Petaluma New Year's Events: 2018 Guide

PETALUMA, CA — Love it or hate it, New Year’s Eve is happening again this year. Whether you plan to ring in 2018 at your favorite restaurant, a buzzing party with your friends, or all cozied up in front of the TV, we’ve got you covered.

So pop the bubbly, come up with some resolutions you can actually stick to and get ready to celebrate the New Year. Check out town-by-town listings below of New Year’s celebrations and events for 2017 in and near Petaluma if you’re one to want to go out, plus a look at what television programming may make you want to stay in.

If you want to go out ...

9th Annual New Years Eve Gala Concert: This annual tradition is planned from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31 at Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, the "Carnegie Hall" of Petaluma. Come ready to enjoy a festive evening with music by the masters: string players from the San Francisco Symphony and Elizabeth Walter, pianist. Tickets for the event are for sale online.

New Year's Eve on the Square: The largest New Year’s Eve celebration in Sonoma County kicks off at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31 on the newly renovated Courthouse Square in downtown Santa Rosa. The event includes live entertainment, activities for all ages, a designated area for children, and plenty of vendors serving food and alcohol. New Year's Eve on the Square is free to attend. For those looking for an extra special experience, VIP tickets are available for purchase.

Tommy Castro & The Painkillers at Mystic Theatre: Described by Blues Revue as "an inspired blend of high-energy blues, R&B and roadhouse rock…soulful, celebratory vocals and exquisite, stellar guitar," Tommy Castro & The Painkillers " will perform at New Year's Eve concert at 9 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 31 at Mystic Theatre, 23 Petaluma Blvd. N. in Petaluma. Castro and his band will perform with special guest Nancy Wright on sax. Ticket information is can be found at Mystictheatre.com.

Totally Awesome '80s New Year's Eve Party at The Flamingo Resort and Spa: Looking for some tubular to do on New Year's Eve? The Flamingo, 2777 4th St. in Santa Rosa, is hosting a "Totally Awesome '80s Invasion" beginning at 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31. Aqua Nett will perform in the grand ballroom and DJ Refugee will be mixing it up in the lounge. '80s wear is encouraged! Visit Flamingoresort.com for all the info.

NYE at The Big Easy: Reggae band Sol Horizon returns to Petaluma with special guests DGIIN for a New Year's Eve celebration. From 6:30 p.m. to 2 a.m., ring in 2018 with two popular Sonoma County musical acts at Petaluma's underground restaurant and jazz club, The Big Easy, 128 American Alley. Ticket and other info here.

*We’ll be adding new events to this post as they pop up, so be sure to check back as the big day nears!*

If you want to stay in ...

If your idea of the perfect New Year’s Eve is curling up on the couch with a hot toddy and watching the countdown in your pajamas, you’re in luck. These are the top two live TV specials people are already talking about. Here’s a peek so you can you can plan accordingly:

“New Year’s Eve Live” With Anderson Cooper And Andy Cohen
Where to catch it: CNN
Why you should watch: For the first time ever, Anderson Cooper will host CNN’s annual New Year’s Eve Live special with none other than “Watch What Happens Live” host Andy Cohen. As these two are best friends in real life, you can expect tons witty banter and hilarious moments from the pair. The Bravo mogul will replace Cooper’s former co-host Kathy Griffin, whom CNN fired after her controversial Donald Trump photoshoot.

“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve 2018” Hosted by Ryan Seacrest
Where to catch it: ABC
Why you should watch: Remember last year’s infamous Mariah Carey mic incident? Yes, it happened on Seacrest’s watch. So if that’s any indication, this could be a good one to tune-in to. And even if there aren’t any crazy celebrity snafus, you can count on crazy views of Time Square packed with people, as well as awesome musical performances.

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