9 reasons you want to be Uptown for New Year’s Eve

When you think back on your very worst New Year’s Eves, they probably involve some combination of drunken disaster, transportation fiasco (aka stranded and phone-less) or other people’s debauchery ruining your fun and/or dress. This time, start the new year with no regrets.

CLT New Year’s Eve presented by Ally at Romare Bearden park is the official celebration of the city – and there’s a reason for it.

(1) Let’s start with the biggest pro/con. This is an alcohol-free event.

That means that it’s highly unlikely you’ll get puked on, and you will likely remember the actual New Year’s moment. Much more romantic for the midnight kiss, IMO.

(2) This doesn’t mean you have to go alcohol-free all night.

Start with one of Pete’s famous cocktails at The Dunhill Lobby Bar and dinner at The Asbury for a classy five-course prix-fixe before you bundle up for the park. An after-dinner round at the EpiCentre while you check out their lights display, and you’ll be good to go.

(3) It’s free.

Like, $0. That probably should be #1.

(4) All-night entertainment that doesn’t suck.

Ever show up for New Year’s and it sounds like you’re in a high schooler’s garage? At CLT New Year’s Eve, the DJ will get queued up at 10 p.m., and you can expect a full-on dance party through 12:30 a.m. For your late-night snacks, six food trucks will be standing by, along with coffee and cookies available inside the park.

(5) A huge fireworks show at midnight.

How fun to ring in the New Year literally with a bang.

(6) It’s 100% appropriate to wear a crown.

You can feel as fancy (or as casual) as you want to. There is family-friendly crown decorating at 6 p.m., so you won’t be the only one rocking a tiara. The vibe transitions from family-friendly to party as the evening approaches midnight.

(7) Basking in holiday togetherness and Charlotte’s strong sense of community, while not wearing your work pants.

Sounds cheesy, sure, but New Year’s is a pretty cool way to enjoy the beautiful Uptown skyline in a context when you’re not thinking deadlines.

(8) Easy, non-driving transport.

Everyone knows driving after midnight on NYE is not only a huge headache but pretty dangerous. Uptown is equipped to handle a weekly mass exodus from every professional sports team, so you can take control of your ride with public transport like the Lynx Blue Line and Lynx Gold Line streetcar. If you do insist on driving, there’s plenty of public parking. And better yet, make reservations now for a celebratory staycation at The Dunhill.

(9) The lighting of the Queen City Crown.

Ball who? We’ve got 20-foot-high royal jewels.