Here are some traditional and not-so-traditional ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve weekend in Baltimore. Many of these will sell out, so we recommend buying your tickets now. 

Thursday, Dec. 28

Tromac, S.DOT, and JaySwann: Start your New Year’s Eve weekend at this dance party featuring sounds by DJs Tromac, S.DOT, and JaySwann. (21+, Free) 10 p.m. at Ottobar, 2549 North Howard Street. For more information, go to theottobar.com or call 410-662-0069.

Friday, Dec. 29

Ducky’s Dungeon 2023 Finale: Celebrate two years of Ducky’s Dungeon and close out 2023 by letting loose and celebrating the burgeoning underground community and culture that gives Baltimore its charm. Featuring sounds by resident DJs Ducky Dynamo, Ayymelo, and special guest K-Deucez. (21+, $10) 9:30 p.m. at The Crown Baltimore, 1910 North Charles Street. For more information, go to thecrownbaltimore.com or call 410-625-4848.

Dyke Nite Baltimore’s Fourth Birthday:  Celebrate Dyke Nite’s fourth birthday as well as the dawn of the New Year. Hit the dance floor downstairs with DJs Jacq Jill, Rox Reed and Pancakes. Featuring midnight birthday cake from Butterscream Baby, latex vending by Allure Bond, and resident bootblack Bird will be on duty. Don’t forget to bring cash tributes for the entertainers. Please wear a mask. ($15, 21+) 10 p.m. at Ottobar, 2549 North Howard Street. For more information, go to theottobar.com or call 410-662-0069.

Flier featuring a photograph of a cake, and text describing Dyke Nyte Birthday party.

Saturday, Dec. 30

New Year’s Retributions: A Double Feature Evening of Evil: Watch a thrilling double feature screening of “New Year’s Evil” and “Terror Train.” Presented by Vintage View Cinema. (21+, Free/Donations) 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Peabody Heights Brewery, 401 East 30th Street. For more information, go to peabodyheightsbrewery.com, vintageviewcinemas.com, or call 410-467-7837.

Ultra Nate’s DEEP SUGAR “Night Before” NYE: Celebrate the end of an epic year of underground house music with the Deep Sugar family. A night dedicated to lovers of house music, with original speakers brought in from the legendary Paradox. Featuring sounds by selectors Wayne Davis and Mookie Brock. Cash bar until 1:30 a.m. (21+, $20 Adv.) 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. at Factory 17, 1722 North Charles Street. For more information, email: deepsugarparty@gmail.com, or call: 410-547-8423.

flyer for a Deep Sugar New Years Eve Event, Night Before NYE, Dec 30

3AM GANG SH!T: Continue your New Year’s Eve warmup with sets by DJs JaySwann, Tromac, CASH.LISS, DJ-SUN, and Cadeem Lamarr. (18+, $16 – $20) 10 p.m. to late, Studio 10 Warehouse. Address will be provided to ticket holders. Contact organizers for more information.

Flier for NYE Eve event.

Sunday, Dec. 31

The Charmery’s 10th Kiddie Scoop Ball Drop: Bring your family to experience the joy of a New Year’s Eve ball drop a little bit earlier. Featuring glitter tattoos, New Year’s ice cream flavors, Union Craft Brewing beer, and DJ Sir Scoops-A-Lot spinning killer tunes to ring in the New Year. The event’s highlight is the much-anticipated ball drop, scheduled for 8 p.m. (Free, all ages, with ice cream treats available for purchase) 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at The Charmery Ice Cream Factory, 1700 West 41st Street #400. For more information, go to: thecharmery.com, or call: 443-759-4905.

Multicolored flier for Kiddie Scoop Ball Drop, features a cartoon ice cream cone

New Year’s Eve at Melba’s Place: Enjoy free parking, a light buffet, and a complimentary champagne toast. Featuring sounds by DJs Greg Dahamma, Marty Mar, Fella, and Nitro. (21+, $25) 8 p.m. at Melba’s Place, 3126 Greenmount Avenue. For more information, go to melbasplacebaltimore.com, or call 410-366-6536.

NYE23: Drone Show & Fireworks: Ring in the new year with Baltimore’s traditional fireworks display – with a twist. The skies will dazzle at midnight with a custom drone display alongside fireworks. The Inner Harbor Ice Rink will be open. Featuring music by DJ Curtis of C.James Experience and performances by Soul Cannon. (All ages, Free) 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at The Inner Harbor Amphitheatre, Light Street and Pratt Street. For more information, go to: promotionandarts.org, or call 410-752-8632.

