Author: Michael Witthaus

New Year’s events abound

There are many ways to mark year’s end and ring in 2026, a couple for the morning after, and more than a few for folks who just don’t like staying up past midnight but enjoy a party nonetheless.

100 Club (100 Market St., Portsmouth, 766-4100) Reservations required, DJ James Fairchild provides the music with late-night snacks, dessert buffet, fireworks, party favors and dancing.

815 Cocktails & Provisions (815 Elm St., Manchester, eventbrite.com) Once Upon A Midnight party begins with a handcrafted, fairytale-inspired drink created exclusively for the event, burlesque by Siren of the Circle & Jazzy Belle, magic by Ben Hughes, dancing, themed photo booth and a curated menu of party-friendly bites designed to keep the energy high and the night flowing. $65.87

Alan’s (133 N. Main St., Boscawen, 753-6631) Whiskey Rain Band plays a mix of blues, classic and Southern rock.

American Legion Post 10 (24 Maple St., Wilton, 654-9996) The Boogie Men perform at a disco-themed party.

American Legion Post 4 (797 Court St., Keene, 352-9703) $30, MV19 rocks in the new year. Includes hors d’oeuvres, sandwich station, midnight toast and party favors.

American Legion Post 47 (551 Foundry St., Rollinsford, 742-5833) $10, Bad Breath Microphone Band performs, appetizers and pizza served throughout the night.

American Legion Post 8 (640 Central Ave., Dover, 742-9710) An annual tradition, Dancing Madly Backwards plays live music, with full bar, food and snacks, dance floor.

Arts Alley (20 S Main St, Concord, 406-5666, artsalleyconcordnh.com) The New Year’s Eve Gala runs from 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec.31 to 1 a.m., Thursday, Jan.1. Celebrate with an evening of dining, music, and dancing. There will be a festive cocktail hour with appetizers, followed by a dinner buffet. Dueling Pianos and a live DJ will provide music. Tickets are $151.23. 21+.

Ash Cigar Lounge (92A Route 125, Kingston, 347-5499) Diamonds and Gold party has Lu NH Music channeling the smooth charm of Frank Sinatra, with cigar discounts and appetizer buffet, Champagne at midnight.

Auspicious Brew (1 Washington St., Dover, 953-7240) Drag show with Raya Sunshine & Friends, live music by Cozy Throne and The Jerritones, dance beats from DJ XO and a collective tarot reading by Jezmina. $20 advance, $25 day of event.

Averill House Vineyard (21 Averill Road, Brookline, 244-3165) $79 in the winery, and $399 igloo and gazebo experiences are available. Evening includes a complimentary wine pairing and five-course Brazilian dinner. Ring in 2026 in Rio time.

Belknap Mill (25 Beacon St., Laconia, 524-8813) $100 and up. Mix and mingle in your finest cocktail attire while enjoying heavy hors d’oeuvres, an open bar, music, and dancing as we count down to midnight.

BNH Stage (16 S. Main St., Concord, ccanh.com) Dress in James Bond attire at Ritz & Royale, a Casino Royale-style escape where elegance meets danger, cocktails meet espionage, and the crowd is dressed to kill — Bond-style tuxedos, silk gowns, pearls, feathers, gloves, velvet suits, and vintage glam encouraged. $50 and up.

Boards & Brews (941 Elm St., Manchester, eventbrite.com) Unlimited games for the night, an appetizer buffet, and an open bar with plenty of non-alcoholic options available. $81.88

Bogie’s (32 Depot Square, Hampton, 926-2202) Everlovin’ Rosie performs at a masquerade ball with prizes for best costumes. $25.

Bonfire (950 Elm St., Manchester, 663-7678) This downtown hub for country music would be having a big party, but they are closed due to flooding caused by a burst pipe above the bar. A GoFundMe to help with recovery costs was launched and has seen lots of support.

