All right, 2015 is finally over, and unless your idea of a party is sitting at home watching the ball drop in New York and passing out at 10:15, then you’re probably looking for something to do. We’ve called and emailed and scoured the Internet and here are some alternatives for welcoming 2016:
Purgatory Torchlight Parade
Skiing today? Ski off the slopes at 2:30 and head to Purgy’s for live music by Liver Down the River. Then around dusk (6-ish), catch the torchlight parade coming down the mountain followed by fireworks. The festivities will continue until about 1 a.m.
New Year’s Celebration, Prohibition Style
The Pour House (725 Main Ave. Durango)
3 p.m. to 2 a.m.
$25 tickets online or $30 at the door.
Prohibition ended 83 years ago, but why not keep the party going and the drinks pouring in 2016? Head down to the Pour House (Derailed) for a trip back to the roaring era with balloon drop, party favors, a trip giveaway, music by Rob Wester’s one-man band and, of course, champagne.
New Year’s Show at the Balcony
Balcony Backstage (600 Main Ave., Durango)
If you’re planning to walk, pedal, skip or ski downtown for the quintessential bar hop, then swing by the Balcony Backstage around 9 p.m. to catch some live music by Space Wail. It’s only $5, and if you make it to midnight, there’s a complimentary toast.
Live music by Desert Thunder Band
Wild Horse Saloon (601 E. Second Ave., Durango)
Of course, some prefer to hit the dance floor, and if so, then grab a partner and two step it down to the Wild Horse Saloon for a show by the Desert Thunder Band starting at 8 p.m. until about 12:30 a.m. And if the do-si-do isn’t enough, there will also be party favors, free food and a free champagne toast at midnight. It’s $10 for anyone older than 21 and $20 for those 18 to 20. There are also table reservations available for $50 per four-top table (plus the entry cover). Email [email protected] to reserve a table.
New Year’s Eve with the High Rollers
Sky Ute Casino (Ignacio)
Hoping to test your luck in 2016? Head to the Sky Ute Casino for a prime rib buffet dinner from 6 to 8 p.m. followed by a performance by the High Rollers. Tickets are $30/person or $50/couple and can be bought at skyutecasino.com, by calling (888) 842-4180, at the Sky Ute Casino Gift Shop or at the door (if there are any left!). Must be 21 or older.
New Year’s Eve at the Lakehouse
The Lake House Bar & Grill (17460 County Road 501, Bayfield)
Grab your designated driver and head to the Lake House Bar & Grill by Vallecito. It will have a special New Year’s Eve menu, live music by Eric Keifer starting at 8 p.m., party favors and a champagne toast at midnight.
For reservations call 884-9150.
Bar Bingo
Billy Goat Saloon (39848 U.S. Hwy. 160, Gem Village)
Welcome 2016 by playing bar bingo at The Billy Goat Saloon. It will start at 7:30 p.m. and includes lots of prizes followed by a toast at midnight.
Dance to Ron Ivory at New Year’s Masquerade Ball
Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts (2313 Eagle Drive, Pagosa Springs)
Perhaps you’ve been wondering what to do with that formal gown or tuxedo in the back of your closet? The Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts is offering an opportunity to put on your finest formalwear for a masquerade ball (masks required). Starting at 7:30 p.m., there will be live Motown music by Ron Ivory and the One on One. The evening will include dinner, a celebration of the Times Square ball drop, a champagne toast at midnight and a midnight waltz. It’s $75 per person or $700 per table of 10. Call 731-SHOW for tickets.
The Assortments at Ska
Ska Brewing World HQ (225 Girard Street, Durango)
Catch some folky rock and R&B with The Assortments from 5-7 p.m. to go along with your Ska pints and food from The Container. SkaBrewing.com
Sara Knight
