Downtown Turlock has become a popular nightlife destination as of late, and this weekend’s New Year’s Eve festivities are expected to continue the trend as multiple locations plan to help the Turlock community ring in 2017.
Vintage Lounge & Piano Bar, located at 130 W. Main St., has hosted a New Year’s Eve celebration for the past seven years, and this year is no different. Beginning with live music at 9 p.m., the event will feature finger food hors d'oeuvres such as meatballs, chicken wings and cheeses, cupcake desserts and a champagne toast at midnight.
According to manager Joe Morais, Vintage has always capped the event’s attendance at 100 people to provide a more relaxed atmosphere for counting down to midnight.
“People come in here because they want to relax and not worry about anything else,” he said. “Everybody has such a great time because it’s not crowded and everybody can mingle.”
There are currently still about 30 tickets available, said Morais, which can be purchased for $25 before the event. If the event doesn’t sell out, entry will also be allowed at the door on New Year’s Eve for $25.
Morais believes that Downtown Turlock’s bar scene has become a place where people come to enjoy the holidays because of its diversity.
“I think with Red Brick catering to the younger crowd and with the country western bar, there’s more activity,” he said. “You can walk from place to place; it’s a one-stop shop for nightlife.”
Just a couple of doors down at The Udder Place, 110 W. Main St., the California Outlaws will be providing live music on New Year’s Eve for just a $5 cover charge at the door. Though the music begins at 9 p.m., the bar’s doors will be open at 11 a.m. for anyone who would like to make their way downtown earlier.
Though there is no dress code for the event, The Udder Place’s staff will be dressed to the nines, serving drink specials until last call at 1 a.m.
Around the corner at Red Brick Bar & Grill, 153 S. Broadway Ave., party-goers can dance to House, EDM, Hip Hop and Top 40 hits starting at 10 p.m. Though there is no cover charge, New Year’s Eve party bundles can be purchased for $10 and include a commemorative split of champagne, two hats, two party blowers and two necklaces.
Drink specials will be available at the bar as well, and there will be a photo booth at the event. Tacos, burritos, nachos and quesadillas will also be available for purchase on the patio.
For those who aren’t 21 years of age yet, or are looking for a family-friendly way to spend New Year’s Eve, Monte Vista Chapel, 1619 E. Monte Vista Ave., is hosting a celebration from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. Attendees are invited to dress up or dress down and bring along their favorite board games, puzzles and snacks to share. The event is also “BYOBAP,” or bring your own blanket and pillow, for a movie room that will be set up at the church. At 9 p.m., those in attendance will watch the ball drop and pray in the New Year together.