BrickHouse Restaurant & Brewery (241 Union Sq., Milford, 672-2270) Joppa Flats play rock covers.

Bridgewater Inn (367 Mayhew Turnpike, Bridgewater, 744-3518) Classic rock band No Shame performs downstairs, with DJ Di upstairs spinning all night long. $60 per person includes buffet (5:30-7:30 p.m.) and party; $20 for party only. Hats & tiaras, noisemakers, beads and Champagne toast.

Buckey’s (240 Governor Wentworth Highway, Moultonborough, 476-5485) The tradition continues with Red Hat Band performing.

Casey Magee’s Irish Pub (8 Temple St., Nashua, 484-7400) Annual New Year’s Eve Dance Party with music by DJ Bobby Lane starting at 9 p.m. leading into the countdown. No cover, 21+

Chop Shop (920 Lafayette Road, Seabrook, 760-7706) Inner Child plays classic rock covers, with a little black dress and best dressed contest to choose a queen and king

Copper Door (15 Leavy Drive, Bedford, 488-2677) Clint Lapointe plays from 7 to 10 p.m. and the restaurant stays open until 11 p.m.

Copper Door (41 S. Broadway, Salem, 458-2033) Dave Clark plays from 7 to 10 p.m. and the restaurant stays open until 11 p.m.

Derryfield (625 Mammoth Road, Manchester, 623-2880) $36. Once again the Chad LaMarsh Band, a high-energy dance combo with male and female lead vocals, entertains with tunes from the ’60s to now, with Champagne toast at midnight and party favors.

Epoch Restaurant & Bar (2 Pine St., Exeter, 778-EPOCH) Prix fixe dinner and a sparkling wine toast before midnight.

Fody’s (9 Clinton St., Nashua, 577-9015) $10. Massachusetts party rock band Sugarbush plays covers.

Fody’s Derry (187 1/2 Rockingham Road, Derry, 404-6946) $10. Rockingham Boys provide the music.

Forum Pub (15 Village St., Concord, 552-0137) Shaun McGyver & Friends provide the party music.

Foster’s Tavern (403 Main St., Alton Bay, 875-1234) Dan Fallon rings in the new year.

Fratello’s (155 Dow St., Manchester, 624-2022) Jamie Hughes plays early.

Fury’s Publick House (1 Washington St., Dover, 617-3633) Local favorite Tim Theriault plays a no-cover party.

Gate City Casino (55 Northeastern Blvd., Nashua, 943-5630) Disco Countdown is the theme this year, with free play prizes, giveaways, DJ, photo booth, hotel shuttle and more.

Giuseppe’s (312 DW Highway, Meredith, 279-3313) Jeffrey D. Mitchell sings and plays guitar early.

Goosefeathers Pub (Mt. Sunapee Resort, Newbury, 763-3500) New Year’s Bash has food and fun featuring the annual bonfire, S’moresmobile and live music in their Unplugged Den.

Governors Inn (78 Wakefield St., Rochester, 332-0107) Curmudjun plays rock covers following a grand buffet, with a midnight toast. $95.

Homestead (641 DW Highway, Merrimack, 429-2022) Lou Antonucci performing original material as well as the best of classic acoustic artists like Harry Chapin, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, James Taylor, Bob Dylan and many more.

Howlin’ Wolf Taqueria (40 Pleasant St., Portsmouth, 956-4566) $10 Chica-Chida Espresso Martinis and grab some Chica-Chida swag.

Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club (135 Congress St., Portsmouth, 603-5299) $54. NYE 2025 with BT ALC Big Band featuring special guest Nephrok. Since the group’s formation in 2011, BT ALC Big Band, led by trombonist Brian Thomas and trumpeter Alex Lee-Clark, has reshaped the depiction of the big band ensemble.

LaBelle Winery (345 Route 101, Amherst, 672-9898) Roaring ’20s Gatsby Party has four-course dinner with wine pairings, spectacle entertainment from Cirque de Light, 1920s themed-decor, and live Jazz Age music with an open dance floor.

