Hey, Salem! Ring in the New Year at these events

What better way to say farewell to 2023 and welcome in 2024 than with a night out. Here are a few of the events happening in Salem to help you do just that!

Wrap 2023 with music. Starting with the foot-stomping folk and psychedelic improvisational rock of Jamalia, followed by the original funk and jazz influences alt-rock/pop of Wild Ire and ringing in the new year with powerhouse metal rock trio Boundless Joy. Band intermissions hosted by DJ Jbird. Food and beverage will be available. The fun begins at 8 p.m. December 31 at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre, 191 High St NE. Cost: $20 in advance; $25 at the door. Click here for tickets. All ages welcome.

Gather the flock for a New Year’s Party at The Best Goose, inside Fork Forty Food Hall at 440 State St. Unruffle your feather and spread your wings with a night salsa ($15). Doors open at 7 p.m. with a salsa lesson from 7:30 to 8:30 and a party until 1 a.m.

Infinity Room is hosting two NYE Comedy events.

It all begins with NYE All Ages Improv with Electric Baguette 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec 31. Join their delightful house improv team for some fun to close out the new year at this interactive show where performers make up scenes off the tops of their heads inspired by audience suggestions. Cost is $10 in advance; $12 at the door. Click here for tickets.

Then, at 10:30 p.m. take in NYE Stand-Up Comedy All Stars. Celebrate the end of 2023 with a lineup of the funniest comedians around. Hosted by Emma Jonas, featuring April Gallaty, Julia Corral and more. Doors open at 9:30 p.m. Cost is $20 in advance; $25 at the door for this 21 and older show. Ticket includes a champagne or sparkling cider toast at midnight. Get tickets here.

Ankeny Vineyard hosts a Gatsby-themed New Year’s Party with wine and wood-fired pizza, plus music by the Gail Gage Band, 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 31. Attendees are encouraged to dress up in Gatsby-inspired, roaring twenties. Click here for tickets.

Roll your way into 2024 at AMF Firebird Lanes, 4303 Center St NE. Two options are available: Family (daytime) or Ball Drop (evening) and include unlimited bowling, shoes, and a champagne or sparkling cider toast. Reserve your post and get more info here.

Taproot Lounge & Cafe is hosting a New Year’s Eve Murder Mystery Dinner and Soiree from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday, Dec 31. While the mystery dinner is sold out, you can still get your part on at the countdown dance starting at 9 p.m. with DJ Kruse VS DJ King. $10 cover starting at 10 p.m.

Side Hustle Bar presents NYE 2024 Countdown with a $2,024 cash giveaway, starting at 9 p.m. December 31. “It’s not just a party – it’s an experience!” While there is no dress code, this is your chance to dress up and celebrate. Secure your spot by purchasing a ticket online here.

And for the kids…

• Salem’s Riverfront Carousel is hosting free rides from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec 31  with a canned food donation.
• Kids can ring in the “Noon” year with a balloon drop party, holiday crafts, hot chocolate bar and more. Tickets required for all attendees (adult and child), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec 31 at Gilbert House Children’s Museum, 116 Marion St NE. Cost: $19 ($5 for members). Click here for tickets.
• At Get Air Trampoline Park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. where you can celebrate with a countdown and balloon drop at noon, plus games, giveaways and prizes. Everyone is welcome. Price is the same as regular ticketing: $14 an hour and $10 an hour for jumpers under 46 inches.