With 2021 on the horizon and vaccines already being distributed in Oregon, many people have started feeling hopeful. There’s no question that 2020 was a challenge for all of us. Not seeing friends and family during the holiday season has taken its toll on the already depleted energy that remains from a chaotic year. While New Year’s Eve may not mean big parties and sharing a glass of bubbly with strangers in a bar, it doesn’t have to be a total drag. Here’s hoping this will be our last socially distanced New Year’s Eve, our last major holiday spent apart from our loved ones.
While a bar-hopping NYE may not be in the cards this year, I gathered together a list of live-streaming performances and events to bring the entertainment factor to your at-home NYE celebrations. Skip the parties, stay home, avoid starting the new year off with a DUI and enjoy the spectacle from your screens at home.
New Years Eve Live Streaming Events
Falling Up Into 2021 — Namaspa Yoga presents an all-day celebration on Thursday, December 31 from 9am to 9pm. Join the festivities on Zoom for meditation, music, movement and an auction. 100% of the proceeds from the event will benefit the Namaspa Foundation, which provides yoga and meditation to our local community. Set your intention for 2021 at this live-streamed event. $25.
Tomorrowland 2020 — This EDM and electronic music festival held in Belgium goes digital with an A-list lineup of DJs from across the dance music spectrum. Enter a digital world filled with music, magic and friendship. More than 25 of the world’s best EDM artists perform on four mesmerizing digital stages in the brand-new digital entertainment venue NAOZ. Watch in your local timezone from 8pm – 3am. $24.50.
New Year’s Eve in The Virtual Mushroom — Fans of Beats Antique will love this exclusive music and dance performance, a countdown to midnight in your local timezone and other surprises. The event takes place in The Virtual Mushroom, a spot to watch live streams and dreams manifest on the web. The Virtual Mushroom was designed by Android Jones in partnership with Paul Stamets and Beat Antique’s David Satori. Get on the virtual dancefloor! $15.
Nite Wave ‘80s New Year’s Eve Party — One of Seattle’s favorite independent music venues has been hosting virtual concerts on their stage. This NYE, join the live-stream on YouTube starting at 10pm. The series uses pro venue sound, lights and stage with artists performing in an empty venue. Fans are encouraged to “Pay-What-You-Will” with contributions supporting the artists, venue and various non-profit social causes. $20+ suggested donation.
New Years Eve Events in Bend
New Year’s Eve in the Yard — Say goodbye to 2020 in The Yard at Bunk+Brew. Bunk+Brew will have live music and festivities from Jeshua Marshall & Co. as well as beer from Old Ironwood Taps, authentic Oaxacan food from Alebrije and Southern BBQ from Pop’s. Free. Bunk+Brew, 42 NW Hawthorne Ave., Bend.
Don’t Drink and Drink This NYE
With plenty of live-streaming options, this is the perfect year to take it easy on NYE and stay home. If you do leave the house, remember to have a designated driver or have your phone charged in order to call a cab or an Uber. We can all agree that 2020 was a total drag. Don’t start the new year off on the wrong foot — stay home, stay safe, don’t drink and drive. We’ve got a lot of making up for lost time to do in 2021 and your money is better spent on anything other than a DUI.
