Entertainment

The play "Tea at Five," a comedic drama about Katharine Hepburn, is the highlight of Blackfriars Theatre's New Year's Eve Party starting at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $50 and include cheese, wine, and a dessert buffet at intermission. (28 Lawn St, 454-1260, blackfriars.org)

Political comedy troupe The Capitol Steps put the "mock" into "democracy" with its performances at Nazareth College Arts Center. Shows at 6:30 & 10 p.m.; tickets cost $50. (4245 East Ave, 389-2170, naz.edu/artscenter)

Comix Café celebrates the New Year with two comedy shows featuring Mike Dambra and Ralph Tetta. The early show runs 7:30-9 p.m.; before that hors d‘oeuvres will be served at 5 p.m., with a dinner buffet 5:30-7 p.m. The late show opens at 9:30 p.m. with another dinner buffet. There will also be after-show revelries, including karaoke, party favors, a champagne toast, DJ, and dancing. Tickets to either show cost $45. (3450 Winton Place Plaza, 424-5233, comixcafe.com)

Country Dancers of Rochester hosts an alcohol- and smoke-free New Year's party starting at 7:30 p.m. with music by the Great Bear Trio and Bob Nicholson. Hors d'oeuvres 8:30-9 p.m., followed by country dancing 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m. $7-$15. (1124 Culver Rd, Rochestercontra.com)

Downstairs Cabaret Theatre offers a ton of shows this New Year's Eve, including the romantic musical comedy "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" at 6 p.m. ($50, includes hors d'oeuvres) and 9:30 p.m. ($50, includes dessert buffet, champagne toast at midnight) at 20 W Windsor St. "In the Beginning," a comedy about the Old Testament, begins at 8 p.m. ($40, includes dessert buffet) at 172 W Main St. Shannon Turner stars in the solo cabaret show "One Classy Broad" at 5:30 p.m. ($20, includes hors d'oeuvres) at 540 E Main St. The pop musical "Shout" plays at 7:30 p.m. ($50, includes dessert buffet) and at 9:30 p.m. ($50, includes dessert buffet, champagne toast at midnight) at 540 E Main St. The family holiday musical "Plaid Tidings" shows at 6 p.m. ($40, includes hors d'oeuvres) and at 9:30 p.m. ($50, includes prizes, party favors, midnight countdown) at the Geva Nextstage, 75 Woodbury Blvd. Call 325-4370 or visit downstairscabaret.com for more info.

Dryden Theatre celebrates New Year's Eve with a New Year's Eve "laff riot" double feature starting at 7 p.m. The theatre will show two classic films, the musical "Hellzapoppin'" and the madcap comedy "It's in the Bag." Tickets cost $4-$6. (900 East Ave, 271-3361, dryden.eastmanhouse.org)

Geva Comedy Improv throws back-to-back New Year's Eve shows at Kilbourn Hall. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. and tickets cost $15-$35, which includes a champagne toast. (26 Gibbs St, 232-GEVA, gevatheatre.org)

The Jewish Community Center presents the comedy of errors "Jewtopia.  The theater will provide New Year's Eve prizes and gourmet concessions. Tickets cost $22. (1200 Edgewood Ave, 461-2000, jccrochester.org)

Nuts an Bolts Comedy Improv and special guests Barrel of Monkeys put on a New Year's Bash at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $10 and include giveaways and a champagne toast. (UpStage 3, Auditorium Center, 875 E Main St, 334-8973, nutsandboltsimprov.com)

Rochester Riverside Convention Center is home to the interactive dinner theater piece, "Joey and Maria's Comedy Wedding." Dinner begins at 8:30 p.m. Tickets cost $74.95. (123 E Main St, 865-4200, joeyandmaria.com)

Improv comedy troupe Shipping Dock Unleashed reenacts the most memorable events of the past year in Rochester with skits and songs. The show begins at 9 p.m., tickets cost $20-$30, and include a champagne toast and dessert. (31 Prince St, 232-2250, shippingdocktheatre.org)

Hotels

The Hyatt Regency holds a New Year's Eve Extravaganza with a lavish dinner buffet, live music from Nik and the Nice Guys, and dancing in the Grand Ballroom. The celebration includes overnight accommodations, party favors, an American breakfast buffet, and late check-out on New Year's Day. The party runs 8 p.m.-1 a.m. and the dress code is semi-formal. The party and room package costs $289; additional tickets without a room cost $114. (125 E Main Street, 800-233-1234, rochester.hyatt.com)

The Clarion Riverside Hotel throws its New Year's Eve party 8 p.m.-1 a.m. The festivities include five hours of open bar, hors d'oeuvres, a full dinner buffet, and a dessert display. A Perfect World and DJ Music Master will perform. Look for a champagne toast at midnight, party hats, and noisemakers. Tickets cost $220.08 per couple and include an overnight room, continental breakfast, and late checkout. (120 E Main St, 564-6400)

Family Events

Bristol Mountain Winter Resort offers discounted skiiing and riding for families from 4-10 p.m. as well as arts & crafts, a torch light parade, and fireworks around 10:30 p.m. For more info, go to bristolmountain.com or call 234-5000.  

