Once the holiday season comes to an end and the Christmas music is cut off, the winter starts to feel, well, dull and dreary. To ward off the chilly blues, we’ve found the five coolest end-of-year events to fill up that last week on your iCal. From New Year’s Eve shindigs to stunning art exhibitions, you’re going to have a hard time beating this roundup come next December.
Tradition’s New Year’s Eve Celebration
If you’re looking for a more low-key vibe on New Year’s Eve, then head over to Tradition for a boozy good time. The return of Mister Lews Win-Win Bar and Grand Sazerac Emporium means it’s going to be a night of lip-smacking, tiki cocktails and try-your-luck bar games. Our favorite? Every hour, you can roll the dice to try to score a free glass of punch. Once midnight strikes, grab some fortune cookies and crack open some cocktail winnings!
When: Monday, December 31, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Where: Tradition, 441 Jones Street (between O’Farrell and Ellis streets); 415-474-2284.
Cost: $10 at the door.
Wintersalt Festival
Think the summer months get all the festival fun? Not anymore! The Wintersalt festival is going down this weekend and features acts like Revolver and Diplo. This over-the-top, two-day concert can be heard within Fort Mason and features over 20 artists. Get your tickets without missing a beat!
When: Friday, December 28 and Saturday, December 29, 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Where: Fort Mason Festival Pavilion, Buchanan Street (at Marina Boulevard); 415-345-7500.
Cost: $45 to $160; buy tickets here!
Treasure Island Flea
For those that love shopping vintage finds but don’t want to brave the chilly winds, note that Treasure Island Flea has moved indoors. The island will still be loaded with over 100 vendors to shop the quirky knicks and knacks, and will also be hosting DIY workshops, and pouring glasses of tasty vino.
When: Saturday, December 29 to Sunday, December 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Treasure Island Flea, Avenue of the Palms, Treasure Island; 415-898-0245.
New Year’s Eve at Comstock Saloon
We already plan on drinking and feasting to our heart’s content this New Year’s, so why not benefit an awesome oyster company in the process? At one of our favorite spots, Comstock Saloon, we can score a half-dozen oysters for $10, with the profits going straight to the Drakes Bay Oyster Company's families. Comstock will also be churning out special courses like oyster clam chowder and Dungeness crab cocktails to complement the half shells.
When: Monday, December 31, noon to 2 a.m.
Where: Comstock Saloon, 155 Columbus Avenue (at Kearny Street); 415-617-0071.
Opal Dust Exhibition
Already dreaming of spring? Us, too. Which is why we’re over the moon for Johansson Projects’ latest exhibition Opal Dust, including a multitude of whimsical floral watercolors. The kaleidoscope-like pieces by Casey Watson include so many fine details, you have to see them in person to truly believe our eyes.
When: Now through Saturday, January 12, noon to 6 p.m.
Where: Johansson Project, 2300 Telegraph Avenue (at 23rd Street); 510-444-9140.
Photo: Via Facebook/Comstock Saloon