Flier for NYE Event with drone show and fireworks.

Royal Blue NYE: Uncle Quincy & Chris Brooks:  Dance into the new year with music from  Chris Brooks and DJ Quincy. Drink specials (21+, $10) 9 p.m. to close at The Royal Blue, 1733 Maryland Avenue. For more information, go to: royalbluebar.com or call 443-869-6111.

Heels & Ties: A Queer New Year’s Eve Surprise: Dress to the nines for an unforgettable LGBTQIA+ New Year’s Eve party! Sip your favorite cocktails and enjoy small bites while dancing the night away. Featuring sounds by DJ Rosie and DJ Missy. Appetizer buffet until 11 p.m. and champagne toast at midnight. Presented by The Queers Upstairs. (21+, $30 – $75) 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. at Aliceanna Social Club, 1603 Aliceanna Street. For more information, go to: aliceannasocialclub.com, or call 410-864-6397.  

REFLEXIONS: A NYE Party featuring DJ SWISHA: The Compound x Break-A-Leg invites you to dance and bring in the New Year with two rooms offering club, house, and techno. Featuring sounds by DJ SWISHA (Juke Bounce Werk/NYC), Syd, Jacq Jill, Kade Young x JiaLing, and more. (18+, $22.85) 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. at The Compound, 2239 Kirk Avenue (22nd Street). For more information, contact info@compound.org. 

Flier for NYE party REFLEXIONS.

NEW YEARS EVE! 2003 v. 2023: It’s an epic music battle royale featuring the future classics of 2023 vs 2003 classics. Featuring DJ Mills and DJ Amsies . Ring in the new year with your fellow freaks and geeks and a free champagne toast at midnight. (21+, Free) 10 p.m. at Ottobar, Upstairs, 2549 North Howard Street. For more information, go to theottobar.com or call 410-662-0069.

Sweet Spot New Year’s Eve Dance Party:  Celebrate New Year’s Eve with this iconic dance party featuring your favorite pop anthems. Featuring sounds by DJ Sweet Spot and hosted by Baby. Advance tickets are $15 for entry and include a champagne toast at midnight, a balloon drop, and party favors. (21+, $15) 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. at Metro Gallery, 1700 North Charles Street. For more information, go to metrobmore.com, sweetspotbmore.com, or call 443-425-5139.

Flyer for a NYE event, Sweet Spot New Year's Eve.

New Year’s Eve Dopo Style: A night filled with delightful drinks and a vibrant atmosphere designed to captivate. Open bar and DJ. (21+, $125) 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Prima Dopo Cucina & Cocktail House, 1724 Thames Street. For more information, go to primadopobaltimore.com, or call: (443) 449-5605.

VERSION: A Queer Dance Party | NYE: Celebrate New Year’s Eve at VERSION, a dance party and space carved out for queer and trans people, by queer and trans people. Featuring sounds by resident DJ Trillnatured, hosted by Kotic Couture, and photographs by Sydney Allen. If you need a hand with cover this month email: letsversion@gmail.com (21+, $15 – $20) 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at The Crown Baltimore, 1910 North Charles Street. For more information, go to: www.thecrownbaltimore.com or call: 410-625-4848.

Flyer for NYE Event, Version. NYE 24 12/31/23 9pm The Crown

It’s New Years, Again. The Sequel: Come dance and ring in the New Year again at this curated affair that will create memories to take with you all year long. This event will feature champagne, burritos, cocktails, and beer. Sounds by Chipleh, Mr. Doc, High Tension, Brian Murphy, and CheekyWillie. (21+, $20 – $55) 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. at Zo Gallery Studio, 3510 Ash Street. Contact organizers for more information. 


UZUMAKI: A sophisticated lo-fi New Year’s Eve celebration with vinyl records from DJ Graham Hatke. 10 p.m. at Fadensonnen, Upstairs Tavern, 3 West 23rd Street. For more information, go to: fadensonnen.com.

Teri Henderson is the Arts and Culture Editor of Baltimore Beat. She is the author of the 2021 book Black Collagists. Previously, she was a staff writer for BmoreArt, gallery coordinator for Connect +...