It is time to say goodbye to 2025. Oakland has a full calendar of events closing out the year, and we have curated a list that includes a little bit of everything to help you make your decision about how to celebrate. There are even parties for kids that end before bedtime and an event for teetotalers. The list also includes a Hyphy-fueled dance hall, a chance to pull your hoop skirts, bonnets and frock coats out of the closet, and concerts featuring jazz and blues musicians. 

Whatever you decide, happy holidays and a happy New Year from all of us at The Oaklandside.

Clubs and barsDark Events presents Dark Masquerade

This dark circus variety show will take over FLUID510 for an “enchanting evening of sultry performances” with masked dancers and a dance party. The night’s entertainment will include aerial acrobatics, bondage ballet, sideshow, burlesque, circus, and more.
9 p.m., $50 to $400, FLUID510, 1544 Broadway

Hella NYE with DJ West Coast and Shino Smoke

DJ West Coast, also known as the “Prince of Hyphy,” and Shino Smoke will be spinning all night to keep you on the dance floor. Expect some hyphy, top 40, throwbacks, and more. The event includes a champagne toast at midnight. 
10 p.m., $10 to $111, CryBaby, 1928 Telegraph Ave.

Free DJ Party

DJ Veyn, known for his Caribbean sounds and for spinning at places like Kinfolx and Sobre Mesa, is hosting this free party with a midnight toast and guaranteed entry for those who RSVP online. Get ready to dance the last day of the year away to top 40, hip-hop, house, reggae, throwbacks, and more.
7 p.m., free with RSVP, Mad Oak, 135 12th St.

NYE Rave Bay Area

While most New Year’s Eve events cater to the 21-and-up crowd, the Continental Club in West Oakland is opening its doors to those 18 and up. The rave will feature house and techno music all night long.
10 p.m., $33+, Continental Club, 1658 12th St.

Wormhole

Bass music, psychedelic visuals, painters, and vendors are some of what you can expect at this party to close out the year.
8 p.m., $30+, 7th West, 1255 7th St.

Bubbles and Beats

Lucy Blue, Oakland’s newest lounge, debuted in August and has since attracted loyal customers who pack the bar every night. For this New Year’s Eve event, each table reservation will include a buffet featuring chef Michele McQueen’s signature creations, a complimentary bottle of champagne, and a mini bottle of Don Julio 1942 for each person. DJ Phil will be spinning all night.
8 p.m., $125+, Lucy Blue, 468 19th St.

Music venuesBoney James celebrating NYE and his album ‘Slow Burn’

The four-time Grammy-nominated saxophonist has a series of shows in Oakland from Monday, Dec. 29, to Wednesday, Dec. 31. He will be showcasing songs from his new album, “Slow Burn.”
7:30 p.m. $99-$149, and 10:30 p.m., $149, Yoshi’s, 510 Embarcadero West

An early New Year’s Eve Blues Bash

Blues singer Marina Crouse and guitarist Jules Leyhe, along with The Family Jules band, are teaming up for this early New Year’s Eve bash that will have you home way before midnight. The ticket includes a buffet of hors d’oeuvres.
7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., $76.54, The Sound Room, 3022 Broadway

Cultural spacesNew Year’s Eve Mirage (an alcohol-free celebration)

Ecstatic Dance Oakland, a group that organizes community gatherings featuring dance and meditation, is hosting an alcohol-free party with live electronic music, a ritual performance, and a cacao ceremony. Part of the ticket proceeds will benefit the Oakland School for the Arts.
7 p.m., $77+, Oakland School For The Arts At Sweets Ballroom, 1933 Broadway

Clio’s annual New Year’s Eve gala

Clio’s is celebrating its second birthday with a New Year’s Eve gala. This time around, the theme is the 1860s, a tumultuous time for the United States. Get dressed in your best interpretation of the Civil War and Reconstruction era.
6 p.m., $28.52+, Clio’s Books, 353 Grand Ave.

For the kids25th anniversary balloon drop at Chabot Space and Science Center

Celebrate with other countries around the world as they ring in the new year at 11a.m., 12p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. with a balloon drop and lots of fun activities throughout the center.
11 a.m., $19 (kids), $24 (adults), plus admission fee, 10000 Skyline Blvd.

Countdown in Wonderland

Children will have two chances to see the ball drop at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m., just in time to go home for their nap. The Children’s Fairyland celebration includes themed arts and crafts, a dance party in the Merry Meadow, and other surprises.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m., $17 (kids), $20 (adults), Children’s Fairyland, 666 Bellevue Ave. 

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