Lake Estate (725 Laconia Road, Tilton, 202-3600) The party begins with a formal welcome reception from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. featuring hot and cold canapés and cash bar, followed by a festive dinner and dance from 8:15 p.m. to 12:15 a.m., complete with a refined three-course meal, live music from Soul City Band, and midnight Champagne toast.

Lakeport Opera House (781 Union Ave., Laconia, 519-7506) Eric Grant Band and DJ music, only general admission seats remain.

Local Street Eats (112 W. Pearl St., Nashua, 402-4435, local-streeteats.com) will host a Disco & Diamonds New Year’s Eve celebration Wednesday, Dec. 31, from 10 p.m. until midnight. Reservations are highly encouraged at local-streeteats.com/visit.

Loon Mountain (60 Loon Mountain Road, Lincoln, 745-8111) End-of-year celebration in the resort’s Paul Bunyan Room includes live music, a midnight toast, and hot and cold hors-d’oeuvres.

Looney Bin (564 Endicott St., Laconia, 366-2300) There’s no NYE bash, but on New Year’s Day there will be a hangover party.

Lynn’s 102 Tavern (76 Derry Road, Hudson, 943-7832) ’70s tribute band Time Bomb rings in the new year, coincidentally on its singer’s birthday.

McIntyre Ski Area (50 Chalet St., Manchester, 622-6159) Ring in the new year with a live DJ, take a shot at ski boot pong or spin our wheel for a chance to win some epic prizes. Included with the full price One Great Rate ticket is a tubing ticket to be redeemed during the 2025/26 winter season. All purchases include hot chocolate, coffee and appetizer buffet. Atlas Fireworks kick off at 9 p.m.

Music Hall Lounge (131 Congress St.., Portsmouth, 436-2400) Rockspring is a high-energy string band that has quickly gained a strong following in the New England region. This show will ring in the new year at midnight.

Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester, 668-5588) Recycled Percussion.

Pat’s Peak Ski Area (686 Flanders Road, Henniker, 728-7732) New Year’s fireworks at 9:20 p.m., ski, ride and tube (lifts open until 8:45 p.m.) and dancing to Dave & Wally in the Sled Pub from 6 to 9 p.m. No traditional NYE party this year.

Peddler’s Daughter (48 Main St., Nashua, 821-7535) Dinner, party favors and Champagne toast.

Penuche’s Ale House (6 Pleasant St., Concord, 228-9833) Concord rockers Rosewood Park play the party in this beloved basement bar.

Portsmouth Gas Light (64 Market St., Portsmouth, 430-9122) Roaring Gatsby Prohibition Party, dress to impress (1920s attire encouraged). $65 and up.

Press Room (77 Daniel St., Portsmouth, 431-5186) Electric Abduction: New Year’s Eve at The Press Room Presented by the Portsmouth Rave Project in collaboration with Trigger(House feat. DJ Chad Banks, Jay Sync, Jam!n, & Rh3tt) $65 and up

Revo Casino (887B Central Ave., Dover, 742-9632) Stray Dog plays rock covers at this no-cover party.

Revo Casino (369 Miracle Mile, Lebanon, 678-5906) Project 416 plays rock covers at this no-cover party.

Riley’s Place (29 Mont Vernon St., Milford, 325-2177) Aces & Eights NYE party, $10 admission includes Champagne toast.

Rockingham Ballroom (22 Ash Swamp Road, Newmarket, eventbrite.com) DJs Johnny Groovy and Soul Sister Pamela with jazz piano opener, appetizers, finger foods, Champagne toast and prizes $50 and $75 BYOB.

Rooftop at the Envio (299 Vaughn St., Portsmouth, eventbrite.com) Masquerade-themed party includes a selection of passed hors d’oeuvres, an iced seafood raw bar, and a variety of appetizers to savor throughout the evening. Plus, enjoy two sparkling toasts — one to kick off the celebration as you arrive, and another at midnight to ring in the new year with friends. $130.

