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New Year's Eve 2013: 6 cheap things to do that don't involve a club
Grand Park.
(
Steve Devol/Flickr
)
Well, that was quick. We're already preparing to bid farewell to 2013 in some of the most creative ways possible.
Looking for something to do that doesn't require a tuxedo, a $125 cover charge, doormen or velvet ropes?
Explore the fun behind kaleidoscopic balloon drops, get your face painted in fierce cheetah prints or hop on over to a DTLA bar for the last sweet deal of the year. We've got a list of events to make the end of 2013 truly memorable.
Here's everything you need to know:
1. Cuddle with loved ones and count down to 2014 at Hermosa Beach
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(Christina Hsu/flickr Creative Commons)
Bring blankets and popcorn to Hermosa Beach and watch the Times Square ball drop on a large outdoor screen. (There will be two ball drops; one at 9 p.m. and another at midnight.) Enjoy Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett-inspired tunes performed by Lou Giovannetti and His Big Band as you cuddle with loved ones. Consider grabbing dinner at one of the dozens of local restaurants and bars before getting those party favors ready for the night.
Where: Hermosa Beach Pier Plaza | MAP
When: 8 p.m. Tuesday
Price: Free
2.Taste of DTLA at Bunker Hill Bar & Grill
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(Vancityallie.com/flickr Creative Commons)
Raise a toast and bid adieu to 2013 with friends. As an incentive, DTLA locals get in for just $10. Watch the Times Square Ball drop on six large television screens plastered throughout the venue and enjoy steamy garlic tempura and short ribs before heading over to the dance floor. Pro tip: Happy hour lasts from 5 to 8 p.m.
Where: Bunker Hill Bar & Grill | MAP
When: 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tuesday
Price: $10 for locals (pre-sale tickets available until 12/27)
3. Balloon Drop at the Zimmer Museum
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(Rasmus Lerdorf/flickr Creative Commons)
The Zimmer Museum is hosting one of the most kid-friendly balloon drops in L.A. this year. Keep your eyes and ears open as you bask in the colorful explosion at this daytime event. Bust out your funky 2014 glasses and make it a play date with the kids. Pro tip: The balloons will drop at exactly 12:14 p.m. and 2:14 p.m. Tuesday. Don't be late; you wouldn't want to miss out on the fun!
Where: Zimmer Museum | MAP
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday
Price: Adults: $8; Children 1-17: $5; Children under 1: FREE
4. 2014 at Universal #CityWalkNYE
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(dzhingarov/flickr Creative Commons)
Live entertainment at five concert venues with good music you can actually dance to and full-on fireworks — experience this and more at Universal CityWalk. Head over to the Universal Globe Stage for live entertainment from Air Dubai & 7 Lions. Expect plenty of giraffes and pandas from seasoned balloon artists.
Where: Universal CityWalk | MAP
When: Tuesday
Price: General admission: $30 for adults; $15 children; see website for more details.
(Photo: Kristen Lepore/KPCC)
Join in on the biggest New Year's Eve bash downtown at Grand Park. Enjoy an evening out on the green, get your face painted with the folks from Tribal Markers, and peruse dozens of food trucks. Catch a live feed of the Times Square ball drop at 9 p.m. Check out neat 3D projections and take goofy photos before saying goodbye to 2014.
Where: Grand Park | MAP
When: 6 p.m. Tuesday
Price: Free
6. 3rd annual New Year's Eve bash in Monrovia
(Photo: Living in Monrovia/Flickr Creative Commons)
Join a lively procession and street party on Myrtle Avenue in Old Town Monrovia this New Year's Eve. Listen to live music from "The Lance & Gary Show" and stay hydrated with plenty of beverages and booze available at the Beer & Wine Garden. The kids will get a kick out of the special family-friendly area set up with crafts, snacks and family fun. Be sure to stick around for the ball raising and toast, courtesy of Rudy's Mexican Food.
Where: Old Town Monrovia | MAP
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday
Price: Free
What's your ideal way to spend New Year's Eve? Let us know in comments, on Facebook or Twitter.
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