Ring in the New Year at these Celebrations along Michigan’s West Coast
Break out the streamers, crack open the champagne, gather your friends and welcome 2016 with dancing and music at New Year’s Eve celebrations up and down Lake Michigan’s coast.
New Year’s Eve Pasty Drop in Escanaba – The family friendly celebration begins with fireworks at the dock at 9pm. Then the party moves to 1025 Ludington Street where you can enjoy entertainment, games and of course pasties. At midnight, a 12 foot by 8 foot wire pasty lit with Christmas lights will drop from a crane to ring in 2016.
Bridge Drop in Charlevoix – Gather along Bridge Street where the celebration begins at 1pm with activities for the whole family, including horse-drawn carriage rides, a snowman contest, arts and crafts, face painting, and a free showing of Toy Story at Charlevoix Cinema III. A fireworks show kicks of the nighttime activities at 9pm. The Tommy Tropic One Man Circus Show starts at 11:30pm at Bridge Park. At midnight the Memorial drawbridge closes or “drops” to mark the new year, along with a 21 gun salute. Then party goers finish off the night with a parade over the bridge.
CherryT Ball Drop in Traverse City – Join thousands of folks at the intersection of Front and Park Streets at 10pm for a live DJ and dancing in the streets. CherryT stands for charity. Admission is a suggested donation of $3 or three non-perishable food items that will go to local food pantries. At midnight, watch as the giant lit cherry drops from 115 feet to ring in the New Year.
New Year’s Eve Ball Drop in Ludington – Music, dancing, and entertainment begin at 9:30 in the Entertainment Tent in N. James Street Plaza. Downtown restaurants and shops will be open late and offer special deals. This free event is family friendly and has something for everyone. At midnight, fireworks and West Michigan’s largest New Year’s Eve Ball will usher in 2016.
The Subway HOT New Year’s Eve Party in Grand Rapids – The party kicks off at 7pm at the intersection of Grandville and Cherry in downtown. Live music will entertain revelers all night. A warming tent near the stage and hot chocolate ward off the cold. Party goers 21 and up can visit the beer tent. The Consumer’s Energy ball drops at midnight to welcome in 2016.
New Year’s Even Fest in Kalamazoo – This long-running celebration marks its 30th year ringing in 2016. Admission is $5 before New Year’s Eve and $10 that day. The are 24 different varieties of entertainment, including live music and even Lego building for kids, located in 15 different venues surrounding Bronson Park. Everything is within walking distance, and all entertainment is located inside. Food and beverages are also available at the venues. At midnight, fireworks and the Biddergy Ball Drop herald the New Year.