Rumor Tapas & Lounge (1055 Elm St., Manchester, 786-9277) EP’s All-White Takeover NYE hosted by Millyz “Blanco.” All-white affair, VIP bottle service, midnight vibes, extended liquor — last call 2 a.m. $45 at eventbrite.com.

Rumors Sports Bar (22 N. Main St., Newmarket, 659-2329) DJ Kelly Elliott rings in 2026. $23 at eventbrite.com.

Saddle Up Saloon (92 Route 125, Kingston, 369-6962) Early Ball Drop Bash is a family-friendly New Year’s Eve party.

Salt Hill Pub Lebanon (2 W. Park St., Lebanon, 448-4532) $10 DJ Tony Jagzx for a dance party & karaoke extravaganza.

Salt Hill Pub Newport (58 Main St., Newport, 863-7774) The AC/DC Experience has been bringing both Bon Scott- and Brian Johnson-era high voltage rock ’n’ roll to New England for years. Featuring Dean Celesia on vocals and Jonny Friday on lead guitar, they bring favorite hits for an intense, high-energy rock show with the swing, sound and passion of AC/DC.

Sawtooth Kitchen (Under Allen Street, Hanover, 643-5134) Canopy returns for their third consecutive NYE party — the last two years have sold out.

Shaskeen (909 Elm St., Manchester, 625-0246) $60. DJ Myth hosts an all-inclusive Epic New Year’s Bash with 200 tickets sold covering a dinner buffet, midnight Champagne toast, live DJ and open bar (no shots). The club will be closed to anyone without tickets (21+ only).

Sled Pub (24 Flanders Road, Henniker, 888-728-7732) New Year’s fireworks at 9:20 p.m. (lifts close at 8:45 p.m.) with Dave & Wally playing in the Sled Pub. No NYE party; night lift tickets start at 4 p.m., last call 10:30 p.m.

Soho Bistro (20 Old Granite St., Manchester, 222-1677) Welcome 2026 with fun, friends and food all night long, $12.50 at eventbrite.com.

Stone Church (5 Granite St., Newmarket, 659-7700) Cold Engines w/ Soul Rebel Project.

Strange Brew (88 Market St., Manchester, 666-4292) Glad Valley Record Release Party.

Stumble Inn (20 Rockingham Road, Londonderry, 432-3210) Slakas.

Sweeney Post (251 Maple St., Manchester, 623-9145) $10pp, Music is by The Hey Moe Band, 6:30 p.m. cocktails, 7 p.m. potluck.

Taverne on the Square (2 Pleasant St., Claremont, 287-4416) Jake McLaughlin and Friends perform. Music will start at 7:30 p.m. and run as long as you are willing to dance.

The Brook (319 New Zealand Road, Seabrook, livefreeandplay.com) Rat Pack Tribute $35/

The Goat MHT (50 Old Granite St., Manchester, 603-4628) Run For Covers plays rock covers to ring in 2026.

Thirsty Moose (21 Congress St, Portsmouth, 427-8645) Down By Ten.

Throwback Brewery (7 Hobbs Road, North Hampton, 379-2317) $55 From 5 to 8 p.m. it’s Bougie Beers & Bites, a ticketed culinary experience featuring a welcome spritzer, elevated small plates, paired Throwback brews and a sparkling 7 p.m. GMT toast.

Tupelo Music Hall (10 A St., Derry, 437-5100) Adam Ezra Group w/ Jeff Kazee. Dinner at 5:30 p.m., show at 8:30 p.m. $50 and up.

Uno Pizzeria & Grill (15 Fort Eddy Road, Concord, 226-8667) Mikey G plays an early set.

Wally’s Pub (144 Ashworth Ave., Hampton, 926-6954) Fast Times plays music from the 1980s.

