Arts and Entertainment New Year's Eve Adventures in Bradenton!

BRADENTON – New Year's Eve is right around the corner, but for you last minute procrastinators, there's still time to make plans for ringing in 2013. From glitzy parties to big cat adventures, there are plenty of options when it comes to spending this holiday at a local hot spot. Grab your noisemakers and dig out that gaudy hat, it's time for a New Year's Eve Adventure in Bradenton!

Old Main Street will celebrate New Year’s Eve with a party on Monday from 3 p.m. until midnight with live music from the band Hot Ice. There will be several food vendors, a beer truck and other vendors selling their wares. There is no cover charge for this free event. Old Main Street between Manatee and Third avenues west will close from 2 p.m. until 1 a.m. for the event, so please plan accordingly!

At the end of Old Main, Pier 22 will ring in the New Year with three separate parties with very different atmospheres within their sprawling indoor/outdoor facility. There will be live music by The Arch from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight along with free party favors. Visit their website for more info.

Just down the river, Tarpon Pointe Grill & Tiki Bar is also hosting a special New Year's Eve party. You can get dinner your choice of meal, dessert and a drink (domestic beer, house wine or well) for $25 per person with live music and other festivities.

Down on Cortez, The Cellar Bar will host a more formal affair with a DJ, a complimentary champagne toast, party favors and over 1,000 balloons dropping at midnight. Formal or cocktail attire is recommended. Tickets are $20 or $40 for VIP. Call (941) 751-9111 for reservations.

On the West end of Cortez, Willie Miller and The Collaboration will rock in the New Year at Ace's Lounge, starting at 9 p.m. Ace's will offer a special dinner for $18.95 (choice of appetizer: Stuffed Mushrooms or Mozzarella Caprese; entree: Filet Mignon, Veal Francese, Chicken Marsala, or Shrimp Scampi; dessert: Cannoli; All Dinners include Salad and Bread) There is a $10 cover for this event.

In the Village, Arts and Eats offers a "Gourmet Champagne Dinner." Reserve for one of two seatings: 7 p.m. or 9 p.m. Space is limited. The $50 price fixed menu includes: Champagne; Appetizers (Homemade Breads, Parmesan Cups filled with Roasted Garlic Chive Goat Cheese over Arugula Salad); Beef or Salmon Wellington with Truffle Mashed Potatoes and Asparagus; Chocolate Almond Truffle; Meyer Lemon Tart with Fresh Raspberries served with Honey Marscarpone Cream. There will be Live Music at 7 p.m. with Rick Quimby, songwriter, guitarist and singer; and at 9pm by their very own Donna Slawsky. Reserve by calling 941-201-6647 or emailing artsandeatsfl@gmail.com.

Over the bridge, the Riverhouse Reef & Grill will again host their New Year's Eve Extravaganza with a full gourmet buffet, party favors, a champagne toast and balloon drop, as you dance the night away with live DJ music. Cost is $45 for adults, $15 for kids 12 and under. Call 941.729.0616 for reservations or visit their website for more info.

Looking for something a little bit out of the ordinary on New Year's Eve? The Big Cat Habitat in Sarasota will be open December 31 from 12:30-4:00 p.m. to give families an extra chance to take in the unique experience while students are on break from school. A special educational animal demonstration begins at 1:30 p.m. Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary is a nonprofit safe haven for big cats, bears and other animals in need. Donations are $15 for adults and $7 for children 12 and under. More information is available at www.BigCatHabitat.org or by calling 941-371-6377.