New Year's Eve in Seattle

[Blondebaerde]

Originally Posted by 41Willys

I think the needle would be a kewl experience on New Years.

It sure was in 1999, the alleged "turn" of the Millennium (real mathematical turn was the following year, but no matter). There was a terror threat at the time, we figured there was a non-trivial chance it would blow up. Well, it didn't, and my then-girlfriend Elizabeth and I had a great New Year's at an event real close to the 'Needle. That was the night we decided we really liked each other, making it extra special. 'Nuff said.

Some years later, I've spent I believe two NYE at a jazz club in ...nearby... with a date. If I have no date, I usually stay in because I really don't care. I like dark, cool (as in hip) places with 1:1 or two couples, personally, for parties. If you like that, there are tons of smaller places you can raid on NYE. In 2013 my then GF and I raided a popular restaurant in Bellevue for NYE and squeaked into some spaces at the bar, were served light cocktails and snack-food, and also had a good time. No plans needed. That takes a bit of daring, though. In 2004, I remember doing-same, and finding one of my favorite lounges at one of Seattle's top steakhouses only filled with maybe half-dozen couples. My date and I stuck around awhile, then fled to go make out or something.

Might have a date this year, I'm working on it. Women in general are not impressed if I don't plan well; last paragraph takes an exceptional lady to run around a bit on that night as a co-conspirator to find someplace fun. So I see this year may be solo, and that's okay too.

[CrazyDonkey]

For the second year, King County Metro will offer free rides on New Year’s Eve. Rides will be free from 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 31, to 4 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 1, including DART and Access service. In addition, Metro will add buses to its night routes. The Seattle Streetcar also will be free on New Year's Eve, and Sound Transit will extend the operating hours of Link light rail service between Angle Lake and the University of Washington.

“As we ring in another new year together, we are glad to again offer free rides on Metro to help keep the celebration safe for everyone,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “We appreciate all our customers, and hope folks who give transit a try during the holiday season will join the half-million daily Metro riders who depend on our safe, friendly, and reliable service all year 'round.”

King County Metro will operate reduced weekday schedules on New Year’s Eve on some routes, with extra buses on several routes serving destinations such as Seattle Center, Capitol Hill and downtown. New Year’s revelers can take advantage of Metro’s recently expanded Night Owl network, with added service on major routes between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.

Metro routes with added trips as needed will include 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 14, 24, 32, 36, 40, 41, 62, 65, 70, 101, 106, 120, 124, 150, 255, RapidRide A, B, C, D and E lines, and ST 550 and ST 554. The fareboxes and ORCA card readers on Metro buses will be covered to remind customers not to pay. A regular valid fare will be required on Sound Transit Express buses.

https://www.kingcounty.gov/elected/e...res-metro.aspx

[41Willys]

Originally Posted by CrazyDonkey

https://www.kingcounty.gov/elected/e...res-metro.aspx

HA!! Looks like I'm going to ring in the new year at the Space Needle!

[41Willys]

Originally Posted by musicfamly5

New Years at the Needle is pretty much the NYC Times Square equivalent. They shoot fireworks off/around the needle after the countdown and usually there's live music and all kinds of Seattle drama. Like others have mentioned, the entire area is pretty filled up and no matter if you stick near the center/armory area or go over to bars in Belltown there'll be people celebrating.

I've done New Years and it's pretty typical to other cities where people gather around the cities main attraction and party. The trick is to go when it's a clear new years. There's nothing more frustrating then standing in the wind and rain for hours only for the fireworks show getting canceled because of weather off or if they do the performance it's blocked by the clouds.

As or rite now Monday and Tuesday have a very low chance of rain. So that part is covered.

[AleeGee]

High wind warning for western Wa. on Monday night from 9pm until 4am. Gusts up to 60 mph. Steady winds at 35 mph.
Is everyone still going to the center or to a bar to celebrate?

I don't know where to go!!!!. I'm in Bellevue in Crossroads. Should I go to The Pumphouse or The Goose??

[homesinseattle]

I have a bunch of very fun musician friends and clients and they have invited me to this really cool looking New Years Party in "Frelard". This "gypsy, Greek, Balkan" is kind of a thing right now in Seattle, lots of fun. "NYE Balkan Bash! Melez w/ The Fetatones & the mysterious SK band". Here is the link: https://m.facebook.com/events/1151425128360004

[Jiff]

Originally Posted by Blondebaerde

It sure was in 1999, the alleged "turn" of the Millennium (real mathematical turn was the following year, but no matter). There was a terror threat at the time, we figured there was a non-trivial chance it would blow up. Well, it didn't, and my then-girlfriend Elizabeth and I had a great New Year's at an event real close to the 'Needle. That was the night we decided we really liked each other, making it extra special. 'Nuff said.

We had a suite at Hampton and decided to go to the 1999 event. Had fun at McHugh's with a band playing. I believe there was fireworks on the Needle. The Center mostly made up for it in 2000 with a bigger than usual celebration including bands at the Mural, but no burning statues that were planned for 1999.