“What does this song mean? All my life, I don’t know what this song means. I mean, ‘Should you forget the old acquaintance?’ “Does that mean we should forget old acquaintances? Or does it mean that if we forgot about them, we should remember them, which is not possible because we have already forgotten them?”
“Well, maybe it just means we have to remember we forgot about them or something. Anyway, these are old friends.”
– Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan, in the New Year’s Eve anthem “Auld Lang Syne” “When Harry Met Sally” (1989)
On New Year’s Eve, if you find yourself dancing to the aforementioned song popularized by group leader Guy Lombardo, remember what Sally said to Harry. Or better yet, watch or check out the classic rom-com with those old friends to celebrate another orbit of our Earth around the sun. The believable and hilarious “WHMS” is much more entertaining than the one designed for 2011, though it’s full of “New Year’s Eve” stars.
But if venturing is more your idea of fun on New Year’s Eve, at the Baton Rouge there are many things that will be welcomed in 2021.
If your children won’t stay awake until midnight, get out before noon in the afternoon from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Knock Knock Children’s Museum, 1900 Dalrymple Drive.
Here, the kids will have their own ball drop at noon. Space is limited, so check-in is recommended. Regular admission is $ 14; free for members.
Also a family-friendly event, the Red Stick Revelry 2020 takes place from 9pm to 12am in North Boulevard City Square.
Two 20-minute laser light shows will be screened, with six high-powered 3D laser beams choreographed to music, on a screen from The Crest stage and over the audience, at 9:30 p.m., and again at 23:00
The Florida Street Blowhards warm up people starting at 8 p.m., playing traditional jazz. Phat Hat takes over on the Crest stage at 9pm with their funky dance songs from the 60s, 70s and 80s, until just before midnight.
When the Red Stick (Baton Rouge’s alternative to New York’s gigantic, shiny ball) falls at midnight, fireworks will follow over the Mississippi River.
For more information, visit facebook.com/RedStickRevelry.
Other celebrations include:
TUESDAY NYE TACO: At 11 a.m., The Rum House Caribbean Taqueria, 2112 Perkins Palms Ave. Start the party early with $ 3 tacos, $ 3 beers, and $ 5 homemade margaritas throughout the day.
NEW YEAR’S EVE 4:00 pm to close, Main Event, 6401 Bluebonnet Blvd., Suite 660. Choose games or activities you can play for $ 14.99. It also includes free champagne toast at midnight and a free children’s meal with the purchase of food for $ 8.99 or more. (225) 508-3050.
NEW YEAR’S EVE EVENTS: 17.00 to 22.00, Hollywood Casino, 1717 N. River Road. Buffet dinner or four-course dinner at the Grill. (225) 709-7777.
CELEBRATION OF THE THIRD ANNIVERSARY AND OF THE EVENING: 5 p.m., Cocha, 445 N. 6th St. New winter cocktails, pre-menu, $ 75 per person. (225) 615-8826.
NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY: 6 p.m.-1 p.m., at Crowne Plaza Executive Center in Baton Rouge, 4728 Constitution Ave. Music by Carbon Copy Band, Chase Tyler Band and The Eddie Smith Band. Buffet dinner with Louisiana cuisine. Dance and open bar, including wine brands, beers and callus. Room packages, table packages, with champagne and early entry to the buffet. (225) 448-2030.
NEW YEAR’S EVE SPARKLE PARTY: 19:30 to 12:30, Tsunami Sushi, 100, Lafayette Street, on the roof. General admission includes access to terrace parties, midnight champagne toast, buffet food, sushi stations, two bars, DJ, photo booth and the best view of Baton Rouge for $ 100 per person. The VIP includes a five-course meal in the dining room for $ 150 per person. Tickets available at eventbrite.com.
YEARS NEW ACCOUNT IN 2021: At 8 p.m., Red Stick Social, 1509 Government Street in the electrical depot. Beaunse Boogie music, chocolates for the party, balloon drop and toast with champagne. General admission $ 25, $ 75 VIP experience, including snack buffet, beverage package and dedicated bar, and exclusive access to the rooftop patio. 21+ events.
NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY: 8 p.m. to 12:30 p.m., Henry Turner Jr. Auditorium, 2733 North St. Join Henry Turner Jr., the All-Stars Listening Room and special guests. Tickets are worth $ 25 and include two free drinks, a buffet of soul food, party hats and noises. Alcohol-free environment. henryslisteningroom.com or (225) 802-9681.
NEW HOLIDAYS: 8 p.m.-2 p.m., Lamar-Dixon Expo Center Gym, 9039 S. St. Landry Ave., Gonzales. With Ryan Foret & Foret Tradition. Jambalaya and soft drinks will be sold. There is ice. BYOB, food and ice chest, no bar counter. Groups of eight can book a private table. $ 50 per person. (225) 450-1009.
LIGHT THE NIGHT: L’Auberge Casino Hotel, 777 L’Auberge Ave. NYE Bash at the event center, doors open at 10:30 p.m., free bar with Pants Party; show from 11pm to 1am, $ 40 per person, general admission only and standing room. Live music at Edge, 10pm, with The Anteeks. Live music on the seafront at 9pm with Press 1 For English. (225) 215-7777.
NEW YEAR’S EVE AT THE RADIO BAR: From 9pm to 2am, The Radio Bar, 3079 Government St., Suite B. Offers special drinks and DJ Bird hits hits.
TOUCH THE NEW YEAR IN THE RIVER: 21:00 to 01:00, Baton Rouge Hilton Capitol Center, 201 Lafayette St. Ring in 2021 with your best Roaring style clothes from the 20s. With amazing river views, a fireworks display, music by Rechelle and The Regeneration Band along with DJ Doc, a food buffet, two premium bars and items free courtesy. General ticket $ 85, reserved table seats $ 850 (10 tickets). Tickets at eventbrite.com.
GLOW ALL OUT NYE PARTY: 21:00 to 01:00, TopGolf, 10955 N. Mall Drive. Unlimited play for six guests, live DJ all night, front row seats to a midnight fireworks show, bright themed party favors. Food and beverages not included and must be purchased separately. Upgrade to a VIP package to enjoy an elevated dining experience with access to a premium holiday buffet, a bottle of sparkling wine for over 21 people and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks. $ 240 per general admission bay and $ 420 per VIP admission bay. (225) 372-3725.
THE HAPPEST END OF YEAR: 9:30 p.m., Happy’s Irish Pub, 136 3rd St. With DJ Rocky and Jameson’s toast at midnight. (225) 367-1325.
BENGAL’S NYE ROARING ROYALE: Bengal Taproom, 421 3rd St. Ring, in the style of the New Year of the twenties, will become a casino of the twenties. All proceeds will go to Movers for Mutts. Free champagne toast at midnight. (225) 778-5479.
NYE JUMPS TO 2021: Boudreaux & Thibodeaux’s, 214 3rd St. Music by Jump School on the main stage, Geaux DJ on the second floor. Champagne / beer toast at midnight.
THE NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY OF 2021: George’s Place, 860 St. St. Louis A themed celebration of the 20s with performances of the Krewe of Divas and Champagne at midnight.
BEYOND BATON ROUGE:
NEW HOLIDAYS: 14.00 to 02.00, Cedar Saloon, 7171 La. 1, Morganza. Take a look at the renovations of the historic centenary historic lounge.
ARTIFICIAL: 21:00, 6250 Old River Landing, Batchelor. (225) 492-3474 or (225) 718-4748.