaining go-to family activity of bowling. Here's where to go for family-friendly New Year's Eve activities this year.
Old Sacramento
Front Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
December 31st: 6 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Every year, Old Sacramento puts on a free fireworks show that lights up the sky above the Sacramento River. Typically, fireworks are set off twice, once to celebrate the East Coast New Year at 9 p.m. PST, and again to celebrate at midnight. In the past, there's also been dance performances, and live music including covers of Journey, Jimi Hendrix, as well as blues, rock, folk and jazz. The East Coast fireworks display is usually set to kid-friendly music, with the midnight showing geared for the older kids, teens and adults.
CBS Sacramento Insider's tip: This event draws a large crowd, so be sure to get there early to make time to park and stake out a good spot to watch the show.
Cosmopolitan Cabaret
Bingo: The Winning Musical
1000 K Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 557-1999
December 31st 2 p.m. & 6 p.m.
Cosmopolitan Cabaret's musical Bingo is an interactive experience that will have you and your family laughing just in time for the New Year. With singing, hilarity and the occasional winner, Bingo is sure to be a hit with your whole family. Buy tickets at the California Musical Theatre box office at the Wells Fargo Pavilion, 1419 H Street today or tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., or at the Cosmopolitan Cabaret box office, 1000 K Street (open two hours before show time). New Year's Eve performances are 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., with tickets starting at $38 for tiered seating and table seats, and $43 for premium first tier table seats.
Capital Stage
Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some)
2215 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 995-5464
December 31st 8 p.m.
What happens when you try to cram every holiday, Christmas and seasonal story, and every carol, pop and radio holiday song into one sitting? You get Capital Stage's Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some), an irreverent and madcap whirlwind of holiday festivities. Tickets for this show are $34 for adults, children and seniors (no children under six are admitted, so leave the babies at home). The box office is open today and Saturday from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Country Club Lanes
2600 Watt Avenue
Sacramento, CA
(916) 483-5105
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
If you're looking for an active way to ring in the New Year, look no further than Country Club Lanes, where you and your family can bowl the night away, as well as play laser tag, enjoy the arcade and billiards, and grab something to eat or drink in the café. New Year's Eve prices are $36 per hour per lane from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and $42 per hour per lane from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Prices are per hour, per lane and pro rated to the minute, and there's a maximum of eight people per lane. Shoe rentals are $1 per pair.
CBS Sacramento Insider's Tip: Socks are available upon request—so just ask, don't go commando!
Luigi's Fungarden
1050 20th Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 447-1255
December 31st approximately 8:30 p.m.
http://directory.sacramento.cbslocal.com/directory/listing/100/52827-Luigis-Slice
Luigi's Fungarden is an all-ages venue that combines two of the best things on earth—pizza and music. Last year, Luigi's put together a New Year's Eve bash featuring Lite Brite, Pets, Favors, Simple Jack and more. This year, bands are to be announced but guaranteed to provide you with lots of fun for your money. Plus, where else can you embarrass your kids with your retro dance moves?
CBS Sacramento Insider's tip: Luigi's pizza is good; so don't pass it up!
Juliet Farmer was born and raised in Sacramento, where she resides with her husband, two cats, and rescued greyhound. She is a freelance writer who regularly writes about food, pets, health and wellness, entertainment, and more.
