It’s the post you’ve been waiting for! DIY Tel Aviv has been hunting NYE parties for you and, in fact, is still hunting them now. Keep checking this post, as there may be more parties popping up before the big night and if there’s anything worth going to, it will be added here.
The great outdoors (well, sort of)
The narrow streets of the Jaffa flea market will host a bunch of free parties, organised by the various bars in the area. Take a walk down and follow the sounds that appeal. Shafa Bar will be celebrating Novy God, the Russian version of NYE from 20:00 with crazy Russian booze, party snacks, Russian style decor, DJs and VJs.
Margoza Bar will have a US prom night style slow dance party with all your favourite cheesy 80s (and beyond) hits. They will also be serving some sickly sweet cocktails to make your ironic midnight kiss taste better.
Not far from there, the Anna Loulou Bar will be celebrating with a Turkish DJ guest and a crowd made out of the coolest people in Jaffa and beyond. While not officially an outdoor bar, you can expect people to be hanging out both in and out of the venue. Also free.
Posh parties (well, sort of)
The super trendy Brown Hotel is having a big, spangly party with the cabaret team of Bordel Total providing the entertainment. There will be an open bar (unlimited booze, yay!), pole dancers, jugglers and other surprises, including, of course the beautiful setting of the boutique hotel itself and some very fashionable people. No dress code, but they do encourage you to dress to impress. Tickets currently 200NIS from here.
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The smoky meat market that is The Breakfast Club may not be your immediate go to venue for a posh NYE party, but an organisation called Be In Israel is holding some sort of massive party there that’s meant to be European style. There will be an open bar (until 1:00, so drink up early!), live music and techno DJing from the Pacotek lot. Full details and ticket info here.
Themed / Club parties
If you’re feeling the retro vibe, you can go back to the 80s for the traditional 4th grade party at The Block (from 22:30, 50NIS until 23:30, 70NIS after). Expect lots of trashy 80s music from eurotrash to pop, new wave and more, plots lots of glitter, colour and a live show from Ilana Avital, a famous Israeli pop singer from the 80s.
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Meanwhile, the Pasaz will be channeling the 20s/30s with the Berry Bears playing live swing / old jazz / dixieland covers, My Lord playing swing, blues and old style rhythm & blues and an upbeat, more eclectic set from Elegantly Wasted. From 21:30. 30NIS on the door.
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Liberation Fest at Comfort 13 will have a slightly older, hippie vibe, with live tribal music, a one man band show and freestyle / eclectic music in between and throughout. Tickets 75-90NIS. More info and ticket link here.
Live music
Ozen Bar will be hosting live gigs from the Cut Out Club and Sol Monk. From 21:30. 50NIS.
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Maor Cohen and his band will be doing Frank Sinatra / Rat Pack covers at Rothschild 12 from 21:00. Free, but best to reserve a table if you want to sit. Call 03-5106430.
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HaEzor Club is having a mad Afro-Brazilian party with free cava and live music from Sambadobom and Tigris. 90NIS on the door, 70NIS in advance from here.
Neighbourhood vibe
The traditional North American / Israeli NYE cooperation is back at Abarbanel 5 with Dance into the future. 50NIS will get you into this intimate event (up to 300 people) at a great underground venue, with music ranging from hip hop and dancehall and electronica. From 21:30.
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The Kaymak and its sister bar, Kaymak Bar Mitzva (Zevulun 13) are having a blues-themed party with one man band Dani Dorchin and a DJ playing blues tunes after. Free entry. Some free booze. Semi open-air, as the bars are open fronted.
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Out on Ben Yehuda, the Baccio Mersand will be holding a friendly, booze-fuelled NYE party from 21:00.
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If you live around Shapira or find yourself south of Florentin, head down to the Alla Rampa bar from 21:00 for an evening that will start with a quiet drink and end with a bang. Expect food, lots of booze, a DJ and maybe even live music. Who knows.