The City of Rochester throws the annual Downtown New Year's Eve Celebration. There will be live music inside the Convention Center, along with vendors and family fun 10 p.m.-12:30 a.m., plus a fireworks display outside over the Main Street Bridge at midnight. Mayor Robert Duffy, the RPO Brass Ensemble and the Dady Brothers will make appearances. (Main Street, 428-6697, ci.rochester.ny.us)

There's a Family New Year's Eve party at the Dome Arena & Minnett Hall in Henrietta 6-9 p.m. $4. (2695 E. Henrietta Rd., 334-4000, domecenter.com)

The Holiday Laser Shows at RMSC feature seasonal music from jazz to gospel. Shows take place at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., perfect for those kids who can't stay up until midnight. $7-$9. (658 East Ave, 271-1880, rmsc.org)

Victory Baptist Church throws a non-alcoholic New Year's Eve Masquerade Bash 8 p.m.-1 a.m. The bash costs $10 and will include music, dancing, games, and food. Formal attire is optional. (32 Wildbriar Rd, discovervictory.com)

The City of Rochester's New Year's Eve Skate runs 6 p.m.-9 p.m. at Genesee Valley Park. There will be live DJs, prizes, and more. Free. (131 Elmwood Ave, 428-7888)

Bars and Clubs

The Bug Jar hosts its Manic Mondays New Year's Eve Party 9 p.m.-3 a.m. with DJs Lady Z and Reverend Sinn, and special guests Jhim and Nicolette. Eighties-style dress is encouraged, so slip on your legwarmers, tie an oversized sweatshirt around your waist and party on, Wayne! (219 Monroe Ave, 454-2966, bugjar.com)

Capizzo's Restaurant and Night Club hooks you up with free hats, noisemakers, hors d'oeuvres, and a champagne toast at midnight. (2454 Ridge Rd, Ontario, 524-7553)

Head out to Canandaigua's Fuul Music Hall for a night of live music, free champagne, free food, and top-shelf drink specials. (37 Niagara St, Canandaigua, 394-3933)

Jeremiah's Tavern puts on a New Year's extravaganza with drink specials ‘til 2 a.m. and a buffet ‘til 4 a.m. $65/person. (1104 Monroe Ave, 461-1313)

Liquid will open at 9:30 p.m. and DJ Wizz spins until 4 a.m. Hats, horns, balloons, noisemakers, open to 18 and up. (169 St Paul St, 325-5710)

Show up at Lux Lounge's New Year's Eve party, don a silly hat, rattle a noisemaker or two, and drink your way through the great specials. Champagne toast at midnight. Open ‘til 4 a.m. (666 South Ave, 232-9030)

At the Merchant Street Smokehouse, 25 bucks will get you into the Smokehouse and the Canal Side Pub, plus a champagne toast at midnight, party favors, and a buffet 9 p.m.-midnight. DJ's, live bands, more. (48 Merchant St, 637-6020)

Mulligan's kicks off the New Year with free champagne at midnight, a free buffet, hats, noisemakers, raffles, and live music from Detour. 9:30 p.m. No cover. (4618 Ridge Rd W, 349-3383)

The guys at O'Callaghan's are running cheap specials all night. This way you can buy drinks for the person you've targeted to kiss at midnight. Open ‘til 2 a.m. (470 Monroe Ave, 271-7190)

One rings in the new year with DJ Steven Kraft, a midnight champagne toast, and dancing until 4 a.m. $15 cover. (1 Ryan Alley, 546-1010)

At the Otter Lodge, the f-word's in play: free champagne, free appetizers, and a free buffet. (1776 Monroe Ave, 442-8790)

Panorama Nightclub celebrates the New Year with noisemakers and champagne at midnight. The bar stays open until 3 a.m. (730 Elmgrove Rd, 247-2190)

SoHo East, Syxx, Vinyl, and Daisy Dukes all celebrate with champagne, noisemakers, hors d'oeuvres, DJs, and more. 410-2281 to reserve VIP tables. (East and Alexander streets, goingoutrochester.com)

Dance in the new year with DJ Al at Stooge's, where an all-request retro disco party goes on ‘til 4 a.m. No cover. (511 E Ridge Rd, 266-9559)

Tapas 177 will stay open ‘til 4 a.m. with a DJ dance party and a special four-course dinner menu. Seatings at 5:30, 7:30, and 9:30 p.m. (Regular menu will not be available). Dinner is $65/person. (177 St Paul St, 262-2090)

Tap and Mallet celebrates 2008 with a four-course beer dinner. Pairings include vegetarian options. Seatings are at 6 and 8 p.m. $60/person. Live jazz at 10 p.m. and midnight toasts. (381 Gregory St, 473-0503)

Tipsy McStaggers parties ‘til 4 a.m., and the bar wants to get you home safe, so after you enjoy freebies like hats, noisemakers, champagne, and hors d'oeuvres, you can grab a free limo ride home. (3685 W. Henrietta Rd, 334-8970, tipsy-mcstaggers.com)

