It’s nearly time to say goodbye to 2022 and welcome 2023. Here are a half-dozen ways to have fun doing that.
Des Plaines
I Am King: the Michael Jackson Experience, 8 p.m. Dec. 31 at Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner St. Tickets: $49. 224-354-2333; desplainestheatre.com.
The gala New Year’s Eve celebration features the top nationally-touring Michael Jackson tribute band starring Michael Firestone, who captures the look, vocals, and dance moves of the late icon. The group performs at 9 p.m., preceded at 8 p.m. and followed at 11 p.m. by Chicago’s Own Piano Man Band, which pays tribute to Billy Joel and Elton John.
The dance floor will be open and there will be three cash bars plus food available for sale. There will be a balloon drop at midnight and entertainment until 12:30 p.m.
Evanston
“Vic & Paul & Dana’s Post-Pandemic Revue”: 8 p.m. Dec. 31 (also Dec. 29-30, Jan. 4-5, and Jan. 7, 2023) at Studio5, 1938 Dempster St. Tickets: $45-$60 New Year’s Eve. ($35-$45 other performances.) 847-328-6683; tickettailor.com/events/studio5performingartscenter/790733/.
Practical Theatre Company’s hit holiday sketch comedy show returns to Studio5 with its cast of writer-performers: Victoria Zielinski, Dana Olsen, and Paul Barrosse, a co-founder of the company in 1979 in Chicago. Music will be provided by Steve Rashid, co-artistic director of studio5, Ronny Crawford (drums), Jim Cox (bass), and Don Stiernberg (guitar).
Comedy sketches and original songs will tackle such topics as marriage, cancel culture, conspiracy theories, Greek gods, William Shakespeare, whoopee cushions, and more. Alcoholic beverages will be sold.
Niles
“New Year’s Eve Skate”: noon-2 p.m. Dec. 31 at IceLand Skate, 8435 Ballard Rd. Tickets: $12; $5 for skate rental. 847-297-8010; niles-parks.org/calendar-list/event/82-new-year-s-eve-skate.
No registration is required for this early New Year’s Eve event for all ages. There will be music, hats, noisemakers and games for children, as well as a countdown to “midnight.” The line will open at 11:30 a.m.
Northbrook
Pinstripes: 8 p.m. Dec. 31, 1150 Willow Road. Tickets: regular menu prices. 847-480-2323; pinstripes.com/northbrook/event/new-years-eve
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.The full dinner menu will be available at regular prices, including such popular items as lobster mac & cheese, and cast iron ribeye steak. There will be complimentary Champagne for adults and sparkling juice for children, as well as party favors for everyone.
Live music starts at 8 p.m. and continues into the New Year. There will be balloon drops at 8 p.m. and at midnight. Bowling and Bocce will be available at the regular prices.
Park Ridge
“New Year’s Eve in a Box”: pickup 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 29 at Maine Park Leisure Center, 2701 W. Sibley St. Tickets: $28 residents; $38 nonresidents. 847-692-5127; prparks.org/Events/List/new-years-eve-in-a-box-3.
If you are still uncomfortable going out in a crowd, or just want to spend New Year’s Eve at home with your family, the Park Ridge Park District has the answer. Their “New Year’s Eve in a Box” contains five party hats, noisemakers, horns, party poppers, beads, a bottle of sparkling grape juice, five Champagne glasses, a family craft, supplies for a family science experiment, balloons, and a family game. Supplies are limited, so register as soon as possible.
Skokie
“New Year’s Eve with Roxy Bellows Live”: 8 p.m. Dec. 31 at Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Ave. Tickets: $35. 847-677-7761; skokietheatre.org/roxy-bellows.html.
The high-energy performer is known for her ribald sense of humor and showstopping original songs, which are improvised during the show. Audience interaction is an important part of her performances. An audience member may find themselves onstage singing along to a made-up song or talking about the imaginary time that they met Roxy in Paris.
Myrna Petlicki is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.