New Year's weekend means big parties at Dewey Beach, Ocean City hot spots. All to know.

Roger Hillis
·4 min read

With New Year’s Eve landing on a Sunday (Dec. 31), many beach bars will be making a long weekend out of it. While the tickets and cover charges get mighty hefty on the big night itself, those who wish to go out Friday or Saturday instead will find some cheaper entertainment options.

Party through the weekend at Dewey Beach hot spots

In Dewey Beach, the Starboard nightclub is one such hot spot. Local ‘80s tribute act Decade 80 will rock the house at 9:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29, followed by party favorite Kristen & the Noise at 9:45 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30.

At last count, there were only 175 tickets remaining for Sunday’s NYE celebration at the Starboard with DJ Smoky and DJ Manny Mann ($40).

Kristen & the Noise is set to play a pair of free shows at The Starboard in Dewey Beach. The group will play at 9:45 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 30, and then again at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 1.
Kristen & the Noise is set to play a pair of free shows at The Starboard in Dewey Beach. The group will play at 9:45 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 30, and then again at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 1.

The party doesn’t stop there, however; Kristen & the Noize will return at 2:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 1, for an afternoon New Year’s Day show. It should be noted that admission will be free every day except for Sunday’s ticketed event.

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New Year's Eve parties and more at Bottle & Cork, Rusty Rudder

Elsewhere in Dewey, the nearby Bottle & Cork will present its annual New Year’s Eve bash with electronic dance music by the colorfully-costumed deejay White Panda at 8 p.m., Sunday ($40). There will also be sets by DJ Alwz Snny and DJ Knappy.

The Cork’s sister business, the Rusty Rudder, is technically closed for the season — yet continues to open once or twice per month for special events. It has a NYE celebration of its own on tap at 9 p.m. on Sunday. Entertainment will include Love Seed Mama Jump, Stealing Savannah and the Gab Cinque Band ($120).

Electronic dance music disc jockey White Panda will host his annual New Year's Eve party at the Bottle & Cork nightclub in Dewey Beach at 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31 ($42).
Electronic dance music disc jockey White Panda will host his annual New Year's Eve party at the Bottle & Cork nightclub in Dewey Beach at 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31 ($42).

The Rudder will be back open from 6 to 11 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 13, for its fifth annual Surfgimp Foundation Winter Beach Bash. Music will be provided by Just the Tip (with former Mr. Greengenes vocalist Bryen O’Boyle at the microphone).

General admission tickets are $90, but there are VIP packages going all the way up to $1,500. Proceeds will benefit disabled people pursuing athletic activities such as swimming and surfing.

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In Ocean City, the big Seacrets bash, a Cher tribute and more

In Ocean City, the OC Performing Arts Center continues to present concerts year-round. "The Beat Goes On — A Tribute to Cher" is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29 ($35, $40). Award-winning Nashville vocalist Lisa McClowry will pay homage to the legendary singer.

Looking ahead a few weeks at the OC Performing Arts Center, tickets are on sale for a concert by national a cappella vocal act Take 6. The group will perform at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 14 ($45, $55).

Also in Ocean City, Sunday’s New Year’s Eve party at Seacrets will be quite the shindig, as it runs from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. There are no advance ticket sales for those who want to dance and party in the bar areas; instead, there will be a cover charge of $30 at 5 p.m., which will be upped to $40 at 8 p.m.

Performers will include Full Circle, Screaming Monkeys, the Band of Make Believe and Garden State Radio.

Full Circle will among the performers at Seacrets in Ocean City for its New Year's Eve bash on Sunday, Dec. 31, which will run from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Full Circle will among the performers at Seacrets in Ocean City for its New Year's Eve bash on Sunday, Dec. 31, which will run from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Those who wish to be seated for dinner at Seacrets on Sunday, however, will need to make reservations. Dinner seatings are at 5:30 p.m. ($79); 6:45 p.m. ($89); 7:30 p.m. ($99); and 8:45 p.m. (also $99).

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Looking ahead to the new year at Seacrets, tickets are on sale now for a Friday, March 8, appearance by the Amish Outlaws which will find the popular rockers celebrating their 20th anniversary as a band ($20 in advance, $25 at the door barring an advance sellout).

Email Roger Hillis at rogerhillis@gmail.com

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Ocean City, Dewey Beach hot spots will party into 2024 all around