Taylor's Nightclub will provide a buffet ($12), noisemakers, and a champagne toast. The buffet starts at 8 p.m. This party's for ages 21 and over. (330 Monroe Ave, 381-3000)

VENU throws a Masquerade Ball with champagne toast, party favors, and more 9 p.m.-1 a.m. No cover. (151 St Paul St, 232-5650, venurochester.com)

The newly remodeled Woody's on Monroe Ave hosts a New Year's Eve bash with a champagne toast at midnight, free hats, horns, noisemakers, and more. (248 Monroe Ave, 546-6900)

Live Music

Cover band 7th Heaven plays at the Jukebox starting at 9 p.m. Buffet at 7 p.m. and happy hour 4-8 p.m. Tickets are $20 and include a champagne toast and party favors. (5435 W Ridge Rd, 352-4505)

For an early New Year's celebration, Brenda Barber performs at Gunny's 4-7 p.m. No cover. (610 N Greece Rd, 392-1122)

Metal bands Intox, Darkling, Aggressive Betty, and With Every Breath rock out at the California Brew Haus. The bar stays open until 4 a.m. and music starts at 10 p.m. The shows cost $5-7, and all ages are admitted. (402 W Ridge Rd, 621-1480)

The Dr.'s Inn Bar and Grill hosts its "Hippy's Ball" with live music by Family Dawgs with members of the Buddhahood, Slide in Sideways and Kevin MacConkey. The bar is open ‘til 4 a.m. and there's a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets cost $10. (1743 East Ave, 271-0820)

Pineapple Jack's throws a New Year's bash with live music from The Dukes. The music starts at 9 p.m. and Jack's is open until 4 a.m. Champagne toast at midnight. (485 Spencerport Rd, 247-5225)

Johnny's Irish Pub kicks off the New Year with a performance by Fishbone Soup 9 p.m.-1 a.m. No cover. There will be a champagne toast at midnight, hats, and noisemakers. Hors d'oeuvres served at 7 p.m. (1382 Culver Rd, 224-0990)

Local blues legends Joe Beard and Steve Grills and the Roadmasters perform at 10 p.m. at Dinosaur Barbecue's Red Beans and Rice New Year's Eve Celebration. Free champagne toast at midnight. No cover. You must be 21 to sit at the bar, but everyone's allowed in the restaurant. (99 Court St, 325-7090)

Joe Likely and the Midnight Blues Band help break in the newly rechristened Clarissa's. Tickets cost $15-$25 and include champagne toast and hors d'oeuvres. (293 Clarissa St)

The Gap Mangione Sextet and The Millionaires will perform at the Lodge at Woodcliff's New Years Eve Gala Celebration. The party begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Horizon Lounge and costs $20 for those not staying at the hotel. (Route 96, Perinton, 381-4000)

The German House Theatre and The Keg kick off the New Year with Bobbie Henrie & the Goners and The John Cole Blues Band. The celebration runs 7:30 p.m.-1 a.m. and festivities include swing lessons at 7:30 p.m., light hors d'oeuvres, a champagne toast, a cash bar, silent auction, and hats and noisemakers. Tickets cost $20 in advance, $25 at the door. (315 Gregory St, 442-6880, baswa.org)

Gonculator, Shelflyfe, and Idiom play at the Main Street Armory at 8 p.m., along with a special guest band. It's an all-ages show. Drink specials and more. $15. (900 E Main St, 232- 3221)

Gordon Munding and friends play at Beale Street Café 9 p.m. -1 a.m. (689 South Ave, 271-4650)

Greg Clark, Teagan L. Ward, and the Charlie Lindner Trio play at Bodhi's in the Village Gate, starting at 5:30 p.m. New Year's dinner specials available. (274 N Goodman St, 473-2030)

Jae Mood and the Fran Dukes Band ring in the New Year at The Dub Land Underground starting at 9 p.m. Cover is $5. (315 Alexander St, 232-7550)

The Midnight Groove Band lives up to its name on New Year' Eve at Rab's Woodshed. The show begins at 10 p.m. No cover. (4440 Lake Ave, 663-4610)

Smith Opera House hosts its New Year's Eve Bash with non-stop music and celebration. Jon Brown's Body and Giant Panda Guerrilla Dub Squad will perform on the main stage while local favorites El Kabong and Nestor will perform on side stages. Tickets cost $27, or $45 for VIP treatment (includes preferred seating, a private viewing area, an event poster, VIP washrooms, and a VIP bar with complimentary hors d'oeuvres). Doors open at 7 p.m. (82 Seneca St, Geneva, 315-781-5483, thesmith.org)

The Aleks Kovic Trio plays at 12:31 a.m. at Steamboat Landing. There is no extra charge to see the band, and guests can order from the regular dinner menu. Reservations encouraged. (205 Lakeshore Dr, Canandaigua, 396-7350)

Sidle up to the bar at the Strathallan on New Year's Eve and dig pianist Paul Hoffman 7:30-9 p.m., then the Bob Sneider Quartet 9 p.m.-1 a.m. No cover, but table minimum applies in the dining area. (550 East Ave, 454-1880)