Another year has come and gone. The year 2018 passed by in a blur of chaos and heartbreak, diversity and acceptance, change and love. It’s hard to believe that it’s already been 365 days since you woke up with a hangover and new resolutions. And now you get to do it again! Whether you’re celebrating New Year’s Eve because you’re just happy that 2018 is over or because you are ready to have another fantastic year in 2019, the Montana Gift Corral has looked into the hottest events happening. Check out some of the wonderful ways to bring in the new year in the bustling Bozeman area!

Bands and Jams

Photos courtesy of Daniel Kosel, Brian Sorg, That 1 Guy, and Satsang

    Seattle born and Montana raised vocalist, Daniel Kosel, will be ringing in the New Year at the Eagles Club and Ballroom! Starting at 9:30 pm you can jam out to Daniel Kosel’s vibrant music! Described as a tasteful blend of Country, Rock, and Blues, this is one New Years Eve party you won’t want to miss!

    Join the high-energy band with a soul/ rock sound this New Year’s Eve. Starting at 8 pm at the Zebra Cocktail Lounge the wonderful DASH will be rocking in the New Year! Join DASH for their first performance back in town since their album release show. DASH isn’t the only band performing at the Zebra’s Blacklight Bash. Performing alongside them will be Big Montana, a band that is a mix of comedy and rock-and-roll. Tickets are $5 in advance or $10 at the door!

     Mike Silverman, better known as That 1 Guy, will be performing in all his one-man-band glory at The Filling Station! Starting at 9 pm on New Year’s Eve, you can experience the brilliance of this classically trained musician. That 1 Guy is best known for his solo performances as well as his use of instruments he created himself. Mix up your New Year’s celebrations this year and watch That 1 Guy jam out on his Magical Boot and Magic Pipe.

    What better way to bring in the New Year than by experiencing A Evening of New Beginnings with Satsang? Satsang is a wonderful band made up of three people who want to share their beautiful blend of soul, hip-hop, and folk-rock. Their mission is to share stories of growth, imperfection, awareness, and change through their lyrics. Satsang is a group of brilliant individuals who have some of the most intoxicating live performances. Experience the delight of dancing the night away to lyrics that leave you craving more for $35 at 8:30 pm at Bozeman’s Rialto!

Swing in the New Year

Photo Courtesy MSU Swing Cats

      Swing in the New Year with the Townsend’s Teahouse New Year’s Eve Dance! Starting at 8 pm at Townsend’s Teahouse in Downtown Bozeman people of all ages are welcome! The New Year’s Eve Dance is a free and fun community activity! Any night spent dancing like no one is watching with friends and family will certainly be a night to remember! And this one gets even better when you learn that the MSU Swingcats will be there dancing right along with you!

Start the Year with a Bang!

Photo Courtesy of Chris Kamman

    Want to kick off the New Year with a bang? Well, look no further than Gallatin County’s very own Big Sky! Big Sky believes that the New Year is cause for celebration, and the crew up there know how to throw a party. The free event kicks off with a parade early in the day followed by a New Year’s dance with live entertainment. However, that isn’t the only dance taking place. Dances catered to kids, teens, and adults will be held at various locations throughout the city. On top of that Big Sky offers some fantastic skiing, sleigh rides, and even dog sledding! End 2018 with a bang later that night when fireworks explode in a dazzling display surrounded by mountains!

 Feasts and Fireworks

Photo Courtesy of Gallatin River Lodge

    Dine like royalty for New Year’s Eve at the gorgeous Gallatin River Lodge. The Gallatin River Lodge is located in Belgrade and has a fantastic three-course New Year’s Eve dinner planned to celebrate! You and your companions will be greeted with an amuse-bouche, a compliment from the chef and a chance to taste his style before your food. The amuse-bouche of the night will be Smoked Rabbit Consume or the vegetarian option of Shaved Beet Ravioli. Afterward, it will be time for the first course. Choose from exciting Pollywog Stew, Pan-Roasted Ostrich, or Blue Hubbard Squash Veloute! Once you finish your first course you will be presented with the main dish you selected for the evening. The main entrees include a Cast Iron Buffalo Tenderloin, Main Lobster or a delectable Vegetarian Gargenelli. After you have eaten your fill you will have to find a way to make a little more room. Gallatin River Lodge is offering a Souffle, Roasted Quince, and a variety of ice creams and sorbets to give your meal a final flourish.

    The New Year is an exciting and thrilling time! Maybe it’s the word “new” and the childlike excitement that it brings. New year? New life, new chances, new days, new you. It’s a time for change and growth, a milestone the marks development and the inevitable passage of time. And this year why not try a new way to celebrate? Go out with your friends, eat some fun new foods and listen to new music. Life is about grabbing it and running with it. And if that isn’t something you normally do, why not start anew with a fun and safe New Year’s Eve!

By: Issa Rabideaux