Photograph by Scott Ferguson, courtesy of the Saint Louis Symphony
Pokey LaFarge at Delmar Hall | December 30 & 31
It’s been about a year since LaFarge released his breakthrough album, Something in the Water. He swings back into town to play this end-of-year show in a much smaller venue than normal. (In years past, he's played the more cavernous Casa Loma.) Get your tickets ASAP. Jack Grelle, profiled in the January issue, opens. $30. 8 p.m. Delmar Hall, 6133 Delmar, delmarhall.com.
La Guiannée at Fort de Chartres | December 31
This Medieval French tradition is still celebrated as part of the holidays in areas with French colonial heritage, including Ste. Genevieve, Old Mines, and Prairie du Rocher. For this particular celebration, co-sponsored by Fort de Chartres and the Prairie du Rocher La Guiannee Society, singers make the rounds of the historical houses at Fort de Chartes. Refreshments will be served at each stop. Free. 8–10 p.m. Fort de Chartes Historic Site, 1350 State Route 155, Prairie du Rocher, Illinois, facebook.com/pages/Fort-de-Chartres.
NYE Live! St. Louis | December 31
If you're looking for a high-adrenaline New Year's Eve option, this one's for you. In addition to admission to five Ballpark Village venues (FOX Sports Midwest Live!, Budweiser Brew House, PBR St. Louis, Howl at the Moon, and Cardinals Nation), this party includes premium drinks, a buffet, live music, DJs, lots of party favors, champagne, and a midnight ball drop with confetti. $50–$130. 7 p.m.–1 a.m. Ballpark Village, nye-live.com.
New Year's Eve Riverboat Cruise | December 31
Here's another historically inspired option: a three-and-a-half hour cruise on a 19th-century replica steamboat. Tickets include a sit-down dinner, including beef medallions, shrimp, potatoes, vegetables, salad, and the chef's special dessert. There's also an open bar featuring special cocktails as well as beer, wine, and soda. And, of course, there's party favors, a dance floor, an in-house (on-boat?) DJ, and a champagne toast at midnight. $85. Boarding time 9 p.m.; cruise 9:30 p.m.–1 a.m. gatewayarch.com.
New Year's Eve with the Saint Louis Symphony | December 31
For those weary of champagne and tinsel tiaras, St. Louis Symphony music director David Robertson's special New Year's Eve concert has become a much-loved tradition for welcoming the new year. (Heck, it's become a tradition for people who still love tiaras and champagne; it's one of the symphony's most popular concerts of the year.) If you're a newbie, we must explain why we can't list the lineup: Part of the fun is that the program isn’t revealed until just before the show starts. $55–$135. 7:30 p.m. Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand, stlsymphony.org.
And don't miss these other events happening around the St. Louis area this weekend:
6 Ways to Ring in the New Year With Kids
Top 5 Family-Friendly Events This Week
11 Places to Celebrate New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve Events around the Metro Area
St. Louis Holiday Light Displays
NHL Winter Classic Alumni Game
Kid Rock at the Scottrade Center
