New Year’s Eve may be synonymous with Times Square, but the Big Apple’s most populous borough certainly gives the storied mirrorball a run for its money when it comes to ushering in a new year. With 2023 (somehow) right around the corner, here are some of our recommendations for the best ways to spend New Year’s Eve in Brooklyn — from free fireworks at Prospect Park, to a Smiths-themed show in Gowanus, and everything in between.
Get down at Dave & Buster’s
Brooklynites are invited to celebrate the start of 2023 at Dave and Buster’s big New Year’s party at the Atlantic Center. Starting at 4 p.m., families can enjoy tasty food, arcade games and more — all for the price of a ticket. There will also be a celebratory toast at 6 p.m. (for all those early-birds who don’t plan on making it to midnight). For more information or for tickets, click here.
Carreau Club’s Boule Ball
The Carreau Club at Industry City is throwing a Boule Ball starting at 9 p.m. Ring in the new year at the sprawling Sunset Park complex with an evening of games, an open bar and complimentary cheese boards and charcuterie. For $200, you and up to 14 friends can reserve a pétanque court from 9 p.m. to 1 p.m. The reservation includes all of the necessary equipment and a pétanque guide to teaching everyone how to play. Grab a partner for the mixed doubles tournament and play for some Industry City swag and a trophy. No reservations are needed.
Fireworks in Prospect Park
Music and a show! Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, together with the Prospect Park Alliance, invites you to celebrate the new year with a grandiose fireworks display at the Grand Army Plaza. According to a spokesperson with the alliance, the display — a four-decade community tradition — is returning for the first time since 2020.
“The New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Grand Army Plaza are truly a borough-wide celebration, and so it is fitting to host them in Brooklyn’s Backyard, Prospect Park,” James Snow, Prospect Park Alliance interim president said in a statement. “We are thrilled to welcome revelers back for the first time in two years to come to the park to enjoy the gorgeous display, which would not be possible without the support of Borough President Antonio Reynoso, and we thank him.”
The evening will begin with live music at 10 p.m. before the fireworks kick off at midnight.
“It’s not a Brooklyn New Year’s Eve without fireworks in Prospect Park,” the beep said in a statement. “What an honor it is to team up with Prospect Park Alliance to bring this beloved Brooklyn tradition back for another year, my first as president of the greatest borough in the world.”
The event is free to attend, but registration is encouraged. RSVP here.
Party at Parklife
Start 2023 at Parklife’s annual New Year’s Eve party at 636 Degraw Street. Whether you prefer a night on the dance floor or competing with friends during trivia, Parklife has a great celebration planned. From 7-9 p.m., NYC Trivia League will host a special New Year’s Eve game of trivia for all party-goers. While it’s free to play, food and drink purchases are required. After a champion is crowned, SOUL KOREA will keep the good times rolling at Parklife’s DJ dance party from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
The event is free with RSVP but admission isn’t guaranteed unless you purchase a drink package, which includes two house cocktails and, of course, some bubbly. Sign up for a night of fun here.
Reggaeton Labs Party
Reggaeton Labs will start the new year with all-nighter at The Meadows in Brooklyn. Fans of reggae and latin music can go to 17 Meadow Street to hear top-notch New York City DJs all night long – from 9 p.m. until 6 a.m!
Ticket purchase gets you a one hour open bar starting at 9 p.m. and a free midnight champagne toast. VIP bottle service is also available upon request. The venue includes a heated outdoor area, a comfort food-filled menu and an interactive countdown into the new year. Find more details or purchase your tickets here.
Dine and Dance at Brooklyn Brewery
Brooklyn Brewery is bringing back its beloved open bar dance party to ring in 2023, full of music, food and a wide array of brews from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m. The party features a curated list of food items prepared by Chef Kelseay Dukae and the open bar includes the beer house’s full tap list with a selection of rare barrel-aged “Ghost Bottle” beers selected by Garrett Oliver, Brooklyn Brewery Brewmaster, and a beer or champagne midnight countdown toast.
Finish out the night with exclusive swag giveaways and a dessert gift from craft chocolatier Kahkow. Purchase your tickets here.
This charming concert
Members of The Sons & Heirs have regrouped for their annual New Year’s Eve show at Littlefield — this time as a The Smiths tribute band! The group — which has made its name at sold-out shows from Tel Aviv to Los Angeles — will come to Kings County for its sixth annual new year’s show at the Gowanus venue. Get tickets to the exclusive show here.
Coney Island sideshow
If New Year’s Eve isn’t really your style, you can head to the People’s Playground on New Year’s Day to keep the festivities going. Coney Island’s Sideshow will host a special New Year’s performance from 1-5 p.m. on Jan. 1.
Following the annual Polar Bear Plunge, head to 1208 Surf Avenue to see wacky performances from the fan-favorite Sideshows By The Seashore. The Freak Bar and gift shop will open at noon alongside a “pinball party,” where machines will be set to free play until 6 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for kids. Sales begin at the door.
