If New Year’s Eve crept up on you this year, no worries — the D.C. area has plenty of free and cheap events for you to join in on. Here are some places where you can welcome in 2023 with a bang.
Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse
Comedian Ariel Ellis performs the final of a three-night run. Tickets are $25 and it includes a midnight toast and Times Square ball drop viewing on the club’s movie screen. It starts at 10 p.m.
The bar’s “New Queer’s Eve” celebration features DJ Nu Kicks and Tito’s Vodka specials, with a portion of sales to benefit local nonprofit HIPS. It starts at 9 p.m.
The Silver Spring, Maryland, brewery invites you to “bring in your own fancy (or not so fancy) dinner to celebrate” with a free toast at midnight. It starts at 7 p.m.
Come enjoy free pool, shuffleboard and darts between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m., with a free toast at midnight.
The waterfront bar features DJ Sunny and provides the option for a $120 open bar or a la carte drinks. It starts at 10 p.m.
All nine branches of Busboys and Poets are open late with a Times Square ball drop viewing, champagne toast and party favors.
Come celebrate with a DJ, party favors your favorite Capo cocktails and no cover charge. A limited number of tables can be reserved by calling or texting (202) 910-6884. No tickets are needed for this event but it is recommended to arrive early as space is limited.
No advance tickets are needed to celebrate with Smitty D of local house legends 95 North and Martin Miguel, and Smudge and Mr. Bonkerz. It starts at 9 p.m. with a $20 cover charge.
Food and drinks are available a la carte at this 2000s-themed party. There are also optional all-you-can-drink punches, wine beer and cider tickets for $80. It starts at 8 p.m.
The Peach Bowl will show at Franklin Hall, and then there’s free food, a DJ and midnight toast. It starts at 8 p.m.
DJ Bassam performs and Middle Eastern-inspired drinks will be served downstairs. It starts at 9:30 p.m.
Ring in the New Year at this Rockville tavern with Burt the Dirt, light refreshments and a champagne toast at midnight for $20. It starts at 9 p.m.
DJ K.O. and Space FX will be performing live in this downtown Silver Spring event space. Admission is free and it starts at 10 p.m.
D.C.’s Chalyss Band performs, plus there’s a midnight toast. Tickets are $30 and it starts at 9 p.m.
Come enjoy drink specials that include $23 bottles of champagne.
Celebrations take place twice here — at 6 p.m., when 2023 arrives in Spain, and at midnight in D.C. It’s $120 for all-you-can-eat tapas.
Come celebrate two ball drops: the first at 6 p.m., midnight in Paris, then D.C.’s midnight with a $60 bottomless Crement and French cocktail deal as well as a special food menu.
There are tons of deals and discounts at Lulu’s Saturday. They will have two rounds of happy hours — 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Merriweather Symphony of Lights
Come enjoy fireworks at Merriweather Post Pavilion at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person and $50 for a family 4-pack. Kids three years and under are free.
DJ the Question will spin, and there’s a choice of champagne toast or jello shot toast at midnight.
Karaoke will run until 1 a.m., and don’t miss the midnight toast. It starts at 9 p.m.
The New Year’s Eve Drag Ball will be followed by a DJ dance party and champagne toast. The cost is $25 and it starts at 9 p.m.
Bar is open for walk-in customers starting at 7 p.m., and there are free party favors and a midnight toast. A tarot reader will also be on-site for $10 per reading.
Make a reservation for the patio, or just show up at the bar where you don’t need one.
Vagenesis and Citrine host Trade’s party, with music by DJ Dez and a midnight toast.
The Harry New Year’s Eve features the music of Harry Styles and One Direction. It starts at 8 p.m.