Ya Mas Greek Taverna & Bar (Mall at Rockingham Park, Salem, 635-4230) New Year’s Eve In Paris includes Moulin Rouge Burlesque performance and three-course dinner, $189 at eventbrite.com.

Featured photo: Superfrog. Courtesy photo.

Riley’s Place rocks Milford

Riley’s Place opened in early 2022 as a comfort food restaurant that featured live music. As its fourth anniversary neared, co-owner Kimberley King began to realize that entertainment has become the main course. There’s something happening on stage every day it’s open, along with multiple shows on many weekend days.

Located on the first floor of a house built in 1757 by early Milford settler John Shepard, Riley’s Place has naturally good acoustics, but when Doug Danskin walked in for the first time, shortly after opening day, there was a home stereo behind the musicians. The veteran sound man saw a chance to help.

The timing couldn’t have been better, as Danskin had recently packed up a studio’s worth of equipment when the building he’d been working in changed hands. Might Riley’s Place be interested in using it? “Yes,” King replied enthusiastically. He’s been behind the mixing board ever since, as its popularity among musicians has grown.

Enough performers praised Riley’s superlative sound that it gave King an epiphany.

“We’re a music venue that has great comfort food, not a comfort food place with music,” she said as local blues rockers Blūz Chile got ready to perform on a recent Friday night, adding that she’s decided to rebrand it as such.

In 2026 she’ll make a leap of faith similar to the one that made her decide to enter the restaurant business. Riley’s Place will begin to host ticketed events in the coming year. The lineup is mostly booked through next fall and includes tributes to David Bowie, Steve Miller, Fleetwood Mac, The Allman Brothers and The Rolling Stones.

The menu too will look like a classic rock playlist, with a country touch. Their maple bourbon burger will be newly named after Chris Stapleton, with a writeup that reads like a record review. Led Zeppelin’s Bourbon Thunder steak tips “that hit like a guitar solo” will be introduced. Yes, both Stapleton and Zep are among next year’s tribute acts.

The American BLT, “full of heartland, bacon crunch,” will honor Tom Petty, and their signature prime rib sandwich with horseradish sauce “stinging like a Jersey wind” will be dubbed The Boss, a tasty salute to Bruce Springsteen, served with a side of onion rings. It’s all part of a full-circle moment for King.

“Music gets you through life; it’s just always been that way with me.” she said. “When I opened here, I wanted it to be a place where musicians love to come and play, where everyday blue-collar people would come for comfort food and just feel safe, happy and secure.”

In front of a wall hanging designed by King showing her favorite instrument, a saxophone, the music continues. There are two open mic nights, on Wednesdays and Thursdays; a drum kit was added not too long ago. Live bands appear on Fridays and Saturdays. Sundays, afternoon blues happen, hosted by a rotating lineup of four musicians.

There are also special events, like a Christmas show hosted by Jordan Quinn at 5 p.m. on Dec. 20, ahead of an evening set from the Straight A’s. An In The Round song swap with Eric LaMarche, Carol Townsend, Lily Soleil and Jimbo Labelle is set for the day after Christmas, and on New Year’s Eve, it’s a rare show from area favorites Aces & Eights.

King named Riley’s Place after her granddaughter, now 4 years old.

“She takes over when she comes in,” King said. “She loves to dance when the music’s playing.” She calls the outdoor patio Oakley’s Place, for her other granddaughter, who’s 2.

Asked to name a high point for the business she co-founded with her ex-husband — “weird, I know, but it’s working,” it says on their web page — she can’t pick a moment. Rather, it’s a before-and-after picture in her mind of the place she once managed in her younger days, when it was a tavern called the Colonel Shepard House.

“I remember what it looked like when it was so empty, and I think of everything we’ve done in just three and a half years. I think that’s my high point. Not everybody lives their dream. I can tell my daughter that if I die tomorrow, at least I can say that I lived my dream.”

Featured photo: Courtesy photo.