New Year’s Eve ‘Eve’ on Long Island

Whether it’s due to the luxury of having a full weekend to celebrate the end of 2011 or just a coincidence, there has been a rising trend on Long Island and in New York City of bars and clubs throwing “New Year’s Eve Eve” parties – either in addition to or instead of the traditional Dec. 31 gatherings.

It’s always been an issue for people who go out frequently – whether it’s even worth heading out on New Year’s Eve at all, a night often referred to as “Amateur Night” – due to the fact that the last night of the year is an evening of parties for the people who, well, people who don’t really go out much. Many establishments charge tremendous cover or ticket prices, and the combination of the swollen crowd size and admission fees is considered a downer by many of the Island’s regular bar-hoppers and club-goers.

However, there are also people who don’t go out much, and would like to ring in the New Year out on the town, but also share the negative outlook concerning capacity-choking club attendance and exorbitant prices. It seems both of these concerns have given birth to the New Year’s Eve Eve (NYEE) event, where otherwise ordinary Friday night fetes are boosted with extraordinary activities.

For those looking to making Dec. 30 their biggest, best and last party of the year, here are a few suggestions: